Martial Arts and Self Defense

Martial Arts and Self Defense are simply different.there who may have been ready to jump in, as
I would never disrespect any fighting style.one guy is beat beyond unconscious.
Different styles basically have different uses.Change the environment to a back alley, a back
I would recommend that you look into the variouslane, a kitchen, a bedroom or even a lounge and
types of Martial Arts and Self Defense availablelet's make available all the weapons in each of
to you and ensure the one that you choosethese environments: glass, steel bars, screw
satisfies your criteria; a traditional style,drivers, knives and any other item in reach.
competitive sport, keep fit, family recreation orChange the odds, replacing one of the fighters
effective self defense.with another, fifty pounds heavier. It's no longer a
Watch a few Martial Arts and Self Defensematch fight, change the attacker to two men or
classes, see what you think for yourself and talkmore.
to the instructors. If its Self defense that youMany experienced students have gone to pieces
want, ensure they dedicate large portions of theirin a street fight mainly because of the mind-set
instruction to realistic training.required. The preparation was not designed for
Let's look at some of the differences betweenthe street.
Martial Arts and Self Defense.Violent situations are often glamorized by
Many Martial Arts and Self Defense styles haveHollywood, a hero using an array of fancy
become systems of Sport, consisting oftechniques against numerous attackers with
pre-arranged moves and one step techniques.assorted weapons. Far removed from the reality
This is far removed from their intendedof bloody, gruesome, dirty and often ending in
beginnings.death. Lucky survivors can end up with broken
Traditional styles often dedicate a great deal ofbones, smashed in faces or any number of
time to Kata, which are sequences of techniques.serious injuries, often causing permanent physical
They involve speed, power, great poise andand mental scars.
flexibility, an excellent training aid but offers littleOn the street the attacker has never read the
assistance when it comes to practical selfrules and attacks with surprise and cunning,
defense. Many styles do not prepare you forshowing no mercy, choosing victims who are least
when an attacker comes in close contact oraware. In most cases, attacks are not orthodox
takes you to the ground as these may not bestand-offs but more likely initiated with a blind
techniques that are allowed under the rules of asided attack.
particular style.Practice in a way you would have to react if in a
In a street attack, there is no preparation timereal situation. No going through motions and pulling
and anything goes!punches two inches away from the target, this
Picture two competitors in a tournament, theyrepetition can become part of your reaction.
have prepared for weeks, physically they are inInstead, use some serious padding, allowing full-on
great shape. Let's take away the refereeblows. Don't allow your training partners to always
together with the rules that he was there tobe compliant either, build to a level of realism.
enforce, now anything goes, They're notOne of the biggest differences between Martial
restricted to the same variety of moves thatArts and Self Defense is simplicity. To be
they are both accustomed to. Take away theeffective in a real situation, techniques cannot be
gloves, foot pads, head gear, groin protector andcomplex. Under high stress, most people are
mouth guard. Take away matting and replace itsimply incapable of carrying out anything beyond a
with concrete, add brick walls and remove thegross motor skill, which is a simple body
lighting. Take away the crowd and anyone elsemovement.