| This question is often asked but the situation is | | | | hand. It is often the dirty tactics not allowed in |
| far more complex than just figuring out which art | | | | competition that are more effective. Eye gouging, |
| would be better than another. | | | | tearing at the face, tearing at the ear's, fingers in |
| Even within a particular style, some instructors | | | | the eyes, groin strikes, striking to the throat etc |
| cover practical situation and techniques better | | | | Learn effective stances from which to strike. And |
| than others. | | | | effective stance against a real attack, can be |
| It is certainly true that some styles are very | | | | very different from a typical traditional or |
| traditional based, others are aimed more at | | | | competitive stance. In real-life attacks, an |
| competition. Very few arts actually cover the | | | | effective stance will make you look passive or |
| psychological aspect of dealing with a high stress | | | | submissive. This way, your strikes are |
| situation, like that of a real street attack. | | | | unexpected and therefore more effective. |
| Overcoming panic and fear, verbalizing, fighting at | | | | A typical competitive or traditional stance would |
| different ranges, on the ground and tactical | | | | telegraph or advertise your intention to strike, this |
| disengagement are important aspects, often | | | | takes away from the element of surprise and |
| overlooked. | | | | could therefore be stopped or partially blocked. |
| If you are looking to learn to protect yourself, go | | | | Effective scenario techniques are often set up |
| speak to the instructors and asked them directly | | | | with effective physical or verbal distractions. |
| how much of their curriculum is directed | | | | It is very important to learn how to establish |
| specifically to it. Otherwise, you may well find | | | | control during a confrontation. Learn how to |
| yourself spending a great deal of time on the | | | | control your fear and how to avoid panic. |
| other aspects of martial arts that are not | | | | Many traditional styles are often very stylized so |
| practical and will not help you achieve your goal. | | | | when a person of that style meets another |
| The real question is not always "What is the Best | | | | competitor from the same style than all is well. It |
| Martial Art for Self Defense"? but "What is the | | | | is when they meet a fighter of a very different |
| best option for me"? | | | | style such as when a stand up fighter is taken to |
| There needs to be a sense of realism added to | | | | the ground, there becomes a problem |
| training situations and plenty of high stress training | | | | It would be sensible to opt for a style that deals |
| to help you deal with those situations where the | | | | with both stand up and ground attacks. |
| odds are stacked against you. | | | | In conclusion, "what is the best martial art for self |
| There is absolutely nothing wrong with the | | | | defense", simply choose an art or style that |
| traditional and competitive styles if that's what | | | | dedicates time specifically to self defense or join a |
| you're looking for. Remember that self protection | | | | self defense club. Choose something that satisfies |
| and traditional styles do not necessarily go hand in | | | | your own criteria. |