Martial Arts V Self Defense - Which is Best?
Is there a difference between traditional martial arts and what we might call self defense techniques? In my view yes, very much so. The end goal of learning a martial art is far more than just being able to defend yourself. Benefits can also include -
- Improved levels of fitness. Drills and sparring will ensure this
- Improved flexibility. Most martial arts classes begin with stretching exercises and will increase your overall flexibility
- Improved general health and wellbeing. Arts like Choi Kwang Do have this as a specific goal and are scientifically designed to bring health benefits
- Improved levels of self discipline. Discipline is key to learning martial arts both out of respect to teachers and seniors to to reduce accidents and injuries
- Improved focus. Learning martial arts techniques can be complex and you must concentrate to learn. Also, if you are in a contact martial art you must be focussed to avoid being hit!
With such a great list of benefits for your fitness, health and general wellbeing the reasons for taking the time to study an art are very strong. However, I know not all people want to learn martial arts like aikido, karate or Choi Kwang Do and may simply want to learn some basic moves to defend themselves. This is perfectly possible and you can follow online courses, watch martial arts DVDs or read books to improve your knowledge.
Many martial arts actually give you very little preparation for a real attack or street fight. Many experienced fighters confirm that a real street fight often lasts less than 30 seconds. There is no time for fancy flourishes and complex techniques that some arts teach. It's about simple, direct fighting moves that get the job done.
Many street fights inevitably end up on the floor and take it from me this is the worst place to be! If faced with multiple attackers you become vulnerable to kicks to the head which can be the end of the situation. I was once attacked by a gang of youths, one of whom struck me across the back with a piece of wood and it was thanks to years of aikido training that I was able to move away and get back to my feet to avoid a much more serious incident.
Some argue that kicks have no place in real self defense and that you should always keep your feet rooted to the floor for balance. I did believe this myself until recently but now training in Choi Kwang Do I can see the deadly power of a well executed kick. In short range confrontatations in particular kicks can be highly effective, for example to knees.
Self defense techniques can be learnt without studying in full contact and if all you want is some moves to defend against an assault this could be the route for you.
- Improved levels of fitness. Drills and sparring will ensure this
- Improved flexibility. Most martial arts classes begin with stretching exercises and will increase your overall flexibility
- Improved general health and wellbeing. Arts like Choi Kwang Do have this as a specific goal and are scientifically designed to bring health benefits
- Improved levels of self discipline. Discipline is key to learning martial arts both out of respect to teachers and seniors to to reduce accidents and injuries
- Improved focus. Learning martial arts techniques can be complex and you must concentrate to learn. Also, if you are in a contact martial art you must be focussed to avoid being hit!
With such a great list of benefits for your fitness, health and general wellbeing the reasons for taking the time to study an art are very strong. However, I know not all people want to learn martial arts like aikido, karate or Choi Kwang Do and may simply want to learn some basic moves to defend themselves. This is perfectly possible and you can follow online courses, watch martial arts DVDs or read books to improve your knowledge.
Many martial arts actually give you very little preparation for a real attack or street fight. Many experienced fighters confirm that a real street fight often lasts less than 30 seconds. There is no time for fancy flourishes and complex techniques that some arts teach. It's about simple, direct fighting moves that get the job done.
Many street fights inevitably end up on the floor and take it from me this is the worst place to be! If faced with multiple attackers you become vulnerable to kicks to the head which can be the end of the situation. I was once attacked by a gang of youths, one of whom struck me across the back with a piece of wood and it was thanks to years of aikido training that I was able to move away and get back to my feet to avoid a much more serious incident.
Some argue that kicks have no place in real self defense and that you should always keep your feet rooted to the floor for balance. I did believe this myself until recently but now training in Choi Kwang Do I can see the deadly power of a well executed kick. In short range confrontatations in particular kicks can be highly effective, for example to knees.
Self defense techniques can be learnt without studying in full contact and if all you want is some moves to defend against an assault this could be the route for you.
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