In Part I of this article I began to explain why learning principles helped in performing creatively in the martial arts. Today I talk about how techniques are only a small part of a complete martial arts system and some of the deficiencies I see today.
I have come to notice a small problem or set-back in the way martial arts are being taught around the globe today. Most of what I see being taught has lost its steam. What I mean is that most systems being taught today have lost their effectiveness of being a real martial art system. That is, a combative killing system or method of taking of a human life in a short amount of time.
A real martial art is one that teaches how defend against more than one attacker in any condition whether it being: fighting from the ground against multiple opponents, fighting from your knees, fighting from a sitting position, fighting from a squat or defending your self in water (like a pool or ocean etc..).
Now here is where I can get into big trouble (opening a can of worms here) with other martial arts teachers or instructors. I have come to take notice that a there are a lot of martial arts schools teaching sport types of martial arts. They are stating that they are actually teaching a combat method of martial arts. They seem to teach too fast and they also seem to only teach defense for one-on-one types of situations. They seem to forget about weapons use or defenses against them. They also have rules – can’t poke the eyes, can’t strike the throat, can’t hit to the rear of the skull, can’t strike to the groin, can’t apply locks to small joints like wrist or fingers, can’t pick some thing up and whack or poke your opponent with. “Rules” that do not apply in a real self defense situation. It seems as though they are only trying to subdue their opponent and make that opponent tap out – give up or quit or knock them out to win that match. (Please note I am not advocating that students kill each other in training. I am only stating they should be prepared for these situations. Training slow and consciously can teach these dirty techniques while still remaining safe).
These students take multiple injuries over the passing of time and have really poor attitudes. They seem to lack respect, big time, for other systems and other teachers. They have no clue to the history of their own martial art system or where it came from. They have no idea of what other martial arts are all about or the history of other martial arts. It seems they don’t care enough to learn it because they feel what they are learning is the best and most effective method for self protection on this planet. So why bother learning what other art forms of martial arts are all about. They have the techniques but they are not clear on why their techniques work or don’t work. They lack knowledge in anatomy and in nutrition. They have no concept of how to heal the human anatomy nor do they seem to care to learn about it. This kind of attitude is hurting the martial arts in general. These people who act poorly misrepresent their teachers and all martial arts.
How can you really appreciate peace if you have not experienced war. What I mean by this statement is that if you don’t have a complete martial art system you will walk this planet in fear and lack confidence. When I say fear I mean deep – deep insecurity. By knowing how to actually cripple and how to kill your opponent you now have the confidence to actually walk away from trouble without getting into a confrontation (you know what you can do, you do not have to prove it). You will not later start festering deep inside along with your mind chatter on how you should of did this or you could have done that. This is the condescending selfless mind chatter that will make you feel sick to your stomach after the fact has long passed by.
There is no need to fight nor to kill some one over harsh words or some other insignificant thing. That will get you a free ride in a patrol car and this known fact should be enough to divert you from getting into trouble or thinking about getting into trouble. You can really get the idea of war through reading and researching books or online internet research. You don’t have to get into a million street fights, you can learn from other peoples experiences by researching their life stories or study the true history of all martial arts origins.
Be humble at all times.
Be ready at all times.
Be smart at all times.
Hold your fist and bite your tongue (my mother always told me that). Go out, pick up a book and read it. Your martial art will only become much stronger for it and the more you know about most other arts besides your own the better you will feel deep inside. Your confidence will grow a lot more over time through reading. This method of just reading about the martial arts coupled with training under a good teacher will change your life for the better. Which is the best martial art on this planet to study you may now be thinking? It doesn’t exist, only great teachers and hungry students. All martial arts are good and have much to offer the eager student.
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I always say “The best martial art is the one you practice.” I believe it is the teacher that makes the martial art. If you find someone that inspires you, then you will dedicate yourself to the art. My belief is that the ultimate goal of the martial art is not to make you a great fighter but the ultimate goal is to find out who you are. Once you know yourself, anything is possible.
yes Roland you are right!
Lots of good information Peter
There is no perfection in any person of this Earth . . . It can be observed in the beauty and awesome power of nature, but it cannot be attained because we simply are all only human and therefore, unable to contain it . In this state, we find the root of our humility.
The journey towards perfection, the constant state of self-improvement, is the noblest of pursuits.
Johnny the “C”