This is a
question that many people ask on the topic of martial arts and self
defense. I can name many fighting styles
however I cannot conclusively tell you which one is the best martial arts style
there is. The main reason is that each style
has its own merits. Moreover, these
styles can vary differently in their philosophy and applications. But, here are some important factors that can
help you choose which one you should pick as the best martial arts style.
Application
Some take
martial arts lessons as a sport. On the
other hand, some learn different fighting styles as a means to survive. For example, Tae Known Do is one the most popular
martial arts for all ages. Of course
this was designed as a lethal art.
Although it is still used as such, many schools and clubs train students
for competition. In addition, the
practice of judo has changed through the years as more and more techniques are
no longer given much importance as they are banned in competitions.
Surely you
can use these martial arts whether you are in a competition or in a real life
situation. But it would be a good idea
to be clear why you want to learn self defense.
Ground fighting vs stand up fighting
My initial
back ground in self defense includes Judo, Jiu Jitsu and Aikido. These fighting styles are practically
cousins. From Jiguro Kano’s introduction
of Judo to Morihei Eushiba’s Aikido, similarities as well as differences
emerge. I enjoyed Judo for its detailed
throwing techniques and Jiu Jitsu’s ground techniques. Aikido on the other hand gave me a sense of
balance with the fluidity of the techniques.
Although I enjoyed these martial arts styles, I felt that I need to
learn something else. This is when Krav
Maga caught my attention. This is a very
practical street fighting style that has been used effectively and
efficiently. The methodical use of the
body as a defensive tool and an offensive weapon appealed to me.
Understanding
whether you want to focus on ground fighting or stand up fighting is
important. However, many are now mixing
and matching different fighting styles.
The world of mixed martial arts or MMA has proven that mastery in both
ground fighting and stand up techniques is recommended. Martial
arts lessons are now morphing into mixed martial arts classes that provide
students with different capabilities and competencies.
Spiritual vs physical
Many
martial arts have a spiritual component in them. Philosophies that tap into the one’s
relationship with the world around them is a key component in mastery. A good example is the concept of Seishi and
taeshi of Aikido. The difference between
“living calmness” and “dead calmness” reflects the importance the martial art
gives on being one with “ki”. Living
calmness promotes awareness in one’s surrounding while dead calmness is being
blind to what goes on around you. Being able to merge one's self with the world around is fundamental part of this self defense. Many
are drawn into the spiritual side of martial arts.
On the
other hand, there are those who focus on the physical component of the fighting
styles. The focus on proper body
mechanics, efficiency of strikes, conservation of energy and the like are the
primary focus. This can be seen in the
amount of attention to the movements of the body and reflexive action when
engaged with an opponent.
What is
amazing is that martial arts have these aspects to help you master the
techniques. However, there are some that
focus more on one than the other.
The perfect
martial art simply addresses your needs at a particular time. Different situations call for specific
strategies. Or course there will be
limitations for each fighting style that is why some opt take different martial
arts classes. Of course some would argue
that mastering one is good enough. But
I’ll just leave that to your discretion.
Suffice to say, the best martial arts technique is one that you can
fully utilize at the moment. Moreover,
it should be the one that you are comfortable doing, as well as willing to take
responsibility for your action should you decide to use it.
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image by PDPics CC-0 via Pixabay
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