Martial arts? Go on!
Hello!
I love martial arts. Unfortunately with the lockdown, I haven't been able to attend classes, but it's still a love of mine.
It all started with taekwondo. I spent about three and a half years there, and achieves my black belt. I left because I was doing more teaching than I was learning, and so I decided to switch to karate. I did wado kai karate for two and a half years, and in that time I achieved my blue belt. I was a month away from testing for my brown belt, but I had to move for school. I then did a little mma and jujitsu after I moved.
I'm hoping to do some kung fu after this lock down has been sorted out. I picked out a place that does wing chun and northern shaolin. I think it'll be a lot of fun and that I'll learn lots!
Thank you for the ask, I love any excuse to talk about martial arts!
Could you explain he difference between self defense and a fight. Because I hear people mix these terms up all the time.
In a fight, both fighters are aware that they are, in fact, in a fight, and the goal is to win by either making the opponent give up, knocking them out, or, if fighting in a ring or cage, by decision from judges. Fighting is usually done under a set of rules, too, whether that’s from an organization you’re fighting under, or a set of rules agreed to by the two fighters. Fighting in this sense is also done using mostly punching and kicking, joint locks and throws in a straight forward manner, as in, both are playing a game, strategizing, looking for openings to strike. In fighting, if it’s point sparring, speed is more important than technique and/or power. In fighting in a cage or a ring, a combination of all three things is needed. This is what you’d call a balanced fighter.
In self defense, the martial artist is not expecting to fight, but rather to avoid fighting altogether. This means awareness of self and surroundings is the main point in self defense. If anything suspicious is noticed, the martial artist moves away from it to avoid getting caught in a situation. If needed, the martial artist may call the proper authorities to come and help. In case of an emergency, say a fire, the martial artist has the training to remain calm and may be able to lead others to safety. If faced with a fight, it will usually happen by surprise. And the goal becomes either:
- If you’re alone - To defeat your opponent as fast as possible, or to escape unhurt. If you have to fight, it should be because it simply cannot be avoided, and in defeating your opponent, the martial artist has four levels of technique:
1. Infliction of pain (e.g. A joint lock)
2. Temporary incapacitation (e.g. A strike to the groin)
3. Permanent incapacitation (e.g. Breaking a knee)
4. Kill
Part of the goal when fighting in self defense is to use the lowest level of technique possible, and only increase if the opponent is persistent with his attack, or if the opponent presents a serious threat.
- If you’re with friends or loved ones - To protect them by positioning yourself between them and the assailant if possible. If not, to attract the attention of the assailant towards you. This can be done by, first and foremost, remaining calm, and talking to the assailant yourself, keeping him on you as much as possible. If you can fight, and you decide to do it, you have to make sure you can take down the opponent in seconds (keeping to whichever level of technique is appropriate), as you must keep your loved ones safe and as out of the way as possible. However, if you’re not 100% sure you can take down your assailant without getting your friends, loved ones, or yourself hurt, then it’s better to cooperate (e.g. if all they want is your money, and you see no chance of getting out the situation for fear of the safety of your loved ones, then just give your money away and hope the assailant leaves. Situation like this, chances are, they aren’t looking to hurt anyone and just want the money or your valuables.)
Your life and that of your loved ones is more important than any material possession.
In self defense, technique execution, coordination and a fair level of power are more important, and though speed balances everything out, reaction time and the ability to “read your attackers move” or “see ahead” is more important than speed.
In a fight, you have an OPPONENT. (someone who competes against or fights another in a contest, game, or argument; a rival or adversary, a contender, a challenger, a fellow contestant.)
In self defense, you have an ASSAILANT. (a person who physically attacks another; an attacker, a mugger, an assaulter.)
In each situation, you must act accordingly.