I’ve been involved in martial arts (specifically Judo) for thirty years. There’s a lot of misconception about what a martial art is and even more about what it isn’t. The internet has done a great job of debunking those myths. When I was a child in the 80s things like the no touch knockout, chi energy, breaking bricks…they were all taken as martial arts reality. Borderline magic, but real. How can so many people be convinced of something that was pure bullshit?
We know now thanks to the rise in MMA and the accessibility of gyms that those once mystical techniques don’t exist except for charlatans and they saps they prey on. We see it all the time. Those so called “arts” are going away. people are getting the message: fighting without fighting isn’t fighting.
In my experience, the best martial arts for defense in general are the ones that are sports. Martil arts that are not tested in a real combat situation don’t work. Some people say that sports aren’t “real” either. That rules in a fight isn’t a real fight. I have to concede that point to a degree, but just because a situation is controlled doesn’t mean it isn’t real. Step on the mat with any wrestler or get in the ring with any kick boxer and tell me it isn’t real.
You have to train against an unwilling opponent to know how to fight. Teaching situational fighting is just plain dangerous. “When your opponent does this, you do that.” doesn’t teach self defense. It teaches you to wait until your opponent HOPEFULLY does the thing you’ve trained to defend. That ain’t how life works. Any real martial artist will tell you that the best way to defend yourself from a fight is to avoid the fight. There are too many unknowns: does your attacker have friends in wait, do they have a weapon, are they a trained fighter?
Also, a little knowledge goes a long way. If you’re a martial artist, you’re walking around with knowledge other people simply don’t have. You could seriously injure someone. I know some of you are saying that if someone attacks you, the gloves are off. You’re right. Do whatever you have to do to defend yourself. I’ve been in a fight with someone who attacked me that didn’t know how to fight, and I did seriously injure him. Looking back on it (and rarely a day goes by when I don’t) I could have avoided the whole thing.
Martial arts are great for fitness, control and even academic study. They’re also a fantastic social outlet. Some of my closest most meaningful relationships come from who I’ve met while doing Judo. They’re a tool just like any other. Tools can be used irresponsibly.
If you’re looking to get into martial arts, these are the ones I recommend based on nothing but my experience and opinion:
Judo-Of course I’m going to say the grappling art/sport I’ve been doing most of my life. Judo is an international sport, and in terms of participants, it’s the second most practiced sport in the world (behind soccer). I think Judo is particularly good for girls because it focuses on technique over strength. The training is rigorous and is taught uniformly all over the world.
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ)-Another grappling art. Some people get upset when I talk about BJJ when I say it’s easy. It is. I mean that as one of its strengths. It’s easier on the body and it’s easier to learn. There’s a reason towns of 3000 people don’t have a pizza place but have a BJJ gym. The majority of the training is done on the ground and focuses on submitting opponents by twisting limbs or strangling. I think for adults in the their 40s and above, there is no better option. But everyone can do BJJ. It also has a culture of inclusion many other arts wish they had.
Boxing-Yep! Straight up, Western world, Sugar Ray Leonard boxing. I can’t think of a striking art more accessible and more effective. There’s a reason it’s called “The Sweet Science”. Boxing is simplicity at its most beautiful. There are only a few techniques, how you integrate them to you personally is what makes them effective. Boxing is everywhere, and has on several occasions turned someone’s life around with its focus on discipline. Boxing is great.
Wrestling-A school sport, an Olympic sport and probably the single most grueling training regimen of any sport in the world, wrestling is for the tough. It’s brutal. It’s nasty. And most of all, it’s effective. If you want to be in better shape than EVERYONE and be a great fighter, be a wrestler.
Muay Thai-A bit of a hybrid striking art with elements of grappling, Muay Thai uses close up strikes with elbows knees and shins as well as distance kicks and punches with a focus on power strikes as opposed to jabs. Recently, muay thai has been incorporated into many martial artists training due to its adaptability and ease of integration (grappling and striking).
Whatever martial art you choose to pursue, do your research. Make sure the gym/dojo/studio you go to is legitimate. Things to watch out for…
-Advertisements that they teach discipline, self confidence…red flag. Those are things that are a byproduct of the art. Not the focus of it.
-Terms like “Grand Master”…this isn’t ancient China. Stay away from these guys. Those terms are for their ego, not your benefit.
-Contracts…I’m wholeheartedly against contracts in a gym/dojo. I understand people have to make a living, but contracts enforce your payment is more important that your instruction. When possible, go with a place that charges month to month.
-Children Black Belts…one of the biggest no-nos in martial arts in my opinion. Children under the age of 15-16 do not have the necessary experience or maturity to be a black belt. I’m sure there are exceptions to this, but any child that is an exception is also understanding and patient enough to wait.
Anyway, the main thing is to find something that works for you. And regardless of what I said, if you’re having fun and enjoying yourself, do that thing. There are tons of martial arts out there. Pick one and get started. If you don’t like it, pick a different one. Happy fighting.