Learn an art that is functionally practical in everyday life
to sisters and brothers who are interested in martial arts and to students in their respective art. My opinions are not facts, by the way, so if I offend anyone it's not my intention to do so. In case you're all wondering, I'm a student of Kempo Jiu Jitsu. It has its roots in Okinawan and Hawaiian jiu jitsu and is open to variation in techniques. I wouldn't say it's a formal art but more of a close quarter combat (CQC) system. I am taught to not end up on the ground with the opponent and to get back up in case that happens while restraining them with a joint lock. Note that in the U.S., a citizen has the right to exercise self-defense, with reasonable force, in a physical confrontation. This notion may be contested differently, depending on the circumstance, by U.S. court judges and in other countries.
It's quite humorous that some of you think that one hit knockouts (*cough* *cough* Karate *cough* *cough*) and crescent kicks will end a fight. Unless your opponent has the coordination of a sloth, your concept of fighting may end up back firing on you. Taekwondo was developed by the Koreans as a sport to sell their culture. Instead of the trying to be flashy with flexibility, I'd rather learn Taekkyeon. I'll give a nod to Muay Thai/Thai kickboxing since the rigorous conditioning regime is quite good, but it depends on the quality of the instructor and the school. Ring fighting and dojos have rules and safety measures to protect the individual in a controlled setting. On the street, do some of you think that you'll be granted the same safety measures?
The Gracies, who founded Brazilian ground grappling (I won't call it Brazilian Jiu Jitsu since the art solely focuses on one component of Judo and that is ne-waza or ground work), like to mislead unsuspecting people by stating that 90% of fights go to the ground. It's a grossly exaggerated claim, and it's an unethical marketing tactic for instructors to get more students and more money. A police officer was brave enough to do some deep digging and question the claim (
Budo Blog: 90% of all fights go to the ground.....Really?). Note that the study used data from the Los Angeles police department and is not representative of other police departments across the U.S.
The student learning any art can be proficient depending on how much effort, devotion, and seriousness he/she puts into their practice. However, speaking as a student, learning techniques does not make you invincible and untouchable when it comes to self defense. It takes patience, intuition, common sense, and discipline to understand limitations of one's abilities and their respective art. Here's an excerpt from an
interview with Moses Powell (founder of Sanuces Ryu Jiu Jitsu):
“There is really no such thing as the best style or discipline when it comes to self-defense, all disciplines have something valuable to offer and have their flaws. A student who practices karate will only help to enhance his capabilities if he or she is enrolled in a boxing class, Kung Fu class, Jujitsu or other discipline.
Each Martial Arts system should be considered a support system for all disciplines. If a judo practitioner approaches you, and applies the principle of Kuzushi, or breaking the balance, you will undoubtedly be in trouble. If you are faced with someone who’s really skilled at using his legs and you are not skilled at closing the gap between you and that person, its going to be “a rough day.”
When I asked Dr. Powell about grappling, he commented,” grappling is very effective, but is only practical when you are fighting one person. Even when you are applying sacrifice throws this is only practical when you do not have to be concerned about a group of people attacking you. The best fighter is the one who has kicking skills, grappling skills, boxing skills, and the most important skill, the ability to remain calm in the midst of battle.”
Dr. Powell expounded on the realities of Dojo training and actually defending one’s self in a truly hostile environment. “There are many Dojo warriors, but very few street warriors. It takes heart to defend yourself, especially when the odds seem to be against you.” Being a superstar in the Dojo means nothing unless you can apply those same quality skills in an uncontrolled, dangerous situation. Being good at performing Katas or forms and not being good at fighting is an obvious unbalance. It is my own opinion that man’s greatest enemy is his own self-delusion. Wearing a belt around your waist, regardless of its color does not guarantee proficiency. It is hard work and humility of mind that molds the true warrior; not laziness and arrogance.’ (End of excerpt)
So, in the interest of keeping my rant short, forget watching UFC and televised "fighting leagues" and don't take filmed choreographed violence and fight scenes for granted. Brute strength and uncontrolled aggression can only take you so far. There will be always someone physically stronger than you. The techniques in using an opponent's force or leverage against them will always work
if used correctly. Again, just because you learn a martial art does not make you successful in every physical confrontation. Human aggression and fighting are unpredictable and the degree of severity varies. You will always fear for your life, and you cannot suppress such an instinct when your life is threatened. There is always a chance that you will get bruised, cut up, or injured.
The Qadr is with Allah (SWT).
Really tickles the one being poked, but dont wait around to see them laugh lol
eace:
