5 Self-Defense Misconceptions

:: By Adam Williss ::

Most martial arts are simply NOT as effective as you may think when it comes to training for real-world combat situations. We debunk some common misconceptions here.

Misconception #1
The purpose of martial arts should be to build discipline and a great physical fitness enhancing individual strength, flexibility, balance, and cardio-respiratory fitness. Building personal courage, self confidence.

We disagree. Although these benefits may come as a by-product of training, the primary objective of a martial art should be to improve the combat-effectiveness of the individual, specifically, to teach the individual to become comfortable with the level of conflict required in a real-life self-preservation situation.

Misconception #2
Safety must be emphasized at all costs to the point of stressing no striking or only simulated strikes to vital points such as the head, neck and groin area. If you strike at all, you should stop short (pull your punches) to these vital areas so that you maintain safety above all else. Only "light blows" should be made to other areas.

Wrong. The primary focus of a true martial arts program should not be to prevent the maximum number of injuries during training but to prevent the maximum number of individual injuries during a real world situation. Bumps and bruises do come with the territory when applying reality-based training. Unless you want individuals to experience false confidence, the only confidence worth obtaining in a true martial arts program is achieved through successfully employing combat-effective movements.

Misconception #3
Most fights end up on the ground so ground-fighting should be where you place most of your emphasis.

No. This way of thinking is extremely flawed. The ground is the last place you want to be in a real-life situation. We aren't training for the UFC or a grappling tournament, we train for real-world success. Too many variables can happen to you on the ground on the street. For self-defense, preventing the maximum number of individual injuries is the goal. Therefore, knowing how to stay on your feet should be a much greater concern.

Misconception #4
Locks and holds are the best way of incapacitating an attacker.

False. Striking is entirely more effective in a realistic environment than holding or putting someone in a lock. Your goal in a realistic situation must be to incapacitate the attacker in the quickest way possible. Striking is much direct. It is quicker, a lot simpler and has the potential to be much more devastating to an attacker.

Misconception #5
Training in kickboxing and/or wrestling will make me ready for the street.

No way. Approaching a self-preservation situation with a sport mentality gives the individual a false sense of confidence. Training for realistic self-defense is much different than training for a rules-based combat sport.






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Orange County Martial Arts - San Clemente

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:: By Adam Williss :: Most martial arts are simply NOT as effective as you may think when it comes to training for real-world combat situations. We debunk some common misconceptions here. Misconception #1 The purpose of martial arts should be to build discipline and a great physical fitness enhancing individual strength, flexibility, balance, and cardio-respiratory fitness. Building personal courage, self confidence. We disagree. Although these benefits may come as a by-product of training, the primary objective of a martial art should be to improve the combat-effectiveness of the individual, specifically, to teach the individual to become comfortable with the level of conflict required in a real-life self-preservation situation. Misconception #2 Safety must be emphasized at all costs to the point of stressing no striking or only simulated strikes to vital points such as the head, neck and groin area. If you strike at all, you should stop short (pull your punches) to these vital areas so that you maintain safety above all else. Only "light blows" should be made to other areas. Wrong. The primary focus of a true martial arts program should not be to prevent the maximum number of injuries during training but to prevent the maximum number of individual injuries during a real world situation. Bumps and bruises do come with the territory when applying reality-based training. Unless you want individuals to experience false confidence, the only confidence worth obtaining in a true martial arts program is achieved through successfully employing combat-effective movements. Misconception #3 Most fights end up on the ground so ground-fighting should be where you place most of your emphasis. No. This way of thinking is extremely flawed. The ground is the last place you want to be in a real-life situation. We aren't training for the UFC or a grappling tournament, we train for real-world success. Too many variables can happen to you on the ground on the street. For self-defense, preventing the maximum number of individual injuries is the goal. Therefore, knowing how to stay on your feet should be a much greater concern. Misconception #4 Locks and holds are the best way of incapacitating an attacker. False. Striking is entirely more effective in a realistic environment than holding or putting someone in a lock. Your goal in a realistic situation must be to incapacitate the attacker in the quickest way possible. Striking is much direct. It is quicker, a lot simpler and has the potential to be much more devastating to an attacker. Misconception #5 Training in kickboxing and/or wrestling will make me ready for the street. No way. Approaching a self-preservation situation with a sport mentality gives the individual a false sense of confidence. Training for realistic self-defense is much different than training for a rules-based combat sport. © Martial Arts San Clemente Orange County Martial Arts - San Clemente Martial Arts San Clemente, Martial Arts Orange County, Wing Chun Orange County, Orange County Street MMA, Orange County Kung Fu, Jeet Kune Do Orange County, Orange County Qigong, Orange County Tai Chi, Orange County Yoga, Orange County Classes, Orange County Wing Chun