Martial Arts doesn't teach Self-Defense

In response to this article:

http://breakingmuscle.com/au/other-martial-arts/martial-arts-is-not-self-defence-real-world-violence-prevention

Firstly, Martial Arts in this article will be used to reference specific styles like Karate, Taekwondo, Judo, etc.

Martial Arts has been created to have a self-defense focus plus much more: internal peace, physical strength, mental growth, and awareness internally and externally. 

However, generations down Martial Arts has become watered down or have more of a sports perspective.  Let’s analyze this.

Watered Down

Why?  Because there are not enough Instructors who know how to teach beyond the basics or who can teach beyond the basics.  What we forget is that no matter the style, everything before Black Belt is simply memorizing technique.  It is after Black Belt that one learns to teach, apply, be aware, and understand the nuances behind techniques and how they interrelate.  Martial Arts is more about awareness, but if you stop before you can even begin to understand this lesson then the concept of self-defense will not be understood. 

When your teachings come from a student who has yet to achieve a Black Belt then you will always miss a component of your training because that Instructor is still learning to memorize techniques. 

When an Instructor stops his/her learning then what is passed down is cut down further.

End result:  Instructors thinking they know Martial Arts when really there is far greater learning to be achieved.  Students thinking they are learning Martial Arts and can protect themselves when really they are just scratching the surface.

 Sports Martial Arts versus Martial Arts

Sports Martial Arts has become popular through Olympic desire, movies, the desire of competition or by watching UFC/MMA.  However, sports martial arts focuses on simply that-competition.  It is a different caliber of training for the purposes of one end goal to win a match under specific guidelines/rules, etc.  Under that pretense, it is not comparable to a self-defense situation and it should never be promoted to advocate for being a form of self-defense.   

 The article:

Where do I agree and where do I disagree.  I agree that more often than not, I too see a misconception of reality in the Martial Arts arena.  There is something called situational reality and then there is reality.  When we learn just techniques or sport martial arts, post videos of self-defense situations is promoting a false image and a false sense of strength and ability to protect oneself.  Why, because it is situational.   Self-defense involves prevention and immediate techniques to distract and escape.                           

 However Martial Arts, when not watered down, can provide a sense of empowerment and one can learn self-defense when taught and learned correctly.  More importantly, patience is required.

 What can you do as a student?
When learning, ask yourself:  Why are you in specific positions or doing specific techniques?  How would it apply in a self-defense situation? Could it apply in a situation that you can visualize?  Is there something missing in your training-if you are seeking more, then you are probably needing more.

What can you do as an Instructor?
 Have you continued your training?  Can you adapt to every student’s needs?  Do you see the art or the sport as your primarily goal and henceforth how do you promote your style?  Would you use the same techniques in a self-defense situation?

In Summary:

If techniques are the only thing you learn, the concept gained is a false representation that you can defend yourself. Sadly, this is the accepted ideology. Techniques need to be repeated that is how self-defense comes about. Confidence comes in awareness, awareness comes in repetition, repetition comes in years of training.

Learn the truth, teach the truth, and embrace the truth.

My training is stagnant....I have reached a plateau

Feeling stagnant in your training is normal.  There is always a moment where one feels

• "Why am I not testing?"
• "Am I testing too fast?"
•  "Why can’t I get someone in a certain position?"
• " Why is that person learning it faster than me?"
• And so much more...

The joy of Martial Arts is that we are learning as a team and as an individual.  Your team consists of the various partners that help you train each day.  However, they are not your competition, you are your own competition. 

Your lineage of Grand Masters, Master, and Instructors and the curricula behind their training is very important to your understanding and growth in the Martial Arts.   When you feel stagnant, it is your Instructor and the knowledge of the curricula that helps you “climb the mountain” so to speak. 

When you feel stagnant, do not compare yourself to others.   Do better than your personal achievements from today, tomorrow.  Today you did 10 push-ups tomorrow you will do 15.  Today you maintained the top position for 10 seconds tomorrow it will be 30 seconds.  Today John got you in a choke, tomorrow he will not.  Today you kicked waist level, tomorrow you will kick an inch higher.  Set realistic small goals for yourself and seek to achieve them in realistic time frames.  Recognize those milestones in yourself.  Your teammates become your cheering crew!

You have a team and you have your personal growth.   

Lastly, the most important thing to remember when you feel your training is stagnant:

 Believe in yourself and in your training.  If you lose that, you will feel incompetence in the effectiveness of what is taught.  When you believe in yourself 100% and what you have been taught, then stagnation will improve.

Remember learning is an ongoing process.  It never ends.  A Black Belt is not when training stops.  Those who do stop learning at Black Belt do not understand that the growth/the evolving begins at Black Belt and therefore cannot help you evolve for they have not evolved.  Remember, Martial Arts is as much a mental growth as it is a physical growth.

Keep moving forward.  Keep believing in you.  Keep growing.

Black Belt-Where The Learning Begins

Seminars versus Curricula

Learning martial arts does not start with techniques.  Learning martial arts begins with learning respect.  Learning martial arts begins with building a foundation, building strength, and learning the basics.  That is how one evolves their training.

Children and adults learn very differently.  Children are like sponges, they soak it all in and just perform.  Adults take their time, ask questions, etc.  Let's use a candy bar to give a visual representation of how adults versus children learn.  If you hand a candy bar to a child, they just eat it.  If you hand a candy bar to an adult, they read the ingredients, wonder about the calories, the sugar, if they should/should not eat it, etc...

How does this relate to my topic of Seminars vs. Curricula?

If adults ask so many questions in one class, exactly what can be retained in a 1 to 2 hour seminar?

Let's take a 2 hours seminar and break it down.

10 minutes:  Introduction

15-30 minutes:  explain and practice technique #1

15-30 minutes:  explain and practice technique #2 (usually techniques relate)

15-30 minutes:  explain and practice technique #3 (usually techniques relate)

If no time is left, last bit of the seminar is to spar.

If time is left,

15-30 minutes:  explain and practice technique #4 (usually techniques relate)

15-30 minutes:  explain and practice technique #5 (usually techniques relate)

After this point, depending on the dynamic of the participants, another technique may be taught or sparring rounds will begin.  What happens to the questions?  Some may be answered but not all.  How much will be remembered and how about all the details.  Maybe 1 or 2 techniques, sometimes 3?

Now, some may video record the seminar, if allowed.  Others may hand-write notes.  But, the understanding and perfection of a technique requires repetition under an Instructor who is present to consistently correct.  Why?

As adults,

1.  We have questions....

2.  Techniques evolve based on your opponent and what they are giving.   IE:  is the kick low or high, is the top position low or high, is the wrist grab downward, sideways, or upward?

With #1 and #2, where do we go to ask our questions if the techniques are learned at a seminar?

Why do we go to seminars?  Because we keep seeking to grow and learn.  We need and desire more to expand our knowledge and that is AWESOME!  But, we also need guidance-this is how curricula differs.

Curricula allows for a foundation in learning.  Curricula has continuity- there is always more information to help a student grow.  How?  Curricula has already been developed to address the needs of beginner students, intermediate students, advanced students, Instructors, and Masters.

Seminars are not needed when curricula is present, because everything that is needed and desired is in the curricula.  Plus, it addresses questions and individual student needs.  A class will not teach 4-5 techniques.  A class will incorporate trusting each other, respecting each other, creating a safe environment, building strength, and learning 1 to 2 techniques such that you understand them.  If it needs to be repeated, so be it, repeat it-this is how one learns, but the point being, it must be learned through the guidance of an Instructor who has also gone through the curricula at its highest levels.

In Life and in Martial Arts:

Remember, if you choose to cut the paths to reach the destination, the growth is NOT 100%

When you take the time to repeat what you learn multiple times, grow stronger, and learn with patience the growth is not 100%   it is 110%

Practice does not make perfect.  Perfect and patient practice makes perfect.

Martial Arts and constantly getting injured....

Most sports that one plays run the risk of obtaining an injury.  Martial Arts are no different.  However, there are key components to minimizing risk. 

Instructor
Etiquette
Foundation
Environment

Environment/Instructor

To prevent serious injuries begins with the Instructor and how the Instructor facilitates a safe environment.  Are students being watched to make sure they are safe?  Does your Instructor make you feel comfortable in the learning atmosphere?  How about the other students?  Do they just care about winning or do they want to learn?  As the saying goes, are the egos left at the door?  The Instructor creates the environment; the feeling of being safe/not getting hurt begins with him/her which creates a domino effect in his/her students.

Etiquette

This over time has been forgotten in the martial arts.  The bow, the mutual respect, discipline, and courtesy to one another.  These actions are by no means a way to demean one another but another tool to build a positive environment.  When a student’s mindset becomes the determination to learn with one’s partner versus having to prove that they are “toughest” on the mat, then student growth can occur.   If there is no respect between Martial Artists, then a competitive environment occurs.  A competitive environment can cause injuries, can create drama, and can make the school less fun.

Foundation

Think of Judo throws.  If you are taught a technique- let’s say neck hook throw:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eqIcjrxHjzI

What happens if you are just taught the technique and you perform it incorrectly.  Many things can happen when you are taught any martial arts technique without a foundation. 

1.        You exert to much muscle and can get hurt

2.       If your partner is unaware of how to react (ie: proper falls, blocks, tapping, proper defense), they can get hurt.

3.       You cannot expect a proper technique to be executed without developing strength and foundation.

I cannot do the throw above, without building my upper body, my lower body, and my core.  I have to understand foot position and the leverage points.  That means conditioning/strength training must be developed first.  That means basic positioning must be understood first.  I have to learn the proper fall and condition my body to react with muscle memory to falls so that I don’t get hurt when being thrown.  My partner needs to understand grips such that they protect their partner in the throwing process.   You cannot learn techniques without understanding foundation.

If techniques are all you learn, then you are only scratching the surface.  Seek to learn all components of Martial Arts because then your knowledge will expand exponentially.

Instructor asks for etiquette and teaches/creates a strong foundation which equals to a safe and welcoming environment which results in less injuries.  Simplified, this is the “DO” of martial arts.

If this is not happening at your school.  Ask why?  Take care of you!   

Live the DO.

Yudo (Judo)...BJJ- my take

I have trained in multiple styles including Yudo (Judo).  I also trained in BJJ.  My reason behind learning BJJ began with wanting to learn how to protect myself if I am ever on the ground... fair enough.  However, I have an inquisitive personality and ask lots of questions regarding what I learn such that when I teach it, I know and understand every aspect of my arts- whether it be the history, the technique, the application, etc...I want to know it completely so that I can teach it completely with accuracy to my students.

The key to understand  an art is to learn it completely.  Learn and respect the history of the art.   One must give credit where it belongs.  One must understand if the change/the evolution of the style is for a positive growth.  Use the knowledge and wisdom of Martial Artist who have been training all their lives to understand what you are learning.  Talk and learn from your Master/Instructor.

Research Reference 1 and 2

Ronda Rousey a well known Judo athlete, at the olympic level, and now dominant in the MMA world, trains at Gracie Academy.  The Gracie brothers explain key differences, in the video below, between Judo and BJJ.

An explanation on Judo versus BJJ from Gracie Academy while Teaching Ronda Rousey and Ronda's mom's take on the Judo Sport.

  

  Video:  

http://www.muscleandfitness.com/athletes-celebrities/news/ronda-rousey-trains-jiu-jitsu-gracies

  Article:

http://fightland.vice.com/blog/seven-questions-for-ronda-rouseys-mom

  

My take:

Judo- don't go to the back.

BJJ-  It is okay to go to the back.  Learn to feel calm on the back

Me- 

1.  I think, a man attacks me... am I going to go to my back!?!?!?!? NO.  I want to end the match quickly and standing.  And, if we end up on the ground, I will be on top to control, and escape.  Imagine the situation for yourself.

2. Ronda went to the MMA world because there is very little support for Olympic level Judo athletes.  That does not mean she is training in BJJ or has transitioned to be a BJJ athlete.  Ronda is a Judo athlete- that is why we see success beyond success from her.  She has learned an art in all its aspects.  Not to mention that in a post interview after her last fight, Ronda expressed that she was happy that she did not go to her back and followed her instinct in Judo techniques of staying on top.  This is due to the years given towards practice and repetition.  Her body 1. reacts with muscle memory and 2. she is very aware of what her opponent is doing and how to react.  

Research Reference 3, 4, 5:

Ronda Rousey made a comment that she could beat a BJJ Practitioner who competes at the top levels of BJJ.  Obviously, it caused ripples in the water.  Take a look at the articles below.

BJJ and JuJitsu are not the same or are they?

  

  Article 1: Ronda's comments on grappling bjj women:

 http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2015/4/13/8397571/metamoris-ronda-rousey-grappling-bjj-women-charity-mma-ufc-news

  Article 2: female bjj response to Ronda's comments:

http://www.graciemag.com/2014/06/female-jiu-jitsu-champions-to-ronda-talk-is-cheap-come-and-have-a-try/

  Article 3: female bjj response to Ronda's comments:

http://www.mixedmartialarts.com/news/445543/Womens-BJJ-competitors-respond-to-Ronda-Rousey/

  My take:

Granted that a little more respect could have been used in the world of competition,  however, MMA is not a place where respect is high on the priority list, in my opinion. 

Sometimes you will see respect in the competition world through the shaking of hands, bowing, etc.  

One must also remember that elite competitors have an all-assuming personality embodying the personae they will and can win.  That is the mentality of an athlete-an athlete must have this mentality in order to win.

However, what really catches my eye is how BJJ and JuJitsu/Jiu-Jitsu are used interchangeably.

From the teachings of Japanese Jiu Jitsu to Judo to BJJ, techniques have changed. While the Livestrong Article states that BJJ schools teach throws, not all do.  Not all school teach strikes.  Not all schools teach self-defense.  

And the techniques created and taught by Jigoro Kano

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kan%C5%8D_Jigor%C5%8D

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FoFwE8pX2js

are not seen in BJJ but in Judo. So, where does BJJ come from?  In reality it comes from Judo, but where or how is that being acknowledged in BJJ Schools?  Do you see the correct techniques/formation or is it watered down?

You can't have the evolution without the history.  You can't learn and grow with out understanding the technique.  You can't understand technique if you don't know basics.  You won't know basics if you don't know where and how they originated. 

Now it is your turn... what truth are you seeking?

My Style of Martial Arts

Look at it your art from a self-defense perspective.  

My question to myself is that if I am in a fight, where would I want to be?  If I am asked to visualize a fight, what would it look like?  

I would want to end the fight from stand up.  If I end up on the ground, I would prefer to be on the top.  I would not voluntarily go to my back or to ground for that matter.  Why?  I find being on my back is too compromising.  If it is difficult to get some one off you or to choke/arm bar them from your back then won't it be even harder in reality.   Imagine if a person has rage, anger, or the intent to harm behind their attack?  Would this be the position you want?  NO.  Run, or stay on top till you can safely escape.

Now, if I end up on my back because of some situations out of my control, then that is a different story- then I have techniques that I should use to escape. 

So in summary,

1.     Going to your back as my primary offense/defense... is not in our benefit in a self-defense situation. 

2.     If you are placed on your back due to conditions outside of your control, then do everything you can to escape.  Don't stay on your back for too long. Use your energy to reverse the position or get back to standing to run. 

Just remember, which fight starts on your back/bottom?  Think of a dog.  The weaker dog or to have command of a dog, you put it on its back...  Think of wars, we stand and fight.  Where do you want to be?

What an Instructor Must Do… What a Student Must Seek…

Given that there is a hole with the generations of martial arts, there are some negative consequences…

1.       Lack of respect

2.       Increase of injuries

3.       Lack of understanding

For example, take this true situation at hand:

Student 1 learns martial arts

Student2 doesn’t know martial arts

Student1 hurts kid 2.  

Student 1 takes off his shirt and puts Student 2 in an arm bar to prove what?  That he knows his style-his technique?  Student 2 gets taken down and a broken arm.  (FYI: This was a video I saw of two kids doing this at school).  Respect starts with how we act in our martial arts environment.  Are we training with the mentality to win or to grow?  Are we training with mentality to learn?  Are we trying to use muscle for everything?  Awareness and technique will always outlive strength versus strength.  But, what is even more important is knowing that there is respect for yourself and others with the art that is learned.  It is also ones responsibility to know that what one is learning should not be to harm and knowing that it can do harm.

It has come to my understanding that students have been injured during training, sparring, and seminars.  I cannot deny that injuries will happen.  However, they should not happen as a result of safety being overlooked.  It is important to teach the basics of any art and to provide a safe environment for students to learn and grow.  For instance, something as simple as a break fall is very important in preventing concussions and injuries.  However, I have heard of more than one person getting a concussion.  Why?  What happened to learning the basics first?  If our students are throwing each other without learning proper break fall techniques, then our students are not failing-we as Instructors are.

As a result of one and two, there is a lack of understanding and henceforth a cycle of continued wonderment of what is missing and continued education of inaccuracy. 

So back to the title of the blog:  What an Instructor must do… what a student must seek….

Those that seek to teach must seek to teach the truth.  Some choose to do so bluntly, however, then the respect is lost yet again.  It is through the actions of a Master/ Instructor for seeking to know that an art is taught correctly whether it be through acknowledgement of the history of techniques and/or by ensuring the safety of the students that respect is taught and fostered.  Students cannot have a falsified sense of strength and believe that they can protect themselves due to incorrect information taught to them.  
It is our responsibility as Instructors to know what we are teaching and to understand its effectiveness.  It is our responsibility to teach our students the truth.

Students on the other hand should look for a place where safety is first.  Where there is respect.  Where egos are checked at the door.  Where basics are the fundamentals to growth.  Where there is acknowledgement, understanding, and teaching of what was historically known to its evolution now. 

Until this is realized, we will continue to have Instructors who claim to be teaching something true, and students who continue to believe what they are learning will help them. 

Seek the truth!  Only then will your eyes be opened and then you will see and learn beyond what is simply in front of us.   

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