I've been thinking a lot recently about the Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), which for those of you who don't know, are the type you see in the Ultimate Fighting Championship or Pride fights. I'm a big fan, and practice mixed martial arts myself often. Despite the occasional fat lip, sore ribs, or slightly hyper-extended joint, in my view it's clearly the best way to prepare yourself for a real 'street fight'. It seems that a number of MMA practitioners always want to dump on the traditional martial arts, citing their lack of 'street' effectiveness.
If you've practiced the traditional arts yourself, you know that they have a number of beneficial aspects that make them worth your time. Yes, the traditional arts utilize 'forms,' or predetermined sequences of moves against ficticious opponents, that have no direct use in sparring. Yes, some of the tournaments traditional artists compete in are very much a 'sport,' indeed.
If you're a MMA person who is considering a traditional art as well, remember this about the 'forms'-
- Forms are the 'encyclopedia' of all the techniques in a particular art. You can always refer back to them when necessary.
- Learning forms is an automatic way of training both sides of your body, which in reality, you would NEVER do on your own.
- Done properly, forms are a 'moving meditation' which allow you to completely clear your mind, focus, and get the job done- something that carries over into other aspects of your life.
- Forms force self-discipline to learn them well, something everyone can use more of!
I would encourage any MMA practitioner who has no background in the traditional arts to consider adding one to your training. If you keep an open mind, you'll find that aspects of it are useful in combat, and it won't be a waste of your time... I train in two traditional arts, plus cross-train in MMA with some very capable guys. I've been in this long enough now to even consider adding one of the 'soft' arts to the mix, like Tai Chi.
You can always pick up on the level of training and maturity of a martial artist by whether or not they 'talk down' arts that are not their own. Those who are well-trained can see some truth to almost every art- your job is to train hard and take the things you like from various styles and make them your own. Feel free to comment!
2 comments:
It's been many many years since I trained in a traditional marital art (judo).
I currently train in a MMA program, combining aspects of Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Kali and a little bit of American boxing.
I believe that a background in traditional marital arts is extremely helpful. In my experience, the quickest learners and hardest hitters in the kick boxing portion of my training are those who have trained previously.
All of them I've talked to consider the training we are involved in now to be the most effective program for practical self defense though.
Stan
A.K.A The New American Revolutionist
http://www.newamericanrevolution.us
Hmm, some i agree, and some i dont, but hey Den man thats the way our relationship and belief's in the martial arts always falls aint it? LOL anywho, Im not the most political correct person to be typeing, and my spelling is horrible, but i do have a comment.
Anyone that practices the martial arts, any style, will get benifits from them. The benifits may range from, exercise to just plain ol interactment with others. If someone is looking to learn self defence, just keep one thing in mind when looking for a self-defence class, or martial arts class, "Does this seem to be realistic?" When that question is answered, you will find what you need, reguardless of what anyone else thinks of that particular art.
posted as anonymous, but left as Gman
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