Martial Arts Useless In Street Fights

[Corporal Hicks]

Ok, seems like you had the same realisation experience as me. Firstly as pointed out by somebody else. You are sparring, NOT fighting and fighting in self defence. Ive known another TKDer to make this mistake. He thought he was hard because he was a good sparrer and went to the TKD British Championships getting a good results and coming out thinking he could defend himself no end.
He got into a fight, he got the adrenline dump, no mental or physical prep was realisitically put pyschologically into his head, he didnt have a clue because he hadnt prepared for the self defence situation.
He went for high kicks and was taken out by a sweep and it turned into a grappling match. TKD sparring rules to not enable sweeps or grabs to be made. He then got the crap kicked out of him. So much for his bragging days. Now that was a while ago and he went away.

Martial arts come in different forms and styles in which they are performed. Some are traditionally based, some are sport based, others fitness some self defence etc etc.
Sparring does not reflect fighting, sparring teaches you useful skills such as coordination and timing and some technique training as well as some strong cardio-vascular fitness but if your looking at it when it comes to fights then you may as well as look at what the police and armed forces do. Any forces for that matter, especially American and British. I'm sure there are officers from both on this forum maybe they would like to share some experiences with you.

Regards

 

[Corporal Hicks]

My kung fu instructor defended himself succesfully against 3 guys outside a pub car park and he is only about 5'3, 5'4 and they were of varying sizes.

The little guys are always the hard ones! Lol!

 

[47MartialMan]

The little guys are always the hard ones! Lol!

This is because they have to compensate for their size. I have seen many little dogs (and cats) run off larger dogs.

 

[MichiganTKD]

My Tae Kwon Do Instructor has complained in the past about younger students, whether in this organization or abroad, who are so wrapped up in tournament sparring that they no longer know how to defend themselves or make traditional technique.
While there may be some aspects of free fighting that can help you in self defense (footwork, timing, distance), free fighting is sport and mock combat. Your mind is different than in self defense. Being a good free fighter will not prepare you for defending yourself because your opponent is following the same rules as you and does not want to hurt or kill you.
I've told people "Spend 5-6 years as a tournament fighter if you wish, get it out of your system, then train traditionally" You cannot train both ways at the same time. The physical training and mindset are different.
Interestingly, I've been to training seminars with both the traditional students and the team members. I can tell who the team members are without even knowing their names because their techniques have no power. It is all speed technique to make points. Even when our GM is showing them how to adjust to make power, they can't do it.

 

[47MartialMan]

My Tae Kwon Do Instructor has complained in the past about younger students, whether in this organization or abroad, who are so wrapped up in tournament sparring that they no longer know how to defend themselves or make traditional technique.

Sounds like a very smart instructor. Interesting-I havent come across one that doesnt emphasize more tournament type workouts and participation. Thus, for promotional propaganda.

I've told people "Spend 5-6 years as a tournament fighter if you wish, get it out of your system, then train traditionally" You cannot train both ways at the same time. The physical training and mindset are different.

But younger people want the "action". They want the competition. They want to bring home the "trophies" just the same as bringing home the "rank".

Interestingly, I've been to training seminars with both the traditional students and the team members. I can tell who the team members are without even knowing their names because their techniques have no power. It is all speed technique to make points. Even when our GM is showing them how to adjust to make power, they can't do it.

Then it is their instructors fault for not teaching them how to apply power and allowing them to attend too many tournaments in the first place.

 

[Brother John]

Then it is their instructors fault for not teaching them how to apply power and allowing them to attend too many tournaments in the first place.

actually, 47M.M., I've seen this same thing and I think it has more to do with the personal focus of the practitioner.

JMHO
Your Brother
John

 

[47MartialMan]

actually, 47M.M., I've seen this same thing and I think it has more to do with the personal focus of the practitioner.

JMHO
Your Brother
John

I can understand that, but a good instructor can help them focus.