Martial Arts Training: Style Or Teacher?

Choosing the right Martial Arts training for you can be extremely confusing and a little overwhelming given the huge number of alternatives available. In simple terms, the vast majority of styles fall into one of three classifications. Namely, traditional styles such as Karate or Judo, combat sports styles like MMA or Kickboxing or the self-defence styles of Krav Maga or RBSD (reality based self-defence).

Each has it's pros and cons but there should be considerable overlap across these styles as there are a lot of common skills and after all the name Martial Arts does suggest some competency in the ability to defend oneself if attacked. Traditional Martial Arts styles really put the art into Martial Art, there tends to be an emphasis on form and even philosophy. Within this category there are styles which originate from all over the world not just Japan or China. Some retain weapons within their syllabus many of which have ancient origin. Some have a competitive side but usually this plays a lesser role than the traditional training. The history of these styles is stressed with authenticity being highly valued and retained. It's fair to say these styles ensure the original techniques and form of past masters are retained as much as possible.

Combat sports styles obviously have a sport side with the emphasis being on competing. Although people can simply take part in the training if they prefer, schools tend to encourage competition. Through the nature of competition and sport these styles continually develop as rule changes and new methods of competing progress. This means that new techniques and methodologies are embraced, so long as they work!

Self-defence styles as the name suggests focuses on techniques and tactics for self-defence situations only. There is none or very little emphasis on sport or history and as long as a skillset or technique has value in a self-defence situation it will be adopted into the system. Beyond the actual fighting skills themselves students learn avoidance and de-escalation techniques so a situation can be avoided before it gets physical, self-defence can be purely psychological.

Each of the three strands of Martial Arts has elements of the others included, certainly in terms of the fighting skills and techniques taught. There is considerable debate on the internet concerning the validity of each, however, as long as the particular school is good and has a competent teacher there will be valuable skills on offer.

Each of the three strands of Martial Arts has elements of the others included, certainly in terms of the fighting skills and techniques taught. There is considerable debate on the internet concerning the validity of each, however, as long as the particular school is good and has a competent teacher there will be valuable skills on offer.