Self defence training can take many forms. Traditional
martial arts teach self defence as a part of a much
larger curriculum.
Over the past century, schools have commercialized and
changed the curriculum to suit the goals and
expectations of modern students.
It is now possible to practise a martial art for years
without actually learning much real self defence.
What is practical?
Few people can train full-time like the ancient masters
or modern professional athletes.
But even a single class can teach a person skills that
could save his or her life. Simple self defence courses
are a brief introduction to the concepts and techniques
of self defence and what it means in the modern world.
More comprehensive courses include mental and physical
conditioning of spontaneous and appropriate responses
to aggression. This requires a longer commitment and
regular practice.
For the most in-depth training, it is recommended that
serious students immerse themselves in the study of one
or more of the many proven martial arts.
Practical Self Defence
Ian Sinclair demonstrates blindfolded self defence.
Traditional Martial Arts vs. Practical Self
Defence
Are traditional martial arts really a good way to learn
self defence? This is a hotly contested topic. The
answer should usually be a qualified yes.
Traditional martial arts can offer the best self
defence training if the purpose of training is for self
defence!
There are so many benefits to traditional martial arts
training that most schools do not actually teach for
the purpose of self defence. And it is true that there
are many very experienced martial arts experts out
there who would probably lose a typical street fight.
Sometimes martial arts training is even detrimental to
a person's natural fighting ability, especially if one
confuses the practical wushu with the Huatao Wuyi
花套武藝(s艺)
or sport / performance wushu.
With the right school and teacher, however, traditional
martial arts are a source of centuries of accumulated
wisdom about self defence. For more information about
practical martial applications of traditional wushu,
click here.
How is it possible that people could spend years
learning a martial art and still not be able to defend
themselves? There are many types of martial arts
schools out there and many types of student. Some teach
the art for its own sake, as a physical exercise, an
artistic expression and a cultural education. Others
teach combat sports which have rules and etiquette that
are not found "on the street." Still others are
glorified day cares that exist to teach children
discipline and self confidence. Then there are the
so-called "McDojos" that exist to only to make money by
selling lifetime memberships and "black belt" programs.
In many of the schools today, the traditional knowledge
about self defence has been lost or neglected. It
usually still exists within the style, but few students
or teachers are dedicated to continuing that tradition.
At Cloud Mountain Martial Arts we recognise that most
students train with us for reasons other than self
defence, and we are devoted to helping all students
explore the many other benefits that training provides.
For those who wish to learn spend either a short time
or a long time developing effective self defence
skills, we want to provide it in the best way possible.
For that reason we are constantly researching teaching
methods as well as our curricula. We will regularly
invite guest experts from traditional martial arts such
as Kali Escrima, Aikido, Jiu Jitsu, Kung Fu, Systema
and Wing Chun. We will also continue to host teachers
of modern police and military methods,
Some insight into self
defence from my friend Adam Chan of Vancouver.
For more about Adam Chan see
http://www.pragmaticmartialarts.com/
