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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,

Self Defence Programs in Orillia:

Option 1 - Quick Start Self Defence

• A 10 week program
• One class per week
• Covers all the basics,
• Gets you in shape
• Learn your own personal strengths and weaknesses and learn to make them both work in your favour
• Teaches you what you need to be able to chase the average martial artist around a room.

Here is a video of a 13-year-old girl with 3 months training demonstrating a blocking exercise against random attacks.

Option 2 Traditional Self Defence:

• a comprehensive ongoing program that include traditional and modern conditioning programs for mind, body and spirit.
• traditional training methods with a focus on practical self defence.
• Several classes per week.
• 1 - 3 years of training in all ranges and all categories of technique
• striking, blocking, countering, intercepting, kicking, throws, joint locks, pressure points, grappling, sticking, trapping...
• internal power training, external power training

Option 3 - Weekend Course:

• an informative course that offers information and tools that anyone can use with little or no training.
• Common myths and mistakes of self defence training.
• Simple skills that anyone can learn to use in a short time.
• Appropriate strategies for different situations.
• The best targets on the opponent's body.
• The best weapons on your body.
• Recognising your power and how to use it.

Option 4 - Private Lessons:

• one-on-one personal training
• Short-term or long-term programs
• Specialised training to suit your own personal needs, goals, and abilities.
• Combine self defence training with tai chi, kung fu, qigong, or special fitness training
• flexible and adjustable schedule