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Sport versus Combat Martial ArtsAnd other Considerations in Choosing the Best Unarmed Style
A student's interests, intentions and priorities (and his size) will determine the most suitable martial art for him.
Martial arts is more than spectacular jumps and high kicks. Here's how to choose the best martial arts style for an individual. Combat EffectivenessCombat effectiveness may or may not be a priority for an individual in learning martial arts. Some styles are designed more as a sport than a fighting method. Jigoro Kano created Judo by removing dangerous techniques from Jiu-Jitsu (Jujitsu). Within a specific style there can be different schools, each with a different emphasis on sport versus combat effectiveness. Schools that emphasize tournaments (competitions) are more sport oriented. A tournament-focus reduces combat effectiveness. For safety, dangerous (effective) strikes (eyes, throat, knee) are disallowed in tournaments. They will not be emphasized in training, or will be removed from the repertoire. Defense against dangerous strikes might also be ignored. Even with protective gear, full protection is not possible in a tournament. There is no practical equipment to protect against crippling kicks to the knee. Level of ViolenceSome styles such as Aikido, have a reputation for disabling opponents with relatively harmless holds and joint locks. Other "hard" styles such as Karate, Tae Kwon Do, Wing Chun, Krav Maga and Muay Thai depend on devastating punches and kicks. Someone learning martial arts for self defense should be comfortable with the level of violence required by his chosen style. Otherwise he may be unwilling to defend himself when he needs to use his art in an emergency. (Students should familiarize themselves with local laws regarding the legally permissible use of violence, even in self-defense.) Health BenefitsOne reason for Tai Chi's popularity is its reputed health benefits - strengthening a person's "chi" or inner strength. The theory behind this is the same meridian theory used by acupuncture and reflexology. Xing Yi (Hsing-I), Bagua (Pa Kua), White Crane and Aikido are other well known "internal" or "soft" styles that develop a person's chi. Dancing - Enjoying TrainingEnjoyment in practicing a martial art can be crucial in maintaining long term interest. Styles such as Capoeira and Silat combine combat effectiveness with graceful dance moves. Physical SizeA martial arts style's suitability also depends on the student's physical size. Variations within some styles of kung fu are said to be due to kung fu masters teaching variations depending on their students' physical characteristics and temperament. A tall person may find it more difficult to execute some of the throws in grappling styles such as Judo. A short person can find himself at a disadvantage in styles that depend on long-range kicks such as Northern Shaolin and Tae Kwon Do. However in a close-range (fist and elbow range) striking style (punches and kicks) such as Wing Chun, a shorter person can be at an advantage. At close range, a taller person's limbs will be cramped by his opponent's close proximity. As a punch or kick's maximum power is developed at full limb extension, the shorter fighter will be able to hit harder at close range. Difficulty and ComplexitySome styles may require more time than a student is willing to commit (hours per week, and over how many years). Martial arts are effective at intermediate levels, before full expertise is acquired. The amount of effort required to reach the first effective intermediate level will vary from style to style. The Best Martial ArtMartials arts training is a long term investment. Carefully considering the fit of each style to an individual can effect the effectiveness, enjoyment and long term continuation of martial arts training.
The copyright of the article Sport versus Combat Martial Arts in Martial Arts is owned by Yuen Kit Mun. Permission to republish Sport versus Combat Martial Arts in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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