Why traditional martial arts?
Over the past 20 years, Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) and competitive full contact fighting using strikes, grappling, and ground fighting have enjoyed a surge in popularity while interest in traditional fighting arts (Karate, Kempo, Judo, Aikido, Kung Fu, etc.) have seen interest wane over this same period of time. The shift is unfortunate as there are many benefits to be gained from traditional martial arts. Both training methods have advantages and disadvantages, and this article will highlight both to give you all the information you need to decide which is right for you. There are several factors that you should consider when deciding including the age of the practitioner, your mental and physical goals, what kinds of situations you want to prepare for, and how well a style’s training methods align with your goals and limitations.
People start training in the martial arts for a number of reasons. Some people do it for physical fitness, some do it to compete, and some to develop character and discipline. Both MMA and traditional fighting arts will help you to develop fitness, character, and discipline. Both types of training would position you to compete. MMA competition would be full contact and carry significant risk of injury while traditional arts generally use lighter contact and more protective gear.
In your training, what situations do you want to prepare for? If you are primarily training to compete in bouts or for fitness, MMA is a great path to follow. You’ll learn ground fighting techniques and develop an arsenal of vicious hand, leg, elbow, and knee strikes. You’ll develop speed and strength and learn to put your basics together for powerful combinations. However, if you want to train to defend yourself in a situation you might find yourself in on the street, MMA has a serious weakness. In a real life situation, the last place you want to find yourself is on the ground. As soon as you land on the ground, you can no longer effectively defend yourself from more than one attacker. Furthermore, if you are considerably smaller or weaker than your attacker, you will be at a life threatening disadvantage. There are no weight classes on the street. MMA will teach you to fight. Traditional martial arts will teach you to avoid conflict and quickly end it if you ever have no other choice.
Both traditional styles and MMA include rigorous physical training and conditioning. MMA is significantly harder on the body than many traditional arts. Most MMA fighters end their careers within 10 years, many often sooner. This is not just because of the punishment fighters take in the ring. The hard work that goes into training takes a toll on your joints in many ways. Striking carries different risks than grappling which is different yet than kicking. In your 30s, your body can not handle what it could in your 20s. If you are not careful with your body in your 20s and 30s, your 40s, 50s and up will be significantly harder and you’ll be limited in what you can physically do. Traditional martial arts are meant to be practiced consistently, on a daily basis, over your lifespan. Furthermore, you’ll continue to find rewards as you train into old age.
Both MMA and traditional styles have immense benefits for any practitioner. Both styles will teach you to protect yourself while improving your physical and mental wellness. MMA will be more demanding of your body and has a higher risk of injury. Traditional martial arts are meant to be practiced (and offer rich rewards) over a full lifespan. Additionally, traditional arts are often better suited to street defense. When making your decisions, consider these factors and you’ll arrive at a choice that suits both you and your goals.
Train hard and remember that the way you practice is the way you’ll respond in the street!
