Deluxe Martial Arts Forums - View Single Post - "Self-defense" vs. "Fighting"

Flash · 05-12-2002, 01:02 AM

This has probably been discussed ad nauseum before but hey, it's late, I can't sleep and I'm bored.

Do you feel that there is a difference between "self-defense" and "fighting"? If so, do you think there should be a difference in training methodologies?

Here's my take:

I think there is a difference but I also think there is a lot of overlap between the two. I think training for "fighting" is vital to actually being able to make "self-defense" techniques work as the training for "fighting" gives you the attributes you need to pull off those "self-defense" techniques and it also gives you something to fall back on if you mess up those techniques. However, I don't think that "fighting" training alone can prepare you for "self-defense" situations - How often during "fighting" training do you even consider what your options are if someone is leaning into your car and grabbing a fist-full of your shirt at an intersection?

05-12-2002, 01:02 AM	#1 (permalink)
Flash Novice Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 74 Groans: 0 Groaned at 0 Times in 0 Posts	"Self-defense" vs. "Fighting" This has probably been discussed ad nauseum before but hey, it's late, I can't sleep and I'm bored. Do you feel that there is a difference between "self-defense" and "fighting"? If so, do you think there should be a difference in training methodologies? Here's my take: I think there is a difference but I also think there is a lot of overlap between the two. I think training for "fighting" is vital to actually being able to make "self-defense" techniques work as the training for "fighting" gives you the attributes you need to pull off those "self-defense" techniques and it also gives you something to fall back on if you mess up those techniques. However, I don't think that "fighting" training alone can prepare you for "self-defense" situations - How often during "fighting" training do you even consider what your options are if someone is leaning into your car and grabbing a fist-full of your shirt at an intersection?