Grapplers Vs. Strikers

[scafpilot]

I've read countless threads here and I have to say this really is one of the better message boards out there. That being said, more often than not, I come across the typical "which MA is better", "MA vs. MA, which would win" kind of questions. Recently, it was the WC vs. JJ thread which sparked a healthy response. However, rarely is intensity or instinct spoken of.

We always debate the technicalities of a MA. But what about that guy that just has a killer instinct? Take WC for example. A guy could study for 2 years and get his ass kicked 100% of the time by anyone if he didn't have the right mind set. I know all the WC dudes will preach the origin of the style and that it doesn't require strength and that killer instinct. That's horse sh** in my book. I practice WC and it doesn't take a genius to figure out that it's MORE important to have aggression in a technical MA than say BJJ which is by nature, an aggressive style.

The more a style relies on technical traps and such, the greater the need for strength and instinct. It's almost exponential! There are a few really intense guys who practice WC and other technical MAs that seriously kick ass. These are the guys that can take punches, withstand pain, adapt, and rage back at the right time. Obviously, the answer is to be good at everything. But for one who wants to choose... unless you are willing to become a rock star in WC AND you are strong and aggressive, I'd almost say don't bother, cause' your gonna get your ass kicked!

It just seems that those styles that practice harder contact, set you up for success rather than a false sense of security. Once again, I'm a WC guy but I realize the weakness in my style and work to solve it with JJ.

Not tryin' to insult anyone.

[Thai Bri]

I would say that the "killer instinct" (or whatever you want to call it) is the most important element of all.

[scafpilot]

Knew you'd like that one ThaiBrit. Sounds like we may have similar backrounds from what I've read. Same conclusion too.

[Thai Bri]

Leads to an interesting question. Do you think that people are born with the killer instinct, or can it be trained?

[scafpilot]

Ahh! Good one grasshopper!

I'm gonna have to go with trained. First thing that comes to mind... dogs. Far strech I know, but you can train one to be an attack dog. Like dog fights back in the day. But some dogs (pitbulls and such) are more aggressive from birth. Fits with humans too. Some can kill if required, some can't, some even like it (koo koo).

Plus, don't you find that you get a little more aggressive when you spare allot?

Ahh! Answer question with question!

[scafpilot]

I'm just not finding allot of those people in WC. I wonder if it's different in Hong Kong / China?

[Thai Bri]

I also think it can be trained. We ALL have it to some extent but, of course, some naturally call on it easier. But it can be nurtured in all of us, and the spark turned into a flame.

[IPON]

I think, as Bri stated, the menatality for fighting or warrior spirit it is the key missing element across all MAs. It is not just limited to WC - but overall it speaks to the level and intensity of training. If I sweat more and are more agressive in 1 hour of playing poker than you are in one hour of practice there is a problem. But wrestling, Judo, JJ or BJJ, though helpful, will not provide a magic bullet for people to discover this instinct. There are plenty of wusses in each of these styles. So nature vs nurture, I say nature, For the exception of war (maybe), people are genrally born with this "killer instinct" maybe latent but always there, the nature may force it out.. People do get more confident can get cocky but that is not the same as being able to smell blood