I cringe each time someone asks me how well BJJ, Muay Thai or boxing will work in a street fight... Because the fact of the matter is, street fighting is a thing of the past–here in the United States, it’s very unlikely that you’re going to be involved in a street fight. At least not in the perceived sense.
Most people, when they set out to learn a martial art, envision themselves toe-to-toe with an adversary in a battle of skill... Unfortunately, that’s not the case. Maybe in remote corners of this country, that sort of thing happens. But rest assured, even a high school kid can be charged as an adult for battery. Needless to say, most adults will talk themselves out of a skirmish.
There ARE street crimes... Most of them are uncertain and dangerous. Real street incidents involve weapons, ambush and multiple assailants. In these instances, your best defense may depend more on luck or chance than anything else.
Therefore, one has to really wonder and understand the reasons for training. As kids, we my have had these glorified visions of being tougher than the next guy, but that’s all part of the growing process. Now, we train for the joy of competing or for the sake of the art, etc...
If you’re truly interested in safety, more states are allowing permits for concealed weapons. A gun is the most formidable martial art. Otherwise, you can simply avoid places and situations that will result in a street incident. And should you be forced to use your training one day, it will change your perception of street fighting.
Most people, when they set out to learn a martial art, envision themselves toe-to-toe with an adversary in a battle of skill... Unfortunately, that’s not the case. Maybe in remote corners of this country, that sort of thing happens. But rest assured, even a high school kid can be charged as an adult for battery. Needless to say, most adults will talk themselves out of a skirmish.
There ARE street crimes... Most of them are uncertain and dangerous. Real street incidents involve weapons, ambush and multiple assailants. In these instances, your best defense may depend more on luck or chance than anything else.
Therefore, one has to really wonder and understand the reasons for training. As kids, we my have had these glorified visions of being tougher than the next guy, but that’s all part of the growing process. Now, we train for the joy of competing or for the sake of the art, etc...
If you’re truly interested in safety, more states are allowing permits for concealed weapons. A gun is the most formidable martial art. Otherwise, you can simply avoid places and situations that will result in a street incident. And should you be forced to use your training one day, it will change your perception of street fighting.
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