What makes a great fighter?

[Carbon_Cricket]

Many people claim to have proficiency in the martial arts, and there are many good martial artists out there, what sets apart the good from the great? When do the moves become an art? Who do you think epitomizes/d those qualities best.

[Rich67]

I think the great can be separated from the good by how much they devote their lives to their art. Look at Bruce Lee, the Gracie Family, and some of the other great Martial Artists of our time. They all made martial arts mainstream by introducing their styles and art to the world through various forms of media. Not only did they do that, but they train(ed) hard through their lives to be the best they could be, and kept learning more on their own without being bound by the constraints of their particular style. A well-rounded martial artists will not say one style is the greatest- he would be turning a blind eye to all the other styles that afford tactical advantages. The truly great artist takes philosophies and techniques from many arts and improvises and adapts them to his style of fighting and can do so as he is fighting an opponent- be able to "flow" depending on who he is facing. As far as attributes go, he is aggressive yet reserved- humble yet knowledgeable, and flexible.

[Shane]

Well said Rich67, I have to agree with you on this.

 

One thing to add to this is FEAR, being able to accept fear and using it to your advantage. To harness this energy and use your own fear that will sometimes work against the non-trained is such an awsome power when used for you.

[Rich67]

Good point Shane. Many people are made nervous by the word "fear" and think that it is improper to feel fear. Fear actually provides an "edge" if used properly that can motivate and channel power.

[Master Jules]

There is a big difference between "fighting good" and being a "good fighter".

 

One can be learned, and one you are just born with.

[ps1]

Good fighters have an inate ability to use their body and environment in such a way that it serves their needs. Through positioning, body mechanics, and good technique (not nesisarily taught to them) they overcome their opponents.

[Nick_UKWC]

I think to be great, rather than good is something you're born with, like being a great dancer

 

The qualities I'd associate with great fighters are endurance, technique, dedication and bravery.

[SevenStar]

I think the great can be separated from the good by how much they devote their lives to their art. Look at Bruce Lee, the Gracie Family, and some of the other great Martial Artists of our time. They all made martial arts mainstream by introducing their styles and art to the world through various forms of media.

 

I don't agree with that. How much time you spend promoting the art be it through teaching, movies, etc. Is great for just that - promoting the art. But, that doesn't equate to being a great fighter. Good fighters can be made, but great fighters are born. You either are one or you aren't. Several factors lend their hands at becoming a good fighter though - good training, precision timing, understanding of fighting principles and how to use them, gauging distance, strength, courage, tenacity, etc.

Not only did they do that, but they train(ed) hard through their lives to be the best they could be, and kept learning more on their own without being bound by the constraints of their particular style. A well-rounded martial artists will not say one style is the greatest- he would be turning a blind eye to all the other styles that afford tactical advantages. The truly great artist takes philosophies and techniques from many arts and improvises and adapts them to his style of fighting and can do so as he is fighting an opponent- be able to "flow" depending on who he is facing. As far as attributes go, he is aggressive yet reserved- humble yet knowledgeable, and flexible.

 

Royce gracie is "bound" by his style. He uses it in such a way though that he can defeat other stylists with it. I've asked Royce about his fighting and philosophy before, And he will tell you stright up "I'm not a mixed martial artist, I'm just a bjj guy." Hhwever, he understands his art inside out, and has experience in dealing with other styles. He knows how to use what he has to defeat people. That is what makes him a good fighter.

[Rich67]

Sevenstar, I think you are misinterpreting the original question. The poster didn't ask what makes a good/great fighter, he asks what makes a good/great martial artist. Naturally, my answer as far as promoting and Royce's example would not be appropriate if I was to point out what constitutes a great fighter. But my answer, IMO, does reflect what I think makes up a great martial artist. After all, the Gracies used UFC to bring BJJ into the spotlight and helped promote it so that it has become a common name in households today. Not only that, but the Gracies are indeed great martial artists not only because of the knowledge of their style but also because they have made it as popular as it is today. OK, I agree that Royce is "bound" by his style. But he is not bound to traditional tactics when he fights others with different styles. He is able to beat those other Martial Artists because he uses a style that is flexible and ever changing within his environment. He can change tactics depending on who he is fighting because he is so knowledgable. If he is fighting a striker, he takes the person to the ground so he can bring them into his environment. If he is fighting another grappler, he needs to be more technical and watch every move he makes so as to not give up a position. This makes him a great artist as well as fighter. The word "fighter" appeared nowhere in the original post.

[Shapeless]

What makes a great fighter? Why that is a silly question. Of course the answer to that one is ME. I MAKE A GREAT FIGHTER! Nah, jk. Really I think the only thing that can make a great fighter is you. Ya get me?