Reality-based fighting: the root of Martial Arts?

[bushido_man96]

I was reading an article in BBMag by Bill Wallace this morning. He was discussing self-defense and reality-based fighting. Towards the end of the article, he makes a statement saying that reality-based fighting represents the roots of the Martial Arts.

I know that it is just Wallace's opinion, and know one can really say that he is right, but I think that he makes a very good point.

Initially, the Martial Arts were not about stylization and competition. They were about simplicity and efficiency in war. On the battlefield, things had to be as quick as possible. I know that the Martial Arts have come a very long way in its evolution. However, it always seems to go full-circle, back to keeping it simple in times of crises.

What do you all think?

[blackxpress]

My sensei would agree. He just preached us a sermon on that very subject last Wed. night. He said that he wouldn't discourage us from taking part in tournament competition but that he, personally, doesn't have much use for it. He believes our training should be oriented toward real world self defense which, as he puts it, was the original purpose of karate.

[username8517]

I would agree with it and I know my instructor would as well. Like blackxpress, my sensei tells everyone that joins that he wouldn't discourage them from doing tournaments and competitions, but a lot of the moves and techniques he shows are not allowed in competition.

But yes, martial arts were originally created for fighting. However, one must also be aware that there are some junk Reality Based Self-Defense instructors out there just as there are with any TMA. A particular style, or lack there of, does not signify any guarantee to surviving on the streets.

[bushido_man96]

I would agree with it and I know my instructor would as well. Like blackxpress, my sensei tells everyone that joins that he wouldn't discourage them from doing tournaments and competitions, but a lot of the moves and techniques he shows are not allowed in competition.

I think we all know where "Superfoot" stands from a competition stand-point. I feel that competition isn't a bad thing. I think that a good Martial Artist can still train for both competition and self-defense.

But yes, martial arts were originally created for fighting. However, one must also be aware that there are some junk Reality Based Self-Defense instructors out there just as there are with any TMA. A particular style, or lack there of, does not signify any guarantee to surviving on the streets.

You make a good point here, bearich. I don't think you have to seek out a RBSD instructor to get that kind of training. I don't think anyone would consider Wallace an RBSD instructor, but he still teaches some reality-based views on fighting.

[James Bullock]

I would have to say I agree whole heartedly with Mr. Wallace's comments.

As a matter of fact he said very similar things in his seminar he did in Columbus, Kansas a few weekends ago.

The martial arts can be practiced for a variety of reasons including health, fitness, hobby, sport and so on. But the bottom line is that they were intended for warfare and fighting. A warrior is not just a scholar, he is not just supposed to be in shape, he "should" be trained to protect, fight, and kill if need be.

[bushido_man96]

I would have to say I agree whole heartedly with Mr. Wallace's comments.

As a matter of fact he said very similar things in his seminar he did in Columbus, Kansas a few weekends ago.

The martial arts can be practiced for a variety of reasons including health, fitness, hobby, sport and so on. But the bottom line is that they were intended for warfare and fighting. A warrior is not just a scholar, he is not just supposed to be in shape, he "should" be trained to protect, fight, and kill if need be.

I agree, James Bullock.

So, Wallace actually had a seminar in KANSAS??? I didn't know about it!! That would have been great? Where exactly is Columbus?

[James Bullock]

It's about thirty minutes or so away from Pittsburgh. It was great got the usual autograph, pictures and such. He was one of the nicest martial arts stars I have met.

It was put on by a guy that is apart of SWAT. It is an organization that has many TKD practitioners. There was an open tournament the day after the seminar.

[bushido_man96]

Very cool. I would drive across the state for that, for sure.

[TigerDude]

he is not just supposed to be in shape, he "should" be trained to protect, fight, and kill if need be.

I don't know that I agree with that. If I wanted to protect myself, I'd carry a pistol.

[bushido_man96]

he is not just supposed to be in shape, he "should" be trained to protect, fight, and kill if need be.

I don't know that I agree with that. If I wanted to protect myself, I'd carry a pistol.

Well, I think part of reality is being in the know about the weapons that are availble for the time that you live in. Today, conceal and carry is a big thing, and that, in itself, is a bit of reality.