Physical fitness and its importance for self-defense...

[bushido_man96]

I read an article recently discussing the level of importance for the average Martial Artist training for self-defense.

There was a list of needs listed for two different Martial Arts types; the MMA fighter, and the average practitioner, wanting self-defense.

In the lists, the priority for conditioning and endurance was rated very high for the MMA fighter. Obviously so, in my opinion. There are several reasons why I couldn't compete in an MMA ring at this time, and those are two of them.

However, in the list for the average self-defense minded stylist, physical fitness was not on the list (albeit the lists were only 4 items in length for each). I am not really sure what to make of this.

I don't think that the fitness level of the typical MMA fighter is mandatory for every Martial Artist training out there to have, I do feel that some level of fitness is of great importance when it comes down to defending one-self. For one thing, the body wears out fast after the adrenaline dump, especially if you have never experienced it before. Also, being in shape in order to deliver resounding strikes would have its benefit as well.

What does everyone else think of the importance of physical fitness for self-defense? I don't think that the article was denouncing the importance of fitness altogether, but I do think it to be important enough to make the 4-item list.

[TigerDude]

Well, fitness is a key cvmponent of Goju Ryu, both for the power of the attack and to help in taking a hit. How can you defend yourself if you are out of shape?

What were the four items listed in the article?

[marie curie]

I don't know exactly what is meant by "physical fitness".

Strength? Agility?

Aren't conditioning and endurance part of it, too?

[bushido_man96]

I don't know exactly what is meant by "physical fitness".

Strength? Agility?

Aren't conditioning and endurance part of it, too?

All of those components that you listed would be involved. I am not saying that all of them would have to top-tier, but all would help.

[bushido_man96]

Well, fitness is a key cvmponent of Goju Ryu, both for the power of the attack and to help in taking a hit. How can you defend yourself if you are out of shape?

What were the four items listed in the article?

Those are some of my sentiments as well. I will have to look at the article again later, and I will list the items for each.

[bushido_man96]

Ok, here are the lists:

MMA fighter:

conditioning/endurance

physical technique

determination/confidence

ability to relax and focus

For "Surviving a street encounter":

awareness

fighting spirit/attitude

simple gross-motor techniques

ability to refrain from panicing

I don't want to understate the importance of each of the above factors listed for self-defense. They are all very important. However, I do think that being fit plays a bigger role than most might think when it comes to having to defend yourself.

[marie curie]

I think that what they mean by conditioning/endurance is physical fitness (actually I think that conditioning covers it as it is an umbrella term for conditioning your body to do the things physically that you may need to do), and that's at the top for the MMA fighter.

Honestly the only fight that I've ever had outside of the dojo- I didn't use much physical fittness... I was hit, I turned around and kicked him in the nose (he was low) before I even had time to think about it, and he wasn't interested in messing with me anymore.

The only other encounter I had was being grabbed at the wrist and pulled by a "homeless" guy here on the street. I did one quick and simple escape, and a pushing punch as I began bolting in the other direction.

Of course, if you are going to go 12 rounds with someone in the bar, it's a different story, but if you just want to "survive" the encounter, one can generally stun someone with just a couple of moves and then leave.

Just MHO, though.

[bushido_man96]

The encounters that you had sound like they were very quick for you. However, I just don't think they will always be that quick.

[cross]

Physical fitness is in no way a requirement for being able to defend yourself, nor is martial arts training. Otherwise how would people with no training or a high level of fitness have been able to defend themselves successfully so many times in the past?

Thats not to say that you shouldnt work on it. Like anything, being fit will definitely be a huge advantage, not only in defending yourself, but having a long and healthy life. With that in mind, i dont think its a "requirement" for self defense, nor are any of the other things on the list. Sure they all help, but when it comes down to it, the need to survive is whats going to count most.

[Ace2021]

I would rather be as strong, fast, and agile as I can be..and NEVER fight, than be physically unfit, and be in a self defense situation.

As said above, just having the vitality for the aspect of Life itself is good.

As Sohan once said, to put it vaguely, good luck defending yourself against a former inmate whose been doing nothing but pumping iron in the jailyard for 12 years, while you're having problems breathing.