Just Thinking Out Loud Here!!

[DWx]

Knowing anatomy helps in a self defense situation because you will then have a better idea of what the body can and cannot handle.

For me in working in rehabilitation and training, I have learnt how every joint can and can't move as its range of motion.

Applying a rear naked choke? many people apply it and don't know what they are restricting (be it restricting blood flow or air flow!).

Are you applying an armbar standing up? What movements is the person being restricted likely to be able to do? What movements can you do to dislocated the elbow or shoulder?

When taking someone down what positions can you move them into with minimal effort?

I have spoken to many karateka, judoka and BJJ students + instructors about this topic and majority have said having knowledge of anatomy is vital for effectiveness when required. As they all said that if your training and have to use it in self defense then make it as reliable as possible where you can stop an incoming attack all whilst using minimal effort. A BJJ instructor said to me having no knowledge of anatomy even a little bit in a self defense situation puts you at a disadvantage.

Having that knowledge makes you more aware of what you can do and how much force to apply in different situations. And how to maximise your own safety.

Is this stuff not covered over the course of normal BJJ training anyway? Surely you should be aware of the difference between a blood choke and air choke if you've trained to a high level.

[Alan Armstrong]

Every part of the human body is a target from a martial artist's point of view. Just depends on what part of my own body I use as a weapon on these parts.

We all must eventually learn which part hurts when injured more than other parts through experience. Also developing an understanding of our own pain thresholds in different areas also.

An understanding of body mechanics seems more appropriate for martial artists than GP knowledge.

Body builders on going experience of using strength and leverage. Combined with therapy and massage experience puts them in a more focused position to use anatomy for or against another person.

There are Specialists in the medical field that learn a martial art to improve their practice and not the other way around. Some specialist in the medical profession use auto mechanics to help them understand how the human body functions in a more basic way.

So it seems to me that information on human bio mechanics doctor or martial artist would be an advantage.

To target a single muscle or a joint and nerves in a fight is highly intellectual, it can increases the odds of wining a fight over brute strength.

UFC for Doctors my be a reality some day, until then it is a wait and see...