What does it take to have an effective martial arts?

[MuayThai Fighter]

What if the art isn't competition oriented?

 

What if it isn't combat oriented?

 

Because it has a different purpose does it automatically render it "less effective"?

 

What if the point of the art is to develop the person, not to win medals?

 

The point is I'm only talking about the martial arts styles that are combat and competition oriented,otherwise I wouldn't be talking about effectiveness,would I?

[Kyle-san]

The point is I'm only talking about the martial arts styles that are combat and competition oriented,otherwise I wouldn't be talking about effectiveness,would I?

 

There are different definitions of effective. Someone might see their personal/internal growth as the most important so, in their view, something like Tai Chi would be more effective than Jujutsu.

 

Of course, I did misread an earlier post of yours which sent me off on this tangent. Still, it's something to keep in mind.

[MuayThai Fighter]

The point is I'm only talking about the martial arts styles that are combat and competition oriented,otherwise I wouldn't be talking about effectiveness,would I?

 

There are different definitions of effective. Someone might see their personal/internal growth as the most important so, in their view, something like Tai Chi would be more effective than Jujutsu.

 

Of course, I did misread an earlier post of yours which sent me off on this tangent. Still, it's something to keep in mind.

 

Good point never thought of it that way,however when I say effective,I'm not talking about personal/internal growth,I'm talking about self-defense.

 

Tai Chi is a martial arts more for stuff like Chi and for relaxation,although some Tai Chi people will tell you it's great for self-defense as well if used quickly on street,however I find that very,very hard to believe.

 

Infact I don't even consider Tai Chi a martial arts even though it is a martial arts.

[Kensai]

Tai Chi, is indeed a powerful system. Taking many years of dication to use effectively. Although MTF you already disagree with this. I have seen Tai Chi used very effectively by a friend of a friend out side a pub. The guy had been doing it some 6 years and was suprised at how well he did. But he does REAL Tai Chi, what I mean by that, is not just Qi gong and forms, but San Shou as well.

[rb]

MTF if you are refering to the Tai Chi seen in parks and public access tv then yes I would agree that that is not a martial art.

 

However the full art of tai chi is quite combat capable with strikes, counters, locks, throws etc.

[MuayThai Fighter]

MTF if you are refering to the Tai Chi seen in parks and public access tv then yes I would agree that that is not a martial art.

 

However the full art of tai chi is quite combat capable with strikes, counters, locks, throws etc.

 

Actually I was referring to the Tai chi in parks and what you see people doing on tv.You are wrong in saying it isn't a martial arts,because infact it is considered just that ask any chinese martial artist.

 

I just don't look at it in that way,because to me martial arts is something that can really work as self-defense both in competition and on street.

 

Full art of tai chi,I can't imagine being realistic as far as self-defense is concerned,because as you've seen in my other posts I don't see katas as being realistic,but that's my opinion.

 

After all Tai chi is pre-arranged forms without any partner.I realize there are several types of Tai chi but all do forms.

 

Tai Chi is something I may do when I'm older for relaxation,and unable to compete.

 

Tai Chi is however, from what I've heard is good for your heart and over- all health.

[Kensai]

TAI CHI NOT AN MA?!

 

Amazing, I have no idea why people has this opinion of such a fanastic style. Both practically and structurally sound. But some people can never be convinced.

[ninjanurse]

Regardless of the style of Martial Art (and yes, Tai Chi is a martial art!) it still comes down to PRACTICE!

 

[jmy77]

MTF, forms (katas) are not ment to be used in an actual situation. I think anyone who tries to perform a kata in a street fight would end up getting very seriuosly injured.

 

In my school, yes we practice forms but it is get you used to applying strikes in a series, a fluid motion. As my sensei said "think of forms as legos. The lego blocks are your srikes and you can build them into any form." It's just another training tool.

 

You do forms. Essentially, any combination of strikes can be considered a form.

 

In my school we also spend atleast a quater of the class doing "No-mind" drills. Which is free sparring. At low ranks it is very controlled, to get you used to applying what you know (you react and strike per what comes naturally for you, not in some predetermined form.)

 

To say what makes an art effective depends on the person and the situation. Effective in a ring - the art would have to have quality ground techniques, in the street the art (IMHO) has to have fast strikes with minimal or better yet, no "set up" needed to end it as fast as possible.

 

Also, it would have to do with how the art is taught. Are you just learning forms? Or are you learning how to apply the tools that are practiced within the form? Do you pratice in the regard that you intend to use the art?

 

Ofcourse, just my opinion.

[omnifinite]

From what I've heard, Tai Chi masters are some of the fastest people alive. As obsessively as they perfect their body mechanics in their movements using "useless" forms, it wouldn't surprise me.