Fighters & Martial Artists
Fighters & Martial Artists
I would like to share my personal beliefs regarding the misunderstandings and false impressions created about modern day martial arts that is influenced by the media. The root of all fighting systems is traditional martial arts. It is unfortunate and sad when people compare a modern fighting system like MMA with ancient martial arts. Back in olden days, the masters would train martial arts daily, both physically and mentally. Many challenges would arise between martial arts schools, masters, or students. Going back even further, martial arts was used between opposing armies in a war. Since that time, martial arts have greatly evolved, being further developed by those that practice it. Modern day martial arts systems, such as MMA focus solely on the fighting aspect, with fighters training daily as if it were a fulltime job. These fighters have a particular view on the world of martial arts. Most of their drive as a fighter, is to reach fame and riches. Of course, there arealways exceptions to both types of martial artists in the positive and negative sense of their character.
This is in stark contrast to the traditional martial arts practitioner’s view. They partake in the art itself, applying themselves to learning and following in their master’s footsteps. They also understand that it is their duty as a student to gain the highest knowledge of the art and pass it on to the next generation. If someone compares a traditional – style martial artist with a modern day’s fighter, it shows that there is a lack of understanding of the contrast between the two concepts. Especially when two individuals partake in a challenge to fight, and the description is “Wing Chun fighter against Thai box fighter”, or “Karate fighter against an MMA fighter”.
Such a fight has nothing to do with the form of martial arts practiced by the two individuals. The only thing that determines the outcome of the fight are the two people fighting, as we assume they are training in a high standard martial arts school.
The result usually favours the modern style fighter, as that is his “job” and is what he/she spends countless hours a week on by conditioning, strengthening and constant sparring. That is not to say that the reverse does not happen, as there have been instances where the traditional style fighter has won. Many fighting systems have a strong focus on a specific concept. In this case, any style can claim that their system is better due to their specific strengths such as a focus on ground fight, legwork, punching power, etc. Examples of styles that focus on a specific aspect of the method of fighting include BJJ, Boxing, Tae Kwon Do, Kickboxing, Wrestling and many more. These days MMA fighters are well trained in many styles to be able to handle the style of their opponent. Fight scenes are another topic I would like to mention.
Traditional martial artists are also trained for different situations, including weaponry and self-defence situations. Everyone specialises in what they were trained in and for the situation in which they can use their skills. Someone that is trained for a self-defence situation possesses skills that may or may not be admissible in the ring. Different situations can range from being in a crowd or in rainy weather, perhaps standing on an uneven surface or facing more than one opponent, etc. There are situations where well-trained martial artist is more comfortable to fight than a fighter trained to fight in a ring. Again, it does not mean an MMA fighter, kickboxer or boxer cannot defend themself, I only wish to point out that each person is better suited to fight in the situation they were trained to fight in.In conclusion, I respect all martial artist and all fighters no matter what system or style. Both methods are a difficult road to a hard-earned title. Personally, I do not respect those who criticize, underestimate, or judge traditional martial artists and compare them to modern day fighters and systems, especially those who comment on social media under an alias, and it is obvious that their closest experience in fighting was on Xbox.
Perhaps a good analogy is not to compare a traditional style martial artist or modern-day style fighter, the same way you would not compare is a professional cyclist and an acrobatic cyclist in a circus. Both have exceptionally good skills. While the professional cyclist can go 100s of kilometres with high endurance, stamina and win competitions, even beat the acrobatic cyclist in a track, if the professional cyclist would try to complete the acrobatic cyclist’s act on a rope 20m high, I would wager only the acrobat could do it even though both are cyclists. Finally, I would like to mention that I have had experience in the world of fighting as I worked as a security guard in night clubs for years as well as practicing close range combat while I was in the army.
These are totally different situations, scenes, and circumstances. There was darkness, laser lights, crowds, loud noise, smoke, etc in the night club. Whereas in the army, temperatures would reach extremes of hot or cold and involved rain and snow whilst carrying our heavy equipment. These instances are all a completely different experience than fighting in the ring. Martial artists and fighters who work as security guards, compete in the ring or serve in the army, all do tremendous jobs. They can all can be a reasonably good “cyclists or acrobats”, but for me it is a personal achievement regardless of the style. Unfortunately, there are so many fake “Masters” creating fake schools and martial artists who destroy the reputations of the traditional martial arts styles, but hopefully people can see the difference between fake and real. The only advice I can suggest for martial arts schools, is to regularly practice realistic sparring. Practicing only forms, skewed – scenarios and choreographs are not enough to be a proficient fighter in the ring or in a self-defence situation.
Sifu Janos Konya