Martial Arts basically deals with defending ones self using ones body parts as weapons and armor at the same time
. The Self Defense Training provided by Martial Arts Schools is usually not the same as is required when it comes to facing real life situations. However, the techniques taught have much fundamental value to improving ones bodily and spiritual defense system.
With changes in battlefield scenario over the years Martial Arts have lost much of their practical value. Today they hold a prestigious place mainly in the domains of sports, arts and personality development. Regular practice can boost up the trainees physical fitness. The entire body gets exercise resulting in greater strength and stamina. Thus it is effective in building up ones defense system. By improving ones breathing, circulatory system and diet control it results in affording stronger immunity to the whole body. Thus it helps to ward off diseases and weakness. So we may say that the self-defense mechanism is activated that way too.
By improving you mental control it also serves to defend you on the spiritual level. Dedicated trainees show high levels of concentration, will power and consequent self-dignity and bravery. Training in Martial Arts sharpens your sensory powers and hence in most cases helps you respond quickly to attacks. At times of crises it helps you to unleash the full potential of your mental and bodily faculties. The techniques and tricks learnt get sharpened and strengthened when applied under real situations.
Real self defense is in preventing or arresting an attack and not in exchanging kicks and blows. Martial Art is less of a science of attacking and more of an art of self defense. You can learn it better not by reading articles on it but by obtaining training under a real Martial Arts Expert.