subject: Why Are Certain Martial Arts Techniques Always Left Out Of Self Defense Training? [print this page] It seems like a large percentage of self defense courses and techniques include at least some elements of martial arts. This could be quick strikes, easy to use grappling techniques, and the like. However, if you take a look at what is almost never used in these courses, there are 3 characteristics that most of these moves have in common. Here is a look at some of the characteristics that makes certain martial arts techniques a poor choice for self defense.
1.Ritualization
There are a number of martial arts moves that seem to be taught for the sake of tradition, rather than real world effectiveness. There are a number of these moves in art forms such as karate, tae kwon do, and hapkido. These types of moves are easy to identify because they are rarely used in sparring. This means that after you learn them, they are primarily used in pre-arranged displays or forms of movement Ritualized moves are often necessary to learn in order to become a higher level or higher belt, but are not very applicable in general.
2.Low Contact Moves
There are a large number of martial arts techniques that are very useful for sparring and for tournaments. These types of moves are often considered to be low contact techniques. While they are great for scoring points when sparring or at a competition, they are not very useful when it comes to inflicting actual damage. Many of the moves that fall into the ritualized category, can be found in this category as well. They might be great within the controlled environment of the dojo, but they are likely to be less effective in the real world, which is why they are left out of most self defense courses.
3.Low Versatility
Within a specific martial art form, there are often moves that were originally created with a specific purpose in mind, normally countering a specific attack. While these types of moves can prove to be very effective against a specific type of strike, they lack versatility. Currently, most self defense courses emphasize learning a few moves that can be applied in a variety of situations. Because of this, the moves that lack versatility, will often be left behind. As an added drawback, not only do these moves lack versatility, but they also lack applicability. Because they are designed to counter a specific move, your attacker will need to be trained in the same form of martial arts for it to actually be needed.
While there are a number of fantastic martial arts moves that can improve anyones ability to defend themselves, there are also a number of moves that simply don't belong in a self defense course. If you are trying to find out why certain moves seem to never taught outside of a specific art form, there is a good chance that it falls into one of these three categories. The move may be taught within a martial arts course as more of a ritual than actual real world utility. It may be a low contact move, which means that it will not be able to inflict damage if you are ever really attacked, or it may simply not be versatile enough to provide a widely applicable benefit.
