(Approx 2 minute 40 second read)

Many people believe that learning a martial art is the key to protecting themselves. While many martial arts evolved as self-defense systems, they were developed to suit the needs of people in specific times and places. But how well do these systems translate to the practical, modern-day world? Do we truly need martial arts for self-defense, or should we view them more as a form of fitness, fun, or competition?
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I’m not saying that the martial arts are ineffective for self-defense – far from it. My karate is pragmatic in its function, and I have had to rely on it in both my personal life and my career. It has served me well. But as times change, we need to ask: do we really need martial arts training to protect ourselves today?
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Not all martial arts are equally effective when it comes to self-defense. Some schools, even those that advertise themselves as self-defense-focused sometimes miss the mark when it comes to realism.
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The truth is, most people will never get into a physical altercation as an adult, and when conflict does arise, it’s usually completely avoidable. The best self-defense is avoiding the fight in the first place. Once a fight begins, the risk of injury is high. But for the average person, the need to physically defend yourself is rare.
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There are far better methods of keeping yourself safe than fighting. How often do you hear people – myself included – talk or write about, situational awareness, and verbal de-escalation? These attributes are arguably far more important than the ability to fight.
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Living on the outskirts of a city like Chicago, which has a high incidence of crime, I often hear gunshots ringing through the area and see empty bullet casings littering the streets during my morning runs. Is the ability to fight going to protect me from this kind of danger? Not likely.
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In such environments, being aware of your surroundings, knowing how to avoid risky areas, and having the confidence to carry yourself in a way that deters potential threats are much more valuable skills than knowing how to throw a punch.
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Learning the martial arts can still be immensely valuable. Training is fun, keeps you in shape, and instills discipline and confidence. However, it’s important to remember that your skills are perishable. Without regular practice, your ability to defend yourself will degrade over time.
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Even if you never have to use the physical skills you learn, simply knowing that you can fight may give you the confidence to avoid becoming a target in the first place. Hopefully, this sense of confidence can reduce your chances of ever needing to defend yourself.
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I would never discourage anyone from training in the martial arts – after all, it has been a major part of my life for over 50 years, and there are many great reasons to start training. However, if your sole goal is self-defense, is martial arts training enough?
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The best way to defend yourself is to avoid physical conflict altogether. Swallow your pride, walk away from escalating situations, and steer clear of environments where you might be forced to defend yourself. Engaging in violence should always be a last resort – though, of course, it can’t always be avoided.
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The martial arts remain a valuable practice, but when it comes to protecting yourself from real-world dangers, learning to avoid conflict and developing self-confidence are often far more practical strategies. Ultimately, the martial arts can be a useful tool, but the best defense is to prevent the need for fighting in the first place.
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Of course, I might be playing devil’s advocate here. After all, the martial arts have been a central part of my life for over 50 years. But it’s always worth considering whether what we’re doing serves our needs today, or if we need to adjust our approach to self-defense. That’s why I keep my running shoes ready, just in case!
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By Adam Carter – Shuri Dojo.