Martial arts is not self defense. And self defense is not martial arts.
So what are the main difference and similarities when it comes to martial arts vs self defense?
This can be in terms of training either martial arts vs self defense, which can be totally different due to the nature of the combat situation (More on this below, but the element of surprise is the main difference here).
Martial arts also differs from self defense in the learning process and often the martial arts path to learning can be mush longer in comparison to learning and becoming proficient in self defense technigues.
Self defense definitely can and does use actual martial arts techniques.
In this post we look at why self defense is different from martial arts. But also the similarities especially in terms of actual combat techniques.
We also look at why martial arts can be very valuable for self defense.
Self defense does not require learning martial arts
If your main goal is to defend yourself in a real life situation , then you do not need to learn martial arts in order to learn self defense.
In self defense you only learn the most effective ways to defend yourself.
Martial arts requires years and years of dedication often to a single school or teacher until you have a blackbelt (up to 10 years)
Self defense does not require as much dedication and can be learnt in a relatively quick manner.
Especially with the right program and instructor.
Differences Between Martial Arts vs Self Defense
To most people, martial arts and self defense as seen as the same thing.
They are however very different espeically in terms of training and learning.
But they can be quite similar in terms of techniques.
Below are the main differences between martial arts and self defense.
1 – Martial Arts can be a Much Longer Journey
One of the main things people think of when it comes to martial arts, is the long arduous process of becoming a black belt or Master of your chose martial art.
And this is true when it comes to most martial arts.
In BJJ it can take 10 years or more of dedicated hard training in order to finally attain a black belt.
But in self defense, often the main objective is effectiveness of proven self defense techniques.
And with the right teacher and program, one can become proficient in effective self defense techniques within a much shorter period.
And you do not need to have a black belt to be able to effectively defend yourself in the street.
2 – Self Defense Training Begins on the ‘Backfoot’
In self defense training, most techniques begin with you on the ‘back foot’ and assume that your attacker has taken advantage of a moment when you are most vulnerable before attacking.
In most martial arts, combat is often accepted and agreed upon both the combatants and both are very aware of what is about to go down.
So in self defense, techniques that work when you are “surprise attacked” are often the starting point.
This is a major difference with martial arts, as you can begin your attack with your attacker behind you, or on top of you and not facing each other waiting for the referee to signal the start of the fight.
3 – Self Defense is Much More than Martial Arts Techniques
In self defense, being aware of your surroundings and avoiding any potential physical confrontations situations are often your first and best line of defense.
So, in self defense, there is much more than only learning combat or martial arts techniques.
Being able to talk a situation down or ward off an attack with stern verbal commands before any combat occurs can be very effective.
Self defense also techniques non confrontational body language in a verbal altercation to help diffuse a potential combat situation.
Walking with confidence and being able to spot threats before they can occur are also vital self defense teachings.
And these effective self defense strategies do not require martial arts fighting techniques nor any martial arts training in order to be used effectively int he real world.
Best Martial Arts for Self Defense
Can you use martial arts for self defense? Definitely, yes!
The best martial arts styles for self defense are covered in another post you can read here.
The martial arts styles below have self defense as the main focus and can definitely help anyone in their self defense learning:
- #1 Gracie Jiou Jitsu – differet from the BJJ which has a combat sport focus
- #2 Krav Maga – designed specifically for combat and not compeition
- #3 Wing Chun – designed for actual combat mostly against a stronger, bigger and heavier attacker
Martial arts still is very useful for self defense.
And pretty much all the combat techniques in self defense come from the martial arts.
The combat techniques in martial arts were developed over many decades, even centuries or warfare, combat and self defense.
Martial arts does train techniques in defending against attacks, countering and launching your own attacks.
When it comes to effective martial arts for self defense then those styles that do not focus on combat sports are often the best to learn and train.
Martial arts where competition is the main focus often only teach competition technqiues which work under safety regulations and rules.
Martial Arts can Help in Self Defense
Above we have looked at the best martial arts for purely a self defense perspective.
Below we look at why martial arts in general can be helpful for self defense.
#1 Free Sparring is Helpful for Actual Combat
The training in martial arts that involve sparring, and trying to use your techniques against a resisting opponent can be very useful for self defense.
Martial arts that include free sparring such as the randori in Judo or BJJ, wrestling sparring, boxing and muay thai/kickboxing sparring all involve trying to use your combat techniques against an opponent who is resisting.
your opponent is also attacking your in free sparring so your defense is practiced as well as your attack in sparring. this is obviously helpful if self defense if you do actually end up having to “fight”.
Martial sparring allows you to go hard out your endurance.
This will help you stay calm and use your techniques in a self defense situation should you need to.
#2 Martial Arts will Improve Physical Fitness
Martial arts training is known to result in improvements in almost all areas of physical fitness for any individual.
And being more physically fit will almost always be better for self defense situations.
Muscular strength and endurance, body composition, aerobic and anaerobic conditioning, speed and agility can all be improved with dedicated martial arts training.
And having a good level of conditioning will alllow you the endurance to cut and run fast and far enough to avoid a confrotation.
Also, one important part of self defense is walking with confidence.
And being in better physical shape will definitely help an individual walk with confidence.
Martial Arts vs Self Defense – Wrap Up
There are quite distinct differences when it comes to martial arts vs self defense.
And these include:
- the learning process – martial arts can require a lot of more dedication and time
- self defense training begins on the ‘back foot’ i.e after being surprised attacked
- self defense includes much more than martial arts combat techniques i.e situational awareness
But we have also discussed that martial arts are very helpful for self defense. And the best martial arts for self defense include Gracie Jiu Jistu, Krav Maga and Wing Chun.
