If you were under the impression that martial arts and self-defence are one, it’s time to explore more on each of these practices. You aren’t alone; it’s the application that has probably led to this perception. While both the methods have been integrated on various platforms, the training techniques and skills vary to a great extent. Let’s see how!
The core difference
Martial arts practices such as Kung Fu, Karate, Taekwondo, Kickboxing, and other popular striking styles used for self-defence training across various parts of the world, although the way it has been adopted in the modern context is quite different. For instance, if women were to be trained on how to defend them against a potential stalker or rapist, in most cases, it wouldn’t be a flying kick that they would be taught to deliver. Instead, the technique would rather be a simpler version that could be promptly performed by anyone to strike the perpetrator.
In ancient times, training in a martial art was not only a means of preparing oneself for war, but it had a holistic approach. People trained for years to develop a way of living. Today, many enthusiasts train in kickboxing as a part of their regular exercise regimen. You’ll find an array of gyms and fitness classes offering courses in cardio kickboxing as a high-energy workout practice.
The strengths of self-defence vis-à-vis martial arts
Self-defence can be learned by anyone, whether it’s a child, elderly, or a person living with physical disabilities. You can learn to protect yourself regardless of your age, weight, height, and other physical attributes. That’s essential because self-defence is not considered a form of exercise that is meant to be done ritualistically.
On the contrary, martial art demands regular practice and immense dedication. It can also improve one’s health over time. Many schools impart a form of martial arts as a practice. You can take the self-defence classes in Pune to see the difference for yourself. We train people with simple yet effective skills that can be learned quickly.
Building on one’s inner strength is typical to both the practices.
Self-defence can train you to counter a form of harassment or assault. It includes being able to defend yourself against everyday abusive situations, as well. While martial arts generate greater awareness on how to prevent, protect, and counterattack. In both cases, training can boost your confidence levels. Join our Karate classes in Pune to improve your stamina, speed, strength, and flexibility.
Martial arts take longer to hone as compared to self-defence skills that can be grasped quickly. Martial arts practice is seen as a lifelong pursuit. However, both enable the development of a strong mind-body connection.
Martial art is a discipline that helps inculcate focus and builds on self-respect. Self-defence practice also contributes to improving alertness, awareness, and self-esteem through one’s journey. If you experience violence, any point in your life, training in self-defence can come handy. It can also improve your understanding of other social injustices, such as gender-based violence, racism, communalism, etc.
Summary
The martial art path is a spiritual path, which focuses on mind training. Mixed Martial Arts has been emerging as a popular form of self-defence taught across places. Muay Thai (kickboxing), Aikido, Karate, Taekwondo, Jiu-Jitsu, Wrestling, and other such practices are being combined to impart training on self-defence so that you can skillfully encounter combat situations unarmed.
