(2 minute and 20 second read)

A comment on my article about the strongest karate, stated that; “it has already been addressed in the real world, by MMA”.
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MMA has gained immense popularity in recent years, captivating audiences with its dynamic blend of various martial arts disciplines.
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It undoubtedly showcases the prowess of its athletes, but it is essential to recognize that it may not be the ideal benchmark for evaluating the entire spectrum of the martial arts.
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The martial arts encompass a wide range of disciplines, each with its unique philosophy and goals. While MMA focuses on competitive combat within the confines of a regulated sport, other martial arts emphasize many other valuable aspects.
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Spiritual development, personal growth, self-defense, weapons (for which he claimed there is no defense), vulnerable person and child safety, and much more. Using MMA as a sole reference point overlooks the broader objectives that many traditional martial arts aim to achieve.
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A dogmatic approach to an all encompassing style is plainly misinformed, and it is important to try (sometimes with futility) to get the message across….. there is NOT one system or style that is effective in ALL areas. Surely even without experience (he was a keyboard warrior) logic and common sense would prove otherwise.
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MMA training is tough, intense, it forges strength, endurance, and impressive fighting skills. But emphasizing techniques optimized for sport, in real-world self-defense scenarios, may not be practical, or legal, in situations where personal safety is at stake.
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This neglects the crucial aspect of pragmatic karate for self-protection that prioritizes avoidance, escape, de-escalation, pre-emption, for yourself and others, rather than defeating an opponent.
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The crucial elements of personal safety come into play the moment you leave your home. While MMA places value on strength and the ability to overcome opponents, the primary focus in personal safety is not merely on defeating an adversary, but ensuring that you possess the capability to return home safely to your family each day.
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Many young people practice the martial arts today. The high-intensity nature of MMA raises concerns about its appropriateness for children, or individuals with a more reserved disposition, including potentially vulnerable practitioners. This particularly applies to those who may not be interested in physical combat but still prioritize their own personal safety.
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Traditional martial arts often provide age-appropriate training that focuses on skill development, character building, and safety, often incorporating ethical principles such as respect, humility, and non-aggression, which may not align with the more aggressive nature of MMA.
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Describing MMA as a perfect model overlooks its objective, which is to determine the most effective means to defeat an opponent in a competition.
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The world of martial arts is vast and inclusive, with diverse styles catering to people of all ages, abilities, and fitness levels.
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Although MMA unquestionably excels as a competitive sport, it doesn’t stand as the optimal example for all aspects of martial arts, particularly in real-world self-defense (including weapons) and ensuring the safety of vulnerable individuals, including the young. The emphasis here is not primarily on fighting.
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So ditch the dogma and open your mind (and maybe a karate school door) to a deeper understanding of the martial arts. It’s not just about throwing elbows and knees, it’s about self-defense, safety, learning about yourself, and even inner peace (who knew?), with a pinch of logic and common sense thrown in.
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Photo Credit: image by viarprodesign on Freepik
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