Self-Defense
My name is Michael J. Agbay I’m the owner/founder of MJA Martial Arts, Inc. in Spencer, MA. I’ve been in the business of self-defense since 1994. I’ve been training in the Martial Arts for over 30- years and I’ve seen and experienced all different styles of self defense.
Which Self-Defense Program is right for you?
We hear this phrase quite often, but do we really understand what it means? By definition, “Self-Defense is the act of defending oneself, ones property, or the well-being of another.”
When you hear the phrase, “self-defense,” most people think of the Martial Arts Styles. There are numerous types of Martial Arts Systems. Many styles of martial arts are practiced for self-defense or include self-defense techniques.
Historically, martial arts systems were created, tested, and used in combat. That’s right COMBAT! No rules...no laws. In modern times we see so many different things happening in the Martial Arts that we may become more confused than ever.
Martial Arts are broken down in two very simple categories, Sport or Combat.
Sport Martial Arts
While sport martial arts may be effectively applied for self-defense, it is not the primary training objective. Sport martial arts have rules and regulations. Some martial arts schools combine several styles together for competitive sport. This is most often referred to as Mixed Martial Arts or MMA.
Combat Martial Arts
Combat martial arts styles train primarily for self-defense. Combat martial arts have no rules. It’s a matter of surviving, not winning. There are no winners in combat, just survivors.
What’s the relationship between Self-Defense & Martial Arts Systems?
The Martial Arts are a discipline. It takes many years to develop skill, muscle memory, timing, reaction, physical and mental conditioning and speed.
Self-defense techniques, however, can be learned in a much shorter time than a Martial Arts System. One can learn simple and effective Self-Defense techniques that, with a little practice, will be very effective in a Self-Defense situation.
However, when training specifically in self-defense techniques alone, you are limiting yourself by not getting into the finite details and challenging yourself physically and mentally. Your instructor can give you additional insights that you can use in a self-defense situation such as learning the physical vital target points on the body, as well as the specific natural weapons to use in a given situation. By studying a Martial Arts System you will be able to build a solid foundation in the system that you choose. You will learn how to be healthy, fit and stress free.
Martial Arts Systems
How do you find a Martial Arts System that is best for you?
Everyone has their own preferences. I relate it to buying clothes. When we shop for clothing, we may choose something that is attractive, but it may not always be practical.
When you choose a Martial Arts style for self-defense purposes, you should choose something that you find attractive however, it has to work in combat. I tell my students to “Train as if it were real!” Once you learn something you need to test it out for combat!
Martial Arts Systems takes years to learn and develop. There are no short cuts.
There are three phases of learning the Martial Arts.
1. Primitive Stage – Beginner
2. Mechanical Stage - Intermediate
3. Spontaneous Reaction stage – Advanced
I love and respect all martial arts systems, but I do not feel every Martial Artist represents their system well. I have some of my students who are 10 – 12 years old come up to me and say, “Sensei my friend at school is a 11 and has his 2nd Degree Black Belt and he’s only been training for 2-years.” My reply is they think they are a black belt because their teacher told them they are a black belt.
These children may possess discipline, respect, self-control and self-confidence which are all character traits of what all martial artists should be. This does not, however, determine physical and mental martial skills. I feel bad for these children, because they are being misled into thinking they are Black Belts. It gives them a false sense of security, and if they get in a street confrontation they may end up learning the hard way.
It is important that you understand the difference between sport and combat martial arts.
Do not be misled into believing that flying cart wheel kicks and doing weapon katas with swords and bow staffs flying in the air are effective in a real life self defense situations!
There is nothing wrong with these “systems” as long as you understand that these gymnastics are not for self-defense. In a street fight both feet will never leave the ground! Weapons never leave your hands.
There always will be SPORT martial arts and there will always be COMBAT martial arts. Just know the difference!
In today's world of immediate gratification, it's getting harder to teach children the value of working towards goals and the satisfaction that comes from a job well done. Our children's programs focus on reinforcing traditional martial arts values such as trying one's best and never giving up. Our students take pride in hard work and achieve their belts the old fashioned way. They earn it!
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