Five Martial Arts Misconceptions

1.       It’s all Karate

      Many people use the term Karate as a generic term for martial arts. This is incorrect, Karate is a specific term for a specific martial art. Karate is a Japanese form of unarmed combat specializing in various punches and kicks. There are also several different styles of Karate each with unique methods and tactics. It really irritates serious martial artist when Karate is used as a generic term for all martial arts, so try not to do that.

2.       You have to register your hands as deadly weapons

There is a very popular urban legend that trained fighters must register their hands as deadly weapons. This is not true in any way shape or form. However a trained fighter does have to consider any legal ramifications if he uses his training on the street. Any use of force that is greater than what would be necessary to neutralize a perceived threat could be grounds for prosecution.

       3.       It’s just for kids

When many people think about martial arts they think of it as character building and exercise for young children. As if there aren’t adults that could use some exercise and character building. Seriously speaking, martial arts practice is a worthy pursuit for anyone from age 8 to 80. There are hundreds if not thousands of different martial arts that one could learn. All you have to do is find something that suits your physicality, level of fitness, and your personality and then get started. It is by no means just for kids!

4.        I want to learn the ultimate martial art

There is no one martial art that rules them all. There is no one system that you can learn that will make you invincible. The effectiveness of any given martial arts depends a great deal on the individual practitioner. There are some people who are so talented they can make something that seems totally impractical work every time. There are people who are so challenged that even the simplest most straight forward technique may not work for them.

       5.       UFC/MMA is like street fighting

MMA is a wonderful sport that requires talent, skill, dedication and many many hours of training. MMA has rules and regulations meant to insure the safety of its participants and give them the opportunity to showcase their very impressive skills. It is in no way nor does it intend to be an approximation of a street fight. Street fights have no rules, no rounds, often there are no winners, and many losers. Street fighting is not fair, it is often not one on one mutual combat and very likely involves weapons. If your primary interest in martial arts is to become a successful street fighter then there are some other issues you may want to address prior to beginning your martial arts study.

This movie had nothing to do with Karate...