3 Critical Differences Between Self Defense and Martial Arts Fights

If you've taken self defense training classes, then you probably know that there is a difference between the strategies you've learned and practiced in class and a real fight or self defense situation. There is also a big difference between the staged fights you see in movies and what actually goes on if you are attacked. Take a look at your assumptions before you are caught in the position of having to fight back against an assailant using unrealistic tactics. There are three main differences between the types of fights you'll be engaging in during martial arts instructions and what you're likely to find in a situation where you are truly defending yourself against an attacker.

In both movies and martial arts classes, fights are pre-staged. This is an essential difference between what you see and what could happen in a real-life scenario. The moves are memorized step by step, with no room for variations or decision-making under pressure. If all of your training has been the memorization of specific moves, then you have not developed the critical skills required to fight back when you are actually being attacked. Your assailant will not move in ways that are easily predictable even if you have a martial arts background. A self defense situation will be chaotic and stressful, and your memorized moves won't fit into your response in this situation.

Self defense training tends to coddle trainees. In a practice fight, your attacker won't be coming at you with a knife or gun, and may not even be coming at you full force. In a real situation, you can't expect your attacker to back off for any reason, even if you have already given up your wallet and cell phone and are on the ground. You must use everything you have to fight back if you want to escape a dangerous situation.

Pre-staged fights are emotionally sterile. You know what to expect and that the fight is coming. Even if you're nervous before a martial arts competition, it could never compare to the nerves you will be facing if you are ever attacked. The reality is that you never have time in advance to prepare before you are attacked. Your heart will be racing and you may panic, forgetting everything you've learned. An attack is one of the most emotional situations you could ever find yourself in.

Even though self defense training might not realistically replicate a self defense situation, this doesn't mean that the training is not valuable. When you are attacked, confidence is key. If you plan to undergo martial arts training as part of your personal defense strategy, make sure that it focuses on real-life scenarios, not step-by-step moves. In addition to martial arts moves, you should always make a secondary plan to protect yourself. Have pepper spray or a stun gun, for example. Remember that the “bad guy” will often come armed, and your martial arts moves will be no match for his preparations. If you really want to survive a real-life attack, martial arts training alone may not be enough.