Are you currently training in the martial arts? If so, then you've probably been introduced to the idea of "testing," for advancement in your chosen martial art style. And, while there are many different perspectives with regards to which test is the most important of all...
If your focus is on real-world self defense ability, there is only one test that matters.
Do you know which one it is?
I ask my students this question all the time. In fact, it's a regular part of the academic requirements within their curriculum.
And, although I get several different, yet consistent answers, none of them really points to the reality of "why" they are training - or training with me, at least!
A few of the most common answers that I get are:
1) White belt
2) Black belt, and even...
3) The test of commitment
None of these points back to the main reason why most of my students are training in the first place. Because, most of them, and perhaps this is true for you as well, are training for self defense - to be able to successful defend against, survive, and/or escape from a brutal attacker who is trying to beat, break, or kill them.
But, if we look at the answers that I routinely get in response to the question, none of them really reinforces that goal.
Regardless of the belt color, a student can merely do the same thing that he or she does in the academic world, and study just enough to pass the minimum requirements for the test. Then, once the new level or grade has been received, they can "forget" about the older material and begin again with the new.
And, while most people who are interested in martial arts training never take that first step which would give them a white belt, the attainment of the belt is more closely tied to the fact that you don't have any of the skills being taught, than it does with your ability to defend yourself if you're attacked.
This same idea holds true for black belt. In fact, I would suggest that the "test of commitment" is more of a factor in you getting your black belt, than your ability in a self defense situation.
Again, there is a huge difference between "having" and "knowing" skills like blocking, punching, or applying joint locks, and...
...having the capability to "apply" those skills, under pressure, against a real world attacker.
No.
What I've been talking about this whole time - the test that matters most - is just that...
You're abiity to use your skills, under pressure, against a real attacker...
...who's right there - in your face...
...throwing real attacks...
...with real intention to do harm...
...and WIN!
Effective self defense requires more than just a few "karate moves." It involves the ability to think strategically, and understand how to defend yourself with as little wear-and-tear on you as possible.
For more information on what you MUST know to survive a real street attack, read my newest self defense book: "Fight Smarter - Not Harder!" It's available free at: /street-fighting-self-defense-book.html
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