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This is kinda a "why do you train" question. Do you think most Martial Artists are insecure about getting their butts kicked in a streetfight? Statistically speaking the odds of getting in a fight are extremely low. The odds of an American being a victim of a violent crime (murder, rape, robbery, or assault) are about half of 1%. That number increases and decreased with where you live, but even in the worst cities, the probability is still extremely low. The odds decrease with lifestyle, neighborhood, and even attitude choices. Murder is 2/3 of the time conducted by someone the victim knows and is such a low probability that it is not even worth discussing for most of us. Rape is so rare for men that that is not worth discussing. Robbery is extremely rare (statistically) and usually does not result in physical violence. Assaults make up about 75% of that .5% chance. That's still low. If I remember correctly, only about 1/4 to 1/3 of assaults are weaponless, a large chunk (I think almost a third) inolve a blunt object for striking, a small number (like 15% I think) involve knives, and 20% or so involve guns. I don't have a study to back it up, but I would bet that at least 1/2 if not much more of assaults are by family or friends (domestic violence). The fact is that the vast majority of us will never get into a street fight. The only street fights I've ever been in were as a kid/teenager, and many of those could have been avoided had I run away or backed down. Also, statistically speaking, in assaults which constitute about 75% of all violent crimes bare hands are used only about 30-35% of the time. Other times weapons are used, yet most MArtists train for duels. Also, most assaults are that, "assaults," not really duels like a sporting fight. Most assaults are more "violent confrontations" than "hey, you have offended me, let's step outside and settle this honorably like men." Know what I mean? Most MAritists train for a level playing field "fight" or duel. Statistically that's as rare as a 3 dollar bill. Even "duels" on the street aren't like our sparring matches. Yet, most of us have this fascination with being able to fight in a square match. Then, look at the advertisements out there that appeal to Martial Artists--"learn these secrets to take down and defeat even the toughest, strongest, biggest, meanest, ugliest .... " Those ads are everywhere. Honestly, the toughest streetfightingest "I wouldn't mess with that guy" types I've known don't have any formal martial arts training. One of the best boxing trainers I ever met in my life never stepped foot in the ring, but he kicked more butt on the street than anybody I've ever met.
Then, look at how combat comandos in WWII were trained and even are trained today in H2H combat. WE Fairbairn was one of the smartest, most knowledgable MArtists ever. He witnessed and participated in more real world life or death struggles, fights, confrontations etc.. than all of us combined will see in 10 lifetimes. When he came up with a system for fighting it was simple--get tough--get in the best physical shape you can, learn about 10 simple techniques that can be used anywhere or anytime that take exactly 1 day to learn, and strike first. Bamm! That does it. Granted Fairbairn was a Judo/Jujitsu expert who would probably like to train troops for 12 years to learn technical throwing and ground fighting. The point is that it doesn't take much to get an edge. Yet, many of us train as if that street fight is inevitable. I'm not saying that's necessarily bad, mind you.
Are Martial Artists insecure? I think I am, just a little bit. I also enjoy the training, but honestly I was attracted in the first place to MA because I grew up in a rough place and I wanted to learn to fight, plain and simple. What do you think? I'm not talking about cops and the like who get into scruffs all the time. I'm talking about recreational MArtists.
Then, look at how combat comandos in WWII were trained and even are trained today in H2H combat. WE Fairbairn was one of the smartest, most knowledgable MArtists ever. He witnessed and participated in more real world life or death struggles, fights, confrontations etc.. than all of us combined will see in 10 lifetimes. When he came up with a system for fighting it was simple--get tough--get in the best physical shape you can, learn about 10 simple techniques that can be used anywhere or anytime that take exactly 1 day to learn, and strike first. Bamm! That does it. Granted Fairbairn was a Judo/Jujitsu expert who would probably like to train troops for 12 years to learn technical throwing and ground fighting. The point is that it doesn't take much to get an edge. Yet, many of us train as if that street fight is inevitable. I'm not saying that's necessarily bad, mind you.
Are Martial Artists insecure? I think I am, just a little bit. I also enjoy the training, but honestly I was attracted in the first place to MA because I grew up in a rough place and I wanted to learn to fight, plain and simple. What do you think? I'm not talking about cops and the like who get into scruffs all the time. I'm talking about recreational MArtists.
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