Enough with the Hapkido bashing already — not to mention, Aikido, karate and TKD, etc... We all know these arts have their flaws, but they also have some good qualities as well. Hence, they were developed as martial arts.
Everyone is so caught up in this “BJJ and Muay Thai are the best” mentality that they’re missing the entire point. Further down the line, BJJ and Muay Thai may replace Hapkido, karate or TKD. Think about it, when you become fixated on something, you’re no longer serving its cause.
Consider that in our history, man has been so attached to their own religions, doctrines and traditions. To each Faith, their truth was undeniable — It WAS the defining truth. Yet, we know today that religion is a matter of opinion. The same can be said with martial arts. We understand that some styles hold more weight than others, yet we cannot forget that none are definitive truths to combat, just as no religion is undeniable the truth.
For instance, I think of plenty of things that BJJ cannot defend — small joint manipulations while on the ground. Grab a hold of fingers and twist and he’ll let go. Bite the guy’s neck or pectoral in the guard or mount. In a savage fight for survival, an attacker will do more than your usual mat exercises — savage strength can be deceptive.
With Muay Thai, you will notice that after the Round Kick, the back is turned. That’s the moment to rush in and initiate a take down or launch an attack (I’ve personally done this). Use the side kick to the knee caps — this is also an effective technique against Muay Thai. Good boxing skills are also good counters in Muay Thai, hence, many MT fighters now train in Western Boxing.
However, my point is not to discredit BJJ or MT, but to point out that they are merely another step in the right direction, not the definitive answer. As obsolete as TKD may seem, it is also part of the greater equation.
Everyone is so caught up in this “BJJ and Muay Thai are the best” mentality that they’re missing the entire point. Further down the line, BJJ and Muay Thai may replace Hapkido, karate or TKD. Think about it, when you become fixated on something, you’re no longer serving its cause.
Consider that in our history, man has been so attached to their own religions, doctrines and traditions. To each Faith, their truth was undeniable — It WAS the defining truth. Yet, we know today that religion is a matter of opinion. The same can be said with martial arts. We understand that some styles hold more weight than others, yet we cannot forget that none are definitive truths to combat, just as no religion is undeniable the truth.
For instance, I think of plenty of things that BJJ cannot defend — small joint manipulations while on the ground. Grab a hold of fingers and twist and he’ll let go. Bite the guy’s neck or pectoral in the guard or mount. In a savage fight for survival, an attacker will do more than your usual mat exercises — savage strength can be deceptive.
With Muay Thai, you will notice that after the Round Kick, the back is turned. That’s the moment to rush in and initiate a take down or launch an attack (I’ve personally done this). Use the side kick to the knee caps — this is also an effective technique against Muay Thai. Good boxing skills are also good counters in Muay Thai, hence, many MT fighters now train in Western Boxing.
However, my point is not to discredit BJJ or MT, but to point out that they are merely another step in the right direction, not the definitive answer. As obsolete as TKD may seem, it is also part of the greater equation.
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