Where's the Beef?

[Szczepankiewicz]

why does he not compete in anything?

I quoted this from another thread. I've also read about competitions in just about every BJJ book I've read. Really now folks, what does competition prove?

Whether it's point sparring, 'full contact kickboxing', rasslin', mixed martial arts, 'no holds barred' or whatever you want to pick...

What does it 'prove'?

[Ghost]

I dont know but when i get in the ring i will tell u.

[Szczepankiewicz]

And make sure you send me some tape...

[Tom Yum]

Training for a fight (full contact kickboxing) is very intense and time consuming for a recreational fighter like myself. Competition tests your limits - physically, mentally and emotionally but its not a necessity for every martial artist.

For example, I'm sure there are judoka black belts out there that can throw people non-stop but aren't on the olympic team. There are guys out there in silat or kali that can probably kill if they had to, but don't compete in tournaments.

[Toudiyama[NL]]

Competition proves wether you are better than the other, it doesn't show/proof if you have become any better though

[Great Sage]

"What does it prove?"

Well... the same can be asked of a 18 yr. old kid whose being paid $100 million to throw a ball into a hoop. How about someone who gets on an angry bull for 10 seconds?

What does it prove to compete in the martial arts? Probably nothing, except for the fact that you enjoy the martial arts and thrive on the fight. Competition is not for everyone—some don't have the stomache or skills, others are just not mentally tough enough.

Whatever the case, everyone has their own reason for competing: ego, passion, confidence, love, etc...

[Szczepankiewicz]

Insightful comments on my open ended question.

Now, let me tune it down a little bit.




What does competition prove with respect to the street effectivness of any particular martial discipline?

[jules]

What does competition prove with respect to the street effectivness of any particular martial discipline?

That it actually works. Do you think it is a coincidence that (military styles) i.e Combat Sombo, Krav Maga, and Street tested styles such as BJJ does so well in MMA matches? And yes BJJ is street tested in the ghettos of Brazil.

[jules]

btw i like the way you answer a question with a question.

[Ghost]

it shows that the techniques work.

[Tom Yum]

They are two different things.

Self-defense is a whole different animal. You're going to be alot more aware, more active and quick to exit in self-defense. The set of techniques are going to be different too.

Boxers aren't going to work behind the jab on the street (unless one of their friends is drunk). They are going to explode crosses and hooks at the head and body in rapid succession, maybe step on the guys foot not only to hurt him, but to assist knocking him flat on his back. They might arm wrench if someone tries to grab them, head butt and throw an elbow cross then shove him into the concrete.

Smart Kung fu guys aren't going to do flowery techniques on the street. They will probably feint, fake and pull you into their punches, strike you in the knee cap, groin, solar plexus, throat and eyes. And if they land a few of those, they might rip a fishhook or pop the ears (chin na stuff)

Self defense is whatever works, wheras sports competitions set rules for the purpose of testing exact skills and styles.

[jules]

If JKD is about simplification why cant they adapt to find the most simple way to win withing a certain set of rules?

[Tom Yum]

You've focused on adapt.

JKD is about self-defense, not necessarily the abstract concept of adaptation, rather adaptation is a tool for self-defense.

Like taking what works and integrating it.

[jules]

So take what works withing a certain set of rules and then "integrate" it.

[Szczepankiewicz]

That it actually works.

How is this accomplished? How does executing a particular technique in one environment indicate that the same technique will work in any other environment?

Or are you referring to the technique 'works' in the absolute sense of the term?