Here's a good question...

[jubaji]

Given all the discord among practitioners of various styles and traditions:


Everyone is (understandably) proud of the benefits and accomplishments of their chosen field of study, and everyone (at some point) is aware of the inherent dangers in taking enthusiasm too far.


So, to avoid the inevitable sensitivity of having others point out the obvious, what do you recognize as unreasonable claims on behalf of your chosen art?


Not stupid shit, but things that a wide-eyed enthusiast might, in the absence of reason, fall prey to believing.

[jubaji]

Maybe if people aren't too sensitive, they could even field some questions concerning the above.

[Tom Yum]

I've studied a number of arts for about 11 years total time.

The biggest drawback for muaythai, boxing and wrestling that I've found is the lack of weapons defenses, improvised weapons and dealing with more than 3 opponents. I have done 2-3 man sparring drills, which I applaud on the instructor. In addition, I've been able to fight all out and full speed against some lean, mean fightin' machines with professional records, who came down to my level and then pushed me a little above it.

In the traditional styles I've studied, the biggest drawback I've noticed is the ability to use many of the techniques in a spontaneous environment. That being said, I survived my first real-life fight years ago using some of the basic stuff I learned in the dojo. I attribute that to the instructor who could see I wanted to learn how to use his stuff and not just go through the motions, but I think a vast majority of TMA students don't have that kind of intuition or drive to do this.

That's my 0.02 baht.

I'm out.

[Sagacious Lu]

Boxing is extremely limited, which IMHO is both it's strength and it's weakness. Of course the only tools are punches, the boxing clinch isn't good for much outside of the context of the sport, and there are no weapons or grappling at all. If your goal is to be a well-rounded fighter then boxing is just one of several things that need to be included. The up side is that since punching is all we do we get really really good at it and the conditioning is second to none. Another big advantage is that it's popularity makes it easy to find both training parteners and opponents to test your skills against.