Why ask this question? Which Martial Art is better in a fight?

Question

Everyday I see several questions asking about which martial art is better than the next or which is better for actual combat. I don't get it. I have been actively studying martial arts for 32 years and have seen just about every major style there is. The simple truth is that each art form has something unique to offer and whether or not it is effective in actual combat has more to do with the individual than the art form. It's not always what you know, but your ability to use what you know. So what point is there in asking the question which is better ?

Can I please have an answer that actually relates to the question? The first two answers sure didn't.

Answer 1

I believe the question you are asking is "Why do people keep asking this obvious question?"
I think that as a practiced martial artist (like most of us here) we realize that there is no one art that has it all. The question is being asked by inexperienced people who are looking for the right art to study and don't know enough about any to make a decision.
It's the same thing that happens when someone asks "What art is best for me?" We know that they have to pick an art for themselves and that all we can do is give them the basics of what each of the major arts are about so they will know what to look at. Yet there are still beginners out there who answer "ninja-kung fu-jujutsu-wok stir fry-Tibetan meditation" because they take it.
It's people looking for information but not really knowing what to ask. Be patient and try to help.

Answer 2

I think Jerry L put it very well in that Americans seem to have an innate desire to pursue only "the best" in any activity. This is primarily a Western concept of competition and dominance. As I'm sure you've discovered in your 32 years of travel in this path, other cultures are not so hung up on proving one style is better than another, but rather allow the individuals to shine as examples we should all emulate.

I have never seen a visitor to the States compete with the goal of demonstrating their style or system as superior to the others that are displayed at the competition. Rather, they are there to test their own skills against other individuals in a friendly rivalry to determine who has devoted themselves to their own art most stringently.

Good kung fu is good kung fu, regardless of the style or system that is studied. Other cultures recognize this while American culture is obsessed with the games of domination and the need to feel superior. They cannot imagine "wasting their time" studying something that they don't recognize as "the best."

This is something that has been pounded in to us from an early age from the media as well as other social factors such as our family and even our religions in this society. I doubt we'll ever stop seeing such questions, but I am always happy to see other martial "artists" who don't buy into such designations.

Answer 3

Because people like to think, whatever form they are studying is the best. Perhaps the money that they are spending on the classes is extensive, and they want proof that they are spending their money wisely. Or, maybe they think that all their training made them tough and would like to prove it. I am 32, i grew up studying several forms of kung fu, i learned alot, about myself and the arts. As i got older, i switched to Muay Thai and later Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. I am trained on several weapons as well. I would not consider any of them to be better or superior to the other, but each with something to offer. 99% of the people who study martial arts, just dont get it.

Answer 4

Tsun Jo? I practice WC and haven't ever heard of Tsun Jo... I had to do some research on the net. It appears that Tsun Jo WC does away with the sets or Katas that more traditional WC schools practice. They appear to distill the style into just plain techniques. If you are one to dislike learning the hand forms I suppose in a way it's what Bruce Lee was teaching before he actually formulated Jeet Kune Do. I prefer the traditional approach that Yip Man had originally passed down. But just because Tsun Jo isn't my cup of tea, does not mean you won't really enjoy learning it. Good luck....

Answer 5

I think Sensei Rob has understood your question correctly, and has answered it well.

I will only add that the questions and replies on Yahoo Answers quickly disappear from view, and new posters do not get to see what have been asked and answered before.

This site has perpetual amnesia. Which is why I won't be hanging around for much longer.

Answer 6

32 years studying! WOW!
I believe people ask this because they have very little experience.
When they begin looking for a style they have an honest desire to find the best. They turn to a forum like this looking for a simple answer. I think most of us on here that have any experience try to direct them to find a good school vs. finding a good style.

Like anything else, a little bit of knowledge is a dangerous thing.

Answer 7

All martial arts are a useful tool if used efficiently and correctly. Also depends on the amount of training you endure throughout your lifetime. I am a grappler myself and it takes years to be where you need to be. Each form of MA has its own unique style.

Answer 8

Because there are a lot of immature people out there who don't read the answers of people who have studied. Americans are brought up that they have to be the best, so they look for a "best" everything.

Answer 9

I THINK YOU ANSWERED YOUR OWN QUESTION. IT IS IN THE INDIVIDUAL WHO USES WHAT THEY HAVE LEARNED TO THE BEST OF THEIR ABILITY. I HAVE BEEN TAUGHT BY SOME VERY IMPRESSIVE TEACHERS, BUT I DON'T BELIEVE THAT ONE IS BETTER THAN ANOTHER. SELF-DEFENSE HAS NO RULES, BITING, KICKING,GROIN HITS,EYE GOUGING. YOU HAVE ONLY ONE THING ON YOUR MIND [ PROTECT YOUR ***]

Answer 10

wing chun kung fu street style trained master william cheung melborne australia he also trained bruce lee. this a no holes barred style in other words kick him in the nuts trap his hands and he is all yours