Style Versus Style?

Question

Why is it so many martial artists are concerned about one style being "superior" to another?

When they really should be concerned with effectiveness.

Let's face it, if two martial artist meet in real life they will more than likely converse. Not fight each other.

Answer 1

Right on! It's not the style studied...it's the person. True martial artists of different styles mutually respect each other's skill & training, regardless of the obvious differences in technique & style. They might disagree concerning the effectiveness of techniques and might even spar to prove their point, but it's only for the purpose mutual exchange of ideas, to settle a debate and -most importantly- would almost always prefer to do so in private...not in competitions or televised matches or for spectators.

A distinction needs to be made between the martial arts and sportsfighting. Unfortunately, there are many who can't tell the difference between martial artists who fight and fighters who use martial arts to compete. It's the sportsfighters who constantly bicker about which style is better.

Answer 2

This has been around for quite some time... Heck, martial art movies also play this out, in China there were many fights between styles (loser loses students and face), and in England and France, the same was true, who is the best teacher, etc. Folks don't want to learn a weak style or one that can be easier to beat, they want the system that does it all. Some folks got tired of all the ridiculous claims the other was making and said throw down or prove it... prove it is an American tradition also... There is also the money and marketing behind one system or another... there is money to be made...I would agree some folks would discuss, maybe even do a little friendly sparring.
Just some thoughts.

Answer 3

They will more than likely converse it is true.

Thats what has taken away from the World of Martial Arts, just speaking of Art Vs. Art. There was even a time back in the Old Ufc days where they would have those type of competitions.

The best type of Martial Art is what Sifu Bruce Lee said, the Art of no style, no certain way. Because a fight may end up on the ground, or end striking, or end in submission, so you never know whats going to happen.

Thats why you must always have each of your game plans ready to work out.

So basically speaking about Art vs Art is a waste of time, when one who masters both of the arts together can totally unleash some great punishment unto his opponent.

I also study Judo, and Muay thai at the same time, and cross training is the most effective way to handle any martial art to the known date.

Thanks and peace be upon you.

Answer 4

The arguing over which arts work and which will not will never cease, it is too ingrained into the Marital Arts itself. They technically are all effective at something, it is just a matter or proficiency and application.

For example, Karate is fairly versital and can adapt to quite a few situations because that is it's roots, changing with need. Muy Tai is a competitive fighting sport so it's practitioners tend to be in superior condition and are hardened fighters. People who study softer arts like some of the Kung Fu styles and Aikido help to relax the mind and can help a fighter be less tense during encounters which is one of the things can turn the tide of a hard fight. Jujitsu trains people to use their entire body to move on the ground and be proficiant at how the body locks itself to put their opponents in positions that can hurt or break their opponents. These are very small explinations of each and the list goes on but I think the point is made.

The technical aspects of each style can be argued forever, but they are a small part of the fighting arts. I have found from fighting and training that the knowing a few things VERY well is essential but also having a lot of knowledge in your head from study (not just training) is essential when things are to well balanced. Fighters are common and are athletes who train in the fighting arts to compete. Martial Artists are fighters who dig deep within themselves to learn as much as they possibly can about the art(s) they study so they can see that all MA knowledge is valuable and nothing is irrelivent if it increases ones knowledge.

Answer 5

People want different things from martial arts. Some people want to feel more confident about themselves and get into shape while learning something usefull. Some people love kata but hate to spar. Other people want to fight and want to learn the most effective ways to end a fight quickly and couldn't care less about Kata or ki. Even in the UFC there are people who love certain techniques and shy away from others. Some great fighters are more "standup" guys and some are grapplers. Most people want some combination of things.

The style that is superior is the one that works for you and people should have enough respect for others to know that whats best for one person isn't right for someone else.

Answer 6

It's simple human arrogance and hubris...there's really nothing more to it than that.

I've studied multiple different martial arts and martial sports over the last 20+ years, and I've learned something from all of them....as it should be.

Do I personally feel that the basic mechanics and mindset of one art over another has the POTENTIAL to be moreso dominant than another? Sure....because it's simple truth.

It all comes through in the base training, if you train for combat over training for a competition....you'll be better based for a life and death situation over the latter practitioner....that's just a given.
It's all in where your head's at....if you train with the mentality that stupid pretty moves will get you killed....you'll train with combat efficiency in mind over trying to look cute for the sake of winning points.

Now, that being the case...I've met some NASTY practitioners of the sport-minded arts as well. As much as I really don't respect TKD for example on a whole, I've sparred against some of their people that have given me a run for the money.

There's no 100% definitive answer, and that's where people go awry.

Same with MMA, as much again, as I respect what those guys do to train under....in rolling matches I've hidden a training knife in my belt and taken people "out" if you will....just to prove the point of how damned DANGEROUS it is to waste time piddling on the ground in you're in a street brawl and there are no rules in play.

Answer 7

one word: egotism

Now, to spout out some random and long answer that I don't expect anyone to actually read:
No one style is superior, but each person has a style that will suit them best. Part of determining your ideal style is based on how you think, part on how you move, and part of it on what your skills are when you start training. If someone thinks offensively and likes to punch and kick they will go for a more aggressive style. If someone thinks in terms of knocking people down or reactions and defense something like Judo is probably their style. And if you like to use knives and swords, Ken-do all the way.

Answer 8

The quality and frequency of your training will far outweigh the style you train in. There no superior arts, only superior artists.
Those that are concerned with finding a superior style are most likely not very experienced.

Answer 9

they will talk and "play" you cannot effectively communicate what is physically effective without demonstrating it.

Can you learn how to properly pitch a baseball without a demonstration and doing it?

No.

Can you learn to dance by explanation alone?

No.

while they might not fight, they will have to engage in some form of limited sparring in order to demonstrate effectiveness.

Assuming the setting is appropriate.

EDIT: you are correct in the "style vs. style" thing. Maybe I'm too optimistic, but I don't think there are any "garbage" techniques being taught- just ones that are better than others or not. (Unless of course it hasn't been pressure tested, then it is a bunch of crap, like a hypothesis you need to test it).
I think it is the intensity of the training. You can have a crappy competitive sport school, maybe they are doing the right thing conditioning wise, but they could also not be doing the right things for "what works" wise or the fight tips that make the difference between a good fighter and a great one or a crappy fighter and a good one.

Answer 10

Hmm... I fight.

I'm a Muay Thai fighter and boxer. I have my first professional fight coming up.

So yes I'm more worried about styles. Why would I want to take Aikido if it's too risky in competition? Why would I want to take Kung Fu (beside San Shou) if I will get my leg kicked to death or stuck in clinch? Why would I want to chambers my punches and leave my head exposed? Why would I take Wing Chun if it lack power to knock people out?