MMA FOR SELF DEFENCE

Is mixed martial arts good for self defence? This is a question that has been a hot topic of debate for many years. A lot of MMA practitioners and fans will undoubtedly say yes. Not only that, but some will also claim it is the best for self defence. On the flip side, there are also plenty of people who will say no it is not good for self protection because it is a sport.

First let’s look at the argument that MMA is good for self defence training. Those that are familiar with mixed martial arts, know that in a one on one fight in a controlled environment, it is as real as it gets. You have to be extremely well rounded in both striking and grappling arts, not to mention have world class conditioning. You develop many physical attributes that cross over for self defence situations, if you train seriously. You constantly test your skills and techniques against resisting opponents, which is vital.

Now the argument that MMA is not good for self protection. Any type of potential violent situation outside of a controlled environment like a cage or ring, is unpredictable to say the least. There are an unlimited amount of factors to consider. These include:

• The situation you find yourself in

• The environment

• Multiple attackers

• Edged, impact and environmental weapons

• Having loved ones with you including kids or someone less capable of defending themselves

• The law

• Ambush attacks

• Sexual assault

• Verbal and physical deception tactics

• Domestic violence

• Time is usually not on your side

• No weight classes

• No prep time or 3 month fight camp

• Dealing with the fight flight or freeze response

• No referee step in and stop the fight / assault

• The situation will rarely favour you

If you are going to start training in mixed martial arts, or if you already do, then ask yourself why. Do you enjoy it as a hobby? Do you compete? Is it for fitness or self protection? The reality is that MMA can indeed be a good tool for real world situations. The martial skills are a great start and will definitely help. However, because it is a sport, and designed for a controlled environment, it is missing many vital components. Ones that are essential for an unpredictable violent encounter outside of a cage. Not just the physical but also verbal and soft skills like awareness.

If you are training in MMA for self protection, then you need to add more skills to your arsenal. It has to be more direct to real world violence, and include combatives and other systems that are specific for self defence like Kali. It is a good idea to get an understanding of the legalities in your area / country. An added bonus would be to have some basic first aid knowledge. This could come in handy in case you were injured by a weapon like a knife. Also it would be useful in case a loved one was hurt in an encounter, or you had the presence of mind to put the attacker in the recovery position.

As well as MMA, your martial training must include:

• Weapons.

• Multiple attackers.

• Use of your environment

• Verbal and deception skills

• Awareness drills

• Pre threat cues

• Pressure testing in situations that don’t favour you

• Training in bad or low lighting

• Close quarter strikes and tools not allowed in combat sports

• Learning how to protect yourself and loved ones

If you train in MMA because of the sport, competition or fitness then it is a great tool for self development.

If you do it for self protection, then you need to start adding in the many extra skills and attributes needed. If you can dedicate yourself to learning even some of these extra skills, it will make your mixed martial arts training and yourself more street ready.