I watch a lot of those UFC fights and a lot of the patrons there, all of a sudden become experts in not just fighting, but self defense. I personally think that while there are a lot of similarities, the differences between Self Defense and MMA are vast and a distinction needs to be addressed. But before we begin with the differences, let’s talk about the similarities.
Well, it doesn’t take a genius to know that Self Defense and MMA are both very combative in nature. Both require some fitness, coordination, agility and intelligence. They both utilize the use of Striking, Grappling, Throwing, and Joint Manipulation. In a sense, most of the skills aquired in MMA can even transfer over to Self Defense and vice versa. But unfortunately the line is drawn here. Aside from the physical aspect of both there are no other similarities.
Don’t get me wrong, I like watching the UFC bouts, I even enjoy training with some of my pankration/jiu jitsu/muay thai friends all the time; it’s fun, and it’s great excercise. But MMA and Self Defense are two separate entities. The main difference between the two is that there are no rules in self defense. At least in hapkido, students are taught about dishing out cheap shots (Eye gauges, Crotch Kicks, Fingers to Throat, kicks to the knee… the works) to set up proper techniques. These “cheap shots”, while very effective in a self defense scenario, are usually not taught in most MMA schools. The second, very important distinction, is that Self Defense students are supposed to Run Away at the first reasonable chance they get. If MMA, you’re taught to fight in a ring./octagon. Running isn’t really an option. Now I know it sounds kind of wussy and weak, but running away from someone who’s a better/bigger fighter than you means you don’t get beat up as bad and end up looking like this guy. Finally, Self Defense teaches more than just combat. In any situation there are more tools in your skill set that might save you (and god knows has saved me during my drunken escapades). Skills like learning how to fall properly and roll properly have gotten me out of pretty hairy situations. Other tools in your toolbox that are taught in most Self Defense classes (especially in specialized woman ones) include using your VOICE as your first weapon or using the environment to help you. Students are taught to be aware of what’s around them (so you don’t fall on broken glass or needles) and to use what’s around them as weapons. You’d be suprised how at much damage someone can do with a bic pen, or how much more damage can be done with a beer bottle. Students also learn, in self defense, the skills required to use and defend against a knife.
I know that in a MMA fight i would probably lose, but if we took that fight to street, I wouldn’t end up looking like the guy above.
PS. YES there are also more issues I havent covered such as the use of protective equipment and multiple opponents but i promise i’ll work on that later!
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