Itten wrote:Sorry Ian, maybe I miss your point. I agree that sport and non sport can complement each other, but self defence isn't a sport. Practising in the ring can help prepare for fighting for sure, but personal protection is everything before, during , and after. I have never worked the door but have students who do. They always say it's the problems you create for yourself that are the hardest to fix. Thats been my experience in life too.
Yes, self defense isn't a sport, clearly. You might get stabbed etc. Only an idiot would think they're the same, tbh.
I'm saying, like others, that sport vs. street is a false dichotomy. Usually propagated by people who've only experienced one, or those trying to sell you something.
Is there some reason why you can't train boxing, wrestling, jujitsu, shooting, knife defense, multiples? If not, why not?
Spencer Stone, the US Air Force serviceman who along with two other military stopped a massacre in the high-speed train on the Paris / Amsterdam link, is a Jiu-Jitsu practitioner that trains in Portugal.
Spencer Stone was one of three Americans who wrestled the terrorist to the ground. Reports are saying that he was stabbed in the process of disarming the terrorist of an AK 47 rifle with nine magazines.
Was this "sport" or "street"? Who cares?
All that matters, imo, is - how complete is your understanding of martial arts?