 
by Alex Bragg
Which style of martial arts is the best? This is probably the most common question asked about the martial arts. However, the answer really depends on who you're asking. The truth is, there's really no definitive answer. Each style of fighting offers something different. The effectiveness of that style depends on how it's learned and on how it's put into use.
For instance, a person might excel in point/Olympic style competition, a form of sparring where the goal is only to make contact in a certain target area, usually the upper torso and head. Excessive force can be penalized. This is not the case, however, in full-contact competition, where the goal is a knockout or submission. It gets even more complex when different styles are allowed in competition. A karate champion could be at a loss in defending himself from a Judo student, who would do all wrestling techniques and no punching, and vice-versa.
Also, how an instructor chooses to instruct the style can radically affect your technique. You could have two instructors both teaching Wing Chun. Yet one might teach it in an aggressive manner, while the other teaches it defensively; what you learn is ultimately affected by the personality of the instructor.
Everybody has their own personal strengths and weaknesses, just as every style does. The trick here is to be honest with yourself and pinpoint your own. Some major personal issues to consider are these:
Strength & Endurance - Many styles depend heavily on delivering hard, forceful blows. Without a certain degree of muscle behind an attack, you might find yourself at a disadvantage.
Flexibility - Some styles are very demanding on the body's ability to stretch and maneuver. If parts of your body can't bend or twist a certain way, your technique could end up lacking in certain respects.
Personality & Disposition - You could train all day and night and learn how to knock someone's block off, but couldn't bring yourself to do it in a self-defense situation. Know what you're willing to do. Some styles call for you to be aggressive in its technique, while others rely on you to take a totally defensive position. Figure out what's best for you.
Of the three, this last aspect is the most important. Training (depending on the style and instructor) is designed to increase strength and flexibility to a certain degree. However, as stated before, martial arts bring out you natural state -who you are- as well.
Although there is a bounteous number of schools and styles to pick from, there are two, basic approaches in their philosophy and fighting style. The first distinction is that of circular styles vs. linear styles. Linear styles are also referred to as hard styles, which gives you the basic feel for how their techniques are applied. Linear styles focus on straightforward attacks and defenses. Punches and kicks are thrown directly at an opponent, with sufficient enough power behind the blow to cause damage to an attacker. Likewise, blocks against attacks are forceful and intended to stop a blow in its tracks; sometimes the blow is supposed to cause damage simultaneously in its defense. When two linear styles meet in a match, whoever is stronger and has a better sense of strategy will come out on top.
Circular or soft styles, on the other hand, don't follow the practice of force against force. Instead, the martial artist practices the redirection of energy. To understand this, imagine for a moment that you a driving in a car. You notice another vehicle coming at you at high speed, which doesn't bode well for your paint job or your face for that matter. What do you do? If you stop, the car will still hit you. If you hit the gas and ram the car, you're both in trouble. You can't sidestep at a ninety-degree angle; it simply can't be done. Instead, you change the direction of your approach and pass by the car. You avoid a wreck without disrupting the natural flow of energy that's propelling your car (and the other car) forward.
This is the basic philosophy of circular arts. When using punches or kicks, they are not thrown from a stance where you're holding your ground. Movement is used to pass around an opponent and then blows are thrown at vital points. Likewise, defense techniques are not comprised of hard blocks like the linear styles. An attacker's blow is redirected and their own energy is used against to take him or her down.
The practice of circular arts is to let the natural flow of events to take place. The outcome is never predetermined. In order to be effective, circular martial artists must be aware of themselves and also of their surroundings. The development of chi is essential. In this sense, circular arts are always referred to as internal arts. They are defensive by nature, and inner strength coupled with mental and spiritual focus is more valued than how much you can bench press.
This is not to say linear arts are strictly external, or purely strength and force oriented. Most linear-based art incorporates techniques to enhance your chi, and often soft techniques are taught along with hard ones. Also, people use styles differently, depending on their disposition and personality. Whether an art is internal or external often depends on how you decide to practice it.
Well, that should give you a good overview of martial arts for now. With this understanding, you'll be able to appreciate the greatness of Jet Li, Bruce Lee, and other movie greats. Coming soon...kung fu flix which are required viewing for anyone who wants to get into this great genre. |
