Tag: #randori

“The Difference Between Martial Arts and Sport Combat: Why Being Relaxed Matters in Self-Defense Situations”

In this article, we will explore the key differences between martial arts and sport combat, and why being relaxed is so important in self-defence situations.

While both martial arts and sport combat share similarities in their techniques and physical training, their purposes and approaches to combat differ significantly.

Martial arts, such as Krav Maga, Aikido, Junomichi and Japanese Jujitsu, emphasise self-defence and personal development. They prioritise efficiency, grace, and control over brute force and aggression.

A fundamental principle of martial arts is to be relaxed and centred, which allows for greater awareness, faster reactions, and more effective use of energy. By learning how to stay calm and centred in stressful situations, practitioners of martial arts can develop the skills necessary to defend themselves and others effectively.

On the other hand, sport combat, such as MMA and boxing, focuses on competitive combat and winning at all costs with rules and a referee. While athletes in these sports also train extensively, their primary goal is to outscore or defeat their opponent in a specific set of rules. The emphasis is on using brute force and aggression to overcome the opponent, rather than efficiency, and control.

In a real-life self-defence situation, the approach of sport combat can be less effective than that of martial arts.

This is because the red light reflex, or withdrawal response, can take over when we sense danger, which can lead to an inefficient, ineffective response.

What is the red light reflex?

This is a primitive response that causes our muscles to tense up, making our movements slower and less efficient. This can impair our ability to defend ourselves and make it easier for an attacker to overpower us.

In contrast, martial arts training emphasises being relaxed and centred, which allows for greater awareness and faster reactions. By learning how to stay calm and centred in stressful situations, martial arts practitioners can maintain their mobility and use their energy more effectively. This can make all the difference in a self-defence situation, where speed, agility, and precision are key to success.

In conclusion, while both martial arts and sport combat have their place in combat sports, they differ significantly in their purpose and approach.

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These books offer different perspectives on martial arts, self-defence, relaxation, and the philosophy behind them.

They could help provide a deeper understanding of the differences between martial arts and sport combat and the importance of being relaxed in self-defence situations.

  • “Meditations on Violence” by Rory Miller
  • “The Tao of Gung Fu” by Bruce Lee
  • “The Art of Peace” by Morihei Ueshiba
  • “Zen in the Martial Arts” by Joe Hyams
  • “The Book of Five Rings” by Miyamoto Musashi
  • “Karate-Do: My Way of Life” by Gichin Funakoshi
  • “Aikido and the Harmony of Nature” by Mitsugi Saotome

Junomichi for Children

Jigoro Kano, the founder of Judo, believed that judo was an excellent physical activity for children, as it not only promoted physical fitness, but also instilled important values such as respect, discipline, and sportsmanship.

Kano also believed that judo helps children to develop a strong sense of confidence and self-esteem, as they learn to overcome physical challenges and improve their skills through training and practice.

Additionally, Kano emphasised the importance of creating a safe and supportive environment for children to learn and practice judo. He believed that teachers should be knowledgeable and experienced in working with children and that they should prioritise the safety and well-being of their students at all times.

Overall, Kano viewed judo as a valuable tool for helping children develop physically, mentally, and emotionally, and believed that it could have a positive impact on their overall well-being and personal growth.

This is why Dr Kano thought that Kano that competition has negative effects if it became too intense or focused solely on winning.

He believed that a healthy approach to competition in judo should prioritise respect for opponents and fairness and that winning should not be pursued at the expense of these values. He then said that “competition for children is detrimental to their well-being and advocated strongly against involving children in any competition”.

Teaching Junomichi strictly based on Dr Kano’s principle (which is not Sport Judo):

  1. Encompassing is the use of one’s entire body and mind in the practice of Junomichi, rather than relying solely on physical strength or technique. This principle reflects the importance of developing a holistic approach to training and competition, which can help practitioners to optimise their physical and mental performance.
  2. Non-opposition refers to the idea of avoiding direct confrontation with one’s partner, and instead using their own energy and momentum to gain an advantage. This principle reflects the importance of flexibility and adaptability in the practice of Judo and can help practitioners to develop a more nuanced understanding of how to use their opponent’s energy to their own advantage.
  3. Decision refers to the importance of making quick, clear decisions in the practice of Judo, based on a thorough understanding of the situation and the techniques involved. This principle reflects the importance of cognitive processes such as perception, attention, and decision-making in the practice of Judo, which are all controlled by the central nervous system.
  4. Commitment refers to the idea of fully committing oneself to a particular action or technique in the practice of Junomichi, rather than hesitating or second-guessing oneself.
  5. Control refers to the idea of using one’s energy and momentum to control the movements of one’s opponent, rather than relying solely on physical strength or force.

This principle reflects the importance of confidence and assertiveness in the practice of Junomichi, which are also related to cognitive and emotional processes that are controlled by the central nervous system.

Ref: “Judo for Young People,” a book written by Jigoro Kano, outlines his approach to teaching judo to children and young adults.

  1. “Judo Memoirs of Jigoro Kano,” a collection of Kano’s writings and speeches on various topics related to judo, including his thoughts on the importance of teaching judo to children.
  2. “The Contribution of Judo to Education,” a speech given by Kano in 1934, in which he discusses the benefits of judo for children and young people, and the role of judo in promoting physical fitness, discipline, and personal growth.
  3. “Judo Education: An Introduction to the Principles and Practices of Teaching Judo,” a book by Tadao Otaki and Donn F. Draeger, includes several chapters on Kano’s approach to teaching judo to children and young adults.