As a martial artist how do you not hesitate when the time comes to use what you have learned?

Question

like im just saying ive seen black belts freeze up in a street fight and as a martial artist i imagine the stress and and an agressive resisting opponent what happens then...

Answer 1

Maybe they're not confident with there techniques or they could be stuck because they don't have enough room to do there back-flips (gymnastics), etc.



I was not there to witness the crime scene, sorry.



Time for a change.

Answer 2

Fear and doubt is a normal human emotion. Even us martial artist have it. The only way you can hope to not hesitate is to practice, practice, practice. And preferrably with a partner. YOu have to have it drilled into your head. To where it becomes 2nd nature. To where you would be in your house or in the studio and if someone attacks you you just go into it. Does this guarantee that you will succeed on the street, of course not, but it could help. If a Martial Artist does not have some fear, which causes adrenaline, then something is wrong with them. But some do freeze up. This happens. Like I said, only thing I know to over come is this is to continually practice until it becomes 2nd nature.

Answer 3

because they got training that was only good for inside the dojo. most of them are like that. just because the instructor tells them they are awesome. and because they have belts or trophies they believe they can be invincible.



but unless people are trained for fighting outside the dojo they will all get wasted.



Dojo arts that involve fine motor skill are easily beaten through adrenaline flooding the blood and shutting down their finesse. the violence of real fighting is worse than any tournament match. rules create a safety net, no rules causes the adrenaline to be full on and then cognitive ability is distorted.



experience can be the only help for these people.



or correct training and mental applications.



I gave up on kata dancing and tournaments because they are dojo valid, not street.



no shame for those of you that enjoy it, but you need to get real on your deal folks. unless you have had a few fights that were out of your control and won, you dont know what you can do. if you believe you can stay invincible in life when you have never been tested outside of your dojo then you are a fool. the question asked is very valid. and the reasons listed above are only some of the aspects that cause the fall of many aspiring martial artists.



...and some arts are better than others. even though people make or break the arts some are better at preparing you for fighting outside of teh dojo. if you have never fought in your work clothes, in boots, etc, then you are not even prepared for the restrictions of your daily clothes.



open your eyes, or stay blind and fall.

Answer 4

You must trust your instincts. When something inside of you says "This doesn't feel right!", you must listen. Many people hear these thoughts but do not listen. A true martial artist listens to his instincts.

You must always act with self-preservation in mind.

You have to just react like breathing.



I guess I am more puzzled over how people do NOT react. I mean if someone is standing before you threatening you physical harm I would think all people would naturally try to defend themselves, not just martial artists. It amazes me when I hear about people freezing up.

But it seems to happen to people.

In the face of adversity you either fight, flight or freeze. Freeze is always the worst option people (unless you are a rabbit and plan on blending into the background).

Answer 5

Martial arts in dojo is totally different from Street situation. This is an excellent question. Its a total different bowl game. In Martial Arts Dojo, everyone knows its fun and its a game under rules and regulation. On the Street, you are talking about life threatening situation. As a Martial Artist, depend on the experience, would not get into such situation in the street since they are more aware of their surroundings. However, some time you can not avoid the situation. Lets be realistic, Black Belt or Practice Martial arts does not mean he/she is a super man~! Again, it is depend on the each individual experience and how street wise she / he is.

Answer 6

the reason bb freeze on the streets is because thier inexperienced and thier instructer is also.theres way to many ppl out there with belts and titles that shouldn't have them.bad teachers make bad students,and in my experience most teachers out thier are bad.the best techniques in the world wont help you if you dont have the brains or the heart and balls to use them?

alertness and avoidence are the first 2 options,if they arn't possible then you do what you have to do when you have to do it no matter what it takes,with no hesitation whatsoever.and the fallacy of ma having rules is a just that a fallacy.in my opinion there are no rules and no quarter given once someone has put you in a position wherer you have no choice but to defend yourself.i'd rather be judged by 12 than carried by 6.

Answer 7

Having a black belt does not make you a martial artist.

Martial arts is a life, not a practice.

A true martial artist shuns 'street fights' and is not aggressive.

Agressiveness is an indication of 'fear.'

Martial artists are not fearful nor fearsome persons.

They are among the most peaceful people in the world.

Answer 8

Well, freezing up is a common problem. No one in their right mind actually likes physical confrontation. It's a matter of letting your fear drive your need for survival rather than making you freeze up. I can't tell anyone how to do that other than to trust the teaching of your instructor. It seems as though a lot of martial artists freeze up (at least, I know that was the case with myself) because they don't trust what they know. They're afraid it won't work.



However, I assure you that it works. It's just a matter of learning to trust yourself. Muscle memory.

Answer 9

Because the way you train is the way you fight. you hesitate in class then guess what, you hesitate on the street. And on the street You don't have time to think, it has to be a reflex. So train to win so You can. P.s. any good fight should be over in less than 60 secs. If it's not then it wasn't a good fight.

Answer 10

Often. I try not to use what I know, because the repercussions could be worse (IE, court, gangs coming back later, regret). I often stop to think it over and decide another route. Though I'd never allow my or any other persons life to become endangered, but I try not to get into fights just because I'm angry.



As far as fear stopping me from doing what needs to be done. I really don't know. I've never had anyone stick a gun to my face, I would like to think that I react appropriately, but I'll only know when it happens. You are right though. Even if someone trains their entire life to fight and protect others, it doesn't mean they are ready for battle. they need to also be pushed mentally, which only a few schools will do.

Answer 11

My martial training was short and effective, not meant for being used for sport, but for combat. So, I don't freeze up. Instead, I must work now to try not to use it, as most situations would be inappropriate. I find I would go into action without conscious thought, by reflex action. So I de-trained as best I could.:-)

Answer 12

In real Martial Arts schools, you train your spirit at least as much as you train your body. It is the former that will keep you from freezing in a crisis.

Answer 13

One reason for 'freezing up' is your mind, you start thinking about using a tech. taught in the dojo, then you realize that this is for real, what if i (or he) gets really heart...oh no a crowd is starting to gather..

STOP all that! If your have the time to, and are able to ask yourself "should I" then you shouldn't, and if you or someone you care for is in danger, then you need to trust in your training and just act, let go of all the crap and just act! And if you can't trust your training, then you have a new reason to practice.

Answer 14

Hard sparring. Competition.



Nothing will prepare you for self-defense like controlled fighting against a resisting opponent. You'll experience the adrenalin rush, and many intangible factors drills do not cover.

Answer 15

Some people freeze up, its just something that happens. I have'nt frozen up myself (thank God), but I've seen it happen. I don't know if its from fear or shock. Either way it can be overcome. I believe practicing reality drills helps.

Answer 16

yes i've always wonder why people that take karate or martial arts and loose, i be like u wasted your money, maybe street fighting is a lil unorthodox u never kno wat will happen





you are suppose to use it as self defense (i say 2 warnings)

Answer 17

good question.

but all martial artist have this doubt.

see ya.