“I’m a lover not a fighter.” “I don’t want my kid to learn how to fight.” “I don’t need martial arts, I own a gun.” “I’m too old to learn martial arts.” “I’m not skilled enough to do martial arts.” “I’m not in good enough shape for martial arts.”

These are just a few responses I’ve received from hundreds of people over the years when I ask why they don’t want to try martial arts. “Martial arts are all about fighting” is one of the most common misconceptions when it comes to martial arts. This is understandable since the martial arts first came about for war purposes long before guns and long range weaponry was invented. We no longer fight wars with our hands and due to this, much of the martial arts have evolved and expanded beyond simply killing another in war. While it’s true we use fighting techniques and some schools may be geared toward sport fighting, the fact is most schools are not about this. Most schools use “fighting” as a tool to complete the real goals of martial arts practitioner. What are the real goals of martial arts training? That’s up to you. Some people take martial arts for self defense, some take it to lose weight, for some it’s a fun hobby, some for sociable reasons, building coordination and strength, others for self confidence and self discipline. Everyone has different reasons, but in all cases it usually comes down to one thing, self improvement and a higher quality of life. Who doesn’t want that?

More Myths and Misconceptions about Martial Arts

Part I – Martial Arts are all about Fighting

Part II – Sport vs. self-Defense

Part III – Size and Strength are of no importance in Martial Arts

Part IV – Horizontal Punch vs. Vertical Punch

Part V – Dim Mak (pressure points)

Part VI – Military fighting systems, such as Krav Maga, are the best self defense systems to be learned for self defense.

Part VII – My martial art is better than your martial art

Part VIII – The Hook punch is the most powerful punch you can throw