The Importance of Being A Well-Rounded Martial Artist
By Jayson Patino
What does it mean to be a Complete, Well-Rounded Martial Artist? Traditionally, the term “well rounded” implies an understanding of striking (Muay Thai Kickboxing), takedowns (wrestling/judo), and grappling (Jiu-Jitsu). Of course there can many other arts included such as boxing, karate, and sambo. Although there are endless benefits to training martial arts for kids and adults, self-defense is at the heart.
The concept of a “Complete, Well-Rounded Martial Artist” is centered on the idea that in a real world self-defense scenario, you must know how to defend yourself while standing using proper striking techniques. If an attacker closes the distance and tries to grab you, it is equally important to be able to stop them from taking you down to the ground. In some cases, it may be more beneficial for you to take them down to the ground. If you do end up on the ground, as is so common in a street fight/self-defense scenario, knowing Jiu-Jitsu can save your life.
It is impossible to anticipate every potential scenario, but a well-rounded martial artist is best prepared for the majority of unarmed situations. Muay Thai Kickboxing is regarded as the most effective striking martial art in the world. The ability to use boxing style punch combinations, mixed with the powerful kicks, knees, and elbows, makes it the most complete striking martial art. Wrestling and Judo are a great way to defend and execute takedowns. Once on the ground, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is the most effective grappling martial art because you don’t need to be big or strong. Technique, angles, and leverage give the smaller, weaker person the advantage.
This is why we specifically chose to teach these martial arts at Champions Jiu-Jitsu & Muay Thai. We want all our students to be confident that they’re learning the most effective disciplines in the world. Our academy provides a fun, safe, family-friendly environment to learn a mix of martial arts, without needing to be an MMA fighter.
Throughout our martial arts journey, it is common to fall into complacency with training in one discipline. Rightfully so, we fall in love with the art and dedicate ourselves to learning and improving. Training consistently for years and refining our technique and understanding, we become a specialist in that discipline. Over time we become comfortable and we don’t want to step out of our comfort zone to start over in a new discipline.
I’ve seen many students make that mistake. They train in one discipline for years, and avoid the “embarrassment” of being a beginner again in another discipline. The truth is, your teammates are usually happy and supportive to see you step out of your comfort zone. You don’t have to master every aspect of fighting. Focus on the art you love and casually learn the other discipline to compliment your skillset.
Can you imagine training for years in one discipline, then in the middle of a real self-defense situation you realize those years of training are useless? That would be a terrifying scenario with potentially life or death consequences. You would probably regret not having put in at least some time into learning different techniques that could help in other self-defense situations.
However unlikely it is that you (or your child) may ever need to use your training in real life, the peace of mind of knowing that you could defend yourself while standing or on the ground is priceless. As a dedicated martial artist, it is a no-brainer. I want all our students to have the true confidence that comes with knowing you can defend yourself in most real world scenarios. That confidence spills over into every other aspect of our lives. Challenges don’t seem as intimidating. What used to seem impossible, becomes possible. With true confidence, our goals become within reach. Anything is possible when you’re dedicated to becoming the best version of yourself. That begins with accepting the challenge of becoming a Complete Martial Artist.
