Introduction
Since our social media post “Bullies in School” (see video below), we have gotten a wave of messages from parents/guardians with a desire to have their child enrolled in our self defense program.
With me being both & Student Martial Arts Instructor, and Self-Defense Instructor, the dialogues had with the interested parents, have led me to write this blog article geared towards:
1. Helping adults (decision-makers for minors), understand better the difference between self defense class enrollment & Martial arts school enrollment. This is specific for both minors & adults.
2. Helping adults make informed decisions of the best option (between self defense class & martial arts school enrollment).
Self Defense & Martial Arts: The Difference
I’ve already produced content detailing definitions, depth & examples/ highlights, specific for both self defense & martial arts.
To access or refresh, please click the link & video below:
Self Defense Classes vs Martial Arts Classes: What You Should Know
When you enroll in a self defense class or curriculum, you essentially are learning applied combatives. The combatives curriculum is designed specific to a targeted outcome in combat (civilian and/or non-civilian settings). Combatives classes include:
Unarmed.
Improvised Weaponry.
Firearms.
Explosives.
In comparison, when you enroll in a martial arts school, you are learning the formal & applicable elements of the martial arts system.
Formal Martial Arts System Elements include:
- Culture & Philosophies specific to the martial art.
- Forms & Kata (Empty Hands & Weaponry).
Applicable Martial Arts System Elements
include:
- Combatives & Combat (philosophies, strategy & tactics).
- Physical, Mental & Spiritual Empowerment & Enlightenment in students and practitioners alike.
Kids–Self Defense Classes or Martial Arts School Enrollment?
In my opinion, and using my working experience with kids (teaching martial arts & applicable elements to their self defense learning), it will serve kids better (short-ling term) to enroll in a martial arts school, instead of self defense class or classes.
Kids are still developing physically, emotionally, and mentally (to say the least). On this basis, to expose kids to combatives and not have them invest the time to learn the philosophies & cultural acumen that are key mitigators to them being loose cannons, is a reckless move. This is like handing a child a firearm, and expecting that child to adhere to the firearm safety rules, and jurisdiction laws that govern firearm display (public) and usage.
Martial arts schooling (through years of dedication, training & practice), imprint within kids, teenagers and adults, the maturity in using applicable martial arts and other combative elements, towards self-defense.
In other words, martial arts school enrollment, relative to self defense classes only (kids & adults alike), is a safeguard to loose cannons existing within our schools, security forces, workplace and homes- in this and future generations.
Join Our Self Defense Classes (Adults). Click Here
About The Author
Oshane Bryant: BSc Geology, Geography Minor; ACE CPT since 2012; Jamaica Business Development Corporation (JBDC) Accelerator Graduate-2018 cohort; Licensed KUKIBO Martial Arts & Self Defense, Senior Instructor; CSA Certified Executive Protection; OB Fitness Founder & Managing Director.
