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by Jules Willis

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Most martial arts are effective in one way or another for self-defense. The key is the amount of time that you have been studying the martial art, and how reflexive it has gotten to be. The more practice, the more muscle memory and the quicker the response to fend off an attacker.
Karate is good for defensive techniques and in more advanced classes goes into nerve strikes to disable an attacker. The kicking in Karate can also keep the attacker at a distance. Jujitsu is effective in disarming an individual through the use of joint locks or putting them on the ground through the use of throwing techniques. It is also a good art to learn if you need to fight from a prone position. Many martial arts incorporate similar forms of self-defense within them. The main point here is the amount of practice with the individual technique. Just because a martial artist has learned a technique doesn't mean that it will be effective for self-defense purposes immediately. If you are learning martial arts specifically for self-defense, there are three very important things that you must do: practice, practice, practice!

All martial arts are valuable in defending oneself. That being said, is there one that is better than the others? Ask any martial artist and chances are that many will claim their style to be better than the others. The truth is, that even the most learned martial artist from the best style, whatever that may be, can be surprised if they aren't paying attention. So the best defensive techniques really don't involve any specific form of martial art. Instead they involve some very sound common sense.

Effective self-defense involves focusing on some prevention techniques in addition to martial arts techniques. Using the following techniques will decrease the likelihood of attack. Remember, the person who is the attacker, if the motivation is to rob you, is a lazy individual. If they wanted to work for their money, they wouldn't be trying to take yours. So making life hard on them decreases the likelihood that they will assault you. They look for easy prey, not someone who is aware of their surroundings but someone who is distracted or looks like they can be robbed easily. One of the easiest ways to thwart their plans is to be aware of your surroundings. Don't park in areas that are dark. Have your keys ready so that you aren't fumbling for them and are distracted. When you are distracted you are an easier mark. Walk with your head up and confident. If your attacker sees you as a viable opponent, they are less likely to attack you, remember they are lazy by nature. If you are approached and your assailant wants a material possession, give it to them. You can replace possessions, you can't replace you. Don't ever get into a vehicle with an assailant, you decrease your chances of making it out of the situation significantly.

So what martial art is the most effective in self-defense? The answer would be all of them!
What area of exercise in the martial arts improves the odds in any adversarial situation? The answer to that would be using your head and staying aware of your surroundings. The best defense is one that isn't needed.

Learn more about this author, Jules Willis.

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