Is Karate an effective method of self-defense? To properly answer this question, we must first "operationalize" (define) the term "effective". According to Webster's On-line Dictionary, "effective" may be defined as "producing a decided, decisive, or desired effect ". Therefore, whether or not Karate - or any other martial art is an effective method of self-defense is largely dependent on the situation and will, no doubt, vary from time to time.

In an effort to provide the best possible answer to this question, it may be helpful to analyze the pros and cons of Karate for its self-defense applications. Let's start with the "pros":

1. Karate teaches the practitioner to use all of their natural weapons for self-defense (hands, feet, elbows, knees, shins, head, etc).

2. Karate strikes are designed to deliver the maximum amount of force to the most vulnerable areas of an attacker's body.

3. Karate is a total body exercise that develops flexibility, power, speed (which is power)and focus.

4. Traditional Karate (emphasis added) developed an inner-spirit that enhanced confidence, aided in maintaining calm in the face of danger, and enabled the practitioner to employ techniques with maximum force and control (Ki).

5. True Karate practitioners avoid confrontation and fight only as a last resort.

"Cons"

1. Karate is taught in a sterile environment ("dojo") where rules are tightly enforced and a huge emphasis is placed on customs, courtesy and safety in practice. There are no rules on the street and the Karate practitioner that is acclimated to the dojo is often much like a fish out of water when attacked in a bar or alley.

2. Karate practitioners are not accustomed to being attacked by knife or gun wielding thugs who have both the attitude and ability to inflict great bodily harm.

3. Too many modern-day Karate practitioners are what has become known as "contract black belts" - that is, they were ram-roded through the system and awarded advanced ranks even if they really didn't earn them. It all boils down to economics. Many Karate school owners seem to believe that it's essential to keep students happy by awarding them rank. Reality often sets in when one of these weekend warriors runs into real black belt or, what's worse - a street fighter with a bad attitude.

4. The emphasis on sport competition has taken Karate far from its roots as a martial art.

So then, what's the answer? Is Karate really an effective means of self-defense? In my view it certainly can be but, again, this is largely dependent on the situation and the level of skill and confidence possessed by the Karate practitioner. To ensure that Karate (or any other martial art) can be as effective as possible for self-defense application I suggest the following:

1. Find an instructor who teaches traditional Karate - and who is driven by quality.
2. Attend classes regularly (at least three times a week).
3. Work hard in class - if you're not in shape you'll be ill-equipped to employ the skills on the street in an attack situation. Don't cut corners.
4. Do not underestimate the importance of "kata" - this is where you develop your ability to move and refine your technique.
5. If you "no change" during rank testing, don't quit - recognize that failure is an integral part of the learning process. It's better to be a great yellow belt than a mediocre brown belt.
6. Avoid being in situations where there is a potential for confrontation. You can lose the battle and the war!
7. Remember that the study of Karate is a life-long learning process.

Learn more about this author, Jon Crosby.
Click here to send author comments or questions.

---

Add your voice

Know something about Is karate still an effective method of self-defense??
We want to hear your view. Write now!