The Difference Between Fighting and Self Defense
Someone recently asked me the difference between self defence and fighting. This, of course, isn’t the first time that I’ve been asked this; it’s a totally reasonable question. What’s surprising to me is that, in my experience, martial artists are usually the ones who fail to make the distinction. Of course I’m only speaking about what I’ve been exposed to, but civilians seem to have a greater understanding of the line dividing these two concepts. I guess that makes sense, considering that there might be a certain level of desensitization that comes with years of training. To someone who’s never had an interest in martial arts, they might see the two scenarios as being different, while an experienced fighter might just perceive them as one situation leading to another. These are just my thoughts on this concept, by no means an official definition of the terms.
“Fighting” seems to be more of group effort. Two parties or more agree, on some level, to resolve their conflict through force. They’ve entered a state of disregard for each other’s well being, for whatever reason. Either from blind rage or malicious intent, this is a battle of wills being delivered through hands, feet, elbows, knees, teeth, head and often whatever else they can use as a weapon.
Sport combat, like boxing or MMA, fall into this category as well, since both competitors have agreed to participate under the same set of rules. Whether it’s in a bar or a ring, they’re both there to win.
Self defence differs from fighting when the situation is being forced onto another person. Fighting usually escalates to the point of conflict, a progression that both people have to participate in. Self defence is when someone wants to force this progression on you and you’re left with the options to flee or resort to the use of force. This isn’t a battle of wills, it’s someone trying to make someone else a victim.
Violent crimes creates aggressors and victims, not winners and losers. Most athletes involved in combative sports don’t suffer from major post-traumatic stress syndromes, whereas victims of violent crimes do. A violent crisis was not something that you agreed to, that someone is forcing onto you and making you act. It’s unfair and unjust.
Make sure to understand the difference, even if your definitions of these two paradigms differ from what I’ve written here. Meditate on this and sharpen your focus accordingly. Train safe and keep kicking ass.
I’m excited to announce that I’ll be releasing my first instructional DVD! With your help I’d like to get it in your hands by mid December! Here’s how you can help: http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/the-self-defense-playbook/x/5088823
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