UNFAIRLY JUDGED: TRADITIONAL MARTIAL ARTS IN MMA 🥋

The Misunderstood World of Traditional Martial Arts: Why We Need to Reconsider Karate, Taekwondo, and More

In today's world, where mixed martial arts (MMA) has taken center stage, many people are quick to dismiss traditional martial arts like Karate and Taekwondo. These ancient disciplines often get a bad rap, mostly because of misconceptions and poor representation in certain areas. Let's dive into why these styles deserve respect and attention, and why they're incredibly effective if trained with dedication and the right mindset.

The Beauty of Traditional Martial Arts

First off, let's address the elephant in the room—why do so many people doubt the effectiveness of Karate and Taekwondo? After years of experience and traveling around the world to perfect my skills, including trips to Thailand and Holland for Muay Thai and Dutch kickboxing, I've found that traditional martial arts have phenomenal techniques. It's unfortunate that many in the mainstream MMA world brush them off as ineffective.

The Reality of Mixed Martial Arts

To understand why traditional martial arts are sidelined, we need to look at the landscape of professional fighting. Mixed martial arts is all about combining the best of various styles for efficacy in a competitive setting. This approach has led to some great fighters but has also resulted in a narrow-mindedness towards traditional techniques.

Here's a hard truth:

It's always the individual, not the art.

This point is critical. A talented fighter can make any technique work, whether it's from a discipline like Karate or the popular sports like Muay Thai and boxing.

The Issue of McDojos

One of the main reasons people aren't impressed with traditional martial arts is because of McDojos. For those unfamiliar, a McDojo is a martial arts school that prioritizes profit over skill development, handing out black belts like candy to anyone willing to pay.

Unfortunately, these gyms tarnish the image of martial arts, giving rise to practitioners who lack real skill. When these individuals represent Karate or Taekwondo, they don't do justice to the potential these arts hold.

A Closer Look: Athletes and Backgrounds

There's a misconception that arts define a fighter. In reality, it's the person—specifically their grit, athletic ability, and dedication—that makes the difference. Traditional martial arts often see "softer" individuals who might not be used to the rigors of fighting, giving them a reputation as less effective. But when tough athletes, like my superstar student Deshawn Gray, embrace these arts, the results can be spectacular.

Deshawn managed to knock out an opponent with a front kick to the face, followed by a side kick, a 360, and finally, an uppercut. These movements were primarily derived from his foundation in Taekwondo, bolstered by his boxing background.

Prominent Figures in Traditional Martial Arts

Take fighters like Wonder Boy, Raymond Daniels, and MVP. They've dedicated their lives to styles often dismissed by mainstream MMA. Watching them shows just how effective and beautiful traditional techniques can be, proving that dedication can make the art shine.

Benefits of Combining Styles

Let's not forget the benefits of being open-minded. When athletes incorporate techniques from different disciplines, they become more well-rounded fighters. For example, there are Karate techniques superior to some Muay Thai moves and vice versa.

In America, lots of people shifted away from traditional arts partly due to historical fights where boxers, who weren't familiar with certain attacks like leg kicks, got dismantled by them. But when studied properly, these kicks and other techniques become formidable weapons.

The Role of Traditional Techniques in Modern Fighting

We need to appreciate the role traditional martial arts play in modern fighting. There are still plenty of fighters who utilize these styles to great effect, like my student who excels in Kyokushin Karate. Opponents often struggle to deal with her sidekicks and Karate blitzes.

Boxing remains king in many ways, particularly in MMA due to the need to deal with punches, clinch fighting, and leg kicks. However, ignoring traditional arts is a missed opportunity to diversify one's skills and arsenal.

Breaking Down the Techniques

Let's highlight a few techniques that are often underestimated yet are highly effective:

• Lead leg sidekicks
• Spinning back kicks
• Spinning hook kicks
• Front snap kicks
• Doubles and 360s

These techniques are world-class and, in the hands of the right fighter, can make a massive impact in any bout.

Conclusion: It's Time to Embrace All Martial Arts

The overarching message is simple:

It's always the individual, never the art.

Don't let prejudices keep you from exploring traditional martial arts. They're packed with valuable lessons and techniques. Embrace them alongside your training in boxing or Muay Thai. You might be surprised at how effective traditional methods can be when used properly.

So, for all the fighters out there—whether you're just starting your journey or well seasoned—give Karate, Taekwondo, and other traditional martial arts a chance. Don't fall into the trap of being a purist; mix your styles and find what works best for you.

Take responsibility to discern credible training from the McDojos, and you'll find that traditional arts have much to offer that can elevate your game to the next level.