I want to talk about Common Misconceptions around Martial Arts in this article. Because one may or may not be one – or even all – of them. And as a martial artist myself, it is important to me to spread the word about the truth behind it.
Top 10 Common Misconceptions Around Martial Arts
Here are 10 myths, haven’t heard of all of them but I know they kinda “make sense” in a way as it makes sense seing IT jobs dominated by men.
Martial Arts are Only for Self-Defense
Martial Arts, being solely for self-defense, is one of those common misconceptions about the art. I won’t decline that in the end, there will be techniques taught, and in some situations, knowing those might very much give you the ability to defend yourself. But that depends on so many factors. As a first, it takes at least 3 years
Martial Artists are Always Aggressive
Some may know the myth about Martial Arts or, rather, Martial Artists being aggressive. But I can tell you that this one is not true. I know lots of karateka, but none of them seems aggressive.
It’s rather that training teaches self-control, discipline, and the responsible use of techniques.
All Martial Arts are the Same
Another myth some of you might know is that Martial Arts are the same, but all of them have their techniques. Even when some might be similar or inspire one another, they all differ.
Shotokan Karate, for instance, differs significantly from other styles like Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu or Taekwondo. As Karate focuses more on hand-based techniques, Taekwondo emphasizes more with kicks.
Martial Arts Training is Only for the Young
Maybe one or another has heard of Martial Arts only for the young. But overall, all ages can profit. A lot start as children and train into their senior years.
That also means it’s never too late to start, and I very well see that as true.
Martial Artists are Invincible
Maybe you have heard of this myth, and it’s not true. As much as I would claim Martial Artists are unbeatable, they’re, of course not.
It very much depends on various factors, and when everyone thinks of black belt karateka as masters of the art, their training only begins. I will go deeper into that below.
Martial Arts Only Focus on Physical Fitness
This myth is also false, as it’s indeed important, but mental and spiritual aspects also matter. Concepts like focus, discipline, and self-awareness are important to martial arts practice.
It’s All About Breaking Boards and Brick Walls
Which is not true! And I am laughing about this one.
After all, breaking anything is pretty much not what’s done in training and is pretty much against the rules.
Martial Arts are Only for Men
Historically, it was male-dominated, but over the years, that changed.
Nowadays, more and more women participate in the arts, including Shotokan Karate, and very much challenges the common misconception of it only being for men. And I am so very glad about that.
Martial Arts Promote Violence
Martial Arts promoting violence is also false. It emphasizes respect, discipline, and non-aggression. The training encourages to avoid conflict whenever possible and not to engage with it.
Achieving a Black Belt Means Mastery
As I mentioned before, having a Black Belt is not a sign of being a master in the art. It is rather the very beginning of the actual training. The martial artist is not only capable of the foundation of certain techniques but also using them properly and has shown discipline which shows.
Have you ever tried any Martial Art? Would you like to try one of them? What has stopped you from doing so?
