# Evolving with the Times

- Link: https://brianejohns.com/2009/11/09/blog-evolving-with-the-times/
- Published: 2009-11-09T15:57:00-05:00
- Author: Brian Johns

I’ve been considering whether martial arts should evolve with the times or remain
in its “pure form.”

## Let me elaborate. I think of martial arts as a vehicle to defend oneself—Self-defence, in other words.

From that perspective, should it not make sense for martial arts to evolve to counter
any fighting strategies one might encounter today? I think it’s safe to say that
the scene is different today than in the 1950s. Back then, there were no BJJ or 
MMA fighting systems.

In contrast, we must consider primary defences against those who train in an MMA
style. [MMA and BJJ have become hugely popular and crossed into the mainstream](https://brianejohns.com/2013/03/07/blog-book-review-when-the-fight-goes-to-the-ground/).
More specifically, one can assume that MMA styles have become quite popular among
young people aged 18 to 35. While most are in it for fun and competition, one cannot
rule out someone from this age demographic using MMA techniques during the commission
of a crime. In light of this, I think it behooves one to learn basic counters to
common MMA techniques.

## In contrast, those who insist on teaching a style dogmatically fool themselves if they think they would survive an encounter on the street.

If they peddle themselves as teaching self-defence while evolving the style to suit
today’s environment, they are doing their students a disservice. They need not make
any radical changes to teach practical self-defence.

For example, a few weeks ago, Master Ken Smith showed how a traditional karate move
could be used to devastating effect against a common MMA takedown technique. It 
was an eye-opener as I had wondered, over the years, how realistic the technique
in question was.

If you are not able to view this video, click [here](https://youtu.be/jZZ1ky9_Q5A).

See 0:54 of the video, where a palm strike is practiced to the groin area. See the
screenshot below.

![A depiction of a palm strike to the groin.](https://i0.wp.com/brianejohns.com//
wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Screen-Shot-2020-07-14-at-3.52.48-PM-1024x513.png?resize
=1024%2C513&ssl=1)

Palm strike to the groin.

The major difference is that while the right-hand palm strike is being executed,
you would be in a left-front stance, which is the opposite of the stance depicted
in the screenshot.

Imagine if the person on the right was attempting a single-leg takedown. You would
step back with the right leg and simultaneously palm strike the opponent’s exposed
face.

When Master Ken showed me this application, it was an “aha!!” moment. Now, I’m more
curious than ever about the applications of traditional karate moves in a street
self-defence situation. One need not abandon whatever you are studying to develop
good defences against potential MMAish perpetrators.

Of course, if one is looking for perfection in one’s character or desires to compete
in tournaments, that’s a different story. Plenty of schools excel in tournament 
training. However, they may not be the place to look for practical, realistic street
self-defence.

## Additional Reading

 * [Modern Arnis-What it is and it isn’t](https://brianejohns.com/2007/10/09/blog-modern-arnis-what-it-is-and-it-isnt/)
 * [The State of the Filipino Martial Arts Industry](https://brianejohns.com/2017/01/16/blog-the-state-of-the-filipino-martial-arts-industry/)
 * [Sinawali Applications](https://brianejohns.com/2017/01/09/blog-sinawali-applications/)
 * [Angry and Crazy Driver](https://brianejohns.com/2020/01/27/blog-angry-crazy-driver/)
 * [Book Review: When the Fight Goes to the Ground](https://brianejohns.com/2013/03/07/blog-book-review-when-the-fight-goes-to-the-ground/)

### Share this post:

 * [  X ](https://brianejohns.com/2009/11/09/blog-evolving-with-the-times/?share=twitter)
 * [  Facebook ](https://brianejohns.com/2009/11/09/blog-evolving-with-the-times/?share=facebook)
 * [  LinkedIn ](https://brianejohns.com/2009/11/09/blog-evolving-with-the-times/?share=linkedin)
 * [  Threads ](https://brianejohns.com/2009/11/09/blog-evolving-with-the-times/?share=threads)
 * [  WhatsApp ](https://brianejohns.com/2009/11/09/blog-evolving-with-the-times/?share=jetpack-whatsapp)
 * [  Email ](https://brianejohns.com/2009/11/09/blog-evolving-with-the-times/?subject=%5BShared%20Post%5D%20Evolving%20with%20the%20Times&body=https%3A%2F%2Fbrianejohns.com%2F2009%2F11%2F09%2Fblog-evolving-with-the-times%2F&share=email)
 * [  Print ](https://brianejohns.com/2009/11/09/blog-evolving-with-the-times/#print?share=print)

### Like this:

Like Loading…

### _Related_