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Recently, I read through a martial arts forum where a discussion on secret techniques was taking place.

I did not join in the discussion as I was busy with errands. Also, I did not want to go down the rabbit hole with those convinced of the existence of secret techniques.

Common sense would dictate that there are no secret techniques you can pull out of your sleeve to save you at the last moment.

Let’s think about this in the context of boxing, MMA, and Olympic-style wrestling.

Since the advent of the Marquess of Queensberry Rules in 1867, have we ever seen any boxer pull off a previously unseen, unknown technique?

No.

We have seen innovative boxers, training methods, great trainers, and awe-inspiring talent in the ring. But all boxers, regardless of style, are fundamentally the same. They all have the same basic punches (jab, cross, hook, and uppercut). Boxers fight from either the orthodox or southpaw stances. Ali floated like a butterfly while Joe Frazier bobbed and weaved.

But to see a previously unknown, unseen secret technique? That has never happened.

Go back and review the MMA great Anderson Silva’s UFC career. What techniques did he rely on to win his bouts? Hint: they were not secret techniques.

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Ditto for Alexander Karelin, considered by many the greatest wrestler of all time. I don’t recall anyone discussing any secret technique employed by Karelin during his storied career, do you? He became an all-time great because of hard work, talent, and desire. You can bet your ass that he had solid wrestling fundamentals. No secret stuff is needed.

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But damn, the word “secret” sure has an amazing grip on the martial arts world.

Let’s extend this to someone who believes they have found a technique or fighting combination that no one else has thought of. Really? The odds are high that someone else has already considered the same thing. On the one hand, it’s great that you discovered something on your own. On the other hand, you ain’t special and not at the center of the universe for this discovery.

I have seen this phenomenon in the Filipino Martial Arts world. Some groups boast that they have secret moves or counters that no one else has. No, no, no, no. If you have a counter, the chances are that someone already has a re-counter or will figure it out.

I get the joy of figuring out a counter or re-counter to a move. Those moments are wonderful and inspire one to continue the martial journey. But, most of the time, you ain’t special for figuring it out. Just play with it and share it.

“I teach an unbeatable system! We have techniques and counters like no one else!”

Bullshit. Move on.

One of two things is going on when someone says this:

  1. It’s a marketing schtick;
  2. Or that person truly believes what he is saying.

In the latter case, does that martial artist truly believe he possesses “secret methods” that thousands of other instructors don’t have?

Bullshit.

Me: “Master Chuck, what’s the counter to this?“

Master Chuck: “You already know the move,” and he shows me the counter that leaves me feeling like a dummy. 99.99999% of the time, it’s a technique that I have practiced countless times. There are no secret counters.

The bottom line, there are no secrets in any martial art. Don’t fall for anyone who claims to have all the secrets and answers.

Those “secrets” will come to you from your instructor or self-discovery over time.

Trust me on this.

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