Will Mixed Martial Arts Really Save Your Life in the Street?

[Preston Gary]

Which brings us back to the age old question, which style of martial
art is best? In response I would ask you I would ask you, what are you
looking for in a martial art?
The world of martial arts can be broken up into three categories,
Martial Sport (mixed martial arts, judo, wrestling, boxing and
Brazilian jujitsu), cultural fighting arts (aikido, kung fu, karate
and tae kwon do) and self defense (World War II hand to hand combat,
close quarters combat and other reality martial arts).
All have their advantages and disadvantages. Combat sport, like mixed
martial arts, is great for getting you in shape and allowing you to
"mix it up". However, since it's governed by rules, most of the
techniques and strategies learned will not translate well into a real
self defense situation. This will leave you vulnerable when faced with
a determined and capable assailant.
Cultural fighting arts have their benefits as well. They will get you
in shape; you will have fun and explore the ancient arts of days gone
by, but are they good for self defense? The answer is not really.
Activities like Tai Chi and Aikido are meant to develop your spirit, a
sense of community and well being. They are not designed or intended
for self defense. Other activities like kung fu or even aiki jujustu
were intended for specific situations. For example, a lot of Japanese
aiki jujutsu and Korean Hapkido (which was adopted from Japanese
jujutsu) were designed to fight an attacker who was dressed in full
armor. It's obvious that striking him would be out of the question. In
addition, fighting a slower moving opponent (the armor weighed about
75 pounds) would allow you certain liberties that you can't use today
against a faster moving street thug.
What you want is a way to get in better shape while you how to protect
your self a little better. Notice I used the phrase "a little better".
More to the point I should use the phrase "more efficiently". Everyone
given the right "motivation" will become pretty resourceful when it
comes to protecting themselves and their loved ones, there are just
more efficient, proven methods of self defense that are easily learned
and recalled when you need them.
The Tekkenryu Jujutsu and Kodokan Judo Program gives you the
advantages of realistic self defense, combat sport as well as cultural
fighting art. It is regarded by many as he ultimate "mixed martial art
for the street". Let me explain...
In the beginning you won't waste anytime with sporting techniques,
forms and outdated stances. From day one you will be immersed in
battle proven, close quarter combat methods from World War II and
early combat jujutsu. You will also have the opportunity to train in
Judo, the foundation of all mixed martial arts (in fact you will be
earning TWO Black Belts at the same time). Being a USJF (United Stated
Judo Federation School) as well as an accredited Tekkenryu Jujutsu
Dojo, ZenShin can offer you ranks in both systems.
Even if you decided to only train with us for a year, you will have
all you need to know to protect your self more efficiently in the
street, but why stop there?
As you advance in the ranks you will discover a complete knock down
karate system, a complete aiki jujutsu system as well as a complete
judo system. No "stone" will be left unturned. By the time you've
completed you basic Black Belt training, you will have what most
martial artist's dream of: proven methods of self defense and a true
lineage that is internationally recognized.
But that's not all. At ZenShin we use only proven training methods
that have prepared warriors and Olympic athletes or centuries. You'll
be amazed by just attending class 2 days a week, at how fast you will
rocket into shape. It doesn't matter what shape you're in or the age
you are. We have 20 year olds and 60 year olds, working together
towards a common goal.
How can we accomplish this? Because we keep the class sizes smaller,
we make sure that "no student is left behind". All you need to succeed
is the will and the desire to do it. What we like to say is, all you
have to do is show up and let us do our job. I guarantee the hardest
thing you will ever have to do is drive to the dojo.