would  street fighting be considered a martial art or not?
550222
Yes definitely, if you took it seriously.\n\nSome masters of martial arts go out and pick fights just so they can practice their street fighting techniques in real life situations.
759239
I feel all martial arts have something to offer. In a realistic street fight you have to know have to fight from all ranges. I cross train in Judo and Brazilian Jujitsu. I also spar with my buddies who take muai thai. In my opinion you have to cross train to be ready for all situations.
804836
I haven't had to use it in the street yet, but we do have full contact sparring sessions in MMA class where we employ these techniques. I was able to submit a larger opponent (50 lb advantage) by getting him in a rear-naked choke. If you learn the submission techniques, most people on the street are not going to be looking to defend them, such as a choke or an armbar. So, unless you get caught with a vicious knockout punch, you should be able to get that person in one of the submission holds.
504804
Let me start by defining and exampling martial arts before I answer. Martial Art = The art of war. What makes up a martial art: Percussion (striking), Projection (throwing), Immobilization (joint locks), and Armament (weaponry). Here are some examples of different systems:\n\nKarate: Okinawan. Covers Percussion. Civil Art. Kara- meaning open or empty depending on translation. -te originally meant Chinese Hand but they later changed it to just hand after the Chinese were driven out. Derived from White Crane Kung Fu. Believes in hardening the body against strikes and striking hard is the key.\n\nKung Fu: External Chinese. Most cover percussion, projection, and armament, with a few covering immobilization as well. Usually either martial or civil art. There are SO many systems within the term kung fu that it is hard to describe this system effectively. To say the least the best Kung Fu I have seen was in Dallas, and was translated to the Water-Fire Kung Fu.\n\nAikido / Aiki-jujutsu: Japanese. Covers immobilization with slight touch on projection. Civil Art. Was originally derived from Nihongo Jujutsu or Japanese Jujutsu (honestly I hate that I have to specify WHICH jujutsu compared to Brazilian or American… as if you would get an French taco or Russian sushi). Aikido has sadly become one of the snobbiest “styles” out there and they insist that what they do would work in real combat, although only about 10% of EVERYONE who is involved with that system knows what they’re doing. Though I will admit those that do, can do some beautiful Aiki.\n\nJudo: Japanese. Covers projection. Sport Art. Another derivative of Nihongo Jujutsu. A sport derived from the throwing system used in Japan’s combat. As with all sports, there are certain things that they threw out as “illegal moves” due to their effectiveness therefore making the “style” weaker.\n\nBrazilian: Japanese origin. Covers a portion of Immobilization and Projection. Martial Sport. This “style” was made famous by the Gracie family after they were originally taught by a Japanese man who refused to show them any more than the grappling section of Jujutsu. So they concentrated on the art of ground fighting. Most people that do Brazilian are extremely competitive and aggressive in nature.\n\nTaekwondo: Korean. Percussion. Sport Art. This is a primarily kicking “style” and is considered one of the most famous “styles” in use. Another system that is sport / competition based they rely heavily on flexible and fast legs. Originally a derivative from a certain school of Karate which name eludes me at this moment.\n\nKrav Maga: Israeli. Um… Percussion? Military wannabe. I REALLY don’t suggest this system unless you’re looking for a Billy Blanks on steroids kinda feel. This system was built to teach the foot soldiers of Israel a quick, brutal and less than effective hand-to-hand fighting method in a matter of a week, so seriously, don’t bother.\n\nThose Russian arts: Mainly knife junkies who think they know what they’re doing. More flashy than anything else, don’t fall for the hype.\n\nPilipino: Mostly Stick and knife, and they are not for the faint of heart, although not much art to the system, it seems those whom you can find who actually know what they’re doing are pretty good with a knife and stick but that’s it.\n\nMMA: Mixed martial arts. Probably the worst thing that has ever happened to martial arts besides Krav maga. The concept of mixing martial arts is taking a system that is inferior and mixing it with another inferior system to hopefully make up for the gaps left by the other one. For example: Karate doesn’t have Immobilization, so lets throw in Aikido and Brazilian, and those don’t have projection so lets throw in Judo, and all of those don’t have armament so lets throw in Pilipino. \n\nThere are zillions of others that I’ve missed because in order to catch them all, I’d have to write a book, which is stupid, but here’s the
973981
Muai Thai would tear up an Aikido practitioner... pretty much any art is effective against TKD, its not a fighting art, its a sport.
529132
It wouldn't be mix MARTIAL ARTS then would it. I'm sure there are some places you could go and fight but I doubt that it would be MMA. You need at least some experience before they let you in.
1027870
Martial arts is a blanket term for hand to hand fighting, mostly referring to fighting styles originating in Asia. And people came to practice it for self defense, or war.
54660
i would suggest Krav Maga, which is Isreali Army self-defense...profieciency can be achieved relatively quickly, esp. compared to more "traditional" martial arts.\ni think the real question is, what are you trying to learn?  Do you wanna know how to beat people up?  Why?  After enough time in study, you can learn how to start fights before they start, and how to not be in a position where violent situations occur in the first place.  You CAN learn how to beat people up in little time, but, if you stick it out, you'll learn how not to need to.  Good luck on your search!
984965
Iv'e been doing MA for 39 years and i've never heard that hard syles of MA are only good for attack and fighting?\nany martial art that you make a lifestyle out of and stick to is good whether it be for self defense or whatever.you dont need to swallow a dictionary and a bucket of b/shit to give a good answer.
547619
Give Choi Kwang Do a try (one month free). It teaches practical street defense, and the instructors are very knowledgeable.\n\nHere's the thing about grappling, they have rules. when your are in a real street the rules don't apply. your attacker will not follow the rules, so niether should you. bite, kick, scream in his ear, do anything and everything to get up and out.\n\nIf you were held up and gun point, martial arts can not help you there. if the guy pulls out a gun, don't be a hero. even the best martial arts are no match for bullets.
736535
Orientals bow instead of shaking hands to avoid getting negative\nspiritual energy from others.\nWhat do you know about Martial Arts Bullshido?\nI am self-taught, studying for 30 years. Have proven myself in "street" fights.\nAnd started developing my own style before I got degenerating discs!\nWhat have YOU done but criticize people on Yahoo Answers? I've seen your answers before.
910968
There is no "best" or "most powerful" martial art. There are many good powerful arts. It is the artist, not the art.
500981
I take two styles Wing Chung Kune and the Chin Na grappling system. Wing Chung is great for fighing it is mean to maim or kill the attacker. Chin Na is not a martial art it is a system. Both Chin Na and Wing Chung Kune are taught at both the nothern and souther Shaolin temples. I also like the older styles such as from the Hung Gar family (Tiger Crain is an example). I agree with what you said about the circular motion in Kung Fu i belive that Karate is far to ridged and do not belive it would hold up well against an experience Kung Fu practioner.
1083758
Not sure what you mean by "real fighting."  The martial arts you mention as well as others can teach you a lot about technique as well as very useful moves and combinations all while conditioning your body and mind.  There are also hapkido or aikido for grappling and joint locks.  So, there is nothing "fake" about any of those.  An individual who is proficient in any of those arts would be a very good fighter.  You could also take the route of someone like Bruce Lee who found those arts limiting and developed his own style by transforming what he learned into something he found more useful.  In any event, there is no "most effective" style of fighting in my opinion.  It depends on the individual's skill in whatever style he knows.
953338
I think it might be jujitsu, but many similar techniques are present in other martial arts.
1038482
For your kumite go to tournaments; it will help you practice it. Also, if you have a willing partner, you could try doing kumite with them.\n\nI'm not sure about street confidence.
1045089
I just picked up an article from a web site regarding the benefits of martial arts,hope this article can answer your question promptly.\nWhat are Martial Arts?\nMost of us are familiar with the term martial arts, whether it be from personal experience or from watching television shows or movies featuring the moves of this dazzling sport. Technically defined, martial arts are systems of combat and self-defense. Developed in various countries including China, Korea, Indonesia, and the Philippines, martial arts systems have been around for centuries. Martial arts are now becoming more and more popular, especially amongst North Americans. Practiced not only as a way to learn self defense, martial arts allows followers to increase personal fitness, reduce stress, and improve mental health.\n\nHealth Benefits of Martial Arts\nMartial arts aren’t just about self-defense anymore, although this can still be a major benefit to practicing these sports. Instead, more and more men and women are turning to martial arts because of the vast array of health benefits associated with these fitness systems. Some of the health benefits that regular practice of a martial art can bring you include:\n\n\nincreased muscle strength \nheightened stamina \nweight loss and weight maintenance \nimproved flexibility \nbetter posture and balance \nimproved agility\n\nWhen combined with a healthy diet, regular practice of a martial art can even help to lower your risk of cardiovascular disease. But the benefits of martial arts aren’t just physical – these sports also work wonders for your mental and emotional wellbeing, helping to:\n\n\nreduce stress \nimprove concentration \nincrease self confidence\n\nWhat Is Involved in Martial Arts?\nEach system of martial arts is different, however, most combine some of the following features:\n\n\nForms: Most martial arts involve the practice of various forms, which are poses or movements performed in a routine. These routines can be practiced alone or with a partner and may involve kicking, jumping, or punching. Forms are typically non-combative. \nSparring Most martial arts feature some type of sparring, whether it be light, moderate, or heavy contact. Sparring involves fighting with an opponent while protected with foam padding and other protective gear. \nSelf Defense: The major goal of most martial arts systems is self-defense. The moves that you will learn will increase your ability to defend yourself against another person’s advances, and help you to deal with physical confrontation.\n\n\nTypes of Martial Arts\nThere are dozens of different martial arts systems that you can become involved with. Here are a few of the most popular martial arts:\n\nKarate\nKarate is perhaps the most well known of all the martial arts systems. It is also the most widely-practiced martial art in North America. Originating on the island of Okinawa in Japan, karate literally means "open hand." This is because all of the movements involved in karate use the hand as the main weapon. In karate, participants focus all of their energy into one contact point in order to overcome their opponent. Most karate movements involve striking with the hands, feet, or elbows, however, the sport also involves some grappling. Karate is excellent for those who want to increase their overall fitness levels and improve their upper body strength and fitness.\n\nJudo\nJudo was derived from the martial arts system, Jujutso, and literally means the "gentle way." Judo teaches students how to use the strength and ability of their opponents in order to win the advantage in a match. It typically involves grappling, throwing, and rolling the opponent. Judo is excellent for those who are looking to improve their fitness levels without bulking up too much. It is particularly well-suited to women and people of smaller physical stature.\n\nTaekwondo\nTaekwondo was created in Korea in the 1950s as an offshoot of karate. It emphasizes kicking t