Self-Defense Products vs Martial Arts Training

Self-Defense Items

When it comes to personal protection, many people believe that self-defense products are the best option.  They can certainly be helpful, depending on the situation.  But can simply owning one of these products eliminate the need for consistent martial arts and combat training?  Most of the time, absolutely not.

This is not to say that self-defense weapons are completely useless - not at all.  There are a number of things that can definitely save your life in many situations.  In fact, here is a list of equipment that can be great to have in a self-defense scenario:

Guns

Knives

Flashlights

Tasers

Spray (bear spray, pepper spray, etc)

While knives and flashlights can be used to fend off an attacker, they also have other things they can be used for, such as cutting through material and providing light for visibility.  A gun, taser, and irritant spray are items mainly designed for deterring or neutralizing a threat, something they all excel in.  Please check your local and state laws, if you do decide to carry one of these items for self-defense purposes.  In addition, make sure you have trained with whatever equipment you will carry, as it is important that you are proficient with your gear choices and your own gear is not used against you by an attacker.

Martial Arts Training

While carrying different utility items can definitely be beneficial, martial arts training turns you into a weapon.  Instead of relying on some type of instrument to defend yourself, rely on your own skills and abilities.  You may find that you don’t always have to carry a knife, taser, or irritant spray if you have martial arts training.  

Practitioners of grappling sports like BJJ, Judo, and wrestling know exactly how to handle themselves in direct close quarter combat.  Their muscle memory and training experience allows them the capability to take the fight down to the ground, control their counterpart from there, and even use submission holds if they believe them to be necessary.  Those who train in striking forms of martial arts like Muay Thai and boxing know how to keep a certain distance between themselves and an opponent/attacker.  At all types of ranges, they are able to efficiently deliver quick and powerful strikes, while absorbing a minimal amount of damage that comes back at them (if any at all).

But how?  How do these people know how to do that?  The answer is simple: they train.

These people weren’t born with the ability to immediately throw someone to the ground or knock somebody out.  They devoted themselves to learning their martial arts discipline(s) of choice and training it on a consistent basis.

Ever wonder why ground fighters, especially wrestlers, are so strong and have so much endurance?  Grapplers develop incredible functional fitness from their training, as they constantly practice different ways of managing the force of another person who is actively resisting everything they try to do.  

Have you ever wondered why Muay Thai fighters take kicks at full power to their body and their legs and act as if nothing happened?  They train their bodies and their minds to be extremely well conditioned against both physical attacks and mental barriers.

“With great power comes great responsibility.”  This is especially true when it comes to martial artists and fighters of any discipline.  Through training, they understand how effective they can be in a fight which gives them a deep appreciation of the art.  As a result, they are usually more confident and relaxed, due to the self-control and discipline they have developed from training.

Analysis: Self defense products vs Martial Arts training

So which is better, the self-defense objects or martial arts training?  It all depends on the situation and the level of training someone has.

Weapons training is a great option for learning self-defense.  Having pinpoint accuracy with a handgun and knowing how to handle situations with a knife or any other self-defense tool (for attack, defense, or both) is incredibly valuable and can definitely protect you from harm.

Martial arts is also a great option for learning self-defense.  Knowing different techniques and being able to use them is essential for unarmed combat.  Having multiple ways to neutralize a threat to your safety, whether it’s through striking or grappling, can be all the difference you need to walk away from an altercation safely.  

Making a Choice

As a beginner with no prior experience, if you had to choose between these two types of self-defense systems, martial arts training would be the better option to start with.  There is not some miracle product sold for $20 that will save you from everything or get you out of any situation.  Yes, it may help, but you should not completely rely on one of these products to save your life.  It’s your life, so you need to have responsibility over your own safety.  Start martial arts training and learn how to defend yourself with what you have: your own body.

At the end of the day, NOTHING replaces martial arts training.  What if you forget your self-defense tools one day or go to a place where you cannot carry them (ex. airport, concert, sporting event)?  What if someone attacks you and you don’t have your gun or your knife or your irritant spray?  Will you be able to defend yourself? 

With consistent training in BJJ, Muay Thai, or MMA, you will.  (Note: You don’t have to make yourself exclusive to only martial arts.  You can still do weapons training to supplement your combat sports practice, but we highly recommend starting martial arts).

Thank you for reading - we hope this was a helpful explanation of the usefulness of self-defense products vs martial arts!

If you are looking for high quality gear to begin your journey, here are some of the products we offer:

Jiu Jitsu products

https://sanabulsports.com/collections/jiu-jitsu-gis 

https://sanabulsports.com/collections/no-gi-jiu-jitsu

Striking Products

https://sanabulsports.com/collections/striking-equipment