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I did years of martial arts training, including the board breaking stuff. Then I made the mistake of stepping into the ring to spar with a boxer half my weight.

I did years of martial arts training, including the board breaking stuff. Then I made the mistake of stepping into the ring to spar with a boxer half my weight. He wiped the floor with me, using only one hand. Yes, "martial arts" is a fun way to get some exercise and build a little confidence, but never make the mistake of thinking that you actually know how to fight. There's an entire universe of difference between someone who takes martial arts classes a few times a week, and an actual trained fighter. I trained in boxing for a few years, and got to the point where I can trivially defeat an untrained fighter who's bigger than me, and easily defeat a less experienced fighter. But even then, against a professional fighter who trains all day every day, I'd never stand a chance. I once watched in disbelief as my coach defeated our star pupil (who was getting too big for his britches) with BOTH hands behind his back (basically just dodged and smashed him with his shoulder until he fell down). You simply could not hit him or even touch him, while he could pick any spot he wanted on you. Fighting, like any skill, takes a long time to master. And there are no "mystical" routes or special ways or short cuts. Only hard work and regular practice in real combat.

phillsav 2y ago
“There's an entire universe of difference between someone who takes martial arts classes a few times a week, and an actual trained fighter” To echo this, I have professional competitive experience in Muay Thai (and also in some other combat disciplines). My training schedule during this time was 2 x daily, 6 days a week with a 4km run before each session. With this consistent routine training alongside other young, hungry and often gifted high level fighters, it takes something special for a hobbyist to join in a Pro session and not look ‘out of place’. If you are training right, every angle, strike, and position is carefully mapped into muscle memory even for when there is nothing left in the tank. Non competitive Martial arts are superb for confidence, but be very sure, there is (like you said) a universe of difference between an active professionally training fighter and a talented hobbyist. Edit: Grammar

phillsav 2y ago

“There's an entire universe of difference between someone who takes martial arts classes a few times a week, and an actual trained fighter” To echo this, I have professional competitive experience in Muay Thai (and also in some other combat disciplines). My training schedule during this time was 2 x daily, 6 days a week with a 4km run before each session. With this consistent routine training alongside other young, hungry and often gifted high level fighters, it takes something special for a hobbyist to join in a Pro session and not look ‘out of place’. If you are training right, every angle, strike, and position is carefully mapped into muscle memory even for when there is nothing left in the tank. Non competitive Martial arts are superb for confidence, but be very sure, there is (like you said) a universe of difference between an active professionally training fighter and a talented hobbyist. Edit: Grammar