It Takes all Types

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It would be ridiculous for Matial Arts Instructors to think they can teach students to defend successfully against all types of fighters in different situations.  How would that be possible considering the many variables in these predicaments.  The type of outcome will be dependent on the environment (eg street, pub), type of fighter (martial artist, street fighter), calibre of opponent etc.

An Instructor takes great pride when they show their students ways to deal with persons of other styles.  Students would then need to learn to deal with fighters of Karate, Jiu Jitsu, Wrestling, Boxing etc just for the sake if they ever come across them in the street (ridiculous).  The other problem is your opponent will not wear a label on their clothes, I am Tae Kwon Do so you won't get the 'heads up'.  There is also another minus to students in these situations. 

Fear of the Consequences: Did you use too much force (you now have to answer for your actions), or not enough force (was is it enough to get you out of trouble)?  Good people don't expect or go looking for trouble.  Bad people do.  You now have disadvantage.

Consequences of the Fear: Pre-fight shakes, loss of motor skills, tunnel vision, sweaty palms, memory loos, timing distortion.  These are not going to help your situation.

How to Play it Safe: Your most effective street techniques must be consolidated ready for 'battle'.  If you are you are presented with a hostile situation, choosing environment can improve your chances of success.  This is why specialized training is required.  It is called Reality Based Self Defence!  Not all schools are aware of it.  

It's not all Bad News: Nevertheless, the more training you do the better off you'll be.  Any form of training is going to increase your chance of survival and there are many success stories out there to support it.  I believe in just taking things a bit further.
GA

Reward$

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People would like to jump at the chance of earning a reward($).  Let's face it, if it's too hard then most people will probably not bother.  Not so, for many martial artists.  They have to work to get rewards which usually have nothing to do with money.  A reward could be as simple as a pat on the back from an Instructor.

There are many reasons why we train the martial arts eg self defence, fitness, body coordination, fitness etc, etc.  but for those of us who continue on and make it a part of our lives want to see if we can dedicate ourslves and see how good we can get at something.  This must really be a good incentive for anybody who hasn't made up their mind yet whether they should continue or not.  Maybe, an even better incentive for the parents who feel martial arts just may not be for 'little Johnny', or little Johnny needs to kick the ball around instead!  This is one of those times parents can make a bad decision.

People need challenges and they also need to be recognised for their achievements.  Not everybody might be successful at their job, study, etc however, they may find success through their martial arts which may assist them achieve their other goals. 

People who miss out opportunities and lack challenges in their lives, usually have a low esteem and will often fabricate details about themselves to get attention.  The challenges of martial arts are extremely rewarding and everybody should be happy with what they can achieve, and what they have already achieved.  There will be times when one feels they are going nowhere.  They have to ask whether they’ve done enough or whether they're asking too much of themselves.  As a Teacher I see individuals always improving and sometimes, more often than not, I really get a surprise.  That's a reward in itself!  Keep training; what have you got to lose?  Maybe, some weight!
GA