Martial arts and fighting are often thought of as one and the same, but in my experience, they are two distinct concepts. My teacher, Sam Chin, likes to refer to martial arts as a tool, rather than a goal. It’s not about the end result, but rather the journey and what we learn about ourselves along the way.
A friend in Vegas has been fortunate enough to spend some time with former UFC light heavyweight champion Forrest Griffin.
Griffin is a retired mixed martial artist who achieved fame as the UFC Light Heavyweight Champion and was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame in 2013. He is currently the Vice President of Athlete Development at the UFC Performance Institute in Las Vegas, Nevada. Griffin, who used to be a police officer in Georgia, gained recognition after winning the first season of The Ultimate Fighter. The tournament finale, in which he defeated Stephan Bonnar, is believed to have contributed significantly to the success of the UFC.
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According to my friend, Griffin said he did not enjoy training and only did so because it was part of his job as a fighter. His main focus was on winning fights rather than the training process itself.
However, the training process was the most enjoyable part of my martial arts journey. The actual competition or fighting was just a part of the process, a way to test myself, and see how much I had learned and grown.
To me, the difference between martial arts and fighting is that martial arts are about the journey and personal growth, while fighting is more goal-oriented and focused on winning and achieving specific, quantifiable goals.
If you’re not sure which approach is right for you, you can help find clarity by filling in the blanks in the following question: “I want to learn martial arts, so I can _______ so I can ______.”
Alternatively, you can use the “Five Whys” exercise. This exercise is a great way to determine the underlying motivations behind your goals. To do it, simply ask yourself “why” five times in a row, starting with your initial goal. For example, if you want to learn martial arts, you might ask yourself:
“Why do I want to learn martial arts?”
-So I can lose weight and get in shape.
“And why does that matter?”
-So I will look better
“Why do I want to look better?”
-So i can feel better about myself
“Why do I want to feel good about myself?”
-So I can be more confident.
“Why do I want to be more assertive and confident?”
-Being more assertive and confident allows me to feel more in control and better able to achieve my goals in life.
By asking yourself “why” multiple times, you can get to the root of your motivations and ensure that you pursue goals that align with your values and priorities.
In conclusion, martial arts and fighting may be seen as interchangeable by some, but they are actually two distinct concepts. While fighting is centered around winning and achieving specific goals, martial arts is about the journey and personal growth.
It’s important to recognize the difference between the two and understand that the journey and growth that come from practicing martial arts can be just as fulfilling as, if not more, than the pursuit of victory in the ring. Understanding your priority can help you choose the right gym for you. If you choose a gym that is focused specifically on competition of self-defense, the training environment may be too intense for you if you’re looking for a hobby or a path for self-improvement, whereas if self-defense or competition are your primary objectives then the more relaxed, long term approach and atmosphere of a gym that focuses more on the Dao/Do 道 (the way) will be a bad fit.
