Are martial arts classes better practiced for real, or just simulated?

[Cassie_94]

A question mostly for girls, but let’s see. If you girls were to take a martial arts class, would you rather a class where all the moves were simulated with light-medium contact sparring, and with head and groin guards worn, where no one ever got too badly hurt? Or would you rather practice at a class, like the one I do in kickboxing 🙋🏼‍♀️ where in sparring, against both girls and guys, full contact strikes are allowed anywhere above or below the belt, and both head and groin guards cannot be worn?

Obviously the risk of being hurt is much greater this way 🤷🏼‍♀️ but I prefer to spar under these rules because it properly trains and prepares you for real life self-defence situations.

So which kind of class is better in your opinion? And of these two kind of classes, which would you choose to join? 🤔 Thank you.

[molonski2]

I think the only way to see where you actually stand in the art of combat , is to fight with no guards , and certainly no cups , this brings a lot more strategy into the bout , especially in the case of the female , its like a vigorous game of Chess , work your male opponent into the correct position via some decoy , and BAM , strike hard , strike quickly , put that guy squirming on the mat.
Far better practice too for self defense.

[Caunsos]

I think depends on the style of martial art your taking. Some are geared more to fitness and discipline other self defense and other might be illegal to use outside of official matches. I would talk with instructors and see how will they style will fit your needs.

[Ericalovescats]

Practicing for real I think because allowing kicks below the belt makes it somewhat equal for girls where as if everyone has pads, it still hurts to get hit and the guys have a big advantage over all.

[vlx-na]

Would you say there's no equivalent place on female's body, that is as effective as a groin kick for men?

[Ericalovescats]

@vlx-na probably not

[vlx-na]

I suppose you're right. For us a single good kick is the end of the fight almost always. Even more than just that, it can literally render us helpless for like 15 minutes.

[s35bonanza]

@ericalovescsts I’m sure you would win your fair share of the time, but fair is fair, I must defend and protect my testicles with my own skills, if not I pay the price fair and square. Do you have any great stories about a particularly dramatic win with a skillful well placed nut shot?

[Ericalovescats]

@s35bonanza I have countless stories where that happened :)

[s35bonanza]

@ericalovescats can you please share a few on this site? Please!!!

[Ericalovescats]

@s35bonanza sure just message me

[kikma]

@ericalovescats I'd love to hear them too

[Karate_Guy]

@ericalovescats What would you do if the guy landed a kick to your groin? 😛

[quetimporta]

Can i ask you too?

[quetimporta]

Could you share your story with me too?

[quetimporta]

@Karate_Guy Did the girl answer you?

[Anonymous]

"full contact strikes are allowed anywhere above or below the belt, and both head and groin guards cannot be worn?"

That would be cool, I would just hit boys in the balls whenever I can.

[Cassie_94]

That’s what me and all the other girls do 🙋🏼‍♀️ because it works every time.

[Opinion Owner]

Exactly lol, I do not understand why a man would ever agree with this rule. Testicles are every girl's favorite target in a fight.

[Superwoman21]

Mine too definitely testicles are vulnerable where do you practice?

[7h3j0k3r]

Not a girl, but I agree that martial arts classes like the one you take are better because it really prepares people for real life situations. However I personally wouldn't join a class where full contact groin strikes are allowed and groin guards forbidden. I would be way too scared to take a strong kick in the testicles without any protection. Why do guys choose to join such a class?

[Cassie_94]

I understand why you and many other guys wouldn’t choose to join a class with these kind of rules 🤷🏼‍♀️ but the guys that do join and stay here want to train, spar and compete under ‘real life’ conditions - and taking full contact kicks to their testicles without protection helps them to learn and better protect their groin, and prepares them better for ‘real life’ fight situations. I will admit these guys are brave, and I do respect their bravery 🙋🏼‍♀️ but it’s great for us girls too because it allows us to practice ‘real life’ fight situations where the groin is always going to be the number one target for our knees and kicks to win.

[7h3j0k3r]

Yeah I guess most guys would refuse to join a class like that for fear of taking a full contact groin kick. It definitely prepares them better for real life fight though. And I agree the ones who are willing to train there are really brave. I hope you girls don't kick them too hard.
I can definitely see why girls choose to join a class like that, you can practice every technique, groin strikes included, and train for real life situations. And you don't have to fear taking a kick in the testicles, there's no drawback.

[Cassie_94]

This kind of class is great for us girls, because we can spar against guys with rules that reflect a ‘real life’ situation 🙋🏼‍♀️ and we can actually compete with guys and have a genuine chance of winning - it’s a great leveller and confidence booster.

[7h3j0k3r]

I see. Thanks for your answers.

[Karate_Guy]

@cassie_94: You are right about it sharpening the reflexes! I once had a sensei who liked to say "pain is a good teacher, but few are brave enough to take his class!" lol

[s35bonanza]

Better for real and no artificial protection. You must defend the whole body and not rely on rules or your opponent holding back. The testicles are what makes guys bigger, stronger, and faster than girls, so it’s only fair they also be fair game for her to attack in a match. If she can neutralize his testicles with a punishing strike, then the playing field has been leveled and she deserves to win, because he did not effectively protect himself.

[ArchivalMars2]

Personally, I think they're better practiced for real, seems like you'd learn the full thing that way.

[Anonymous]

To quote Mike Tyson, "Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth."

You should practice with contact. You need to be used to taking a hit.

[Cowboy6666]

As a new beginner, I would pick the former one. When I was in my teenages I always wanted to learn martial arts
but never found a better trainer.
Still I have some questions, discussion about this topic :)

[Catlover1992]

Hmm, I've taken a class with groin hits allowed and it's really, really painful to be endured especially recently. I don't know how long I'm gonna continue I may just need a break.

[FilmGuy93]

I can't think of any benefit to not practicing the art for real.

[In_Trance]

You learn anything (this included) faster when it's the real deal

[Zlantur2]

Of course safety first but without attending a class you think that you learn but you don't. Without someone else pressuring you it's pointless

[emperor90]

Yes better practice for real life