Lessons Learnt from Ten Years of Adults Martial Arts Classes

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A Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Flip, Martial Arts Philosophy

Martial arts classes offer much more than just the ability to throw a punch or execute a takedown. Adults martial arts classes have been a lifesaver for me in many ways over the years. They have taught me discipline, resilience, and a way to navigate the chaos of conflict, both physical and mental. Yet, when it comes to self-defence, practicality and realism are the true cornerstones of effective training.

I’ve learned from my martial arts journey, lessons forged through rigorous practice, pressure testing, and an unwavering commitment to techniques that hold up in the real world. From sparring sessions to studying the psychology of confrontation, these insights form the foundation of my approach to training.

Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned martial artist, these principles can help you refine your practice and stay grounded in the ultimate purpose of martial arts: preparation for the unpredictable.

Every student should leave a martial arts class more proficient than when they went in. For me, proficiency means that they are better able to handle themselves during a violent confrontation, both in the ring or on the street.

My Martial Arts Philosophy

Over all the years training in adults martial arts classes, I’ve developed a martial arts philosophy that I think applies to everyone practicing martial arts, regardless of the type.

Training should be realistic and energetic.

Each technique should have a purpose, be easy to implement in real circumstances, as well as hold up to pressure testing (increasingly hard sparring). What is taught in adults martial arts class should be based on real situations (taken from CCTV footage, victim accounts and interviews with fighters), statistically based (training to counter the most common situations) and most importantly:

Techniques should be based on how a human body reacts under pressure. 

Whilst flashy and technical techniques look impressive and require a level of mastery to perform, they are not practical. Unless it can be performed under the duress of a real conflict, with adrenaline pumping, in an unfamiliar environment with their life on the line, it is of little use.

I don't believe in flashy moves or wishful thinking.

I believe in what I can test and what I can teach others to perform under pressure. Situations that require self-defense are not the time to be unsure of yourself or your teachings. 

It is with that mindset and martial arts philosophy that I approach my own training. All techniques should be pressure tested against increasingly resistant opponents as well as usable whilst sparring. Regardless of the style trained, contact sparring should be a constant thing. Every night at the end of my Muay Thai and BJJ classes we would spar, sometimes it would be light and technical, other times it would be a war. It was from these sessions that I soon learnt which techniques (for me at least) were legit. If it worked for me or against me, I gave it further consideration.

I consider cross training and competing a must. It is very easy for martial artists to live in the ivory tower of 'my style/instructor/gym' is the best, with no evidence other then the fact that it is what they do. If it works, it works, the only way to be truly sure is to test it - widely and continuously.

Finally, all self-defense instructors in adults martial arts should spend some time covering prevention, de-escalation and post conflict survival, or at least direct their students to an expert in those areas. 

How To Find The Right Gym For You

With that said, not every martial arts gym will be for you. Starting as an adult can be confronting, embarrassing, and overwhelming - these feelings are normal and need to be acknowledged and taken into account when choosing.

Shop around your local area and do a trial at a few places. Observe how the coaches interact with you and the regulars. Look how the regulars interact with you. Consider the culture and cleanliness of the gym as well as the facilities and find one that matches your personality and timetable needs.

If something seems off or sus, leave and find somewhere else to train. These people will become your friends, or at least you need to be able to trust the safety of your body to them. So choose with care!