The Art of Martial Arts: My Evolutionary Journey

My journey into the world of martial arts was not a linear one, but a path full of twists and turns, each style contributing to my personal evolution. Initially, martial arts were a pursuit driven by the mysticism of kung fu and the allure of wushu, evolving into a life-long passion for self-defense and self-growth.

Why I Chose My Current Style of Martial Art

My current choice of martial art is rooted in de-escalation and self-defense. I love de-escalation but generally loathe and avoid violent confrontations. However, studying martial arts has offered me the tools to target pressure points in the human body, allowing me to incapacitate an opponent to the point of surrender without causing permanent damage. This knowledge is acquired through rigorous training of hand-eye coordination, strategic strikes, and controlled strength.

These pressure points include the carotid sinus (side of the neck), mandibular angle, ulnar nerve area opposite to the elbow, chin, rib sides, shins, and C1–C3 vertebrae. Substantial restraint with physical strength is necessary, allowing the level of force to be sufficient to deter and incapacitate, yet not cause any permanent harm. It is a form of self-defense where I never hit first, and I limit strikes to under-50-year-old males only unless it’s a necessary self-defense situation.

From Kung Fu to Modern Martial Arts

Kung Fu: As a child, I was drawn to kung fu due to its mystique and the ability to fly as seen in wuxia films. The prospect of learning mystical powers to fight anyone in the world captivated me. Although, as a young kid, I expected to fight anyone with kung fu, I quickly realized it was more of a traditional and less practical style of combat.

Wushu Taolu: Later, as a teenager, my interest shifted to wushu taolu, deeply influenced by its competitive nature and the awe-inspiring performances. I even rose to compete at the national level, winning multiple competitions. Wushu taolu offered a more practical and elegant approach to combat, which resonated with me despite the practical limitations as my kung fu classmates pointed out.

Wushu Sanda: My transition from wushu taolu came when I started kickboxing. I switched to Sanda, which is the modern competitive combat version of wushu, to supplement my skills with other styles like boxing and Muay Thai. Sanda provided a more accessible path for practical self-defense.

Boxing and Muay Thai: Over time, my injuries forced a shift towards more injury-friendly martial arts. I moved from Sanda to Muay Thai when my location changed. The combination of striking and grappling techniques in Muay Thai piqued my interest and kept me engaged as I continued to develop my skills.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ): My most recent dive into martial arts is Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. In my late thirties, I watched Charles Oliveira integrate striking with BJJ, and it sparked an intense desire to learn. BJJ offered a unique combination of ground fighting and submission techniques that I found incredibly appealing.

A Lifestyle of Growth and Learning

Each martial art I have studied has contributed to building my resilience, confidence, and understanding of personal capabilities. The physical qualities that come with martial arts, such as flexibility and the ability to use the body as a tool for protection, are invaluable. The skills learned from each style have been used not just for self-defense but to create a safe zone for myself and others, fostering a healthy and thoughtful environment.

Ultimately, martial arts have become an integral part of my daily life, much like noblesse oblige—where actions reflect a deeper sense of responsibility and duty. Whether as a child defending myself or an adult striving for personal growth, martial arts have always played a significant role in shaping who I am today.

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