The word 'art' is listed as painting, drawing, sculpture, fine art, also described as skill, ability, talent. We are therefore faced with what can be described as the hard and soft, the sun and moon, the opposites often described in martial arts and literature as Ying and Yang...the positive and the negative.

So then 'martial art' can be hard, or soft, or a combination of both working together. If we review some of the systems of classical karate for example the movements are staight lined, forceful, direct, loud, and encourage several or many strikes or movements in response to one action of attack or intimidation. 

Some systems are more soft, flowing, circular in their defence, using fewer defensive movements placed effectively to certain areas as to render the attacker immobilised,  with little effort expanded by the practitioner. These systems encourage the taking and use of the attackers force against them. These would normally be systems of Gung fu, Aikido, jujitsu, and systems using pressure point manipulation such as  'kyusho jitsu' or 'dim mak' as it is also known.

Kyusho Jitsu or Dim Mak is a practical self defense system and principle in learning and practising how to manipulate the body's sensory nervous system. By touching, striking or rubbing pressure points on the body it is often possible to subdue or control an assailant with little effort.  Dim Mak and Kyusho Jitsu is especially useful for police and other law enforcement officers who must control an individual without causing any permanent damage, bruising or bleeding. It is particulary useful to a smaller person who is being attacked by a larger person with more strength. These techiques can help to bridge the gap between the big bully and the smaller good guy.

There are various levels of 'soft' and 'hard' systems and some combine aspects of both principles. Without fail the main question I am asked is.... " What martial arts or martial artist is the best ? "

The answer I give is always the same " none of them" and of course fans of either Chuck, Stephen, or Wesley everywhere throw up their hands in disbelief !

For how can we possibly say that one system or person is the best, when each system is different, each practitioner is different, each system has its own principles.....and its own advantages, and also its disadvantages dependent on the situation.

If someone said to me.." Which music is the best in the world ?"  how could I answer ?.....I love Blues, rock, jazz, funk, classical, heavy rock, country.....and many others. Therefore if they then said " Well who out of all of those types of music, is the best musician ? what could I say ? Every style has its legends, it's top men and woman.

So in review although there are numerous very talented martial artists in the world, and the leading practitioners in their specific fields, no one person holds the prize. "Well what about the mixed martial artists like you Sifu Dave ? "  you say....

I am no different, although I have skills and experience in more than one style and also adopt my personal principles...how would I be matched against a 10th Dan in lets just say oriental weaponry ? Would my nunchaku skills meet his.....I doubt it ! Would he have intimate knowledge of my system and principles....I doubt it !

So we have to stop looking at who, and what is best and start looking at what we can all teach and offer eachother.

So martial arts is exactly what system you wish, how much effort you place into it, your comittment to your goals, your reason for learning, your attitude.

Martial arts is not just fighting, punching and kicking, or self defence, it is a way of expressing yourself through your art and feeling that you are outside yourself. If we have learned anything we acknowledge that the truly great martial artists throughout time, have been those who have not been afraid to question, develope, grow, and conceptualise their art. There is only a handful or so, and we all know who they are...or were...

It is important to make sure that you are entirely comfortable with the martial art you choose to learn, you must feel welcome, not intimidated, but encouraged. You must want to come back, you must not dread it. Learning of any kind must be rewarding, and although it will have its hard times, if you get little out of it, or are not enjoying it...STOP. You are wasting your time and your teachers....it must be rewarding and forfilling.

Speak to your local community centre or try your local directory under martial arts and research which club or organisation suits you best. Come along for a free lesson, see how the Sifu or Sensei interacts with the students, how happy they are, speak to them....then decide.

Picking a martial arts school is like a new pet...you know when its the right one and it tends to find you !

Good luck with your art.