Myths About Martial Arts (Debunked)

There are many myths or un-true facts surrounding martial arts. In junior year of high school I was assigned a final project in my writing class where I could pick any topic and I had to research and create a presentation. I chose Cobra Kai in order to prove why it wasn’t realistic and was more for entertainment. I was ultimately able to prove why it wasn;t and explained this as I presented this to my class. Not everything on the show wasn’t, for example the way they executed their techniques was top tier and realistic. However, on the show, in their classes they train in white belts. But when they go to compete they wear black belts. Definitely not realistic. 

One of the biggest myths is that you can’t ever use the skills you learn outside of your training facility or dojang (as it’s referred to in my style). NOT TRUE

I’ve seen this comment a ton, whenever a martial artist that’s well known in the Sport Karate world posts a tricking video. “You can’t use that on the street.” Or “You can’t use that in a fight.” Phillip Brumme ,multi world champion in sport karate , is very open and honest about these comments on his social media accounts. In my eyes, with specifically Sport Karate it’s not about popping out a 540 kick in a fight; it digs deeper. Think about it, to have the ability to pop out certain tricks you have to train your mind and body in a certain way

Another common myth I’ve heard of is that every black belt was just born that way. Well, that just saved me a lot of time! Just kidding, obviously all of the black belts you meet or may come across started as white belts one day. It just took consistent dedication to get them to where they are now. 

Situations I have come across from multiple individuals are the comment or conversation ,” you always win” or “you’re just given everything”. With this I like to think of an iceberg. There’s the very top and the very bottom (underwater). On the top of the iceberg you have success, victory, and winning. But then on the other hand under the water you have: late nights, failure, loss, stress, etc. Everyone doesn’t see all of the work that’s put in each and every day. Some don’t even want to understand it. 

But it’s important to keep the people that do understand and support you; close in your life. 

—Rhianna Cole