Eye Square Martial Arts

Cultural Preservation… with Bruises.

Category: Philosophy & Mindset

Thought pieces, reflections, and martial ethics.

  • Flipping the Switch: The Importance of Being Capable of Violence

    Flipping the Switch: The Importance of Being Capable of Violence

    Prepared, Not Violent is an ongoing series from Eye Square Martial Arts exploring how martial artists can understand, avoid, and prepare for real-world violence—without becoming consumed by it.

    This is Part I: Flipping the Switch: The Importance of Being Capable of Violence

    The more experience I gain in martial arts—and in life—the more I’ve had to come to terms with something uncomfortable: I may one day have to be violent.

    Not because I want to be. Not because I enjoy the idea. But because I might need to protect my wife. My family. A stranger. Myself.

    The other day, a friend of mine dropped this video into our Discord channel:

    It’s a clip of Nick Freitas speaking about a convicted child predator who described how he chooses his victims—by looking for situations where the father isn’t present. That’s the kind of insight you want to hear, especially as a father. It’s disturbing, yes—but valuable information often is.

    Someone else in the thread responded, accusing Freitas of “promoting violence.” I pushed back. Freitas isn’t telling people to go out and start fights—he’s saying that you should be ready to do what’s necessary to defend the people you care about.

    I didn’t say it perfectly at the time, but I wasn’t hostile either. The guy shot back with, “Most people in America will never have to deal with violence.” And honestly? He’s probably right. Statistically speaking, most people won’t find themselves in life-or-death situations.

    But the thing is—some will. And when that day comes, it’s too late to start preparing.

    One key factor in avoiding violence is not looking like a victim. You don’t always need to use force to deter an attack. But you do often need to look like you’re willing to.

    Marc MacYoung tells a great story in In the Name of Self-Defense. A woman is walking through a grocery store parking lot. She notices two guys watching her. They split up and start approaching from different angles—classic encirclement. She reaches her car, puts the grocery cart between her and them, and stares them down—without saying a word.

    Then, she looks past them.

    What they didn’t know is that she had a concealed firearm—and was trained to use it. When she looked behind them, she wasn’t looking for help. She was checking for backstops—things that would stop bullets if she had to shoot through them.

    That look told them everything they needed to know.

    They left.

    This is what so many people miss when they talk about “violence.” It’s not about wanting to hurt anyone. It’s about projecting the reality that you can, and will, if you’re forced to.

    The people who most often criticize this mindset usually fall into one of three camps:

    • They’ve never been a victim.
    • They’ve never studied how real violence works.
    • They just like to virtue signal from a safe distance.

    But none of those positions help you when things go bad. Preparedness does. Training does. Strength does.

    A predator is always looking for a target that’s easy, soft, distracted. If you project confidence, capability, and clear boundaries, most predators will look elsewhere.

    So yes:

    Si vis pacem, para bellum.
    If you want peace, prepare for war.

    Because peace isn’t always granted. Sometimes, you have to earn it.

  • The Teacher Student Dynamic

    The Teacher Student Dynamic

    I looked at the situation I’m in currently and realized something:
    I’ve been fortunate enough to have some of the best martial artists in the world pull me aside and say:

    “Hey, let me show you something.”

    And I’ve often wondered—why me?
    I’m nothing special.

    Then it hit me:
    It’s because I try. I show up. I engage.

    👊 Why Teachers Really Invest

    My Kenpo grandmaster drives an hour and a half—just to train us. He only asks for gas money.

    Why?

    Because, as he’s told me, my fellow students and I are eager to learn. We give him our attention and our respect. We take the art seriously, and that matters.

    I make it a point to try. I practice what I’m shown. I ask questions. I help others.
    And that effort resonates with teachers who care.

    💰 Beyond Paying for an Experience

    So why don’t more people get this kind of treatment?

    A big part of it:
    You have to put in work before someone high-level can show you something advanced.
    (For more context, see: There Are No Secrets)

    Another piece:
    You have to go beyond the idea that paying tuition entitles you to instruction.

    A true relationship between teacher and student can’t be bought—it’s built.

    I’m not saying teachers shouldn’t be paid—far from it.
    Great instructors often put in more work and study than it takes to become a doctor. If they can help you grow, they deserve compensation.

    But the best teachers? They want to teach.
    They light up when a student is engaged and clearly chasing more than a belt.

    Unfortunately, most students are just paying for an experience.
    They want to say they train—without ever earning the knowledge.

    🔄 A Relationship of Give and Take

    There’s a complementary dynamic between teacher and student:

    • Without students, teachers have no one to teach.
    • Without teachers, students can’t learn—not really.

    Both roles demand respect.
    Both require effort, patience, and communication.

    🎯 What Makes a Good Student?

    A good student…

    • Meets their obligations—time and tuition
    • Communicates with their teacher
    • Practices outside of class
    • Asks questions
    • Engages with the material, and shares it with others

    Because even the best teacher in the world…
    Can’t make a student good. Only the student can do that.

    🧠 Final Thought

    Show up. Try. Care.
    That’s what teachers are looking for.

    And when they find it—they give you everything they’ve got.

  • How to Choose and Care for Your Rattan Sticks

    How to Choose and Care for Your Rattan Sticks

    Not all rattan sticks are created equal.

    Whether you’re a beginner in Filipino Martial Arts or a seasoned practitioner, the right stick makes a huge difference in your training. At Eye Square Martial Arts, we go through a lot of sticks — so we’ve learned what holds up, what doesn’t, and how to keep your gear in fighting shape.

    Here’s a practical guide to selecting, maintaining, and respecting your rattan sticks.

    🛒 Choosing the Right Rattan Stick

    ✅ 1. Length

    • Standard length: 28–30 inches
    • Shorter sticks (21–26”) are useful for close-quarters or dual stick work
    • Make sure the length fits your arm span and training style

    ✅ 2. Diameter

    • Common thickness: 7/8″ to 1″
    • Thicker sticks = more impact durability and weight
    • Thinner sticks = faster, lighter, better for flow drills

    💡 Pro tip: Beginners often prefer something closer to 1″ for durability.

    ✅ 3. Burn Patterns

    • Some rattan sticks are fire-hardened or scorched for looks and rigidity
    • Burned ends help visually distinguish training weapons — and look cool
    • Decorative spirals or stripes are optional — but make sure they’re functional, not just fancy

    ✅ 4. Core Quality

    • Straight grain rattan is stronger and more durable
    • Avoid sticks with cracks, mushy ends, or hollow-sounding cores
    • Flex test: slight bend is good, but it shouldn’t feel soft or spongy

    🧰 How to Maintain Your Sticks

    🧼 1. Cleaning

    • Wipe with a damp cloth after training, especially if used outdoors
    • Let air dry — avoid leaving them in direct sun or soaking wet bags

    🛠️ 2. Reinforce (Optional)

    • You can wrap the handle or strike zones with athletic tape or waxed cord
    • Helps prevent fraying and increases grip
    • Don’t over-wrap or it’ll affect your feedback

    🚫 3. Avoid This

    • Don’t leave them in your car — heat can warp them
    • Don’t soak them in oil — rattan isn’t hardwood, and oil won’t preserve it
    • Don’t strike metal — it’s not a fencing sword

    🧠 Mindset: Treat the Stick Like a Blade

    Even though rattan sticks are training tools, they represent edged weapons in movement and mindset. That means:

    • Don’t twirl recklessly
    • Don’t drag them on the ground
    • Don’t leave them lying around like a baseball bat

    At Eye Square Martial Arts, we train with purpose — and that includes respecting our tools.

    🛍️ Where to Buy Rattan Sticks

    • Look for trusted FMA gear suppliers
    • Ask instructors or senior students for recommendations
    • If you’re local, we keep a few spares at the gym — come try them out

    🥋 Wrap-Up

    The best rattan stick is the one that feels right in your hand, holds up under pressure, and reminds you every day that you’re part of a living tradition.

    🗯 Ready to Train?

    Come try a class with us and put your new stick to use.

    🔗 View Schedule and Sign up for a Class

    Cultural Preservation… with Bruises.

  • Can Fire-Hardened Rattan Shatter Steel? (Myth Busted)

    Can Fire-Hardened Rattan Shatter Steel? (Myth Busted)

    You’ve probably heard the claim:

    “Fire-hardened rattan is so strong, it can shatter a steel blade!”

    It’s a bold statement — and one that sounds awesome if you’re into martial arts legends (lord knows, I’ve made the claim before!).
    But let’s be clear: that’s a myth.

    In this post, we’re busting the hype and diving into the facts. You’ll walk away understanding not just why the myth exists, but what rattan can actually do — and why it remains a powerful training weapon in Filipino Martial Arts.

    🔥 What Is Fire-Hardened Rattan?

    Fire-hardening is a traditional process where rattan is lightly scorched over flame or coals to:

    • Remove excess moisture
    • Slightly stiffen the fibers
    • Give it a toasted finish and increased snap

    The result is a firmer, crisper stick — often favored for durability in impact training.

    But fire doesn’t magically make rattan invincible. If anything, it can make it more brittle over time with repeated stress.

    🧱 Rattan vs. Steel — The Science

    Let’s compare what we’re working with:

    MaterialTraitsWhat Happens in a Clash
    Rattan (Fire-Hardened)Flexible, tough, lightweightCan crack wood or dent soft metal
    Steel (Even Mild)Dense, hard, elastic under pressureAbsorbs or resists stick impact
    Cheap Decorative SteelBrittle, poorly madeMight snap — but that’s on the steel

    🔍 Can rattan damage steel?

    Sure — it might scratch or dent low-quality metal. But shattering real steel? No way.

    ❓ So Where Did This Myth Come From?

    Like many martial legends, this one likely came from:

    • Stage demos where rattan struck cheap replica swords
    • Misinterpreted sparring results
    • Impressive breakage of wood or aluminum training gear
    • The dramatic sound rattan makes on contact — it feels powerful

    Over time, stories get passed down and embellished. A cracked prop becomes a “shattered blade.”
    And suddenly, rattan turns into a mythical force.

    💪 What Rattan Can Do

    Let’s give credit where it’s due. Rattan can:

    • Shatter coconuts or split wood with force
    • Hold up through intense sparring
    • Leave bruises (ask any of our students)
    • Help simulate blade mechanics safely and affordably

    That’s why we choose rattan at Eye Square Martial Arts.
    Not because it’s magic — but because it’s functional, battle-tested, and smart.

    🥋 The Real Power is in the Practitioner

    Weapons don’t make warriors — training does.
    A stick is only as dangerous as the person wielding it. That’s the real lesson in Filipino Martial Arts:

    Power comes from structure, timing, and intent — not myths.

    🔜 Coming Up Next

    What makes a good rattan stick for training?
    Length, diameter, grip — we’ll break it all down.
    Stay tuned for: “How to Choose and Care for Your Rattan Sticks.”

    🗯 Want to Experience the Real Thing?

    Train with us. Learn to move like a blade — even with a stick in your hand.

    🔗 Check Our Class Schedule

    Cultural Preservation… with Bruises.

  • Blade Roots: Why Kali Trains with Sticks Instead of Swords

    Blade Roots: Why Kali Trains with Sticks Instead of Swords

    When people first see Filipino Martial Arts in action — especially Kali — they often ask:

    “Wait… isn’t this supposed to be a blade art?
    Then why are you using sticks?”

    It’s a fair question. At Eye Square Martial Arts, we train with sticks every day — but make no mistake: Kali is a blade-based system at its core. The stick is just the starting point.

    Let’s break down why.

    ⚔️ A Blade Art with Blunt Tools

    Kali, Arnis, and Eskrima all share a bladed lineage.

    Historically, the indigenous fighting arts of the Philippines focused on blades — swords like the kalis, bolo, ginunting, and kampilan. These weren’t ceremonial; they were tools of survival and resistance used against invading forces, pirates, and other warriors.

    But modern practitioners don’t usually train with live blades. Instead, we use rattan sticks — for reasons that are both practical and strategic.

    🥢 Why the Stick Replaces the Sword in Training

    ✅ 1. Safety

    Let’s start with the obvious: we like our students in one piece.
    A rattan stick allows you to train full speed, full contact, and with intensity — without slicing your partner open.

    ✅ 2. Mechanical Similarity

    The angles, lines, and mechanics of a stick swing closely mimic the motion of a blade. Whether it’s a slash, thrust, or block, the fundamental movement remains the same — even if the tool changes.

    What you learn with a stick can be seamlessly transferred to a blade.

    ✅ 3. Training Economy

    Rattan sticks are:

    • Lightweight
    • Affordable
    • Durable
    • Easy to replace

    Training with blades would be expensive, dangerous, and… well, legally problematic in public parks.

    ✅ 4. Historical Adaptation

    During the Spanish occupation of the Philippines, native blade arts were often banned. To preserve their systems, Filipino warriors adapted their techniques into stick-based drills, passing down deadly knowledge disguised as “games” or “sports.”

    The stick became a cultural container for the blade.

    🧠 It’s Not About the Weapon — It’s About the Method

    At Eye Square Martial Arts, we teach that the weapon is just an extension of the practitioner.

    Whether you’re holding a stick, a blade, a flashlight, or a rolled-up magazine — the movement stays the same. What matters is:

    • Angle of attack
    • Footwork
    • Timing
    • Targeting
    • Intent

    The stick just gives us a safe and effective way to drill it all.

    🧭 Takeaway: Sticks Are the Blade’s Training Ground

    The next time you see someone swinging a rattan stick in FMA, don’t see it as “just a stick.”
    See it as a blade in disguise.
    And more importantly — as a legacy that’s still alive, still evolving, and still very much capable of cutting through modern threats.

    📌 Next in the Series

    Think fire-hardened rattan can shatter a steel blade?
    Think again.
    Up next: “Can Fire-Hardened Rattan Shatter Steel?” (Myth Busted)

    🥋 Want to Train with Us?

    Whether you’re curious about sticks, blades, or bare hands — we train it all, right here in Cache Valley.

    🔗 View Our Class Schedule

    🗯 Cultural Preservation… with Bruises.

  • What is Rattan — And Why We Train With It in Filipino Martial Arts

    What is Rattan — And Why We Train With It in Filipino Martial Arts

    At Eye Square Martial Arts, we train with rattan sticks. Not because they’re flashy — but because they’re practical, traditional, and brutally effective.

    If you’ve ever wondered why Filipino Martial Arts (FMA) like Kali, Eskrima, and Arnis favor a humble vine over high-tech gear or steel replicas, you’re in the right place. Let’s explore what makes rattan such a powerful training tool — and a symbol of the fighting spirit rooted in the Philippines.

    🌿 What is Rattan?

    Rattan isn’t wood — it’s a vine-like plant from the palm family, native to Southeast Asia. It grows fast, bends without breaking, and is surprisingly tough for something so light.

    In martial arts, rattan is harvested, dried, and cut into sticks, typically around 28 to 30 inches long. These sticks become our primary training weapons in FMA.

    🧠 Why Use Rattan Instead of Wood or Metal?

    Training with steel blades or hardwoods sounds cool — until someone ends up in the ER. Here’s why rattan wins out:

    ✅ 1. Safety Without Sacrificing Realism

    Rattan doesn’t splinter like oak or hickory. When it breaks (and after enough abuse, it will), it tends to fray or crack rather than send shards flying. That makes it safer for partner drills and sparring.

    ✅ 2. Tough, Yet Forgiving

    Rattan absorbs shock. When you block or strike, it flexes slightly. That “give” protects your joints over years of training and prevents your partner from getting wrecked.

    ✅ 3. Blade Analog

    Even though it’s not sharp, the angles and mechanics of a rattan stick mimic those of a blade. When we swing, thrust, or parry — we’re building muscle memory transferable to edged weapons.

    ✅ 4. Affordable and Available

    Let’s be real — you’re going to beat these things to death. Rattan is inexpensive, replaceable, and low maintenance. Perfect for high-rep, real-world training.

    🔥 What About Fire-Hardening?

    Some sticks are fire-hardened — slightly scorched over flame to drive out moisture and make them stiffer. That can add longevity and “snap,” but it also makes the stick more brittle over time.

    We’ll cover myths and truths about fire-hardening in an upcoming post (including whether it can shatter steel — spoiler: it can’t).

    🌏 A Tool Born of the Philippines

    Rattan isn’t just a material — it’s a symbol. It grows in the same jungles where Filipino warriors trained for generations. It reflects:

    • Resourcefulness: using what’s available
    • Efficiency: striking with precision
    • Durability: bending without breaking

    At Eye Square, we train with rattan because it keeps us grounded — in both tradition and practicality.

    👣 What Comes Next

    In the next post in this series, we’ll explore a common question:

    “If Kali is a blade art… why are we swinging sticks?”

    Spoiler: it’s all about transference of skill.

    🥋 Want to Try Rattan in Person?

    We train outdoors and indoors across Cache Valley.
    Come to a class and feel the difference real rattan makes.

    🔗 Click here to see our schedule

    🗯 Cultural Preservation… with Bruises.

  • Why Strength Training Belongs in Martial Arts

    Why Strength Training Belongs in Martial Arts

    It still amazes me that in some corners of the martial arts world, people are still saying that lifting weights will make you bulky—and therefore slow.

    Even more bizarre? These same folks will also claim:

    • “Weight training takes too long to work.”
    • But also, “Just looking at a barbell will make you blow up like Arnold.”

    Let’s be clear: that’s nonsense. Unless you’re eating and training like a competitive bodybuilder, you’re not going to “accidentally” get huge.

    And even if you could? Being stronger makes you better at martial arts. Period.

    You Don’t Need to Train for Hours

    If you’re spending more than 60 minutes, three times a week on resistance training, it’s probably more than you need. Efficient programming and consistency beat volume every time—especially if you’re cross-training with martial arts.

    Injury Prevention Starts With Strength

    I used to think that flexibility alone would protect me from injury.

    So, I stretched all the time.

    But I also avoided strength training because I believed it would make me stiff and slow.

    And yet… I kept getting injured. Weird injuries. Like the time I threw my back out catching a 4-pound medicine ball. Why? Because I had no muscular support for my range of motion.

    Flexibility without strength is a liability.

    – Author

    Real, functional mobility comes from strong, supported joints. Resistance training teaches your muscles how to engage, not just stretch. That improves:

    • Energy efficiency
    • Coordination
    • Joint stability
    • Injury resistance

    Stronger = More Useful

    Let’s keep it simple: strong people are more useful—to themselves, their families, their training partners.

    If you’re stronger, you’re probably:

    • Healthier
    • More mobile
    • More durable
    • Less stressed

    And when it comes to martial arts? Strength amplifies everything:

    • You hit harder
    • You move faster
    • You absorb impact better

    “Strong people are just more useful—to themselves and to others.”

    – Author

    Where’s the downside?

    How Strength Is Built (and Why Reps Aren’t Enough)

    All strength gains follow the same basic formula:

    Stress → Recovery → Adaptation

    If you’re detrained, anything makes you stronger—even walking or doing bodyweight exercises. That’s why beginners make fast progress.

    But once your body adapts to those inputs, progress stalls. You’ll hear people say:

    “You just need to do more reps.”

    That works—for a while. But if you want to go further, you need to be specific. You need real resistance.

    The Big Four: The Foundation of Strength

    “If you want to get better at martial arts, you need more than just reps. You need resistance.”

    – Author

    Once you’ve moved past basic calisthenics, it’s time to add compound lifts. Start with:

    • Low-Bar Back Squat
    • Deadlift
    • Bench Press
    • Overhead Press

    These lifts train your body as a system. They engage multiple muscle groups, force full-body coordination, and build resilience like nothing else.

    The Art of Manliness – YouTube playlist covering the Big 4 lifts and a couple extra.

    A Simple Plan:

    • Learn correct form (get a coach or reputable guide)
    • Warm up properly
    • Lift progressively heavier weights over time
    • Rest at least 48 hours between lifting sessions

    Yes, you’ll be sore at first. Stick with it—your body adapts quickly.

    Training for Your Art

    Once you’ve got a base of strength, shift your focus to specificity.

    That means:

    • Keep lifting 2–3x per week
    • Add mobility work on off days
    • Drill footwork under light resistance
    • Use isometrics to strengthen martial movement patterns

    Strong muscles only help if they support strong technique. Build both.

    Voluntary Hardship is a Superpower

    Strength training is uncomfortable. So is martial arts. So is growth.

    But leaning into discomfort builds mental calluses. It trains you to:

    • Push past resistance
    • Delay gratification
    • Stay calm under pressure

    That’s not just good for fighting. That’s good for life.

    This is the same discomfort that helped humans build civilizations. It’s a superpower most people never develop.

    Don’t run from discomfort—train it.

    “Voluntary hardship is a superpower—and strength training is how you train it.”

    – Author

    Final Thoughts

    Lifting weights won’t make you bulky. It won’t make you slow. It won’t hurt your martial arts—it will enhance them.

    With strength comes:

    • Resilience
    • Speed
    • Power
    • Confidence

    That’s not a distraction from martial training. That’s the foundation of it.

    Further Reading

    🛠️ Recommended: https://startingstrength.com/

    💬 Have you integrated strength training into your martial arts practice? What changes did you notice first—physical or mental?

    Drop a comment below or share this post with someone who still thinks lifting is a waste of time.

  • Empty Your Cup

    Empty Your Cup

    By Brandon Scriver

    “You need experience to know the right questions to ask—but the humility of a beginner to actually ask them.”
    — Eye Square Martial Arts

    Start Where You Are, Not Where You Think You Are

    I’ve been around martial arts for a while now, and I’ve realized something:
    I may not have any natural talent—but I do have one advantage.

    I can set aside what I think I know and approach training with the mindset of a beginner.

    That mindset? It’s everything.

    🍵 The Lesson of the Full Cup

    Senior Grand Master Ed Parker Sr. once shared a story:

    A potential student came to visit a master.
    As the master began to demonstrate some basic movements, the student kept interrupting:

    “Oh, you mean like this?”

    Each time, he’d perform his own version of the movement.

    Finally, the master stopped and said:

    “I’d like you to practice these two things.”

    He showed the student two deceptively simple techniques and told him to return in a couple of months.

    The student did as instructed. When he came back, the master asked him to demonstrate.

    The student replied:

    “I practiced those two movements so much… I forgot everything else I knew.”

    The master nodded.

    “Good,” he said. “Now you’re ready to begin.”

    🧠 The Beginner’s Mind

    If you’ve trained even a little while—maybe just enough to earn a green belt—you’ve probably started building a mental collection of techniques you think you understand.

    Then you visit another school.

    It’s different. The movements feel off. Maybe even wrong.
    And yet… something about it sticks.

    “You can imitate technique—but you can’t fake understanding.”

    There are always skills that transfer across styles, but martial arts isn’t just mechanics.
    It’s mindset. It’s movement with meaning.

    🔄 Try Emptying Your Cup

    Walk into a new style as if you know nothing.
    Leave your “technique backpack” at the door and just… learn.

    Ask yourself:

    • 🟢 What’s different?
    • 🟢 What feels familiar?
    • 🟢 What’s the intention behind these movements?
    • 🟢 What strategy is this art trying to express?

    There’s an odd paradox in martial arts:

    You need experience to know what matters—
    But you need the humility of a beginner to see it clearly.

    💡 Final Thought: Return to Zero

    The more you grow, the more important it is to let go.

    True mastery doesn’t mean knowing everything.
    It means returning—over and over again—to the beginning.

    Empty your cup.
    Then refill it.
    Then empty it again.

    “Cultural Preservation… with Bruises.”
    — Eye Square Martial Arts

  • What Change Demands

    What Change Demands

    When I started martial arts 20 years ago, I was a lanky, uncoordinated mess—about 6’2″ and 165 pounds soaking wet. I hadn’t played sports beyond the bare minimum in PE, and to top it off, I had borderline-high blood pressure.

    In short: I had nothing going for me.

    So when someone tells me,

    “I’d love to train, but I’m out of shape,”
    it hits a nerve.

    Right. Because I started off in peak condition?

    💥 You Will Be Uncomfortable

    About ten years in, I realized I was drifting into “married blob” territory. My grandma even said,

    “Looks like marriage is being good to you,”
    which is family code for “you’re getting fat.”

    So I joined a gym. I started lifting.

    My then-wife wanted to join me, so we trained together. At least for a while.

    But certain exercises—deadlifts, squats, dips—she found uncomfortable.
    And when she didn’t see results, she was surprised.

    Go figure.

    🧱 Discomfort Is the Cost of Growth

    Martial arts are no different. You will be uncomfortable. You’ll struggle. You’ll fail. You’ll want to quit.

    But here’s the thing:
    If you want something of value, you have to give something up.
    Time. Energy. Sweat. Ego.

    Discomfort is the toll you pay for transformation.

    Whether it’s the weight room or the dojo, it’s not about starting strong—
    It’s about showing up anyway.

  • A Good Martial Art?

    A Good Martial Art?

    Spend five minutes in any martial arts forum, and you’ll find someone arguing over which martial art is best.

    It’s the wrong question—and it misses the point entirely.

    For more context, check out Why Do You Train?

    🤔 What Makes a Martial Art “Good”?

    There are martial arts from all corners of the globe—many with lineages that stretch back centuries or more. These arts didn’t stick around by accident.

    They’ve endured because they work.
    They work in the context of conflict, and more importantly, they work for the human body.

    🧍‍♂️ A Common Platform

    People often claim, “That move looks just like the one from Art X—it must have come from there.” Never mind that these arts may have developed continents apart.

    More likely?
    Similar movements evolve from the same foundation: the human body.

    Two arms, two legs, a head, a torso. That’s the platform.

    And with it comes some hard truths:

    • Cut off blood to the brain? You lose consciousness.
    • Restrict air? The body fails.
    • Push a joint past its range? It breaks.

    It’s not about style—it’s about structure.

    ⚙️ Good Body Mechanics

    A good martial art teaches you to move efficiently:

    • Without hurting yourself
    • While making it easier to hurt your opponent (if necessary)

    It respects the mechanics of your own body, and shows you how to exploit the weaknesses in someone else’s.

    It should also scale with you—whether you’re 18 or 80. If it breaks down when your joints do, that’s a problem.

    🧩 The Big Picture

    A good martial art should:

    • ✅ Support your personal training goals
    • ✅ Minimize risk to yourself while maximizing effectiveness
    • ✅ Adapt with you over time

    Outside of those factors, the question stops being “Which martial art is good?”
    And becomes “How well can I use what I’m learning?”

    Even the most “effective” art in the world is useless if you can’t apply it.

    At the end of the day, it’s not just about the art—it’s about the artist.

    So maybe the better question isn’t “Which martial art is best?”
    But rather:
    “Which one is best for you—and are you willing to do the work?”