way to go.
The logic is simple, “Training should feel like bloodless battle, so that battle feels like bloody training.” The sentiment of “reality-based training” is very appropriate.
Over time, and especially in recent history, modern sports and fighting have become more a source of entertainment for the masses rather than honing skills for “king and country” or real-life battle. This means that the efficacy of styles and what works has shifted to the world of non-lethal combat, which definitely changes the parameters of what is taught and practiced, both tactically and technically. Not to mention all those rules…
Training to Fight
The first step in your fighting journey is deciding what style you want to learn or compete in. I would say there are 3 general categories of styles; Stand Up, Grappling, and Mixed Martial Arts.
Within those categories you have styles that are physically competitive and considerably more aggressive (kickboxing, boxing, wrestling, judo, BJJ, mma). These are styles that have done a good job of making sport combat a little more realistic and less constrained by rules.
Then there are styles that are much more about technical prowess or skill, while trying to minimize harm to the other opponent (though it still happens), this is accomplished through the use of forms/kata competitions or point-based sparring, as seen in Taekwondo or Karate. These styles, though they have origins in real combat, have been altered so children and less athletic adults could more easily and safely compete. (Lets be honest here, in modern times, training to do Katas or forms is not actually training to fight anymore… sorry, not sorry.)
Regardless of the style and type of fighting your are preparing for, one thing is for sure; you will be competing for top spot, so you need train, train often, train smart, train hard, and, perhaps most importantly, train consistently. You must understand the ruleset, understand your body, and understand your style. You must become a refined gem, both technically and physically, so that you can compete at the highest skill levels.
Beyond that you will need to engage in some sports-specific training. Some styles require more flexibility, some rely on being more explosive, some place heavy demands on your endurance. Certain styles will employ high kicks, others elbows, a few make regular use of takedowns, and some incorporate all of it. You must train your body physically for the specific needs of your chosen sport and develop your reflexes and techniques to be optimal for that style and ruleset(s). Either way, you must become a proficient specialist. If you do well at a high level of competition, this may also mean you are somewhere in the top 1% (or less) of what humans can do. If not, then it’s still a valuable journey to improve your skills and be the best that you can.
If you do manage to reach the top tiers of your given sport, physically and mentally, then you will likely do well in a street fight or self-defence situation against the average person. So long as you are aware of your surroundings and what is too much for you.
The Fight Mentality
Training to fight competitively is a very different animal than preparing to fight for self-defence. One of the biggest differences is you know that you are going to fight; you set a date, you put together a training plae and you execute it methodically. You also have lots of time in your own head to psyche yourself up or down, either way as needed, as you know the fight coming.
Mentally you must prepare to train and push your body to refine the set of skills you’ve already gathered. You will most likely be working in a fairly structured training program. If you are a professional you are likely training 4-6 hours a day, 4-6 days a week. If you are competing casually, perhaps it looks more like going to class five days a week instead of two. Either way, a considerable amount of energy is going into your preparations, which can drain you mentally. Other areas in your life may suffer as a result, depending on how well you are able to manage and 