I have studied martial arts for over forty years -- off and on. Mainly I studied Judo and TKD. Judo is not really a combative but a sport. Anyway, to me the martial arts are just that "arts". I learned self-discipline, strength, flexibiolity, respect, inward evaluation. etc. At one time I trained five nights a week and competed on weekends. I enjoyed the fighting more than the forms but always learned that the best means of self-defense is knowing how to avoid trouble in the first place.
When it comes to unavoidable fighting, automatic reflex and response is what will win for you. The particular art is not important. An expert in one style will beat someone less expert in another or his own style and vice versa.
I have seen dozens go through their keeayes, and stances, only to end up on their ass from a good old fashioned right vross.
I was at Drive-in movie on Bragg Buvd (showing my age) and my son and Mel Wick's son were both about three years old. Mel's wife was vietnamese. Our two boys were horsing around and Bon, my son went through his ferocious acts and stances and yells, and Butch looked at him and just popped him in the nose. All I could do was laugh.
Just my $.02.
