MMA is better than kung fu.

This argument makes for a great debate every time it is discussed. Both sides have valid points to support their points of view, both arts have their pros and cons, and both are extremely effective in sport, as well as in self- defense.

So what’s all the fuss about? Should it really matter which art is better? And better how?

Kung fu is mainly taught as a self-defense system to effectively teach how to defend oneself in an impromptu street fight. Critics of kung fu criticize it largely due to the fact that the art is lacking in ground techniques. There is a reason for that. On the streets, a person is most vulnerable when they are on the ground. This is true no matter if they were knocked down by another person or they took someone down themselves.

The fiercely contested debate to determine which of the two systems is “better” is often overlooked by an important concept. Every MMA fight contains a high degree of unpredictability (no one knows exactly what will happen). However, a confrontation out on the streets contains an even higher degree of unpredictability. In this instance which fighting skills will be more beneficial?

MMA fighting has evolved over the years so that the fighters themselves may be protected from serious injury. Fighters wear mouthpieces and groin protectors. The referee is trained to stop a fight whenever one fighter is no longer able to intelligently defend himself. Doctors are present at cage side to attend to any injuries suffered during the fight.

None of those things apply in a casual confrontation. So the real question here is this: just how effective are MMA techniques out on the street? More specifically, how effective are those MMA techniques in other than one-on-one situations?

I had the privilege of training in Shou Shu Kung fu in the late 1990’s for two and a half years. Shou Shu (pronounced as “show shoe”) is an aggressive form of self-defense that teaches techniques derived from the fighting movements of seven animals: tiger, mantis, mongoose, bear, crane, dragon and cobra.

All students are educated up front on Shou Shu’s value as a self-defense system. The main idea is to not get on the ground when you have to defend yourself. You are open for an attack by your opponent’s friend(s). You have greater control on your feet and can be more aware of your surroundings.

For the guys, consider this scenario: you are taking a late night walk in the downtown area with your significant other. You are approached by three men who start to hassle both of you and make it clear that they want your wallet and your sweetie’s purse. One of them starts to make a movement towards you, perhaps readying himself to throw a punch. What do you do?

Is this an appropriate situation to take someone down and apply a rear naked choke or an armbar? Jiu-jitsu has proven itself as a highly effective fighting style. However, going to the ground in this situation 1) leaves you open to a Pearl Harbor attack from your assailants’ friends and 2) leaves your significant other prone to be attacked as well. With you on the ground, you cannot possibly defend her if she is then attacked.

Contrary to popular belief, all kung fu is not one-dimensional. Shou Shu is actually quite versatile. In addition to punches and kicks, elbow and knee strikes are incorporated into the techniques. Leg sweep takedowns, hip throws, grappling escapes, joint locks, and weapons defense are also taught.

MMA is very effective as a combat sport but there are certain situations, such as the scenario described above, in which MMA techniques may not be suitable. MMA fighters are not trained to fight against more than one opponent at a time. Kung fu teaches effective and practical methods for any and all predicaments one may encounter out on the street.

Whichever art one chooses to train in, it takes a considerable amount of training to be considered a true “master.” Sadly, too much emphasis is placed on which art is “better” rather than trying to learn from one another.

Perhaps the single best way to train in a martial art, be it MMA, kung fu, or any other form, is to not place restrictions on learning everything that one can. Just remember, out on the streets, away from the combat sports arena, there are no ref, no timed rounds, and no rules.

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