While a martial artist is a solid fighter, a street fighter is also one. Knowing who would win in a fight—might give you the information you need to hear right now to understand which one you want to learn. So, who would win in a real fight, a martial artist or a street fighter?
A street fighter would win against the martial artist—in a no-rule fight because he’s training specifically for such a scenario. However, the martial artist, especially if he trains in traditional martial art, such as Kung fu or Karate, will be better equipped for other scenarios, such as dealing with stress.
Then why would you want to learn martial art if you can become a street fighter? In this article, I’ll address the differences between the two individuals. Furthermore, why the street fighter would win, and what you should do about it.
However, the answer really isn’t as simple as I wrote two paragraphs ago. Rather, you’ll be able to become a great fighter by walking both paths. It’s just a matter of how you utilize what you had learned.
So let’s dive in!
What’s the difference between martial arts and street fighting?
The essence of martial arts is learning to fight. When the people of Okinawa created Karate, they wanted to teach each other self-defense. That said, street fighting is a modern version of traditional martial arts. A person who trains in such a field solely wants to learn to fight.
The difference between martial arts and street fighting is their purpose. While in martial arts one wants to become a complete individual, in street fights one desires to become the best fighter. That said, you’ll become a solid fighter with consistent martial arts training as well as street fighting.
Furthermore, understanding that martial arts isn’t just about fighting—is vital. In most fighting styles, you’ll learn to become a complete person using spiritual drills. For instance, Kung fu practitioners have meditation drills, which makes them exceptionally peaceful individuals.
On the other hand, street fighting will prepare you for action. You’ll not be going through any meditation drills, and therefore you won’t notice any spiritual benefits. Yet, you’ll be a solid fighter. You’ll know how to react to many situations regarding fighting.
Martial arts
Martial arts have existed throughout history. They are constantly changing to fit today’s world. That said, many people practice the traditional versions of them. As such, they’re capable individuals full of mental clarity. For instance, The Shaolin monks train in Kung fu.
Pros
Increase self-confidence
One of the more prominent benefits of martial arts is confidence. In training, you’ll go through plenty of obstacles. As such, you’ll have to overcome them. Thus when you do so, your self-trust will increase. Consequently, you’ll be more confident and believe in yourself.
Better mental state and clarity
“The study found that martial arts training had a medium effect size regarding reducing internalizing mental health problems, such as anxiety and depression—and a small effect size regarding increasing wellbeing.”
(Source)
From the study, we understand that training in martial arts will provide plenty of benefits. It’ll better our mental state and therefore is a form of self-help. Because of that, most people who are consistent with their training will improve their well-being by plenty.
Cons
Martial arts have more purposes other than fighting.
If you desire to become the ultimate fighter, some martial arts aren’t suitable. For instance, if you try to learn Karate, you won’t become the best fighter. Instead, you’ll be a solid one. However, you’ll work on other aspects that don’t incorporate fighting.
Although most people see it as an advantage, you may not. I guarantee that if you learn Kung fu, you’ll go through various meditation skills. To someone who wants to become a street fighter, such an activity won’t fit.
Street fighting
Today, many people desire to learn to fight. Because of that, training in martial arts may not be suitable. As a result, you may go for a different fighting style, such as MMA.
Let’s dive into the pros and cons of street fighting. You’ll notice two cons compared to a single one in martial arts. It’s because martial arts are ultimately a better activity. Because you’ll experience more benefits, you’ll have more results.
Pros
Focuses on fighting
Street fighting will focus solely on battling. Because you won’t study any other skills other than fighting, you’ll be learning quickly.
Compared to martial arts, that’s the sole focus of street fighting. Although most people see it as a disadvantage, some will benefit.
Cons
Focuses solely on fighting
Some see it as a pro. However, it’s mostly a con. Again, if you want to learn to fight, consider street fighting.
That said, if you want more than just physical force business, martial arts will suit you better. Learning Kung fu or Jiu-Jitsu will provide additional benefits. Thus, not only will you learn to fight appropriately, but you’ll also develop yourself.
No spiritual world
Because street fighting solely focuses on fighting, you won’t gain further benefits. As a result, you can forget about bettering your mental state. Although you may overcome obstacles, martial arts provide an additional platform for developing yourself and other skills.
Martial Artist VS Street Fighter
Both the martial artist and the street fighter are capable individuals. They have trained their fighting style for years, and therefore they’re qualified for their work. Because of that, it’ll be a close battle if they were equally skilled.
If a martial artist and a street fighter were to match, the street fighter would win considering they’re equally skilled. Yet, measuring that is impossible. Because the street fighter trains solely for such a purpose, he’ll overcome the martial artist.
Don’t get me wrong; I’m a big fan of capable martial artists. Their feats of skills are incredible. As a result, I highly respect them. That said, there’s so much more to martial arts—other than fighting. Because of that, they’re more spiritual.
A street fight is all about fighting. As a result, a street fighter won’t have any spiritual drills, such as meditation. Instead, the fighter will focus solely on fighting, which is one’s purpose. However, a Kung fu master will have dozens of meditation hours on his record. As such, he’ll be more capable in that realm.
Is learning martial arts worth it?
One of the greatest activities one can do is martial arts. Studies have proved, time after time—that it’s highly beneficial. You’ll better both your mental and physical health. As such, you’ll become a more complete, satisfied person by doing it.
Learning martial arts is worth it because of the positive influence it’ll have on your life. You’ll notice your mental state bettering, hence increased confidence, self-esteem, and clarity. Additionally, you’ll get into shape. All of that while becoming a solid, mentally resilient fighter.
If you’re interested in the benefits of martial arts, I recommend you follow the link to an article of mine addressing this subject.
Furthermore, you’ll learn self-defense. That’s the primary reason people choose to learn fighting style. Today, someone can attack you without you expecting it. As a result, preparing yourself for the unexpected is vital for ensuring your safety.
One of the first sayings that stuck with me my commander in training said to me.
Being ready is expecting the expectancy.
Understand that if you prepare yourself for the worst, you’ll react to everything. Thus, learning to fight in case you need physical force is valid. Many who desire to know to use violence accordingly turn to martial arts.
To summarize, learning martial arts will provide you with plenty of benefits, such as better physical and mental shape. Additionally, you’ll learn to fight and use physical force if you need to use self-defense. Thus, I encourage you to train in one.
Read the five martial arts you should learn for maximum results by following the link to an article of mine.
Conclusion
Eventually, learning both ways will provide value. Although the street fighter would win, martial arts aren’t worse than street fighting. Instead, it’s not what martial arts are here to teach us.
The essence of martial arts is learning to fight. However, it’s not the entire focus of traditional ones. Instead, the spiritual world is a primary part of them. That said, one can become a capable fighter from classic martial arts, such as Kung fu or Karate.
I highly recommend you read an article of mine that closely correlates with this one. It’s Shaolin monk VS UFC fighter. Although they’re alike, they’re not identical. As such, it has additional insights to broaden your knowledge.