Do you consider boxing as a form of self defense/martial arts?

Question

I know its a really great work out but do you consider boxing as a self defense in a 1-1 street fight?

Answer 1

If it originated as a sport, then it is NOT a martial art.

I don't believe something so combative could have originated as a sport.

So to me, it is a martial art.

Answer 2

yes if you use all the dirty tricks that you cant use in the ring. like any other martial art. there is sport.then there is combat

Answer 3

I believe that knowing how to use ones hands in self defense is fundamentally important.  I have been in martial arts for a number of years and the ole movie roundhouse kick is just not what you will see in a struggle on the street.  Boxing will teach defense and blocking techniques as well as offensive techniques.   Still the best techniques are aviodance and good ole "run-fu" if confronted with a situation that could lead to violence.

Answer 4

DIGNITY REQUIRES ME TO NO ANSWER

Answer 5

Boxers are accustomed to taking and throwing punches and boxing sparring is much tougher than that point sparring junk most traditional martial artists participate in.  I don't know that I'd call it a martial art, but it is certainly an effective form of self defense.

Answer 6

Absolutely.  It may not be a Martial Art, per se,  but it can definitely be used for self defense.

Answer 7

Believe it or not, traditional boxers are some of the toughest people in combat; mainly because they get quickly too close for kicks and can take damage really well, once inside they deliver a lot of power really fast.

Answer 8

Of course.

A well-trained boxer is always a dangerous opponent.

Answer 9

Yes. The early UFC has sifted what worked in a fight and what didnt. Boxing, Muay Thai, Brazilain Jujitsu and wrestling are all proven to work in a real fight.

Answer 10

Boxing is a Martial art. And yes it is very effective if the person is trained correctly for self defense. I have sparred with an ex golden gloves heavyweight and I can tell you from experiance it is very effective.

Edit- Is anyone else tired of all the fanboys who say UFC has weeded out what works and what doesn't? Face facts the UFC is a controlled environment with rules and a ref. Even forgeting about off limit techniwues and targets, it does not take into account uneven surfaces, whether it might be raining, more than one attacker or weapons (neither of which Muay Thai or BJJ take into account), cramped environment, etc.

There are way too many variables to say that MMA is the ultimate, any one  who does is deluding themselves that what works in the ring is the be all end all. The early UFC's Royce stayed on the ground for how long? That is because he didn't have to worry about an attackers friends or even just a angry bystander jumping in.

Think about it.