Does doing martial arts and/or boxing build up confidence on the street?

Question

Does doing martial arts and/or boxing build up confidence on the street?

Answer 1

You are lucky to have some really good answers here Larry.

Learning hand to hand combat, combative sports or martial arts will make you feel more confident. But sometimes it can be a false confidence.

Self defense training is best, because it teaches you to avoid trouble in the first place.

If you can avoid being a victim, everything is fine.

"Self confidence", depending on what that means, could make you more likely to get in a fight. That is what some of the other posts are saying.

And, once you are actually a victim of an attack, or engage in a real street fight, chances are very high that your martial arts training will fail.

Here is the reason: martial arts training is done in a controlled environment with a prepared participants in a simulated, scripted  encounter, most often without dangerous weapons and with only one assailant. This is true even with "real" training schools, otherwise everyone would be in the hospital after the first day of training.

A criminal, however, does not care if you get hurt. He would use surprise, dirty fighting, weapons, and would not be interested in giving you a chance to demonstrate your martial skills either. Watch the world's best boxers fall apart after an accidental low blow or head but, and imagine the effect of that bottle, shiv, or bat you did not see coming from behind.

Or, imagine getting into an orchestrated street fight with one guy who turns out to have 5 friends you have not noticed: friends with boots.

Or, imagine winning a fight with "confidence" on your side, and the guy takes you to court. Even if you were in the right, he still might win a court battle. (One of his friends might just be a great witness).  

So, my advice is to see martial arts or boxing for what they are: sports. They do have application in security, military and police training, so I am not saying they are useless. But for private citizens, they have no street applications. Stay of of trouble, avoid trouble spots like bars and dark allies, and run if there is trouble.

Most people who are highly trained would avoid using their skills in an off-duty, civilian setting unless there was absolutely no alternative, and there is usually an alternative. They talk their way out of things, and stay out of trouble. Even if they know they could win.

Answer 2

On the side walk, too.

Answer 3

yes, til someone bus a cap in yo azz.

Answer 4

Yes it does, and sometimes too much.  The worst part is I've known too many 'kids' who learn just enough to get their tails whupped.  That can be dangerous!  Mean Mike

Answer 5

Absolutely, But be carefull cause too much "Rambo" may get you hurt in the wrong place. Stay as humble as possible while training and soon it will be natural in you. Don't get caught up in all that street "Rambo". Enjoy it as a sport with awesome self defense benefits. Take care Bro.

Answer 6

mr dodger that was funny, best answer LOL "on the sidewalk too"

Answer 7

yes it gives you the confadince to know that you can defend your self in a bad situation.

Answer 8

Yes, but on the street confidence alone wont save you.

Answer 9

please don't fight over stupid stuff. If Mr.bad *** walks up to you and wants to test his man hood--leave. If someone wants to take your life or hurt you then defend yourself. Fighting is not fun. In a real fight people bleed, bones get broken and someone ALWAYS goes to the hospital.

Answer 10

sure does.