Hokay, here's the deal.?

Question

I have a friend who is completely convinced karate is the best martial art ever. Now, this oppinion is not a problem, it's the fact that he does not admit that the person fighting is much more influencial than the technique. He has this notion that anyone who trains in karate is automatically tougher than a practioner of any other MA. Another problem is he primarily picks on Tae Kwan Do practitioners(i'm one) and refuses to take any of their input. I realize that attempting to debate this fact with him is probably futile, but could anyone help me with some strong points to use?

Note: I'm trying to argue the importance of heart and training over specific school technique in combat. Incase I was unable to get that across in the above rant.

Answer 1

Heart/mental toughness has little to do with your martial art.  Usually the more determined people are the ones with insecurities to prove something.  Honestly you are hurting yourself by taking a SPECIFIC MA.  MMA has proven its usefullness time and time again.  Karate or Tae Kwan Do have huge flaws and are comepletely inferior to MMA.  I don't mean to insult your training, yet I only try to enlighten people that have  been mislead through martial art movies.

Answer 2

Your friend is stupid.

Its not the art but the fighter who learns how to use what he was taught. No art is better then the other thats for sure. Its really all about experience and dedication to whatever you are learning. I did Karate when i was younger but now i do Tae Kwon Do and i can tell that one is not better then the other, its simply a different style of fighting and a different concept in the philosophy. I don't think your friend will understand so what i would recommend is a sparring match between you and him at your school if your master allows it. I'm sure if you explain the situation he will gladly let you.

Answer 3

Ask him to let a Boxer do a left hook to his head. Or maybe a wrestler, could get him in a sleeper hold. See how "tough" he is then.

Answer 4

if you are about the same level of experience, would you consider challenging him to a sparring match, a friendly one of course.

hopefully you will beat him and so he'll keep his mouth shut.

Answer 5

Have your friend take on a mixed martial artist, a biker, a gang member, or a prison-hardened ex-con in hand-to-hand combat. He'll see how effective his 'karate' is. There are men in this world who can take any kind of beating that your 'karate advocate' friend can dish out. Most soldiers or police officers could also probably beat his a$$