Is there such a thing as hereditary natural martial arts fighting skills?

Question

My analogy is that, my father was good at speeches and impromptu hosting. And I notice that I'm good at reporting and public speaking. don't freeze up and say "uuhhh..." and "ummmm..." and stuff like that. I naturally know the things that most people have to get a personal speech trainer to learn. So, does this mean that I'm naturally good at martial arts even if I don't learn it? Because my dad was a black belt in both Karate and Judo.

Answer 1

I think things like flexibility, fast reflexes, dexterity and balance can be hereditary.

These things can be applied to martial arts, but that doesn't make you a natural martial artist.  What it does do is make you a natural fit for martial arts study.

The speaking analogy is a good one but you aren't a natural public speaker, you just have natural abilities and qualities that lend themselves well TO public speaking.  The could just as easily lend themselves to other things.

Also, personal experience tells me that natural qualities will only get you so far.  I naturally have these qualities useful for sports and martial arts.

I'm quick, I have good balance, I have fast reflexes, I have a good kinesthetic sense and I have good dexterity.

They have helped me quite a bit, but I was NOT a natural martial artist.  It took training for me just like everyone else... perhaps I pick things up a little quicker than most when it comes to the physical stuff but its a never ending study.

No matter how good you are right now, there is always room for improvement and need for more training.

The training has alot more to it than just the physical - its a mental discipline, an art form, a social discipline and a fighting method all at the same time.

Fast reflexes and good balance don't help with the mental or social discipline part and your over all skill usually rests on what you struggle most with.

You could be at black belt level with your technique, but if you have a bad attitude... a closed mind, you will not improve.

Yuki = courage, valor, bravery

Jin = humanity, charity, benevolence

Gi = justice, righteousness, integrity

Rei = etiquette, courtesy, civility (also means bow/obeisance)

Makoto = sincerity, honesty

Chugi = loyalty, fidelity, devotion

Meiyo = honor, dignity

The seven folds of a Hakama (formal Japanese pants worn by the Samurai) represent the qualities listed above.  These ideals are a large focus in a formal dojo and not one of them is a physical quality - they are all mental or social or both.

You are not naturally good at martial arts, but if you naturally have some of the physical traits that are helpful to a martial artist, you do have a leg up on the competition as far as the physical aspect goes... in a formal, traditional dojo.  Not all dojos are like this so depending on where you train and who your instructors are, things might be different.

Ask your father what he thinks... he knows you better than we do.

Answer 2

Some people have natural propensities that will make it easier for them to learn martial arts, and yes these qualities can be inherited.

Qualities such as agility, attention to detail, strategic intelligence, visually oriented learning will all assist in the learning of any physical activity like basketball, football, etc not just martial arts.

This being said, no one will be good if they are not dedicated enough to put in the work regardless of natural abilities.

Answer 3

People are born with certain natural gifts. I think that a gifted athlete can find it easy to LEARN martial arts. I also believe that with or without formal training, some people are simply natural born fighters. As far as being born with an encyclopedia of martial arts techniques embedded in your brain...No.

Answer 4

In some aspects. Martial Arts require strong physical stamina, which is probably the only part of any martial arts abilities that could be passed down (and even then this isn't necessarily true).

As for the actual skills, unless you were born with the moves embedded in your brain through some miraculous scientific anomaly, you will have to learn them. But that shouldn't be difficult with a father who is a master of multiple martial arts.

Answer 5

its possible, if your dad has more dominant genes than your moms. it would be possible too if your dad earned his black belts YEARS before you were born. it would depend on his lifestyle if he exercised intensely during his years. you MIGHT pick up the techniques in martial arts quicker than average or if you were exposed to that environment for a pretty long time. it all depends. U'd have as much greater chances of being good at it if it runs REALLY DEEP in the family, like ancestors. but in anyway, the only way to get better is PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE.

Answer 6

You speak the way you do because your father, your parents didn't talk googoo, gagah baby talk to you. They spoke clear and concisely at you and around you. So you in turn speak like them.

This is a major issue with children. Many people take their children to "specialists" to get therapy because their child has a speech impediment... of course they are going to have one... listen to how they spoke to the child all its life!!!

Genetics will or won't determine if you will have certain abilities. Your father teaching you martial arts is the same as him having spoken to you. It had to be communicated to you. So if he doesn't communicate it, your genetics is nothing.

You will have the ability to do martial arts well, but you won't have martial arts skill because you weren't taught.

Answer 7

Well nobody is born knowing all the techniques or anything, but you may have more of an aptitude for the art if you have inherited qualities that would be advantageous. For example, if you are athletic, flexible, strong etc.

Answer 8

yes there most certainly those who just have "natural talent" as my instructor called it...people who just catch on quick...people who are just good.

largely it is because of attributes...naturally fast, naturally strong, naturally agile...etc.

but....in my experience most people with natural ability tend to eventually become lazy or quit altogether.

those who have to work for it tend to stay and complete whatever they're doing.