Martial arts and modern self-defense systems when effective share commonalities. Traditional martial arts during the time it was actually practiced (and not in a dojo or DVD) were functional. The samurai practiced his sword techniques and actually fought with it. Aikijujitsu was practiced as part of the samurai's hand-to-hand martial skill in case he loses his sword in battle and actually utilized it in actual combat. The point is, traditional martial arts were not far removed from the actual social milieu it was borne in. Unlike, at present when you practice sword techniques without any possibility of using it in an actual fight in the modern sense. Practically speaking, it had become inappropriate because of modern sensibilities. You do not carry around shurikens (unless you're Steve Jobs) just in case. A pepper spray perhaps or a collapsible baton would be more pragmatic.
I am not saying we should not study Iado (sword art) for cultural preservation. What I am saying is that we should not confuse functional self-defense with studying arts of the past as a means of cultural link and heritage conservation.
Modern times have peculiar security requirements. You have to deal with muggers with guns, knives, etc. including random acts of violence like the Mumbai attack. You have to deal with the legal system and the law enforcement institutions. As we have always advised students, you can not just shoot anybody without legal consequences.
Self-defense in the modern context is thus a very challenging area of study. There is a lot of consideration going into what is the proper mindset, weaponry, lifestyle and a gamut of societal obligations.
I am not saying we should not study Iado (sword art) for cultural preservation. What I am saying is that we should not confuse functional self-defense with studying arts of the past as a means of cultural link and heritage conservation.
Modern times have peculiar security requirements. You have to deal with muggers with guns, knives, etc. including random acts of violence like the Mumbai attack. You have to deal with the legal system and the law enforcement institutions. As we have always advised students, you can not just shoot anybody without legal consequences.
Self-defense in the modern context is thus a very challenging area of study. There is a lot of consideration going into what is the proper mindset, weaponry, lifestyle and a gamut of societal obligations.
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