Question for Viewers: What's the second biggest martial arts myth?

The second biggest myth is strength does not matter in a fight.

“My hands are registered as lethal weapons”

7:30 Mike's got a point, I trained martial arts and shooting but the only time I've actually had to save a life was when a Friend blacked out drunk and fell in the pool. I guess I should have studied tactical swimming instead.

I used to weigh between 250 and 300 pounds as a teenager up until I was 20. I ended up losing weight by doing Kung fu kata in my room by myself. Going to the gym made me feel insecure and doing endless reps and stretches was de-motivating. I started doing kata to keep it interesting for myself and have since lost over 100 pounds, started learning about other martial arts styles, and ended up taking a jiu-jitsu class. Everybody does martial arts for different reasons, I like to think most people know they won't be a UFC champion and are just training for personal fitness and improvement.

"Im gonna go self defense that dude"🤣🤣🤣

I'm an old guy, don't give a scrap about this stuff anymore. I watch your channel because you're both amusing and sensible. It's a good combination. So many martial arts, workout, and even gun channels are way too serious. We need more jesters.

"People with martial arts live out this fantasy that this need for their martial arts will arise and they are uniquely qualified." Icy Mike This is the same attitude I see in a lot of firearms communities. I'm glad someone has said it.

"My daughter will never use ballet in an effective fight." Are you sure? The worst ass-kicking my buddy ever got (streetfighting) was from a guy that danced ballet. I never give those guys grief.

"You're just out there chasing windmills" that's so fucking accurate, I definitely thought I was gonna be stopping robberies and muggings left and right when I first started martial arts. We're all Don Quixote on some level lol

"Nobody's ever died from aikido" Steven Segal has entered the chat

"Yo, I'm going to self defense that dude over there."

"I'm too deadly to spar"

Im pretty worried Seth's going to get in an actual fight, try to side kick and get himself killed

I was a hardcore karate guy. Until I realised, that the second I hit a guy I wasn't awarded a point, but a counter punch.

Mike- this has to be one of the most straight forward and REAL conversations about Martial Arts and the mindsets associated with them. Knocked it out of the park.

Litterally half of Rokas's "Martial arts journey" videos start with "it didn't work" and "I got beat up".

You mean I can't reach a level in Tai Chi where I can handle a ball of energy and hurl it across the soccer field without touching the opponent? Well, there goes 30 years of training!

The biggest myth is that it isn't about fear. It *is* about fear. In the real world the massive adrenaline dump, that makes you feel as if you're in a dream, is 90% of the issue.

The second biggest myth is : "Just kick them in the balls."

Hey Mike ,this is exactly what happened to me, tho (not proud of this story haha but here goes): I've always been kind of an insecure guy in the face of violence because I'm a big/tall dude and I never had to really defend myself (as kids in school nobody messed with the big guy, the little ones were the ones who got all the "involuntary training"). So when I got older I felt less and less equipped to defend myself should the situation arise and started training Krav Maga (fucking Krav maga...). About a year and a half in, I had earned my first star etc (cuz they don't have belts because they're so friggin elite and dangerous...) and I was walking with my pals after a party. We got into an argument with another group and EXACTLY AND ONLY BECAUSE I had trained Krav Maga I made the brilliant decision to challenge one of the guys to fight me. Because I was SURE I could take him BECAUSE of my "training". I got my teeth kicked in (fake teeth are expensive, btw. So, don't do that), my nose broken, my orbital bone broken, my hand broken... Great night overall. After that I decided to quit Krav Maga, joined a thaiboxing gym, later on added boxing and then eventually moved on to MMA about 13 years ago now. Never got into a street fight again since. :) Long story short: there's ALWAYS that one idiot... :D

Fighting is the last resort when it comes to most self defense situations. Psychological skills is more effective than any form of martial arts

"My hands are registered as deadly weapons" lol 😆

I have a lot of respect for you talking about how you have grown out of the "catfish fights" mode. You are definitely better than that.

Sparring is also a good way to discourage people to fight in the streets

I feel personally attacked 😅

nice touch with the quixote statue. it seems mike was the big brain all along.

Probably the most honest commentary and critique of the Martial Arts, fake or otherwise, I have ever heard. Thanks for that and love your channel!

I haven't thought it out AND I'm extremely insecure so take that!

This is like an unprecedented level of honesty.

4:02 "Nobody's died from Aikido", yes they have, they're parents died, of shame...

I feel click-baited, but I also REALLY like the message of this video... it’s very Ramsey Dewey-like tbh

I need to thank you mike. You are one of the reasons that I really stopped to evaluate what I thought I knew about self defense. Over the months later after layer of bullshit has been cleared up, and I realized how little I knew. I see the same growth in you as well, which is why I keep coming back to the channel, you help keep me grounded. Peace bro.

You've exposed some of my insecurities, I'm still in that state of "wow I started training a few months ago I could totally take this guy" and I just wanna prove it, I'm just waiting to pass this phase

Mike I think this is best video you have ever done. One of the best martials videos period. I am in my 70s and have done martial arts for some time. I Iike your honesty and logic. Dont always agree but thats the spice of life as they say. Keep going!

"False confidence doesn't exist under stress!" I absolutely love this. It is so insightful. The bottom line is that you have to get hit a few times before you gain the real confidence to challenge someone in a situation where you may get hit.

7:24 This seems to be forgotten by alot of martial art fans. Sometimes doing the spinning shit is fun, not everything needs to be boring and practical.

Not killed just hurt. But also most fraudulent teachers say “ Never fight” 😂 like those tai chi fighters

the pressure/stress test hit home and I have been from one end of this spectrum to the other, defending and tearing down diffrent martial arts, finally finding a balance that resonates with your view. My own awakening came when I was attacked by several guys, and my low level non-stress tested karate was useless.

Fair point. Also makes me think of Alex Gong who was a champion Muay Thai fighter almost 20 years ago. Chased down the driver of a hit and run and was shot and killed. No one is invincible.

Came for the clickbait. Stayed for the logic.

Good one Mike. I've always told people there is a difference in disciplines, there are martial arts, combat skills, and combat sports. They can be intertwined, but each one takes a different mindset, skillset, and commitment.

I love your channel. This video is great and it is awesome that you have continued to evolve your thinking on issues like this. I also like that you call out your viewers and ask them to get introspective. Watching you work out some issues in real time is very helpful to people who may be stuck in their own head. I am trying to say ego is a trap and you are kind of showing people that reason, empathy, and humility are great tools to overcome it. Just let people enjoy things and worry about your own journey.

"I haven't heard about it, so it doesn't happen." How often do you expect to hear about someone loosing a fight? The rarity of fights in western society doesn't magically absolve "fight" instructors from their responsibilities. I don't need to be a car mechanic, to make the bold claim that pretending to put airbags in people's cars is bad.

I got into far more fights before I started training than I do now. Back then I was an arsehole, now I know better. If you don't have to get into a fight then don't bother, if it's unavoidable then do what you have to do to get out. The second biggest myth is that a specific martial art is better than the others rather than individual fighters being better than each other.

“Hard2Hurt”, does not apply to feelings.

I've spent 40 years learning ITF and a fencing instructor from what I seen most good fighters are trained by unhappy childhoods, mental ilness and a maniacal self belief that makes them incapable of living like a human being. The martial arts will make you a better fighter, you put in exroudenary efforts to do the exroudenary and then while you're opponents supprised and stunned you can escape, this must always the best option.

Well done video, much appreciated. Thank you for your insight, Mike! Your points are spot on.

Biggest myth to me: reliable self defense. Martial arts, carrying weapons, etc. can help improve your odds of safety from violence, but nothing can guarantee your safety against someone who pulls a gun, or sneaks up on you and stabs you in the back, or runs you down in a car. Martial arts still have value in helping you be confident in confident in navigating confrontational situations with the potential for some degree of violence, but that's a far shot from keeping you safe from all threats.

I did actually hear of someone dying from Aikido. Got thrown on their head, although it was in training and could be an urban myth. 🤷🏻‍♂️

I'm getting really quality time seeing the journey You are experiencing Mike. I like this channel more and more. Actually i started to train recently (boxing), taking Your advice about choosing the style. And this is just awesome. Keep up great work.

Great video. I'm been thinking something like this recently but you've put it into words brilliantly. Thanks.

The point at the end is pretty salient: people paying a bunch of money to be taught bad techniques is a problem in the same way all fraud is bad. The "getting people killed thing" doesn't ever need to be part of the calculation; it's just ego. Very good video, really made me think about something I've said many times without thinking because I've heard it from other people.

"You'r just out there chasing windmills." I see what you did there...

I really love the humble yet confident honesty my guy! Keep it up!

Excellent video. Thanks for making this!!!

"My hands are registered as lethal weapons." Lol

Thanks to martial arts it has helped me get outta of situations *Headbutts work.

Love your logic and self awareness. The mindset that is ruining us is "if they're wrong, I must be right".

This is so good and smart. Love this channel. Thanks Mike!

Im a Martial Arts Nerds ... I talk , discusses, understand and practice Martial Arts ... And a true Martial Artist can take a Punch and Pain .... Fake never had take a Punch to the face ... and Figthing allways hurt no matter which One wins

I just remember Max Holloway saying he learned a move playing the* UFC game.

This is the most humble and honest video I have seen on this channel! Well said, you have my respect!

This is amazing. You're my inspiration in that you're very self-reflective and honest.

Ouch, I got started in martial arts through Tang Soo Do, and the idea that my first martial art is a "fake" one kinda hurts. Just for perspective, I've done other things than just tang soo do, including muay thai, a little boxing, BJJ, wrestling, and a couple more. I wouldn't say that Tang Soo Do is any more fake than something like Thai Kwan Do, or any other traditional martial art. Yes we did forms, weapons, and board breaking, but its not like we never contact sparred. Yes, the focus wasn't on stress testing 24/7 but honestly I do think it laid a really good groundwork for the other things I did later. I'm not gonna say that its as good as mma or even BJJ, but absolutely depending on your studio Tang Soo Do isn't a "fake" martial art. Plenty of my classmates at the studio got into a fight at some point or another (teenage guys, like it was gonna happen eventually), and I think it served them pretty well. Break falls saved some kids arms from breaking, decent punching and guard technique kept people from getting their shit rocked, etc. I don't know, this post is totally unnecessary, but I felt compelled to defend my first combat sport and the one I've spent the most time in to date. Edit: I wanted to point out that I saw a comment about point sparring, and everyone in my studio recognized that point sparring, contact sparring and fighting were three different things, and we practiced two of them. The fundamentals of footwork, balance, reach, etc. from point sparring are about the only things you can bring over to fighting. Contact sparring is a bit better, but obviously getting hit by a 12 ounce glove through your 12 ounce glove is different then getting caught above the eye by a bare knuckle.

Never been this early

You have a great channel with awesome vids iceman

IMO the biggest martial arts myth is that "self-defense" is mainly about knowing how to fight, or that a typical crime will happen in a way that your martial arts skills will actually become relevant. It's a myth that even I indulge in, despite my logical brain deep down knowing it's probably not true. The criminal would have to be: 1. Confronting you in a manner such that it's impossible for you to run away 2. Asking for more than just your money/property, and 3. Be dumb enough to give you a fighting chance

Mike's logic is a labyrinth.

Last time I was this early was my first day of work.

I'd love to hear a conversation with you and Rob from McDojo Life, as their upcoming documentary is largely based around the very idea that this type of training and/or con tactics can get people hurt or preyed upon physically, financially or otherwise.

Dude, this was the best debrief. I just got my coffee for this one. And truth be told, I used to love chasing over the "fake stuff" a lot as well, but in reality I had to admit I am not necessarily qualified for saying "this work or this doesn't". So hey, that's a cool and refreshing insight on the topic that no one seems to bring up.

What I hate the most is the belt ranking systems!

This is one of the best videos on KZfaq. Not even because of martial arts. Critical thinking and honest self reflection are not as prevalent as they need to be in our society. Wisdom requires humility, and honesty. Thanks, Mike.

Love this. It speaks so many truths , even in what I've done in the martial arts world. I've seem some shysters who I thought were deceiving their students so I didn't hang about. But with all of what you said I am a firm believer that the first and most important selfdefense tool is the air of self-confidence. If you can hold your head up meet people eye to eye with looking like you are challenging them yet confident then you are most likely not to get attacked. No this isn't 100% but its more important than what you have learned. If you walk around, head down hiding your face, not seeing anyone , then you are a target.

Remember the old videos. This was a really insightful one. Also got me thinking about how the whole thesis-anti-thesis thing really does seem to play out in all areas of life, including martial arts.

When I was in high school I Tae Kwon Do point sparred against a bully thinking it would be effective. If my old instructor told young me that I was learning foot fencing instead of combat prowess, I wouldn’t have got in that fight. Or I would have found a different school. Long story medium, I looked like a bitch.

On top of all this, violence is a pretty uncommon thing. Most people don't get into fights. And a lot of the people that do, are seeking them (consciously or not). Can't die in fight because you tried to use Aikido if you are never put into a situation where you'll need to defend yourself. And you likely will never be.

Thank you so much for everything you have done and continue to do.

I've been watching your channel for a couple of years now. I think this might be the best video you've ever made. :)

Do a video on Judo, pros and cons, use in the “streets” without the Gi, etc.

"I'm gonna go self defense that dude to defend that fair lady"- half of jackie chans movies lmao

A honest video. I really enjoyed it. I like that fact that you are basically promoting respect, which I suspect we all look for in martial arts (first respect for ourselves, and from it respect for others will emerge).

The most honesty conversation and opinion about martial arts and self defence that ever saw in any channel in the history of youtube. Congratulations!! Please stop doing my impression when you change your voice an face, thanks. Cheers from Brazil

Is icy Mike becoming mature Mike? His hairline reflects that!!

Well said man. Unfortunately, after Roka's video, many martial arts "experts" went out and try to save every Aikido practitioner and a lot of hate was brewed towards Aikido. Like you said, no one ever died because of Aikido, and Aikido people should be left alone to practice their art for whatever benefit they get out it. Too many MMA gym bro's meatheads keyboard saving everyone.

Very well said... I have fighting experience and weapons training, but I consider myself a reasonable thinking person. Your thoughts on this topic are spot on!

The way you talk about stuff is what made me subscribe to your channel lol. Keep it up!!!

Great advice for us all! Ecclesiastes 1:9 “The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun.” If my ego drives me to think I'm something special, better than everyone else, the only one that has the right idea, the right information, knows the right way, then I am in trouble.

I like how when I started this video it has 5 views and 21 likes 😂

Very honest and excellent video. Many people think too much about fantasy hero selfdefense, instead of thinking about expressing themselfs, keeping fit and focussed by training a martial art or combat Sport. Selfdefense is important but luckily you will only be in such a situation quite seldom. Awareness, deescalation and a basic understanding of fighting fundamentals are already an advantage that can help

I am new to your channel. I love your technical presentations. That being said, after watching this video, I am deeply appreciative of your authenticity, transparency, technicality, and now great intellect. My background is USMC, electrical engineering, and cognitive neuroscience.

All it takes is a year or 2 of boxing/muay thai and some type of grappling and you can teach people good self defense.

I always must laugh when some self-claimed "Martial Arts"- or "Self defense"-experts talk about palmstriking "the nose in the brain". Deadly funny, but no understanding of anatomy.

Wow you're growing as a person mike I'm impressed, your content is only getting better with time.

That is a really humble and insightful perspective!

They steal your money, time and energy.

Another thing to keep in mind is that a lot of so-called "fake" martial arts simply have a greater purpose for the practitioners other than self-defense. They are often as much about mental strength, spirituality, meditation, overall health and fitness, etc., as they are about fighting. So it's easy to call them "fake" if you look at it purely through the lens of going out and getting into fistfights with people. But if you think about it, that's like calling runway fashion "fake fashion" because you'd never wear it on the street, or trap shooting "fake shooting" because you're not shooting real animals.

This is legit of the best videos on some martial artists and their mindset. It is important that it is acknowledged so that people can actually focus on what is holding them back. Insecurity can take you to weird places...

Well said man, you always make some valid points. I also used to be hella insecure and try to pick on people for enjoying their own hobbies and it took a lot of work and maturing to realize that it was just me being the biggest baby in the room.