That’s a great question, and one that comes up often. With MMA being such a dominant force in combat sports, some people wonder if traditional self-defence training is still relevant. Here’s why it absolutely is:
1. Self-defence is for the real world, not the ring
MMA is a sport with rules, referees, and weight classes. Real-world violence has none of that. There are no gloves, no time limits and no guarantee that you’re only facing one opponent. Self-defence training focuses on surviving unpredictable attacks—not winning a fight under controlled conditions.
2. Multiple attackers and weapons
MMA prepares you for a one-on-one fight against a trained opponent, but what if you’re attacked by multiple people or someone with a weapon? Self-defence systems teach situational awareness, de-escalation and techniques designed for these kinds of threats.
3. Legal and ethical considerations
If you train in MMA, you might instinctively take a fight to the ground, but in self-defence, that can be a huge mistake. You might not be able to get up easily if required and you’re vulnerable to attack from other attackers. The law also plays a role; self-defence training often includes guidance on what is legally justifiable in a real confrontation so you don’t accidentally escalate a situation and end up on the wrong side of the law.
4. Escape over engagement
MMA fighters train to win fights. Self-defence training prioritises escaping danger as quickly as possible, avoiding unnecessary risks and using simple techniques that don’t rely on a high level of skill, strength, fitness or prolonged engagement.
5. Not everyone wants to be a fighter
MMA is intense and physically demanding, great for those who want to fight, but not always practical for the average person. Self-defence training is about giving anyone, regardless of age or fitness level, the skills and confidence to protect themselves.
6. Mindset and awareness
One of the biggest advantages of self-defence training is the focus on awareness, avoidance and de-escalation. MMA teaches you how to fight, but self-defence teaches you how to not fight—unless you have no other choice.
MMA is a fantastic sport and can absolutely be useful in a self-defence situation, but it’s not the same as training specifically for personal protection. If your goal is to be ready for the unpredictability of real-world violence, self-defence training is essential.
If you want practical, effective self-protection skills, come train with us!
