Should we only fight in a ring/ training area?

[Nakthai]

Would a street fight be disrespectful of our styles?
Should we use them always?

[fallout]

erm, I dont quite ken what you are tryin to say.

But, I think it would depend on the style. I cant see how it would be disrespectful to use your art on the street to defend yourself.

:confused:

[Nakthai]

hehe.
I mean is would it be fair for me to use Muay Thai on a person on the street?
What I'm going back to is a story i learnt. I'd go through the whole story, but it's pretty long.

[fallout]

the story might help a bit.

If you are attacked for no reason then I believe you have a right to defend yourself and if you use MA to your advantage then it is not a question of fairness, if you are being attacked why should you be fair. If you had to fight someone with a knife to the death and you were offered a gun you'd take it would'nt you? because its not a question of fairness its a matter of survivial...

[Disciple]

If I had to fight someone I wouldn't hesitate kicking their knees out. If I am fighting though, it would be for a frickin good reason, though. To just fight, it would be disrespectful b/c one should be practicing the philosophy of one's art. However, if it fits, use it. If you are a boxer or kickboxer and there is no philosophy attached to your art..... sucks to be the other dude.

[zun]

One of the reasons I learn MA is for self-defence.

1st rule of self defence. Don't put yourself in a dangerous situation.

2nd rule. Escape.

3rd rule. Defend yourself.

Short of killing, I'd defend myself by any means necessary to effectively stop the attacker(s).

[Maximicus]

If you mean can you train outside the dojo or gym, then I suppose there might be some respect issues attached, though outdated since learning to fight in different environments is good for you, ie. on the beach gets footing in sand, but if you mean in a FIGHT fight, well if you have no other way out then you darn well better use what you know!!!:D

[Tsing Tao]

first of all i would like to say that the phrase "fair fight " is an oxy moron. There is no such thing as a fair fight. if confronted on the street do you think its going to stop them by not using MA to defend yourself? Let me put it this way. would someone stop punching you in the face just because it was not fair to you? the last street fight i was in was when three people jumped me. one had a lead pipe, one had a metal bat and one had a razor blade. believe me they didnt stop swinging just because it was unfair that i was unarmed. they stoped only when i broke the arm of the one holding the razor blade, but not untill he cut me on the wrist with it.

know what you use, use what you know, know how to use it, and know when to use it.