Self-Taught Martial Arts: Techniques and Tips for Success

Is it possible to learn martial arts techniques through self-study? The answer is yes. Self-taught martial artists have their own stories, including Evan Tanner, who taught himself Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) with dedication and persistence. This article will explore various martial arts techniques that can be mastered through self-study, along with tips for successful solo training.

Basics of Martial Arts

To start your journey in martial arts, you need to master the basics. The “How to make a fist” technique is a great place to begin. Just place your thumbs extended, roll your fingers into a palm, and place the thumb over the joint between the first set of knuckles. Congratulations, you have completed the basics! Next, move on to shadow-boxing.

Shadow-Boxing

Shadow-boxing is a form of solo training that involves practicing punches and kicks without a partner. It helps to refine your movements, increase reflexes, and build confidence. Even if you already think you know how to punch or kick, spending time with these solo drills is valuable because it ensures that your techniques are correct.

Self-Defense Techniques

Self-defense is an essential component of martial arts. Here are a couple of effective self-defense moves that can be practiced solo or with a partner:

Click Fu or Slide Rack Fu

Click Fu and Slide Rack Fu are two self-defense techniques that can be particularly effective at night when intruders break into your home. They are surprisingly simple and straightforward to learn. For instance, the Slide Rack Fu can be enhanced by adding a bright targeting laser to the bottom of your handgun, making the technique even more effective.

Martial Arts Kicks

Once you have mastered the basics of punching, moving on to kicks is a natural progression. Here are three key kicks that you can practice on your own:

Roundhouse Kick

The roundhouse kick is one of the most versatile and commonly used kicks in martial arts. To perform it:

Stand next to a wall with your right hand touching it. Step your right foot forward, keeping it at shoulder’s width. Lift your left knee up to where it’s parallel to the floor and begin from this position. Pivot on your right foot, facing behind you, with your face towards the wall and your knee nearly touching the wall. Extend your left leg by straightening the knee and leaning back, creating a straight line from your thigh to your knee and then to the target. To enhance the technique, work on two foot positions: toes back for hitting sensitive areas and toes pointed like a ballerina’s foot for using the shin as the striking surface.

The power of the roundhouse kick comes from the torque created by pivoting on your toes and the forward motion of the kick.

Front Snap Kick

For the front snap kick, follow the steps for the roundhouse kick but pull your toes back as you will be kicking with the ball of your foot:

As you extend your leg, lean back a little for power and balance. Pivot the foot and return to the starting position.

The power comes from the snap and the forward motion, similar to the roundhouse kick.

Side Kick

The side kick is more complex but still achievable with practice:

Begin with the same moves as the roundhouse kick. Pivot your foot and your body to face the wall, with your knee up at waist-height, toes touching the wall. Slide your leg along the wall until extended, leaning back enough to make your body almost straight back. To practice this kick effectively, try setting up a heavy metal door and attempt to kick it open.

Once you are comfortable with the basics, add a chair or foldable chair in line with your kick to work on stretch and control. Each time your foot touches the target, do 10 pushups.

Conclusion

While starting as a self-taught martial artist might seem daunting, with the right training and dedication, you can master the art. Remember, the key is serious practice and correct technique. With time, you will see improvements in your reflexes and the refinement of your techniques. Whether you practice solo or in a Dojo, consistency is key to your success in martial arts.