A few months ago my mother and I were talking about my Parkour practice. She observed that the way I was talking about Parkour was similar to the way I talked about my martial arts practice when I started it. She then went on to ask me “If you had to choose, which would you do Parkour or martial arts?”
Without a moment’s hesitation I said “Martial arts.” This decision is not biased on one being more fun or a better work out. The reason I gave then is the same I will share now. If my mother and I were hanging out, like we were that day, and someone tried to mug us, Parkour is simply not an option.
Most any situation where I am in danger running from a fight doesn’t bother me. I would much rather risk looking like a coward than risk getting hurt or seriously hurting someone else. Even if I think I could win a fight, there are too many variables. The opponent could have a concealed weapon, have far more training than I guessed or even just get lucky. Even if I am the luck one that day and end up putting the guy in traction, courts are unpredictable. The best way to win a fight is not to get in one.
However, if I am in a situation where not only I am in danger, but also other “innocents” are as well, running is not an option for me. Parkour is a wonderful discipline for self-defense. However, I believe if you goal is to increase you utility, as is mine, it must be balanced with a discipline for the defense of others.
No comments:
Post a Comment