Competition in Karate

Not all competitions in martial arts are detrimental to real skill for real fighting. They can, however, be degrading to the positive development of character, but this depends on the individual and their teachers. Not every western-style boxer is arrogant and aggressive, for example. The trouble is that in certain types of prize fighting the danger is taken away. This is particularly true when using protective equipment. It is not an effective method as it only serves to aid sports, all the while it is greatly harmful to your ability to actually fight, be prepared to handle the adrenaline of an actual conflict, or have any degree of the mental preparation necessary for real fighting. If you can hit someone because they are wearing padding, they don’t mind because they know they won’t be injured. And vice versa. The element of danger, as if you and your opponent/s are in a life-and-death situation, is imperative to properly training your fighting skill.