Stop Faking It

In modern martial arts we tend toward faking it under the guise of not applying techniques, etc. on the excuse of "being to deadly." First, how can we possibly tell if a technique is actually deadly unless we have killed someone with it? How do we determine the functionality of a technique unless we actually apply it? How can we do a functional test unless we apply them with some level of resistance? 

How can we say that something works if all we ever do is train using "simulated techniques" through pre-arranged drills, etc.?

The answer may lie in learning about the underlying factors that would make a martial skill function in a violent encounter. Regardless of the system or style differences there must be something common to all of them that would and could and should make them function in a violent encounter but what is that commonality? 

It is a set of fundamental principles that make things work when violence hits and our bodies and minds resist through fear and chemical dumps that diminish the effectiveness and ability of mind and body to act properly. 

We must stop faking it in the dojo to realize true and productive and functioning self-defense or we are just playing and deluding ourselves into a false sense of security. 

If we train in martial arts for the philosophical benefits as depicted as the "Way" while realizing that the defensive aspects are not present then that is a good thing but to delude ourselves into faking self-defense where none exists or exists in a watered down mostly ineffective way is destructive. 

Stop faking it!