Is it possible to self learn any hand combat skills or martial arts?

Question

I've been planning to enroll in some sort of combat training, specifically boxing, however due to financial constraints I haven't had a chance (my yearly gym subscription already consumed by budget).

However, I want to learn self-defense skills hence my desire for combat training or martial arts. Is it possible to self-learn any kind, and if yes, which combat or martial art would that be? Although, I doubt if you can self-learn to a point where you can actually use it in real world scenario, since I assume sparring plays a very crucial role....

Answer 1

Why it won't work

Martial arts are highly skill-oriented and require significant feedback from an instructor, as well as copious amounts of sparring (either with striking, such as boxing and Muay Thai, or with wrestling, such as judo, Brazilian jiu-jitsu or wrestling). "Learning" a martial art without those two key components is almost always a fruitless endeavor.

There are scenarios where people already skilled in one combat sport are able to successfully learn techniques from another, similar art. A commonly used example is mixed martial arts fighter Evan Tanner, who taught himself Brazilian jiu-jitsu submissions from the tapes produced by Rorion Gracie. Tanner succeeded in large part because he had a background in wrestling and he was able to practice the moves with resisting partners at home.

Trying to learn techniques at home, without an instructor, without sparring partners, and with training material of unknown quality, is a tough path even for people with some amount of training under their belts. It's unlikely that you'll be very productive starting as an untrained person.

What to do instead

It would be better to spend your time becoming strong, fast and fit. Lifting, improving mobility, running and doing metabolic conditioning like hill sprints or pushing a Prowler are all very effective ways to improve your physicality while you raise the cash necessary to join a boxing gym.

You can also look into some sort of work-study program at the local training centers. Some gyms will let you train for reduced prices or even free if you spend a couple hours cleaning up the practice space after class.

Answer 2

I've been in the martial arts (Isshinyu Karate) for 25+ years and I have to agree, depending on what if any martial arts training you have, the best and most effective way is learning with a skilled instructor. HOWEVER - there are many things you can do while saving up to prepare yourself:

• get a heavy bag - nothing teaches you how to punch hard like a heavy bag, 70lbs min. - watch some videos - here's a great video by Don Familton - do a search on YouTube for Don Familton - the guy really knows his stuff.
• basic conditioning - there's nothing like focusing on conditioning, either pure body weight or the basic weight routines (deadlift, bench press and squat) - anything that gives you an advantage is a plus.
• run/jog - if you have sneakers you can run, sprint, interval training, hill running.
• jump rope - or learn how.
• read - either via the web or buy a book, here's a great one: Savage Science Of Streetfighting

Bottom line: there's always something you can do. You can always think about what you can do if you had the time or money OR you can do what you can with what you have. Some of the toughest fighters out there (Tyson) learned on their own before 'officially' being trained.
Here's a great site from someone who's incredibly strong and has made most of his own equipment himself.

Answer 3

I've been taking dance lessons for 3 years and there are a number of key things that I'm still learning through a teacher. All those things involve learning how to use your body, specifically:

• proper weight transfer. making sure your weight is on the proper foot to perform whatever maneuver
• proper stance and posture
• being able to use your core

And also there are all these little things that you probably won't notice unless you have been taught to look for them. The proper way to strike someone so you don't hurt yourself. Being able to recover from a bad move.

This is my experience as a dancer and from this I've ben able to figure out how fighting works, but still, being able to fight and use complex moves without thinking takes a lot of practice and discipline.

Answer 4

There is a possibility to do so, but you will end up learning something else. If you have the basics, you can train those technique and master them.

I practised taekwondo for several years, and a little bit of boxing. I used unconventional training (traditional Muay style; I live near Thailand). Have strong conviction brother.

Answer 5

No, you will not learn authentic martial arts by yourself. But even going to classes does not guarantee that you will be able to protect yourself in times of emergency.

BUT YES, you can teach yourself basic self defense which may protect you in case need arises. I personally liked the system given in this book - Method of Self-Defence - The Best of Judo, Jiu Jitsu, Karate, Savate, Yawara, Aikido and Ate-Waza : Monika Budo Stuff : Free Download & Streaming : Internet Archive. The techniques are :

Easy to learn, not requiring years of training. Quick defense and attack oriented. Mostly use your gross motor skills.
If you want to refer to other sources, assess the techniques taught based on the above three variables. The techniques which pass the above three tests can be kept in your arsenal.

Incase, you dont have a training partner, practice with an imaginary opponent (doubtful if it will work for grappling techniques) . You may make a hitting pad by tying a cloth around a stick. Then ask someone to simulate a kick or punch with that stick (this tip is there in the above mentioned book). This way you will not injure your partner and can some feel/ pratice of blocking.