Q&R: “Are there any sports fighting systems that are street effective?” – Marc MacYoung

A young man asked me if there are any sports fighting systems that are street effective. Here’s my response…

The answer is 48
Now as long as the questions are
What’s 6 x 8?
What’s 24 + 24?
What’s 50 – 2?
Then 48 is the answer.
Here’s the problem. Using the same variables but ordered differently
6 x 24 is NOT 48
24 + 2 is NOT 48
50 – 8 is NOT 48

The answer is boxing. Now as long as the circumstances are…

What is ‘effective’ in the street can be summed up as: You gotta learn how to do the math.
The solution isn’t ‘the answer.’ (whether 48 or boxing) The solution is being able to assess, react and adapt to the situation you find yourself in. That is not found in any one ‘system.’ It’s not found in any one answer. It’s the ability to ‘do the math’ on the spot and come up with an answer that works for the circumstances. Circumstances and variables you WON’T be able to predict until you’re standing there.
That is why the ‘learn to do the math’ answer is the only one that even comes to being close to true and accurate.

Yes, boxing will teach you how to punch
So when it’s time for a punch, you can do it well.

Yes, grappling will teach how to operate on the ground
So when it’s time for wrestling, you can do it well.

Yes, weapons training will teach you how to use them.
So when it’s time for a weapon, you can use it.

The situation dictates what needs to be done. All your training does is give you the tools to be able to do it when it’s time. But YOU still have to be the one who does it — as well as knowing when it’s time for what.

Having said that, if you limit yourself (by thinking that training directly translates into you being able to handle anything) then you’re going to be trying to force.

6 x 24 = 48
24 + 2 = 48
50 – 8 = 48

Because that’s the only answer you have.