No, I don't think it's possible to master a martial art from scratch, without anyone's help. But by help, do you mean like an actual person helping, or like a book? With a book, it might be possible, but it's not as good as a person.

In response to the_aggie10's comment about being able to teach yourself martial arts, because the 'guy that made it up' had to, it isn't quite as simple as that. The martial arts were not developed primarily for fighting, it was devotion, and in time, they devolped. They only adapted after people actually physically fighting, and then playing around with what works best. Some for instance, a great of tibetan buddhist would have first formed an art as a way of relaxation, and devotion, but when the Chinese federals attacked they learnt that what they knew could be adapted to work. In time, after more conflict, and after full contact training, they learnt to fight, from scratch, and then passed it on and on, as it devolped further. In response to my first question, it is possible to teach yourself to fight, (wether effectively enough depends entirely on your experience), but it is not possible I don't think, to teach yourself a well known martial art (karate for example), from scratch, to an effective level without a good instructor and hands on training. Even at a club, it still takes many, many years to get it right, so it would be impossible to get it right from scratch...

I don't really think you can teach yourself martial arts. In chinese, the term "kung fu" doesn't mean a martial arts master. It just means something like "a master." You can become a master of kung fu just by meditation and learning. However, you cannot become a master on your own because that would require that you can teach yourself. You instead need a master who can instruct you. If you're talking about martial arts, you definately need a master to point out flaws in your technique, etc.

omg that would be so awesome because i wanted to learn martial arts ever since i was little watching all these kung-fu movies!

I dont think you can teach yourself martial arts upto an acceptable level of professional prowess. You can learn the very basic techniques but you cant simply expect to become the master of the trade or even be able to compete with some one with a right background. It is extremely important to have a trainer by your side to teach you all the good stuff and to keep improving your arsenal as well.

What about Aikido? Isn't it easier to learn online?

I would have to say that even though it was created by someone or even a group of ppl, the art was not invented by chance, it happened due to the fact that people needed self defense and/or a way to correctly defeat an opponent. I do know that everyone has the natural ability to learn how to fight, and the original martial arts didn't care about the point system, or even if they could get that leg up to the right angle. It all was dependent on the ability to win the battle, and most of the time the moves that worked where thought about and named so they wouldn't be forgotten.

Just so you don't think I'm full of shit, I have learned a little combat art form used to disable your opponent. Besides being in the military and trying to improve on my core abilities witch instinctively improve my fighting talents. I have to portray the fact that martial arts can be learned by anyone, even the most humble cheapest hermet could actually learn it, and if used, get quite good at it by the time he dies.

-GronkJuice

Well, Yes I beleive it is possible, but Learning it from a Teacher Ect, is MUCH MUCH MUCH better, I taught myself Ninjistu (6 years ago) and ive been practicing for 6 years! But to learn it by yourself you must be very Determined and willing to put ALOT OF YOUR TIME IN!




~~~~Tweek~~~~

I guess it is not feasible to learn from books or self taught however what we can do is the conditioning part. We can better concentrate on the strength flexibility aspect and know what you will be picking up martial easiler if you have the foundation rights. Books and video are merely for revision and tell you what is in detail and become a good tool only when after learning from master. That what I think