Explaining the difference between soft and hard martial arts

When it comes to martial arts, a lot is often said about the difference between soft and hard styles. You may even hear the odd debate about hard vs. soft from time to time as well. In general, the world of martial arts loves to debate about what is best.

Anyway, these terms are merely ways of explaining how specific styles differentiate from each other and what to expect. As you can imagine, soft martial arts implies a style that is less damaging to the opponent compared to harder martial arts. Whilst this is true in part, it doesn’t explain the full story. Read on for more information.

The difference between hard and soft martial arts

Soft styles

In theory, soft martial arts describe the ability to perform moves and techniques that require little effort or energy. Generally, these can be described as grappling martial arts that tend to come from Chinese Kung Fu. When looking at Kung Fu, we’ll often see techniques performed that look effortless. Contrary to popular belief, a soft style doesn’t mean the techniques don’t hurt – they can be just as painful as hard martial arts – they’re just performed in a different manner.

A good example of a soft martial art style can be seen in Aikido. If you watch Aikido moves being performed, they often involve little force or aggression. Here, there’s a greater emphasis on technique as opposed to trying to force or muscle on a certain move. This often means using your opponent’s own momentum against them to your advantage.

Hard styles

In comparison, hard martial arts are very different. Typically, these involve striking martial arts such as Muay Thai and kickboxing. Here, you’re taught to put a lot of force and effort into finishing the move. Imagine kicking someone with no power.

Obviously, technique can make up for a lack of power – but why would you strike someone without trying to hit them as hard as possible? Here, using more force and energy isn’t frowned upon. Instead, it’s actually encouraged. This is one of the main differences in philosophy when comparing soft martial arts to harder styles.

Examples of soft martial arts

– Aikido

– Tai Chi

– Judo

Examples of hard martial arts

– Karate

– Boxing

– Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

Can you do hard and soft martial arts?

As seen in the above categories, the difference between hard and soft styles can often be quite confusing. It’s fair to say that it often falls into a grey area. For example, you could claim that Judo is actually a very hard martial art – with parts of it being soft. If you watch an Uchi Mata for instance, it can involve quite a lot of effort and power. Simply put, against a tough, resisting opponent, you may need to force it a little bit. This is an example of Judo being a hard martial art.

Alternatively, you can also claim that Judo has soft elements too. For instance, a foot sweep may require little effort and minimal movement. Instead of forcing it, you may use Kazushi and your opponent’s own failings to sweep them. This is where the boundaries of hard and soft are blurred. Despite Judo featuring on the soft list, it often ends up being hard when it comes to newaza.

Even more confusing, Goju Ryu Karate is often described as having a ‘hard soft’ style that implements both methods of combat. It’s possible to train kata in a soft way but perform the same techniques in a hard way during kumite.

Why are soft styles typically grappling-based?

As mentioned, soft styles of martial arts are normally based around grappling. This is because when grappling, it’s easier to do movements that appear lower in energy. This isn’t always the case as wrestling and BJJ can often require lots of force and movements to do techniques.

However, in Aikido and Tai Chi, the hand movements are often quite low energy and don’t require big, bodily movements either. When it comes to striking, it’s just not as easy to throw a big kick without as much energy. This is why grappling-based martial arts are typically associated with a soft style.

Does soft mean unrealistic?

These days, there is an argument that soft martial arts are unrealistic and delve into the realms of fantasy. Whilst it could never be argued that Judo is unrealistic, the same cannot be said for Aikido and Tai Chi.

These two arts in particular teach the value of superior technique and the ability of using this technique to overcome bigger, stronger opponents. This is possible to achieve in martial arts but it can also be done with harder martial arts too such as boxing and BJJ. So, is this theory correct?

In part, the idea that soft martial arts are unrealistic is kind of true. For example, it’s universally accepted that most of Aikido is unrealistic. Whilst it would be ideal to be able to fight using nothing but technique, the reality is that force and power are equally as important.

At the same time, there are definitely examples of soft styles working. This can be seen with trapping in Wing Chun. Overall, trapping is a soft technique that requires hand movements and little else. Although quite unusual, trapping has been done by top MMA fighters such as Anderson Silva. The point being is that some soft styles and techniques are still as effective. Regardless, it’s a dangerous mentality to assume you can win fights purely on technique. If this was the case, you’d still get fighters in their 90s beating up guys in their 20s. Sadly, size, age, and gender are all very relevant to fighting which is why hard styles are more brutal but effective.

Conclusion

In summary, the main difference between hard and soft martial arts is the amount of power and effort put into executing the techniques. As established, most martial arts aren’t completely, exclusively devoted to one style or the other. Often, there’s a lot of crossover apart from the few, obvious styles like Aikido and boxing. You may have figured that typically, more traditional styles tend to focus on a softer philosophy whereas modern martial arts tend to be harder.

Ultimately, there’s nothing wrong with training a soft or hard style, so long as you’re willing to acknowledge that sometimes using both methods can be even more beneficial. Whatever you’re training, your main priority should be based on realistic sparring to pressure test your knowledge. Regardless of what you do – as long as this is in place you should get the desired results. If you don’t do this then this is where things can go badly wrong.