Did a Secret Ancient Technique Stop an Attacker Dead in His Tracks?

We've all heard of secret techniques in the martial arts that will enable a much smaller man to defeat a larger one or a group of men.
The truth is, the mystique surrounding these martial arts' so called "secret traditions" has long been dispelled.

"Mystical techniques" don't work for real. Solid skills do.
That's one thing we can thank MMA for; helping to demonstrate what martial arts skills are the most applicable.

But before we go jumping onto the bandwagon that claims MMA is the ultimate in martial arts, let's define what "ultimate" truly means.

If by "ultimate" you are thinking that MMA can defeat all other martial arts and if it isn't MMA it doesn't work then you've only been misled by clever marketing.
The fact is that the fighter is more important than the style.
Anyone who has many years of experience in the martial arts will realize this if he's being honest with himself.

What MMA has are two key points among several other things.

1) The fights are for real. That is, making real contact and resistance, developing several critical skills.
2) The athletes train in several ranges which is critical to developing a well rounded game.

So the story of the "secret" techniques that can stop an attacker dead in his tracks has been exposed as the obvious myth that it is.

But does this mean there are no "secrets"?

Well, yes and no, depending on what you mean by the word "secrets".

Are there hidden techniques that are magical in their ability to take someone or a group of attackers out?

No.

Are there hidden, not very obvious, sides to technical skill that can only be taught by an experienced instructor?

Absolutely!

The truth is that the word "secrets" can be replaced by years of dedicated, focused and logical training under someone with real knowledge and skill who knows what he's doing in teaching others.