Can You Really Learn Martial Arts from Watching Videos Online?

There are tons of different youtubers sharing martial arts and fighting tutorials. And there are even more skeptics out there that say you can't learn MMA from watching videos online (youtube blackbelts). Here's what I have to say about learning fight techniques through instructionals.

I've been making fighttips videos for over 10 years now. In no way do I think watching videos substitutes real hard training and sparring, but I do believe you can gain knowledge from watching youtube videos.

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[wardragonma]

Of course, you can learn anything from a video, you just need to practice it.

[BerkayCetinkaya]

Depends on the person, some people physically need help and actually need someone to show them step by step in person, whereas somebody like me can watch you do it once and work it out my self and practice at home and actually learn!

[sheogorathdaedricprinceofm]

Of course you can learn martial arts from the internet, if the move is broken down into steps and you practice the move over and over you can build a solid foundation of the move, the problem is if you make a mistake there is nobody to point it out and you could end up with a shadow of the true art.

[rustyblade]

i learned martial arts throu youtube and now im world heavy weight champion in boxing, MMA, karate, Kung fu, and even samurai practice. im just 3 years old and i have 20 championship belts at home.

[Rickai]

It'd be useful if there was more discussion on this subject. I studied Kwonkickers videos for about a year before I started training and the benefits were huge. I advanced way faster than my class peers. Perhaps that is a combination of passion too.

When I tell people I train kickboxing, muay thai and TKD, they often ask me what belt I am. I dont fully believe in belts as they are graded by karate and I dont study karate Therefore I do believe you can learn martial arts by watching videos, after all, why not?

[studiorex]

You can certainly learn new techniques, but you also need proper mat or ring time to practice the techniques in live situations. Not everything will work for everyone. BTW love the integrity about not ramming 'my fight gym' down our throats, a quick mention, then moved on. Total class and I applaud you.

[zio]

Gotta love this video. People often forget that the best way to learn new tactics is to observe the masters ahead of your time. Watching fight reels and tutorials is a great way to broaden your fight IQ. The step most people miss is actually putting into drill-form and practicing.

[Neocasko]

I believe that martial arts (as well as other subjects in general) can be learned effectively with videos. It may work for some better than others because people's learning styles can vary so it may not be for everyone. Visual learners like myself will be most likely to find such a learning method useful. I know I've learned a lot from Shane's videos. 

[Scarface_]

I agree, I'm just taking up muy thai and these videos have helped me mentally remember the steps to the technique so I can go to the gym and perfect them through actual practice...

[blacksupra]

LOL i was hoping that this was about internet trash talking haha

[sylvainbastid]

I perfectly agree with you Shane. As a martial artist, I train every days and have sparing 2-3 times a week. I train 10 to 15h/week depending on my condition and on my free time I learn new things for your videos, kwonkicker's and others. When I see something interesting, I firstly train on myself and then try it on sparing. It needs some practice to master a move but everything is good to take and videos are usefull  ;)

[LagginGamer]

So cool to be first :) I love the videos keep it up :)

[weebogeeta]

I totally agree. If you have a decent place to train the techniques you're seeing online, then why not?

[Darksagan]

There's actually a lot of professional fighters that learned how to fight from watching youtube videos and instructionals before joining a actual gym. Rory is one them.

[peaceindarkness]

I've learned from Video Games, Movies, Online, and also study different fighting styles and which one to use depending on my opponents technique or stance. I never stepped foot into a gym or a class and I am a great martial artist so far. I want to be better and if so one of the best so I will train where ever, whenever it takes, even if it means trying out a few classes or stepping into a gym for the first time.

[TomFox]

Wonderful video, I was also wondering this ?. Thank you Shane

[bananwoskijunior]

I do believe in something in the middle, people that already practise martial arts can get a new set of movements by learning online because they know the basic, it's just like learning the weak spots of the human body to hit. However, someone with litle knowledge can't learn that easy, I mean sure they can learn a thing or two but the basics will always be a problem.

[zelruiz]

Shane I'm just watching all your vids and there great idk how to stress like I learned a lot in these past couple hours lol

[desmondfcl]

Hi Shane,

First time posting here. Been watch your YT for sometime now and many my routine is base on your workout drill. Thank you so much.

I do some self training but I wonder what kinda cam (GoPro??) that can help me to video myself and and evaluate my progression at home or in the GYM. Or your have other equipment that you can recommend for helping self learning.

Much appreciate it.

Stay with the fight
Thanks

[shonnecole]

yes you can learn martial artist online if they do a step by step description only problem is if ur not sparing with someone and actually trying these moves on a punching bag and in a fight will really go a long way and give you that "fighter mentality"