Originally Posted by dunefield

An important issue with MA-Therapy in a psychological context is the distinction between a therapeutic approach and a martial approach to the lessons. With the evolution of martial arts into combat systems Krav Maga and combat sports (Kickboxing, Submission Wrestling, MMA), many instructors and organizations teach only martial/combative techniques with little (if any) attention to philosophical or societal issues. In other words, students may only be taught how to fight without lessons in the proper context for applying these techniques, something that is emphasized in more traditional martial art curriculums. Hypothetically, if these philosophical/societal teachings were one of the specific therapeutic factors in martial arts study, studying an art without these teachings would be of little therapeutic benefit (and arguably, detrimental to psychological health) (Reynes, 2002). Additionally, if not properly informed, a patient undergoing MA-Therapy may erroneously believe they are acquiring martial proficiency when in fact, the curriculum they are learning is unsuitable for self-defense or competitive needs.

The bit in bold points it out...