Just as Martial Arts practice is important for automatic response when faced with an aggresive confrontational situation.  Meditation practice is the focus that keeps you out of the situation to begin with. Sure it is fun to spar with your classmates showing your prowess, but the difference between a student who meditates and does not, is the gifts of meditation are not used along with martial technique.  The (Siddah) gifts that come with meditation will bring a student into complete now focus allowing the meditative martial art student the ability to not be seen, to know what is coming next, the ability to move the attackers body with mind. Without the meditation a martial arts student can only go so far. A Warrior without Soul development is just another thug.