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Made in us
Regular Dakkanaut




Columbus, Ohio

One of my big disappointments about the army (I joined in 1983) was that, at that time, only the infantry and the MPs were taught any type of hand to hand combat. I was intelligence, so didn't get such training.

Now I'm an old man (59) and only started martial arts training four years ago. I absolutely love it. I got into it through Paul Vunak's Fight Fast / Street Safe videos. They won't make you into a killer, but they teach you basic moves to cause the other guy a little pain and distraction, while you grab your wife and kids/grandkids and make a quick exit.

These gave me the confidence to take the next step and learn some Krav Maga. I now incorporate both into my daily training.

Though the area I live and work in is fairly rough, I have never had to use any of this, largely because it's given me considerable confidence. I had to back a young guy off an old woman that he'd just punched in the stomach one day (long story, and she was no prize herself, the fight was over a crack deal, and involved negotiating the price) but he knew I'd go down fighting, if need be, and he hasn't been back since.

---

Anyway, who here practices martial arts of any type? What style? What's your motivation? Have you ever had to use it in real life?


Automatically Appended Next Post:
Here's a slice. Very practical, but the trick is practice. It has to become instinctive.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xyEB4eTYuxg

^^Whoops! I entered the wrong link previously. Here's the right one.

This message was edited 4 times. Last update was at 2023/05/04 03:35:35


First, all means to conciliate; failing that, all means to crush.

-Cardinal Richelieu 
   
Made in us
Nasty Nob




Crescent City Fl..

My brother and I did Taekwondo in the early to mid 90'd. I tried Aikido for a few week as well in the early 90's. Aikido was interesting at best some of it was or would be very useful but I wasn't about to get most of what they were teaching at the time and I was at an age where I just didn't want to go. I have used some of what I learned off and on over the years. I put my drunk roommate into his dirty close hamper one night with a few twist and a push or what ever. He was much larger than me. TKD was good. Our teacher was from Korea had been military's and I think in their sf stuff when he was younger. he was all about power in everything, blocks, punches and kicks. It wasn't like it is now, at least not in his school. Every block, he said, was an attack.
My brother and I would spar in class and I fee like it was really sloppy and I can't say we even really hit each other but we'd go full out as much as we were able and they thought we were trying to kill each other. But I can even recall either of us landing any hit. It's difficult to spar in pads. I guess it was a heck of a show if nothing else.
We had hand to hand when I joined the army in 98'. We were told we were the last class that would get bayonet training and qualification. That was a heck of a day.
I never did combatives class in the Army, no idea why.
About aikido. I know it's go a bad wrap. My buddy was really into or at least excited about BJJ. One on one I'd give it to BJJ any time over Aikido. But when it's more than one on one Aikido has it's uses. Especially if the two trying to get you have no experience or training. Like at a gate control area. Or if it's two mechanics just goofing around at work, not much better than turning one of them into a human shield. Or of your squad leader is 300Lbs and drunk and being goofy. well, it worked out ok for me anyway.
I can't do any of that stuff anymore I hurt my back and have other issues so I can't consider training anymore. I am still fascinated by martial arts, there's a few really good classes on Youtube if you like Karate or Tangsudo.
I snagged these to pass to my Nephews. 10 and 7 years old. Who knows maybe it will get them to at least give it a try.

My favorite martial art is Sinanju, if I am ever in an altercation and end up in front of a camera I'll credit that martial art of my victory.
Some say it's amazing but it's better than that.

Sigh, Yet another doomed attempt by man to bridge the gap between the material and spiritual worlds 
   
Made in ca
Ragin' Ork Dreadnought




Monarchy of TBD

I took up Brazilian JiuJitsu about 4 years back. I've been doing it off and on (more off than on) ever since. What I enjoy about it most is the practical style of it- after learning a technique, you are turned loose to roll, and there is no discrimination with size, experience level, or anything of the sort. So you might find yourself after your first class going against a 250 lbs black belt, as a lightly built 130 lber like I was when I started. You learn by losing, more or less, and it is a discipline where you just 'embrace the suck' until suddenly you remember the counter, or the right sequence for this sweep, which is an absolutely incredible feeling.

As to its effectiveness... I started about a year after my son did, when he was 8 years old and 45 pounds. While helping him warm up for a tournament, he hip tossed me and put me in an arm bar like it was nothing. It was a very proud moment. I realized I needed much more knowledge to continue to assist him, and help him develop it. Plus, it's a really cerebral variant of wrestling, with so much emphasis on range of motion of limbs and manipulation of center of balance.

Klawz-Ramming is a subset of citrus fruit?
Gwar- "And everyone wants a bigger Spleen!"
Mercurial wrote:
I admire your aplomb and instate you as Baron of the Seas and Lord Marshall of Privateers.
Orkeosaurus wrote:Star Trek also said we'd have X-Wings by now. We all see how that prediction turned out.
Orkeosaurus, on homophobia, the nature of homosexuality, and the greatness of George Takei.
English doesn't borrow from other languages. It follows them down dark alleyways and mugs them for loose grammar.

 
   
Made in us
Regular Dakkanaut




Columbus, Ohio

Interesting stuff from both of you gents. Jeet and Krav are both almost entirely striking arts, at least to my level of competence, so I really can't speak intelligently about Aikido or BJJ, though I'd like to ask a question, perhaps a silly one.

Do you think that, assuming similar levels of competency, those things are effective against someone who can get in a good solid kick or palm strike first?

No definitive answer, I'm sure, but I'd love to hear opinions.


First, all means to conciliate; failing that, all means to crush.

-Cardinal Richelieu 
   
Made in us
Secret Force Behind the Rise of the Tau




USA

I did Shotokan Karate throughout middle and highschool. It was fun. Not sure you need any other reason than that.

   
Made in us
Perfect Shot Black Templar Predator Pilot





The Dark Imperium

Taekwondo in grade school. It did teach me discipline, and to do push ups the real way on the knuckles.

   
Made in us
Longtime Dakkanaut





A few years back, the local community offered fencing lessons for kids. My middle kid signed up, and she liked it a lot. I began practicing with her and (with the instructor's encouragement) enrolled. Before Covid hit, we were building an adult group up.

I fought sabre, and I enjoyed it immensely. The combination of footwork and reading one's opponent had a lot of applicability for other combatives and even strategy in general. Still waiting for it come back around here...

As for military training, I enjoyed bayonet drill and the pugil sticks, but missed the one day of hand-to-hand training because I had K.P. duty. Go figure.

Interesting contrast with my father, who said he spent a week on hth training and placed heavy emphasis on bayonet fighting. He went through basic between Korea and Vietnam, so Korea was on everyone's mind. My training had lots of chemical/biological training because that was the big fear in the late 90s. He barely touched on it.

This message was edited 2 times. Last update was at 2023/05/09 22:37:35


Want a better way to do fantasy/historical miniatures battles?  Try Conqueror: Fields of Victory.

Do you like Star Wars but find the prequels and sequels disappointing?  Man of Destiny is the book series for you.

My 2nd edition Warhammer 40k resource page. Check out my other stuff at https://www.ahlloyd.com 
   
Made in us
Nasty Nob




Crescent City Fl..

 NapoleonInSpace wrote:
Interesting stuff from both of you gents. Jeet and Krav are both almost entirely striking arts, at least to my level of competence, so I really can't speak intelligently about Aikido or BJJ, though I'd like to ask a question, perhaps a silly one.

Do you think that, assuming similar levels of competency, those things are effective against someone who can get in a good solid kick or palm strike first?

No definitive answer, I'm sure, but I'd love to hear opinions.


This is a delightful question and I have no way to answer it that isn't several paragraphs that end in who knows, it's anybody's game.
a lot of it would revolve around the fighters actual skill and their mobility and cardio. like to think a striker stands a high chance of pulling a win if they're good at strikes and kicks. If they are one dimensional that leans into the Aikido practitioners favor. Which has to do mostly with how in Aikido they mostly train against certain types of kicks or punches which do not really reflect how people fight. There's a lot of Aikido sucks videos on line and all that. Mostly in the context of sport fighting or MMA. I think everything has it's place and not everything is a one tool potion. I wont bad mouth anyone's Martial art. If they are getting something out of attending a class or training then it's as it should be.
I wish I had stuck with it after Highschool. It was a good physical outlet.
Stick with it if you're enjoying it.

Sigh, Yet another doomed attempt by man to bridge the gap between the material and spiritual worlds 
   
Made in us
Secret Force Behind the Rise of the Tau




USA

The reality of a real fight is getting hit by someone who wants to hurt you hurts. Unless you're a pro athlete who does it as a sport, a good blow to the gut or the head is probably going to put most people down. Style fights are the stuff of Kung Fu movies.

The first solid blow usually gets the win, which is why a smart person who doesn't have to runs instead. Use that cardio!

This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2023/05/10 00:14:35


   
Made in us
Perfect Shot Black Templar Predator Pilot





The Dark Imperium

I have a 100 lb heavy bag that's fun to work on.

   
Made in gb
Leader of the Sept







I started with fencing then went into historical European martial arts. Swords are fun. Did some proper training from historical manuals with this guy as well, so it was entertaining to see him make an online career

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCt14YOvYhd5FCGCwcjhrOdA

Please excuse any spelling errors. I use a tablet frequently and software keyboards are a pain!

Terranwing - w3;d1;l1
51st Dunedinw2;d0;l0
Cadre Coronal Afterglow w1;d0;l0 
   
Made in us
Perfect Shot Black Templar Predator Pilot





The Dark Imperium

Speaking of swords and not sure if this counts, but as kids we used to cut wooden swords out of plywood for duels or have teams with mock battles.

No padding, just gloves so you wouldn't catch a splinter in the finger, sometimes a shield, nothing below the waist or at the face. Good times.

   
Made in ca
Ragin' Ork Dreadnought




Monarchy of TBD

 NapoleonInSpace wrote:
Interesting stuff from both of you gents. Jeet and Krav are both almost entirely striking arts, at least to my level of competence, so I really can't speak intelligently about Aikido or BJJ, though I'd like to ask a question, perhaps a silly one.

Do you think that, assuming similar levels of competency, those things are effective against someone who can get in a good solid kick or palm strike first?

No definitive answer, I'm sure, but I'd love to hear opinions.



The long and the short of it is, who's trained better to deal with the other style. If a jiujitsu guy, wrestler, or any grappler, can grab a striker, they'll typically win. Most striking techniques just don't work from the ground. Now the catch is, you can strike somebody before they can grapple you, every time. So if the striker is good or lucky enough to stagger or stop the fight with the initial blow, they'll retain the advantage.

So to be really effective, the striker needs to know typical grappler attacks, and be ready to hit those angles. A grappler needs to be able to defend against strikes on the way in. Both need to practice unscripted sparring frequently. A blended art like MMA, or Muay Thai, will probably be most effective in a straight up fight- they do both, so they're more likely to recognize what the opponent is trying to do and be able to counter it.


Klawz-Ramming is a subset of citrus fruit?
Gwar- "And everyone wants a bigger Spleen!"
Mercurial wrote:
I admire your aplomb and instate you as Baron of the Seas and Lord Marshall of Privateers.
Orkeosaurus wrote:Star Trek also said we'd have X-Wings by now. We all see how that prediction turned out.
Orkeosaurus, on homophobia, the nature of homosexuality, and the greatness of George Takei.
English doesn't borrow from other languages. It follows them down dark alleyways and mugs them for loose grammar.

 
   
Made in us
Longtime Dakkanaut





 Adeptekon wrote:
Speaking of swords and not sure if this counts, but as kids we used to cut wooden swords out of plywood for duels or have teams with mock battles.

No padding, just gloves so you wouldn't catch a splinter in the finger, sometimes a shield, nothing below the waist or at the face. Good times.


The grown-up version of that is the SCA.

I saw a video some years ago about practical self-defense and the instructor emphasized that human hands are actually really fragile and that in a "real" fight, hitting your opponent with just about anything other than your hand was a good idea.

That being said, the idea of competitive fighting is a good one. I'd love to get back into saber fencing. If nothing else, great aggression release and wonderful cardio.

Want a better way to do fantasy/historical miniatures battles?  Try Conqueror: Fields of Victory.

Do you like Star Wars but find the prequels and sequels disappointing?  Man of Destiny is the book series for you.

My 2nd edition Warhammer 40k resource page. Check out my other stuff at https://www.ahlloyd.com 
   
Made in us
Perfect Shot Black Templar Predator Pilot





The Dark Imperium

Commissar von Toussaint wrote:
The grown-up version of that is the SCA.


To be honest, we were inspired by the SCA.

   
Made in us
Regular Dakkanaut




Columbus, Ohio

 LordofHats wrote:
I did Shotokan Karate throughout middle and highschool. It was fun. Not sure you need any other reason than that.





Automatically Appended Next Post:
 warhead01 wrote:
 NapoleonInSpace wrote:
Interesting stuff from both of you gents. Jeet and Krav are both almost entirely striking arts, at least to my level of competence, so I really can't speak intelligently about Aikido or BJJ, though I'd like to ask a question, perhaps a silly one.

Do you think that, assuming similar levels of competency, those things are effective against someone who can get in a good solid kick or palm strike first?

No definitive answer, I'm sure, but I'd love to hear opinions.


This is a delightful question and I have no way to answer it that isn't several paragraphs that end in who knows, it's anybody's game.
a lot of it would revolve around the fighters actual skill and their mobility and cardio. like to think a striker stands a high chance of pulling a win if they're good at strikes and kicks. If they are one dimensional that leans into the Aikido practitioners favor. Which has to do mostly with how in Aikido they mostly train against certain types of kicks or punches which do not really reflect how people fight. There's a lot of Aikido sucks videos on line and all that. Mostly in the context of sport fighting or MMA. I think everything has it's place and not everything is a one tool potion. I wont bad mouth anyone's Martial art. If they are getting something out of attending a class or training then it's as it should be.
I wish I had stuck with it after Highschool. It was a good physical outlet.
Stick with it if you're enjoying it.


Good points, and I'm not saying anything against Aikido or any other grappling art. My question is whether it is more practical to teach someone to strike rather than to grapple.

My own experience started with Krav Maga, and the best thing I learned out of that was how to take a punch, and that you can handle pain and continue the fight. From there, it is possible to learn to take out a man with one punch, or even something as seemingly trivial as a flick to the eyes and a slap to the ear or groin.

In fact, after learning krav rather intensely, I went on to this guy

vv

https://www.amazon.com/Street-Safe-Vol-Paul-Vunak/dp/B00BXN39HY/ref=pd_vtp_h_vft_none_pd_vtp_h_vft_none_sccl_1/138-9164438-0465262?pd_rd_w=oe2zs&content-id=amzn1.sym.a5610dee-0db9-4ad9-a7a9-14285a430f83&pf_rd_p=a5610dee-0db9-4ad9-a7a9-14285a430f83&pf_rd_r=4S3ZXCXMA571SYY9R3EK&pd_rd_wg=gC3Hd&pd_rd_r=65ac37ff-6e18-40a8-8820-74de53f7c910&pd_rd_i=B00BXN39HY&psc=1

largely because he doesn't charge $85 a session, and I can watch and practice the moves again and again. Seems weird, but its worked.

This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2023/05/12 23:09:31


First, all means to conciliate; failing that, all means to crush.

-Cardinal Richelieu 
   
Made in us
Nasty Nob




Crescent City Fl..

 NapoleonInSpace wrote:
 LordofHats wrote:
I did Shotokan Karate throughout middle and highschool. It was fun. Not sure you need any other reason than that.





Automatically Appended Next Post:
 warhead01 wrote:
 NapoleonInSpace wrote:
Interesting stuff from both of you gents. Jeet and Krav are both almost entirely striking arts, at least to my level of competence, so I really can't speak intelligently about Aikido or BJJ, though I'd like to ask a question, perhaps a silly one.

Do you think that, assuming similar levels of competency, those things are effective against someone who can get in a good solid kick or palm strike first?

No definitive answer, I'm sure, but I'd love to hear opinions.


This is a delightful question and I have no way to answer it that isn't several paragraphs that end in who knows, it's anybody's game.
a lot of it would revolve around the fighters actual skill and their mobility and cardio. like to think a striker stands a high chance of pulling a win if they're good at strikes and kicks. If they are one dimensional that leans into the Aikido practitioners favor. Which has to do mostly with how in Aikido they mostly train against certain types of kicks or punches which do not really reflect how people fight. There's a lot of Aikido sucks videos on line and all that. Mostly in the context of sport fighting or MMA. I think everything has it's place and not everything is a one tool potion. I wont bad mouth anyone's Martial art. If they are getting something out of attending a class or training then it's as it should be.
I wish I had stuck with it after Highschool. It was a good physical outlet.
Stick with it if you're enjoying it.


Good points, and I'm not saying anything against Aikido or any other grappling art. My question is whether it is more practical to teach someone to strike rather than to grapple.

My own experience started with Krav Maga, and the best thing I learned out of that was how to take a punch, and that you can handle pain and continue the fight. From there, it is possible to learn to take out a man with one punch, or even something as seemingly trivial as a flick to the eyes and a slap to the ear or groin.

In fact, after learning krav rather intensely, I went on to this guy

vv

https://www.amazon.com/Street-Safe-Vol-Paul-Vunak/dp/B00BXN39HY/ref=pd_vtp_h_vft_none_pd_vtp_h_vft_none_sccl_1/138-9164438-0465262?pd_rd_w=oe2zs&content-id=amzn1.sym.a5610dee-0db9-4ad9-a7a9-14285a430f83&pf_rd_p=a5610dee-0db9-4ad9-a7a9-14285a430f83&pf_rd_r=4S3ZXCXMA571SYY9R3EK&pd_rd_wg=gC3Hd&pd_rd_r=65ac37ff-6e18-40a8-8820-74de53f7c910&pd_rd_i=B00BXN39HY&psc=1

largely because he doesn't charge $85 a session, and I can watch and practice the moves again and again. Seems weird, but its worked.


I started with TKD And I personally think that's a fine starting point, striking that is. My expectations were at most just to be able to defend myself. No interest in competition at all when I was doing TKD. I think that was a mistake on my part at the time . We learned how to kick punch and block but not how to fight. i think now that tournaments would have been the how to use what you learned bit we were not otherwise experiencing in the classes.

Sigh, Yet another doomed attempt by man to bridge the gap between the material and spiritual worlds 
   
Made in us
Regular Dakkanaut




Columbus, Ohio

I never did any real tournament fighting, though I trained at a boxing club and we'd mix it up pretty hard on a regular basis.

I, personally, don't think that's an absolute necessity, though.

The main thing is getting the moves so ingrained in your head that you react instinctively,

First, all means to conciliate; failing that, all means to crush.

-Cardinal Richelieu 
   
Made in us
Nasty Nob




Crescent City Fl..

 NapoleonInSpace wrote:
I never did any real tournament fighting, though I trained at a boxing club and we'd mix it up pretty hard on a regular basis.

I, personally, don't think that's an absolute necessity, though.

The main thing is getting the moves so ingrained in your head that you react instinctively,


I agree. I never did either I was in a funny place in my head at that time, going through some kind of phase, and didn't want to participate like that. Looking back thought it might have been good for me. I mostly mean learning about timing and distance for strikes in a way to cant when striking a bag or paddles. as far as out sparring it was padded. I think we had a set of big chest protector head gear are and shin protectors and a mouth guard. You have to learn to movie in that stuff which I never really did. Things were actually getting more interesting just before we dropped because we were moving away. They were introducing block and punch combinations as a practical exercise with a partner. This was an eye opener and I wish we'd learned more of that, would have been really cool.


Sigh, Yet another doomed attempt by man to bridge the gap between the material and spiritual worlds 
   
Made in us
Regular Dakkanaut




Columbus, Ohio

 warhead01 wrote:
 NapoleonInSpace wrote:
I never did any real tournament fighting, though I trained at a boxing club and we'd mix it up pretty hard on a regular basis.

I, personally, don't think that's an absolute necessity, though.

The main thing is getting the moves so ingrained in your head that you react instinctively,


I agree. I never did either I was in a funny place in my head at that time, going through some kind of phase, and didn't want to participate like that. Looking back thought it might have been good for me. I mostly mean learning about timing and distance for strikes in a way to cant when striking a bag or paddles. as far as out sparring it was padded. I think we had a set of big chest protector head gear are and shin protectors and a mouth guard. You have to learn to movie in that stuff which I never really did. Things were actually getting more interesting just before we dropped because we were moving away. They were introducing block and punch combinations as a practical exercise with a partner. This was an eye opener and I wish we'd learned more of that, would have been really cool.



I agree to your agreement. A lot of this is based on what you need to do with it.

There's a big difference between training for a tournament fight, where you know the rules and you have time to psyche yourself up before the match, and training for a situation where you get jumped as you're entering your car at night in a parking lot.

That second situation has to be absolutely instinctive, and the "rules" are totally different. Its all about getting out of there alive. That's the only victory.

That victory can come from telling the guy, with words and/or just a good, hard "glare" exactly what is going to happen to him if he proceeds with this course of action. It can be the result of jamming your car keys into his eyes, or a palm slap to his balls. It can be something as simple as tossing a throw-away wallet in one direction, while you're running in the other.

In the end, we have to face the fact that the second situation is far more likely than the first, and, again, its all about instinct.

My belief is that doing the wrong thing is always better than doing nothing, as by doing nothing, you are playing the predator's game. He knows exactly what he wants, and has rehearsed the scenario in his head, which gives him an enormous advantage over the good citizen who is just tired and wants to get home from work.

But you can turn that situation to your advantage simply by changing the rules of his game.

A finger flick to the eyes, an oblique kick to the knee, or often even a good, throaty scream can do that.

The trick is so often TO CHANGE THE RULES, AND MAKE HIM PLAY YOUR GAME RATHER THAN CONTINUING TO PLAY HIS.

This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2023/05/18 22:39:53


First, all means to conciliate; failing that, all means to crush.

-Cardinal Richelieu 
   
Made in nl
Armored Iron Breaker






Struggling about in Asmos territory.

did Karate as a kid but not for very long (about 2-3 years), always kept the stance to my style, did boxing and kickboxing relatively recently (5 years ago) and am decent at exotic styles incorporated into the mix. I don't really like sparring because I work out at the gym twice a day and don't want blessures to limit my program, even still..I did join a kickboxing lesson about a year ago with some hothead thinking it ok to spar against me with MMA gloves on (the trainer was an army guy so didn't care about it either), and while I was expecting a no-touch fight this bald headed athletic giant started pummeling me on the shoulder as I was trying to deescalate by not hitting him back lol.. that cured me of ever sparring again (and yes I know you are supposed to agree on rules before a spar but this guy was simply trying to show off I think)

I can take such a pummeling (and my entire arm was blue after) but will never join a spar again.

My style doesn't really lend itself for rule-based-combat anyway, its moreof a survival style, quick and powerful, aimed at instantly taking someone out rather than scoring points in a ring so most of these martial arts aren't for me anyway.
Best style imho is Wing chun, and if there was a Wing chun gym in my area I'd join it np.

Kickboxing maybe second, I'm good with kneeing, not good with high kicks, proficient at mid and low.
My forte is pretty much the single straight punch and triple (high, low, mid) (karate style) and the kidney shot (boxing) when it comes to punches. Also good at overhead and backhand (turn) (kickboxing).

But when it comes to a real assault, I will probably just interrupt kick someone to the shins and run away. (survival combat)
Most people have been brainwashed by movies to think that a real fight is a series of cool moves but the best move you can make in a survival situation is always fleeing, screw your pride.. live another day.
And only when that is impossible use deadly force to remove the threat and then run away the same.


"Why would i be lying for Wechhudrs sake man.., i do not write fiction!"

 
   
Made in us
Longtime Dakkanaut





 Leopold Helveine wrote:


But when it comes to a real assault, I will probably just interrupt kick someone to the shins and run away. (survival combat)
Most people have been brainwashed by movies to think that a real fight is a series of cool moves but the best move you can make in a survival situation is always fleeing, screw your pride.. live another day.
And only when that is impossible use deadly force to remove the threat and then run away the same.


Martial arts are a great way to focus the mind and stay in shape. I found fencing enhanced my ability to read an opponent and understand the concepts of range and tempo - both of which are also useful in other applications.

That being said, survival fighting is inherently unfair, and instead of kicking or hitting, my immediate instinct is to look for an improvised weapon - not necessarily to subdue, but to impede movement as I escape.


Want a better way to do fantasy/historical miniatures battles?  Try Conqueror: Fields of Victory.

Do you like Star Wars but find the prequels and sequels disappointing?  Man of Destiny is the book series for you.

My 2nd edition Warhammer 40k resource page. Check out my other stuff at https://www.ahlloyd.com 
   
Made in us
Regular Dakkanaut




Columbus, Ohio

 Leopold Helveine wrote:
did Karate as a kid but not for very long (about 2-3 years), always kept the stance to my style, did boxing and kickboxing relatively recently (5 years ago) and am decent at exotic styles incorporated into the mix. I don't really like sparring because I work out at the gym twice a day and don't want blessures to limit my program, even still..I did join a kickboxing lesson about a year ago with some hothead thinking it ok to spar against me with MMA gloves on (the trainer was an army guy so didn't care about it either), and while I was expecting a no-touch fight this bald headed athletic giant started pummeling me on the shoulder as I was trying to deescalate by not hitting him back lol.. that cured me of ever sparring again (and yes I know you are supposed to agree on rules before a spar but this guy was simply trying to show off I think)

I can take such a pummeling (and my entire arm was blue after) but will never join a spar again.

My style doesn't really lend itself for rule-based-combat anyway, its moreof a survival style, quick and powerful, aimed at instantly taking someone out rather than scoring points in a ring so most of these martial arts aren't for me anyway.
Best style imho is Wing chun, and if there was a Wing chun gym in my area I'd join it np.

Kickboxing maybe second, I'm good with kneeing, not good with high kicks, proficient at mid and low.
My forte is pretty much the single straight punch and triple (high, low, mid) (karate style) and the kidney shot (boxing) when it comes to punches. Also good at overhead and backhand (turn) (kickboxing).

But when it comes to a real assault, I will probably just interrupt kick someone to the shins and run away. (survival combat)
Most people have been brainwashed by movies to think that a real fight is a series of cool moves but the best move you can make in a survival situation is always fleeing, screw your pride.. live another day.
And only when that is impossible use deadly force to remove the threat and then run away the same.



I hope I haven't given the impression that I think I'm a badass because I used to spar a lot. While it helps take out the fear (and makes your upper body REALLY sore), I am well aware that most street fights last a few seconds before somebody is on the ground. If you manage to not be that somebody, your next move is to keep on truckin', and call the cops.

In fact, my wife and I have a strategy for what happens if we find ourselves on the wrong end of a mugging. I engage the guy by whatever means necessary, while she draws the pistol from her purse. At THAT point we call the cops!

This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2023/05/26 00:26:58


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I got into HEMA (Historical European Martial Arts) when I started studying in university.

I like it a lot, mostly because it blends historical research and physical excercise and it is a nice way to connect with the past.

We mostly practice longsword fencing as well as wrestling and dagger techniques.

I have thankfully not have had to use any of it outside of training, but if I ever am assaulted by someone brandishing a longsword, I will know what to do*. Or I would if I attended training more often. I am currently writing my thesis so I haven't been able to train as much as I'd like.

*Which is to run away really fast, unless you are packing a gun or just so happen to be carrying a spear or something. Swordfights are highly lethal (even bouts between trained swordsmen frequently end in a 'double kill' that leaves both combatants 'dead') and swords make some really nasty wounds. You want to avoid getting into swordfights unless you absolutely have no choice.

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Crescent City Fl..

 Iron_Captain wrote:


*Which is to run away really fast, unless you are packing a gun or just so happen to be carrying a spear or something. Swordfights are highly lethal (even bouts between trained swordsmen frequently end in a 'double kill' that leaves both combatants 'dead') and swords make some really nasty wounds. You want to avoid getting into swordfights unless you absolutely have no choice.


I very much agree! I got to play with my nephews the weekend of the 12th and they had foam swords and went crazy. I thought I could try a sword move I saw on youtube and that completely fell apart as the 10 year ole wen full on "Tasmanian devil " , and full force swings too... Yikes!

Shortly there after he was like how come I can't hit you! Easy, I don't want you to hurt me! That and 40 years of kung-fu movies.. I did spend a fair bit of energy running away.
All I could think of at the time was the Team 4 star DBZ abridged, DODGE! Joke.


Automatically Appended Next Post:
 NapoleonInSpace wrote:

I hope I haven't given the impression that I think I'm a badass because I used to spar a lot. While it helps take out the fear (and makes your upper body REALLY sor), I am well aware that most street fights last a few seconds before somebody is on the ground. If you manage to not be that somebody, your next move is to keep on truckin', and call the cops.

In fact, my wife and I have a strategy for what happens if we find ourselves on the wrong end of a mugging. I engage the guy by whatever means necessary, while she draws the pistol from her purse. At that point we call the cops!



Only a little

I really like martial arts theory and watching mma clips and all that cool stuff. Thankfully all my altercations really happened in middle school and were such low energy events and laughable. One kid threw a silly karate kick at me in a locker room, I have no idea why. I cough his foot and he fell over and that was it. One kid wouldn't stop trying to get into my school bag at my chair even though I told him to stop several times and after having enough I took his army and some how flipped him and his desk/chair upside down while seated.. He was fine, there was some shouting and that was that. We never sat next to each other again and that was good enough. Just a bruised ego and confusion. Good enough. Just kids stuff. I'm glad none of that escalated.
Surprising no altercations any bigger than those I had as a kid while I was in the army. There was one time things could have gotten crazy while I was deployed but I let it go, we were all very angry and stressed out. I love the quote " It takes a lot of self control to be this violent". That guy thinks of me as a friend all these years later so I think it worked out as it should have. All my altercations have been thankfully very stupid and no one has really gotten hurt.

So as a slight change of topic yet again, what do any of you think of constructing your won style from things you've taken from other martial arts? Maybe it's more like skill building than style building. Thoughts on that?

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 Iron_Captain wrote:
I have thankfully not have had to use any of it outside of training, but if I ever am assaulted by someone brandishing a longsword, I will know what to do*. Or I would if I attended training more often. I am currently writing my thesis so I haven't been able to train as much as I'd like.


This is why classical fencing is only one touch - because that's all it takes.

A lot of swordplay works the same way - the Hollywood version of clanging parries is just stage-fencing. Knowing how to make the one crucial hit is important, even without a sword.

Of course, improvised weapons (a sturdy stick, tire iron, whatnot) can also be very effective. Being aware of attack ranges (crucial in swordplay) as well as learning how to read an opponent is very important.

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Columbus, Ohio

 Iron_Captain wrote:
Swordfights are highly lethal (even bouts between trained swordsmen frequently end in a 'double kill' that leaves both combatants 'dead') and swords make some really nasty wounds. You want to avoid getting into swordfights unless you absolutely have no choice.


Also kind of a question of practicality. In the modern world, you always have your fists and feet. In some circumstances, you might have access to a pocket pistol, pocket knife, pool cue, beer bottle, handful f dirt, or whatever, but a three to five foot steel blade is fairly unlikely.

Still, very cool, and points to you for raising it! And some of those skills would certainly transfer to said pool cue, tree branch or tire iron!


Automatically Appended Next Post:
"So as a slight change of topic yet again, what do any of you think of constructing your won style from things you've taken from other martial arts? Maybe it's more like skill building than style building. Thoughts on that?"

Its a necessity. I refer again to most honorable Master Paul Vunak, who encourages combinations that can involve anything from eye jabs to ball slaps to jamming a billiard ball into the guy's teeth. Whatever it takes to extricate yourself from the situation, and even more importantly, your loved ones.

This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2023/05/26 00:45:56


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You want to avoid getting into fights with blades in general.

You haven't seen how fast a knife can stab your guts a dozen times until you're looking down wondering why everything hurts.

   
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Columbus, Ohio

 LordofHats wrote:
You want to avoid getting into fights with blades in general.

You haven't seen how fast a knife can stab your guts a dozen times until you're looking down wondering why everything hurts.


Obviously, if its life or death, you do what you have to, and grabbing the nearest pool cue or two-by-four is probably your best move if you can't just run.

My old trainer, a great guy and excellent teacher named Rick Larkin, taught me to fall-break onto my back, and kick at the attacker. Reason being, if he has a knife and you don't, your shoes are probably heavily armored enough to withstand a blade while you kick back and yell for the police.

Again, in a life or death struggle, you do what you have to.

First, all means to conciliate; failing that, all means to crush.

-Cardinal Richelieu 
   
Made in us
Nasty Nob




Crescent City Fl..

Youtube served this up to me some time ago. I really like this channel they do a good bit of explanations along with their techniques.

I like this particular move and hope to keep it filed away in the back of me head for emergences. Mostly because it's fairly simple and because it looks like it would be get results.

Edit.
So Akban says it's a ninja fighting system. Disregard that if it's a turn off.


This message was edited 2 times. Last update was at 2023/05/30 16:50:33


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