This isn't an argument against the fact that martial arts exist primarily as a means of fighting/self defence more just a statement that you used to go to a class that called itself 'boxing' but in reality wasn't.
Martial arts for self-defence for rookies - the experts need to be more frank I think.
- Thread starter KatanaDV20
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This isn't an argument against the fact that martial arts exist primarily as a means of fighting/self defence more just a statement that you used to go to a class that called itself 'boxing' but in reality wasn't.
You know the scene in bourne ultimatum where hes lost his memory and someone tries to punch him and he acts before thinking ? This is what martial arts should teach you in effect. You shouldnt think "hes going to hit me" and do something, but rather subconsciously process it all without realising. You cant do this unless people hit you.
Was he drunk?
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That is very true...but I rarely see it
Even though I want to embrace it (I know it will take me YEARS to fully understand). Problem is only 2 or 3 people in my karate class are "serious" about this sort of thing.
I am now totally convinced that only a very select few people have the reflexes & mental discipline to use true martial arts in a self-defense situation. And that takes years of drilling. As one of you pointed out - you simply cannot stop a punch or headbutt thats coming at you when youre face to face with some goon whose out to rearrange your nose - unless youre wise and keep out of striking distance. Not easy in a packed bar huh.
In the end - its good to know some moves if you are pushed into a corner...heck better than knowing nothing. But I agree that the best defence is avoidance. As soon as you smell a brawl comin - walk away. Live another day - who knows what the other idiot is carryin on him?
Stay safe out there!
Soldato
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I think to be honest boxing is more handy in a street or pub fight then karate or judo.
EDIT: Some of you say you cant stop a punch of dodge a punch, not sure what you mean there, ofcourse you can, you see professionals do it all the time in boxing and mma, and when your fighting someone its probably harder to block a punch then it is to dodge a punch, if you did boxing and had good footwork you'd be constantly moving and making it harder for them to hit a target.
EDIT: Some of you say you cant stop a punch of dodge a punch, not sure what you mean there, ofcourse you can, you see professionals do it all the time in boxing and mma, and when your fighting someone its probably harder to block a punch then it is to dodge a punch, if you did boxing and had good footwork you'd be constantly moving and making it harder for them to hit a target.
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Is there anything more boring than listening to someone talk about their martial arts training? The worst part is usually when they try and explain why their particular variant of 'nin-pin-jitsu' is the next big thing. This explanation usually revolves around a discussion of pressure points, some remote part of China, and a completely unwanted demonstration of some sort. In this demonstration I usually have to pretend I'm either slightly hurt: "yeah, i can see how if you were doing that for real it would really mess me up", or have to pretend that it's socially acceptable to touch me when i haven't given my permission.
Sometimes its better to let them hit you with a glancing blow, as they will open themselves up by hitting you
Sometimes its better to let them hit you with a glancing blow, as they will open themselves up by hitting you
That's a little silly actually. A glancing blow on your temple or chin for example could precipitate concussion and an inability to respond effectively.
This is the twoblacklines school of fighting - stand there and take it like a man until your opponent passes out from the pain in his knuckles. Any other way of fighting is a pussy's way of doing things.
Sometimes its better to let them hit you with a glancing blow, as they will open themselves up by hitting you
it doesn't take much of a knock on the jaw to knock you out. 1:04
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g7xxzmkiukQ#t=1m3s
video warning: mildly homo-erotic content (men in spandex underpants groping each other).
Soldato
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some proper "experts" in here like
Soldato
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I assume thats aimed at one of my previous posts.
My point was/is that you cannot block or stop a punch once in conversation range if you wait for it to happen (Before the fight has started) as your brain cannot react fast enough. It happens all the time on the street. This is universally accepted by anyone who really knows what they're talking about.
For anyone that is serious about real street defence I'll refer you to a man that can explain things far better than I ever could.
http://www.geoffthompson.com/detailArticles.asp?id=154
Enjoy and I hope at least some people here take on board his advice.
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Your reflexes improve as you practice and the moves your're doing get wired in.
It's not the same because of the use of weapons and protective gear, but... I used to fence (and fencing is done at full speed except when the instructor is demo-ing a move), and when I first started it all felt totally random. A few months down the line and it all slows down enough that you can plan your attack and defences, even though, if anything, the attacks against you are coming in faster because people aren't being soft on the newbie.
It's not the same because of the use of weapons and protective gear, but... I used to fence (and fencing is done at full speed except when the instructor is demo-ing a move), and when I first started it all felt totally random. A few months down the line and it all slows down enough that you can plan your attack and defences, even though, if anything, the attacks against you are coming in faster because people aren't being soft on the newbie.
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I don't have time to read the whole thread but I'll chip in my experience...
I've been training in martial arts since I was 6 years old. obviously I've changed a lot physically since then, I'm a lot stronger now.
The moves that they show you do work. The key is making it happen without thinking about it. For example If someone throws a punch at you, you don't really have time to *think* that 'this move' is the best thing to do.
You'll find after a lot of hard work, you won't think that anymore, it'll just happen. Around the house my gf used to hide behind things to scare me (mature I know right
), and my first reaction is instantly to raise my guard and sort out my stance. I've asked her to stop jumping out at (as apposed to just shouting boo) me as I know one day I'll hit her lol.
What I'm trying to say is, it does, after a lot of practice, become second nature. It's at this point that the techniques you have learned become useful.
With regard to training with partners and not injuring them etc... if what you're really after is good defense in an everyday situation, more so than general fitness, then you should look for somewhere which will train you as such.
My instructor I have to say is very good at judging confidence and skill, we worked from slow attacks with indication to no indication, to 100% power with no indication. Yes people got hurt, but at least you didn't get jumped on top of after and battered. We also went from rubber knives, to wooden, to sheathed real, and finally live blade for advanced students.
If you stick at one club you'll find you'll make friends with people and then this aspect of 'Oh my god I hit you int he face as hard as I can' will be alleviated... its laughed off between friends.
I hope I answered some of your questions and doubts
I've been training in martial arts since I was 6 years old. obviously I've changed a lot physically since then, I'm a lot stronger now.
The moves that they show you do work. The key is making it happen without thinking about it. For example If someone throws a punch at you, you don't really have time to *think* that 'this move' is the best thing to do.
You'll find after a lot of hard work, you won't think that anymore, it'll just happen. Around the house my gf used to hide behind things to scare me (mature I know right
), and my first reaction is instantly to raise my guard and sort out my stance. I've asked her to stop jumping out at (as apposed to just shouting boo) me as I know one day I'll hit her lol. What I'm trying to say is, it does, after a lot of practice, become second nature. It's at this point that the techniques you have learned become useful.
With regard to training with partners and not injuring them etc... if what you're really after is good defense in an everyday situation, more so than general fitness, then you should look for somewhere which will train you as such.
My instructor I have to say is very good at judging confidence and skill, we worked from slow attacks with indication to no indication, to 100% power with no indication. Yes people got hurt, but at least you didn't get jumped on top of after and battered. We also went from rubber knives, to wooden, to sheathed real, and finally live blade for advanced students.
If you stick at one club you'll find you'll make friends with people and then this aspect of 'Oh my god I hit you int he face as hard as I can' will be alleviated... its laughed off between friends.
I hope I answered some of your questions and doubts
Again, if realism is what you're after then look for a club which offers it. We worked from standard attack/defense (ie. I know he's throwing this punch, or this kick) to wild punches/ wild kicks. Which means your opponent can throw any punch or any kick, and follow up if you blunder. ie, if I blocked a punch without disabling my partner, locking them up or using another deterrent (dead arm/leg) or physically showing my intention to kick someone in the *******, I'd expect a dead leg/arm, being winded etc in return.
Up from this we used to grapple with no pads, varying from 20% to 80% power with no face contact depending on your partners abilities.
Hahahaha *points* martial arts means nothing if you're too weak to implement it.
Not sure if you noticed, but that was in a movie, it was scripted to happen as it did. Just lettin' you know.