Martial Arts and unarmed self-defence

[NicoChristian]

I've studied Kickboxing, Thai-boxing, Boxing and some other Martial arts for 15 years. I've always prefered stand up fighting as opposed to grappling. One reason I oppose grappling is because rolling amongst broken glass and rubbish is the last place anybody wants to be or should be. On top of that rolling around on a soft mat is fun, but rolling around on stones or concrete is not. That I used to demonstrate to students by taking them outside to grapple. That said grappling does have its benefits and should never be overlooked.

What martial arts/combat systems have you practiced and how have you found they developed your ability to fight and protect yourself? I've got to admit, I only felt fully confident after years of training, I sincerely believe that one does not pick up such skills overnight, they take years to develop

[Nayto]

I've done MMA and Wing Chun Kung Fu for 2 years. I felt -- and still feel -- pretty confident when it comes to the regular person. I'd like to continue my training, but there is a distinct lack of quality schools in South Africa unfortunately. Until I find a school worth going to, I'll just keep up doing strength and fitness. A big problem of mine as well is how people get caught up in the Asian culture and mysticism. It makes me feel dirty. I'd much rather do more modern forms of martial arts.

Maybe I'll get Acrimonious to teach me when I get to the USA

[GetOffMyLawn]

Any questions?

Yea, I know, I'm being a smart @$$

[NicoChristian]

We've seen and heard it many times, but keep in mind that weapons are mostly carried concealed, with no round in the chamber and safety on. The one carrying a weapon has to draw the weapon, put a round in the chamber then take off the safety catch and aim and shoot. Very few people can do all that while some lunatic is running towards you with a knife. Notice in the clip the swordsman does all his fancy moves giving Jones ample time to draw his weapon.

Some of the concealed training I did invloved combining unarmed combat moves while drawing a weapon. The idea was to use a front kick to stall the attacker and give you a few extra seconds to draw, load, release and shoot. The point is having a pistol does not make you invincible. Weapons can also jam, run out of rounds, misfire, etc.

[Nayto]

Yeah, one can do debilitating damage in a second if you're strong enough and know how.

[GetOffMyLawn]

That film clip always comes to mind when I hear people talking about engaging an attacker with a fist, a foot, a knife, numskull chucks, or a black belt, but if it's all you have at the time, you make the best of it. In fact, there are NO rules in a street fight, ANYTHING goes, be it a chair, a hand tool, a tire iron, a tree branch, a rock or a broken beer bottle, but the most powerful weapon one can posses is a focused mind, never giving in, for even a moment, to the possibility of letting the other live.

Unless you are Bruce Lee or Steven Seagal, considering the days we are living in, it is only prudent that one should carry a firearm to protect themselves and their loved ones. It is true after all, "never bring a knife, (fist,foot or ty-kwon-dodo) to a gun fight".

In condition one, a quality 1911 in good working order loaded with premium .45acp ammunition being drawn from a belt holster by a competent well trained shooter, is no match for even the biggest of men swinging his arms and legs around. From hands at a shooters side to lead down range is literally 2 seconds, or under.

. . . but then again this IS the martial arts forum

[Vandal]

[Vandal]

[Vandal]

[NicoChristian]

I can agree with some of the things that guy is saying, but I'd also like to know who he is and how qualified he is to give such opinions. Yes I agree taekwondo is useless.