Multiple Opponents videos

Take a look at this multiple opponent defense drill. What do you think?

Not bad at all, eh?

Some observations:

• The gear is cool, allowing for close to full power strikes to most of the attackers' bodies, and freeing the defender to concentrate on technique and footwork without worry about hurting his partners.
• The defenders are, in many cases, obviously new to this, and because the intensity is not too high for them, are able to experiment with a lot of techniques
• One of the primary problems for groups is getting in each other's way when more than two are attacking. That's not a problem if the defender holds still, but if he moves, you aren't nearly as effective. The lesson is that constant movement can help you survive a mass attack. See the video in our post Is Boxing Viable for Self-Defense? for a good example of this - about 5-10 members of a group are being pummeled by a single man using boxing technique!
• The attackers are going about half-speed, in some cases attacking one at a time, perhaps unrealistic, but again, gets the defenders into this at a gradient of intensity and difficulty.
• Notice the male defender with the black "modernwarrior.com shirt goes right at the pack and into the middle - suicide as he would be quickly taken down and stomped in a real attack. Better to attack the periphery. The half-hearted tackles don't really help him realize the mistake of this strategy.
• There is a vast array of strikes, and mostly open-hand (me likes!) to the head, like palms, knifehands, claws (to the eyes), forearms, and hammers. Plus lots of elbows. This is good!
• Kicks are low and infrequent - also a good idea!
• One aspect I didn't like is that the attackers "stayed down." Once the defender hit them he didn't have to worry about them anymore. Not realistic. You'd better count on someone getting back up or you may be unpleasantly surprised.
• Noticed that some of the defenders are more Wing Chun than others, but didn't notice as much grabbing from the defenders as I'd teach. Perhaps it's not emphasized, or just not in this drill.
• One of the female defenders used the walls well. Know where escape routes are, but also know where walls are to prevent multiple attackers from getting behind you. In general if one gets behind you, you're going to be taken down.
• Some of the defenders take a post after completing a successful defense. I'd advise against it. Keep moving!
• Notice the comments on the YouTube page. Many of them have points, but they are taking this out of context. If this were representative of the totality of this school's training, then it would be valid criticism, but I doubt that it is. A good school may start with something like this, but won't finish with it.
• Last point is that most of the defenders assume a fighting stance prior to defending. Think about not doing that!

For more information:

TDA Practical Hand Techniques
TDA Against the Fighting Stance
TDA Cung Le video - Great Transition Between Ranges
TDA How One Barroom Encounter Changed One Cop's Views On Fighting
TDA Practicality in Training
TDA If it's against the rules, then it must work!
TDA Is Boxing Viable for Self-Defense?

Technorati Tags: gang attack,open hand strikes,kicks

Today's Quote: MacYoung on Personal Safety

"There is no reason to live in fear of crime and violence. There is however reason to take reasonable precautions. And in doing so, you will have deterred most criminals from choosing you as their victim."
- Marc MacYoung and Dianna Gordon, Pyramid of Personal Safety

 

 

 

Reading reports in the media, I always try to make point of examining how a situation may have been avoided before it got to the point where a crime was committed, or a victim was assaulted, raped, or robbed. Young and Gordon explain their theory of personal protection, summarized using the example of a pyramid, with caution and common sense at the bottom of the pyramid, physical self-defense at the top.

The idea is that it's much easier (and healthier) to take reasonable precautions as opposed to fighting or killing your way out of a situation. Stories of women getting raped outside their apartments at 2 AM made me think, "Why the hell is she outside her apartment at 2 AM?!" Property is stolen many times by just being there - a vehicle left running in the driveway somehow turns up missing. Huh? A convenience store without a surveillance system or inadequate lighting. The examples of how we can avoid becoming victims are plentiful and, in retrospect, obvious. Again, the idea here is prevent being selected in the first place, if possible, then prepare yourself in every way possible if you do. Read up, then take action!

For more information:

TDA Crime Prevention
TDA Home Security
Charlotte Self Defense
Crime Information
Defend University
Dr Ruthless Melissa Soalt
No Nonsense Self Defense

Technorati Tags: Self-defense,women's self defense,personal safety,crime prevention

MMA Weekly Wrap-Up for 2/25/08

Hi, and welcome back to another edition of the MMA Weekly Wrap-Up where we bring you all of the latest Mixed Martial Arts news and happenings found on the Internet. We’ve got some big events coming up soon, so let’s get to it!

UFC 82 THIS SATURDAY

This Saturday, March 1st, at UFC 82: Pride of a Champion in Columbus, Ohio; UFC Middleweight Champion, Andreson, “The Spider” Silva takes on the PRIDE 185lb Champion Dan Henderson to determine the undisputed Middleweight Champ.

This promises to be a very exciting match with both fighters at the top of their game. Although I personally believe Anderson Silva will take the night, I can’t imagine a better opponent than Dan Henderson. In fact, in this weight division there isn’t anyone who can threaten Silva.

The following Promo clip features Silva and Henderson, as well as the Heath Herring vs Cheick Kongo Heavyweight match. (I'm cheering for Kongo!)





For more expert predictions, let's go to Joanne from the MMA Girls for her take on this event:



Now, please remember that Joanne has warned you not to bet money on her predictions. This is especially important because, while she's right on the money for most of them (Alessio Sakara will destroy Chris "the Cry-Baby" Leben); She's wrong about the Main Card Anderson/Henderson fight. Anderson will take it in a great match!

WHICH T.U.F. STARS ARE IN AND WHICH ARE OUT OF THE UFC

Speaking of Chris Leban, The UFC Daily Report tells us that Leban has renewed his Contract for a nice bonus. Under the new contract, his $10,000 base-salary and $10,000 win-bonus are bumped up to $25,000 each.

UFC Daily Report does not specify the length of this new contract.
Leban appeared on the first season of The Ultimate Fighter T.V. Show, where he cried and pouted over loosing fights to Josh Koscheck and Kenny Florian. Although he has matured as a fighter since then, he still carries a bit of a spoiled demeanor and isn’t shy about having temper tantrums when things don’t go his way.

But things don’t seem quite so rosey for Leban’s fellow TUF First Season Fighter, Josh Koscheck. FiveOuncesofPain.com reports in an interview that Koscheck has considered letting his contract run out and may be looking for greener pastures elsewhere. He has fulfilled his fight quota and now only has time left under the UFC.

So, While Leban will be begin his new Contract in UFC 82 appearing on Pay Per View this Saturday, don’t expect to be seeing Koscheck vs Dustin Hazelett as he's been demoted to the Undercard.

CHUCK LIDDELL: UFC CONTESTANT TO GAME SHOW CONTESTANT?

The guys at CagePotato.com supplied this link to National Public Radio’s quiz show called “Wait Wait…Don’t Tell Me” where contestants are asked questions about something they know absolutely nothing about. Somebody thought it might be fun to ask Chuck “The Iceman” Liddell to play. Actually, he does quite well, going getting 1 out of three questions right when asked about President Bush's family history. Go Iceman!

CagePotato.com also has a great list of the Eight Sickest Submissions Ever! Check it out - As always, it's really good.

Well, that's going to wrap up this week's Wrap-Up. Join us again next week for the 'Best of the Web' in Mixed Martial Arts,

Respectfully,

Rick

Is your traditional training going to get you killed?

I'm going to get in some hot water from traditionalists for this, but that's OK, considering the importance of the subject. I think that I'm qualified to state that most traditional training in the US consists of:

• Kicks and punches only - some have traditional weapons forms, and have added grappling or MMA as a sideline to increase their relevance and revenue
• Classes of 45 minutes to 90 minutes long, two to three times a week
• Techniques performed in the air (no contact) or on pads
• Most schools have students remove their shoes and practice in loose-fitting, comfortable uniforms
• Forms (poomse or kata) being a large part of the focus and time spent
• Sparring with light to medium contact, and with restrictive rules for safety

I believe that most modern traditional schools (an intentionally paradoxical statement) do not prepare students for real self-defense, but to get hurt. Where I'm going to get into trouble is with the term "traditional" because that's a wide-open term, with different meanings to different martial artists. I believe it applies, based on how I defined the type of training in the bullet points above.

The question I asked in the title to the post is: "Is your traditional training going to get you killed?" The answer I'm sure to get is, "Well, maybe in other schools, but my tradition is tougher than what you're talking about!" In the example above, a student will spend at least 90% of his time in doing things which don't prepare him for what he's likely to face - an armed, vicious single attacker, or a pair or group of attackers who are similarly vicious and armed.

I was reviewing old comments to a previous post, "Check and move," featuring video of multiple opponent sparring prompted me to make the following comments regarding real fighting:

1. As was stated so well in the comments, "Real fighting isn't pretty!" The sparring in the video was obviously an exercise, but simulated an "anything goes" fight versus two opponents who were unrestricted in the type of unarmed technique they could use (the only exception being joint strikes). We wore goggles to allow eye jabs and gouges, knee and elbow pads to allow contact with both techniques (strikes with knees and elbows), and the padding also meant we didn't need to use mats for falls. Takedowns were allowed, and even encouraged, and the idea was for the attackers to grab, take down, or otherwise immobilize the defender, then pound him. The only restrictions were on the level of contact - it was medium (to me, that means you'll feel a "pop," but you shouldn't see stars).
2. Doing a drill like that (or seeing it) makes you realize how "range-centric" most sparring is: from boxing to TKD, to point karate, we all are used to rules which encourage a particular fighting range (like 2 points for kicks, and one for punches), or discourage one (such as the restrictions on clinching in boxing and TKD), and train us to get comfortable in that range. Additionally, in sparring within our style, we automatically assume that range, almost by consensus when sparring. I've read comments from MMA fans watching boxing and screaming at the TV, "He's open! Take him down!" The danger in this is that in real fighting, range is fluid - there's no clear definition of any range (it's the transitions that get you), nor are there any agreements "on the street" to use one range or another. Almost all of the fights I've seen (usually consensual) start just outside of punching range, but end up in a clinch or on the ground. I think the difference in my skill set is primarily that I am better at controlling that range, plus not hurting myself (I can strike, fall, and grapple without accidentally damage to myself more than an untrained person).
3. To build on the previous point, you need to build the ability to close to, or stay at, the range that you're most effective. My short (5'9"), stocky build (currently around 220#) makes me an effective infighter against most fighters standing (I love hooks, elbows, and knees), and very effective striking versus shorter or similar sized opponents. My shortcomings [intended] have been exposed on occasion when trying to use the same tactics versus taller opponents as I do with my shorter foes.
4. Another fatal mistake from "traditional" sparring is that we are used to the feeling (and reality) that our opponents have the same intentions that we do - to learn, develop, or to just bang around and have fun. Real encounters of a violent nature nearly always involve some type of disparity. Violent muggers are, by definition, intending you harm. If I were a mugger, I wouldn't want to give my victim a chance to think or react, but put him down and get his stuff before he knew what hit him! In seven years working at a PD (as a civilian), I read countless incident reports, press releases, and heard anecdotal accounts of violent muggings, and in most cases, the victims were taken completely by surprise by either multiple opponents, or multiple opponents brandishing a knife or gun. I don't think we adequately prepare students for that in most dojo (or dojangs). I'll admit, when I ran three commercial schools, we didn't cover that type of material. I hadn't learned it very thoroughly (more of a one-step, unrealistic, pattern-based weapon defense), and thus didn't prepare my students well for the same. Are we really teaching self-defense if more most attacks are more than one-on-one, and are armed encounters? Nope. That's one of the reasons I surveyed some the Convocation of Combat Arts to determine what they're learning or teaching. My impression? It may be a good foundation for one-on-one empty-hand fighting, but is probably giving the students (and even the instructors) a false sense of security regarding their real prospects for surviving a violent encounter.
5. Real fighting almost never takes place on a padded, level, surface without shoes. I have never seen or heard of a fight or mugging that took place where both opponents (notice how I slipped into the one-on-one mindset?) are barefoot. Why on earth do most schools have you take off your shoes??? A couple of reasons: 1) the styles that we predominantly teach in this county originate in either Korea or Japan, where removing your shoes indoors is a custom, and almost all training is held indoors, 2) it's easier and cheaper to keep your school clean without having to worry about what gets tracked in from outside, and 3) it helps prevent injuries. I am all for both of the last reasons - I like a clean surface to train on, and like to prevent injuries, but I hate the idea that we're teaching our people to ignore the fact that a work boot is more likely to kick us than a bare foot. Have you ever tried to block a work book? How about just cover up? I guarantee that if you have, you'll modify your sparring style! I will admit that I train in soft shoes, but on a realistic surface, whether soft (grass or dirt), or hard (concrete or blacktop). I realize that a lot of this is logistics (hard to create a sloped surface in a storefront school or pour sand on your hardwood), but again, are we trying to save lives, or not?
6. Uniforms are great, and I understand the idea behind them (uniformity, taking off the old self and putting on your uniform and belt changes your mind set, etc.), but kicking in street clothes is completely different than with a dobok or judogi. Same with grappling. I've tried grappling in tight jeans (not that tight, honest!), and you can't execute a good closed guard or triangle in them. Many "reality-based" or self-defense-oriented schools require shoes and street clothes for good reason. You learn to deal with the limitations of your apparel. Have you trained on concrete in a parka? How about grappling in the grass in shorts and t-shirts? Why not? Strikes in (or against) heavy clothing and grappling without a gi top make a big difference!
7. Lighting conditions are probably not going to be ideal! I doubt many schools would turn off the lights before practicing one-step sparring, much less free sparring. But chances are, you may be stepping out of a movie theatre (I'm always blinded then), and jumped by the kid you shushed an hour before, or otherwise have to defend yourself when it's brighter or darker than your average MA school. The types of techniques you'd use aren't the same if you don't know your lighting conditions, or if you know you won't be able to see. I have a good amount of video of sparring with my guys in the parking lot of the PD where I'd steer them, check, or "cut off the ring" so that the sun was in their eyes. Only after a few rounds did I fess up, and they tried to use it on each other and me from then on. Makes a difference. Can you do that in the gymnastics school that your groups meets at?\
8. Finally, if most of your self-defense situations are likely to be versus armed, multiple attackers who are vicious, how much of your training is geared toward that? I'd hazard that most have less than 5% tilted that way. We need to work toward getting at least 50% of your training in that direction, and increase the intensity as soon as your students are ready. My opinion is that we need to do more of what combatives (military martial arts) are doing, with a focus on these mixed weapons and numbers. Do you know how to disarm a gun, to fire one? Do you have any specialized knife or club training? Get some! When we're talking about self-defense, we need to address the totality of combat, not just the least used (single, one-on-one, unarmed) aspects.

Is this an attack on traditional training? Yes. I believe, however, that the older traditions of training in what you've got on, outside, and with mixed weapons are more valid - I'm just advocating getting back to more of that. I've gained so much from traditions, but which are most important - the ones that make it comfortable and orderly, or the ones that save your students lives? Think about it.

UPDATE: There's now a thread at the Convocation of Combat Arts on this subject- HERE. Please head over and put in your $0.02! 

 

Technorati Tags: martial arts tradition,knife attack,kicking,punching,grappling,MMA,kata,poomse,sparring

Are you a martial arts authority?

I realize that most of my audience probably would not consider themselves "authorities," but to your friends, co-workers, and even some fellow students or instructors, you are. The implications of this can be consequential.

Have you ever been out with friends and they've started fights for you to finish? It's nearly happened to me a number of times. In the days where I'd actually go out to clubs and bars, many a situation could go the way of the apology or the snide or insulting comment. Make sure you know who you're going out with, and make sure they cool it!

What you say about your particular martial art or school could be considered the "be-all, end-all" opinion, 'cause you're the authority. If you got hit too hard in sparring and complain to a co-worker, she may think that martial arts are too rough for her, when they're what she needs to build confidence and get in shape. Be careful what you say about your school, too, to the uninitiated, because they may think that your style or system, for good or bad, are the same as your school. At my schools in the 90s, we had tae kwon do as our core, but one branch had aerobic kickboxing, another had glorified day care (camp), and I taught Arnis, boxing, and Muay Thai at my home branch. There was also a fantastic tai chi instructor later at one branch. If you happened by, you may just think that all we did was aerobics, or just sport karate, when, if you asked a good student, she'd explain how much there was to offer.

Your opinion may count heavily to settle arguments. Which is better, grappling or striking. Will the Iceman or Cro Cop come back? You probably have NO idea. I have ideas on the first subject, and don't care about the second subject, but your opinion may be the last word to your friends. Represent your art well and admit you don't know things that you don't know. Better yet, if you like your school, bring that friend to ask your instructor!

An attitude of humility can go a long way toward keeping the peace, and keeping friends. Being self-effacing and friendly made my brother a much better self-defense practitioner than I was, though we'd both admit I was a better fighter. Who's wiser, though? Being a "big-shot" expert can make you a target.

I'll admit to thinking I knew it all "back in the day" and realize now, how much I misled by speaking out of ignorance. Don't make the same mistake if you care about your art or school. Moreover, and more importantly, keeping your mouth shut can keep you out of fights!

Technorati Tags: gossip,martial arts,fights

The Latest Carnival of MA: Great Martial Arts Books

Black Belt Mama, still recuperating from her ACL surgery, has taken up hosting the Carnival, as opposed to turning to a life of cybercrime, knitting, or making crank calls to friends. Well done BBM!

Head over to read the Carnival of Great Martial Arts Books today! Leave a comment, buy a book, and browse her blog.

Technorati Tags: Carnival of Martial Arts,black belt

Saturday Beatles tribute

I know this has nothing to do with martial arts training, but it's so cute! I say that in the manliest, toughest, meanest way possible. Enjoy.

Technorati Tags: Beatles,Hey Jude,karaoke

Rick Fryer - Man of mystery no more!

[Nathan] This is the first in our monthly interview series. I figured that, as the first guy blogging at TDA Training, I'd introduce the second (Rick Fryer) more fully by getting the dirt on him and sharing it with you so we're all dirty together! Sound good? OK, here goes:

me: First of all, welcome to TDA Training! Since there seems to be an aura of mystery about you, similar to, say, Austin  Powers (only less mysterious), let's get more information on you. From your Convocation profile: "A martial artist & member of the Kyoshu Jitsu Kenkukai organization with black belt ranking in Isshin Ryu karate(3rd dan) Ji Do Kwan Tae Kwon Do and Tomarite Ryukyu Kempo. I also practice American style Kickboxing and Cheng Man-Ching style T'ai Chi Ch'uan. I teach kickboxing at Elgin Community College" Can you tell us what made you start training in the martial arts?

Rick: Thanks for having me here. I think TDA Training represents the type of training that I like to do. I started training in Isshin Ryu Karate when I was 12 years old. There were a couple of other guys in the neighborhood that claimed they were Black Belts - I didn't believe them, so I decided to learn karate just to prove them wrong. I caught the martial art bug and found myself training more and more. II started with Isshin Ryu at a local Park district dojo up through my High School years. It was a rather traditional school led by the late John Miller. Later, when I went off to college, there wasn't any Isshin Ryu, so I switched over to Ji Do Kwan - Tae Kwon Do. I tried it mostly because I liked the instructor (Mike Park's) kicks. It was a very competitive club that emphasized Olympic Style sparring. We went to a lot of tournaments and often represented Northern Illinois University against other college clubs. After college, I hooked up with my old dojo and earned my black belt in Isshin Ryu. One of my old sparring partners, John Shaw, had begun full contact kickboxing. At the time, he was the PKC Amateur Heavyweight Champion.

me: What was the PKC?

Rick: I think it stands for the Professional Karate Circuit - Very popular in the Midwest during the 90s. At the time it was headed by the legendary Chicago promoter, Tom Letuli. Anyway, John helped to get me into the ring. Before I knew it, I was getting up early every morning for road work before going to my job. After work, I'd often drive into Chicago to train at the Eckhart Park Boxing gym under my boxing coach, Shaw Casey. Other days, I'd head to a local recreation center to hit bags, lift weights, work out, and spar. I was training like crazy, 4-6 hours a day. Of course, around that time, the UFC had also started up. After watching UFC I, I decided to learn some grappling skills, I started Judo as well. I had black belts in Isshin Ryu and Tae Kwon Do; I was pretty burnt out on the 'traditional' martial arts thing.

me: Why?

Rick: Well, Combat Sports gave me a way to expand my practice and get used to really hitting an opponent. It helped with my self confidence and got me into better shape. I knew what worked and what didn't because I was constantly trying my techniques against a competitive opponent. Although I practiced application kata, I didn't think that it was very helpful in most self-defense situations; I didn't think that the forms could train me to win a fight on the street. It was also around that time that I began a new job at a juvenile detention center for the Illinois Dept. of Corrections (Now called the Dept of Juvenile Justice.) Working in that environment exposed me to a lot of violence that I wouldn't have witnessed otherwise. Although juvenile fights tend to be less serious, because of their impulsive age, teenagers tend to fight more often. Sometimes, I would find myself breaking up two or three fights in a single day. The job gave me new insights into the way fights happen and how factors like intimidation, surprise, or gang involvement play an important role.

me: OK - So you earned  your black belts in Isshin-ryu and TKD. Two questions about that: What has carried over from those styles to what you do now, and what training methods from those arts did you find valuable. Please be as specific as you can.

Rick: Well, while I was training for sport, I felt that the traditional methods (kata, line drills, one-step sparring etc) didn't hold much value. But, a close friend introduced me to some of the stuff George Dillman was doing by mixing kata application and pressure points. I started going to seminars and eventually ended up training with Dillman's co-author, Chris Thomas. Chris Thomas changed the way I look at the traditional arts. I now find value in the katas and understand how they can be used to practice self-defense in a very real sense.

me: Please elaborate

Rick: Now, although I still enjoy combat sport, I've found new appreciation for the traditional methods. Chris has shown me how to see kata beyond just "block-block-punch-kick" and to look for underlying structures and principles that can be used in an actual situations. Thomas explained that, no matter their culture, people have always fought pretty much the same way; punches, kicks, and grabs. The ancient Chinese or Samurai warriors didn't drop down into a low block and scream a "ki-ya" before they fought anymore than we do today. Yet, somehow many traditional martial art schools fail to recognize this. Thomas showed me ways to interpret the forms so that they make sense. He taught me proper body mechanics and combat principles that could be used to ensure that the movements really worked.  He also encouraged me to ask questions and challenge him; which I did. I'm the sort of person who has to feel pain before I actually believe something will work. Those first several sessions with Thomas were the most painful lessons I'd ever had. He'd beat the hell out of me, then after I'd recovered, he'd show me what he did. It was agonizing and awesome all at the same time. The best training I'd ever had.

me: Going back to your humble beginnings, who were your martial arts idols or heroes as a kid?

Rick: I almost hate to admit it but my first idol was David Carradine! My parents tell me that as a young child I would sit in front of the television mesmerized whenever 'Kung Fu' came on. (Later, of course, I was exposed to the legends like Bruce Lee and Chuck Norris)

me: Uh, that's silly dude. No one ever watched that show. You should really be embarrassed... (I loved it too).

Rick: LOL

me: What been the benefits that you've realized from your training in martial arts. And we don't want to just hear about the physical, tangible benefits. What have you gotten out of training in MA?

Rick: Okay, this is where I'm supposed to say something real cool, like self-confidence, or nerves-of-steel-, or extra-sensory ninja perception; but the truth is, I've been doing it for so long, I really don't know. Martial arts is simply a part of who I am - I can't even really imagine myself without them. I'm sure that they've improved me in many ways but I can't be sure - I have no 'other me' to make a comparison.

me: That's it, Rick. You've snatched the pebble! Please come over to the TDA Training secret compound so that we can have you lift a 150-lb steel container of hot coals. It won't hurt - promise. And you'll get a cool tattoo out of it. Next question: what are your training goals now?

Rick: [going back to the last question] I can say that I've met a lot of really cool people. (Including on the Internet) The martial arts community is a very friendly place to be. Lately, I've been very influenced by Ross Emamait's training programs. I've been working on improving my physical fitness and conditioning. At the same time, I'm trying to improve my understanding of kata - There really is no limit to the ways it can be used.

me: You've been a part of your local Martial Arts Toplist and Convocation of Combat Arts communities (much overlap) for a while now. What blogs do you enjoy reading (besides TDA Training - that's a given for all of us!) the most, and what are your goals with Kicks Boxes and here?

Rick: I really like Dojo Rat, Striking Thoughts, Isshin Ryu Karate Bugei, Mokuren Dojo, and Black Belt Mama. All of them provide excellent content while also giving a personal side to their experiences in training. I enjoy writing the MMA Weekly Wrapup up for TDA Training because it gives me an excuse to keep up with the latest combat sports news and information. I also like the way that we comment back and forth in the posts. Right now, I'm focused on writing about the art of kyusho jitsu (pressure point fighting) at kicksboxes. I want to dispel some myths and give others my own viewpoint on the art. However, I also plan to start a new video series that will feature various techniques from the martial arts and how they can be applied and practiced differently.

me: Sounds great. More importantly, what the heck is up with posting about Carrie Underwood?!! My wife gave me a hard time about it before I convinced her that you weren't an alias and that you had actually posted about her in the MMA Wrapup. She is pretty hot (I am referring to my wife here - Hi Honey!), though...

[No answer-cue cricket sounds...] I guess HIS wife saw what the interview question was about. Anyway, that concludes our first monthly TDA Training Interview. Hope you've enjoyed it. I notice that Enter the Dragon is on AMC, so time to go!

Technorati Tags: martial arts,karate,isshin ryu,kickboxing,tae kwon do

Protecting Karate Kids From Sexual Abuse

From About.com's Diana Davila, an article on Protecting Our Children From Sexual Abuse that goes further than mine. My intent was to create a guide for martial arts school best-practices. Davila goes further:

The facts:

The National Foundation to Prevent Child Sexual Abuse estimates that one out of every three girls and one out of every six boys will be abused in some way by their late teens. The majority of cases will never be reported, or may be reported years later.

To parents, check out the instructors.

Do a search on the various online state databases to see if the instructor, assistant instructors or any staff member at the martial arts school you are selecting is listed as a sex offender. You can also check with your local police department to see if there have been any reports or complaints of abuse of any kind, as well as to check on any other pertinent criminal complaints or charges.

Red flags to detect abuse:

Pay Attention to Your Child Observe your child's behavior. Any drastic changes to behavior, habits or appearance should be red flags that something is wrong, whether or not you suspect abuse. Some behavioral signs to watch out for include

• withdrawing from friends and family
• depression
• hostility or unusual aggression
• nightmares
• suddenly having an extreme aversion to a particular person or place
• soiling or wetting the bed after being fully potty trained.

Followed by "what to do if you suspect abuse." There's a lot more. Read it all.

For more information:

TDA: Preventing Sexual Abuse in Martial Arts
TDA: Another Case of Sex Abuse in the Martial Arts

Technorati Tags: Sexual abuse,pedophiles,child safety,martial arts

How has Bruce Lee affected your training?

Photo: Bruce Lee : The Divine Wind

Matt of Mat's Way has posed an excellent question at the Convocation of Combat Arts:

How has Bruce Lee affected your training?

Here's my answer:

Great question! Bruce Lee was, and still is, one of the biggest breakers of new ground in any area, I think.
Hmm. Let me start by saying that I was deeply affected in two ways:

In the beginning of my martial arts journey, I was affected as a kid by his intensity and the magic of his on-screen charisma. Like many then and now, I was impressed by his on-camera virtuosity, and the ability to turn "just a punch" or "just a kick" into something that looked like it could blast down a brick wall! That original inspiration led me and my brother to start screeching and beating each other up almost every day - something I'm very sure my parents appreciated! It got us started in the martial arts, and that has never ended for me, the magic.

Later, after receiving actual training in arts as diverse as TKD, Isshin-Ryu, Aikido, and starting on boxing and muay Thai, I went back and started studying what he wrote, read, and said about the martial arts, and was even more impressed. I had, by that time, dismissed MA flicks as junk and bunk. Later, after realizing what Lee actually did, I realized that his on-screen greatness just scratched the surface. Lee's "Way of the Intercepting Fist," Jeet Kune Do, was his embrace of what martial arts really is - many things. Martial arts are much more than punching and kicking, and yet just that. There is an obvious contradiction between training for something (conflict) which reduces the chance that it will occur! By facing violence, it's diminished. Lee was on the same path, in my opinion, as a Uyeshiba or Funakoshi, and transcended the specifics of how he got there.

On a purely technical level, I think the "Tao of Jeet Kune Do" is one of the finest tomes on martial arts ever, on a par with "The Art of War" or anything else out there. It's a look into the mind of a genius. The breakdown of technique, from boxing to Judo to Savate and muay Thai into their respective aspects of the approach to the problem of physical conflict shows that he really understood them. The illustration and ideas are fantastic. Just little tips like, "hand before feet, always" (a paraphrase), concerning the concept of being non-telegraphic with a lead are invaluable for building your arsenal.

To finish my long reply to your excellent question, I think his effect on my training is indistinguishable from my training.
--

What are your thoughts? If you have an answer, please head over to the Convocation thread and give your own answer! Reminder: non-members CAN post there!

Technorati Tags: Bruce Lee,martial arts,Keet Kune Do,Convocation of Combat Arts

Today's Quote: Nathan Teodoro on hurling

"I'm going to hurl on you, I'd better stop." - Nathan Teodoro

The aforementioned quote, in context:

1. Nathan Teodoro, after not having trained since July ('07, but who's counting) decides to show up at a local school, and "work in" to an MMA class for something to do, and to jump-start his training and avoid becoming a complete slob.
2. Nathan Teodoro found out that he can't complete three minutes of skipping rope without stopping about three times or so. Not cool! I mean, in the opinion of this impartial reporter, that's not adequate, and is shameful. Yup.
3. Mr. Teodoro jumps into the standup/takedown round with the instructor and does OK, scoring some nice leg kicks and a good takedown or two, but gets a quick axe kick for his trouble, and a nice roundhouse toe to the belly. Teodoro has to wear boxing headgear, (which he hates!) and can't see on the periphery. So far, so good.
4. Next round is a ground only round with a great kid named Logan who's 70 pounds lighter than me, and much younger. Side control achieved? Check. Mount achieved? Check. Ground pound commences! Check. Then... Nathan Teodoro chambers another punch at Logan's barely protected head, then casually mentions, "I am going to hurl on you, I'd better stop."
5. The near-hurler takes a round off, then goes to the mat with a grappling specialist, Kurt, who's got some real BJJ training from a black belt and all and is quick and in shape and young and not old and fat. The match is interesting for about 90 seconds or so, then, with Kurt on top in side control, tapping the side of Teodoro's skull with the side of fist as Teodoro lays there thinking about how to stop from hurling. Round over as the pre-hurler concedes his out-of-shapeness and takes the rest of the round off.

 

Technorati Tags: MMA,grappling,BJJ

Upcoming Interview

Rick and I are now going to have two new features every month, an interview, and a guest post. For this month's interview, be on the lookout for it this Thursday, February 21. To find out who it's going to be, you'll have to wait and see!

The MMA Weekly Wrap Up for the week of 2/18/08

Hi and welcome to another edition of the MMA Weekly Wrap Up, brining you the internet highlights from all the big Mixed Martial Arts events. Of course the #1 story is the 'Kimbo Slice' fight that took place this Saturday. This highly anticipated match was so big that we actually need two articles to cover it!

Now, this is important. MMA fans comes in at least two varieties and you need to know which one you are in order to read the correct Kimbo Slice article that follows - so please pay attention.

If you are a casual fan of MMA who loves the sheer violence and brutality that Kimbo brings to the ring, please read article #1.

If you are a die-hard MMA fan who worries that Kimbo's crude fighting style and persona will detract from the athleticism of the MMA as a sport, please read article #2.

ARTICLE #1: KIMBO KICKS BUTT IN MIAMI!!!!

Long time YouTube.com video favorite turned professional Mixed Martial Artist, Kevin “Kimbo Slice’ Ferguson defeated the former UFC Heavyweight Tank Abbott with a glorious hard right punch that sent the “Tank” crashing to the canvas 43 seconds into the first round.

Both fighters came out strong, throwing full-force punches with the aim of ending the night quickly. Abbott attempted a front leg take down but failed and received some shots to the back of his head for his effort. (Ferguson was warned by the referee.)

When the action again started both fighters unleashed a flurry of lefts and rights with Ferguson connecting twice with hard rights and taking Abbot out of the fight.

The crowd went wild as Kimbo Slice silenced his critics, proving once and for all that he was more than a side-show distraction. Kimbo has shown that he is a real Mixed Martial Artist, capable of beating anyone in the world of Combat Sport!

ARTICLE #2 'KIMBO SLICE' FIGHT HOLDS NO SURPRISES

Saturday’s knock-out victory of Kevin ‘Kimbo Slice’ Ferguson over Tank Abbott was no surprise to anyone. Ferguson, who has won his last 7 fights, was highly favored to win over Abbott, who has lost his last 7 fights.

Many commentators agree that Abbott is a good 5 to 10 years past his prime.

While ‘Kimbo’ showed impressive punching power in the fight, his techniques were limited to simple left-right combinations. He showed little ring finesse; charging forward rather than moving, no kicks, no take-down attempts, no ground skills, and even was called for illegally striking the back of his opponent’s head. Despite his training with the legendary Bas Rutten, this is not the making of a MMA Champion.

Of course, none of this matters to the scores of fans who cheerfully chant “Kill Em, Kimbo” at his fights. What they like is the mystique, the persona, the image of street-tough brawler getting into the ring and tearing people apart.

Can Ferguson’s incredible strength carry him forward to future wins? It’s hard to tell. We’ve yet to see what he’ll do on the ground.

Can he be choked out? How does he react to leg kicks? What about arm bars?

So far, nobody has been able to get past that left-right combination to find out.

Now that the Abbott fight is over, everyone is wondering who he’ll fight next.

If it was up to me, I’d try to get him a match against former Boxing Heavyweight Champ, Mike Tyson. (At Tito Ortiz birthday party, Tyson claimed that he was through fighting; However, he has previously expressed interest in MMA, he is hanging out with mixed martial artists, and it would be a huge payday for everyone involved)

I say make this match up happen before the ‘Kimbo’ mystique fades… it could be just a choke hold away.

TWO BIG UFC EVENTS COMING SOON

UFC.com announces the next two Ultimate Fighting Championships.

The first, UFC 82, Pride of a Champion, will feature another Pride vs. UFC matchup with the UFC Middleweight Champion, Anderson “The Spider” Silva going against the Pride 185lb. Champ Dan Henderson. The Event will take Place in Columbus, Ohio on Saturday, March 1st. It will be televised on Pay Per View.

The second event is UFC 83: Serra vs. St-Pierre 2. The UFC will go north to Canada for the first time host Canadian Interim Welterweight Champ, George St. Pierre as he faces Matt “The Terror” Serra on April 19th.

Serra beat St. Pierre one year ago and was poised to fight Matt Hughes for the Welterwieght title. However, a serious back injury left Serra on the sideline as St. Pierre then defeated Hughes for the title.

UFC 83 will be the next chapter in this long 3 man drama. (But you must know, nothing will be totally resolved on the 19th… If St. Pierre wins; regardless of the belt, they’ll still be tied 1-1. Everyone will want to see a tie breaker. And if Serra wins, fans won’t be satisfied until they see him face Hughes. In fact, even if Serra looses, we still want to see him face Hughes! This thing is shaping up better than a soap opera!)

IN THE MMA POLITICAL CORNER

Some political investigative reporting by Dojo Rat reports that presidential hopeful, the Illinois Senator, Barack Obama is withholding crucial information on his website.

Dojo Rat claims that last year he learned that Obama trained in the art of Tae Kwon Do. His website verified this information.

However, when he recently revisited the site to comment on it, he noticed that the information had been “scrubbed.” Furthermore, a Google search provided no further information.

Dojo Rat further reports that the only other investigator to obtain any confirmation on this reported training is Washington Post gossip columnist, Mary Ann Akers who claims, “Obama took Tae Kwon Do at the swanky East Bank Health Club in Chicago” and also that “his campaign declined to comment on the Senator’s Tae Kwon Do…”

I’m not sure what to make of this report. However, living in the Chicago area, I can confirm that the East Bank Health Club is indeed “Swanky.”

Personally, I smell a cover-up. And I’m thinking it’s Hillary!

Laugh if you want to, but this could be bigger than Watergate; TKD-gate, if you will.
In fact, this could be the answer to the Democratic party’s Candidate dilemma. Forget about Super Delegates and Primaries; I say we have an Olympic Style Tae Kwon Do competition. Three 3-minute rounds - winner take all!

Wait, on second thought, maybe that’s not such a good idea. ‘Kimbo Slice’ might end up our next Vice President.

RANDY & KIM COUTURE APPEAR ON INSIDE MMA

As we reported last week, Kim Couture, the wife of MMA Champ, Randy Couture, will be getting into the ring for a ‘smoker’ fight on February 23rd.

HDNet will be televise the match a week later on Feb. 29th.

We’d like to leave you for this week with a preview of this week’s Inside MMA, where Kim and Randy discuss her training getting into the ring.

“American Gladiator,” and popular mixed martial artist, Gina Carano is also featured in this clip.



(Notice how Randy tries to use MMA training as an excuse to get out of house chores… It doesn’t work, but still a valiant attempt!)

That does it for this week. Check back again soon for MMA’s ‘Best of the Web.”

Respectfully,

Rick

 

Technorati Tags: Kimbo,UFC,MMA,Tank Abbott,grappling,Bas Rutten,Mike Tyson,Tito Ortiz,Anderson Silva,Dan Henderson,Pride,George St Pierre,Matt Serra,Matt Hughes,Barack Obama,Tae Kwon Do,Randy Couture,American Gladiator

No Rules in a Streetfight

“There are no rules in a streetfight.” How many times have we all heard that statement, usually spoke with a fair amount of bravado and self-righteousness. But, is it true?

Are there really no rules when it comes to street fighting? -Let’s look at a couple of hypothetical situations and see:

First, let’s imagine a scene where an attacker picks a fight with you at a party; After making several threats, he shoves you and then starts to throw a punch.

As a trained martial artist, you quickly move in, throw several elbow strikes to his head, initiate a take-down, break his arm, and place your attacker in a choke hold until he passes out.

Someone calls the police and when they arrive, instead of congratulating you on your skills, they begin to arrest you.

Although you plead, “self-defense,” the officer informs you that you used excessive force while protecting yourself.

As he’s placing you in handcuffs, you remind him that “There’s no rules in a streetfight.”

“Tell it to the judge,” he says as he escorts you into his squad car.

Okay, maybe the Law look at things differently than the rest of us. What if we leave the courts out of it and consider an ‘honor’ fight, where nobody calls the police.

Imagine that your trying to impress a woman at a bar when some jerk begins insulting her and calling her terrible names. To defend her dignity, you challenge her offender to a fight. Both of you agree to “step outside.”

A crowd surrounds both of you as you square off. As your opponent moves in to punch, you quickly reach down between his legs and grab his groin.

Your opponent crumbles to the ground, unable to continue.
You’ve won the fight! Right?

No. You’re shocked to learn that everyone, (including that beauty you were trying to impress,) thinks that you've cheated.

“Wait,” you tell them, “There’s no rules in street fighting.”

Apparently, there are.

While most people wouldn’t begrudge a groin strike against a 300lbs Linebacker who jumps you in a dark alley, it’s still considered unfair and out-of-bounds to grab below the belt in a consensual fight.

The truth is, there are rules to a streetfight.

There are always legal, moral, and social consequences for fighting.

I mention this because I feel it’s important to consider these consequences when training.

As famed kick boxer, Benny Urquidez often states, “The way you train, is the way you’ll react.”

If all of the techniques that I practice end up with my opponent breaking a bone, receiving a concussion, or being choked unconscious; then regardless of how weakly I’m initially attacked, I will likely always cause a serious injury to my attacker. -It’s all I know how to do.

Even if my attacker comes at me with non-lethal force, my training may cause me to respond in an inappropriate manner and result in regrettable consequences.

Take the following video clip as an example. The self-defense techniques presented come from Bas Rutten’s Lethal Street Fighting DVD.

Now, before you see this clip, let me say that I love, love Bas’s stuff.

He’s one of my favorite martial artists and no one does a better showing how combat arts can be applied to actual self-defense. He has also written Bas Rutten’s Big Book of Combat (vol 1 & 2), one of the best catalogues of martial techniques available.

This is an edited, 6 minute, clip of a 105 minute DVD, highlighting many of the more brutal techniques demonstrated. (Also, Bas has a rather warped sense of humor that certainly comes out when he’s demonstrating his techniques.)

Don’t misjudge Bas based only on this clip.

However, unless it’s truly a life or death situation, you should use extreme discretion before attempting any of these techniques for self-defense. Use them at your own risk.



While many of his techniques are fascinating to watch and could be useful under the right circumstances, they fail to demonstrate the type of restraint needed in most self-defense encounters.

Statistically, your chances of facing a knife attack are rather slim when compared to your chances of getting into a shoving match with some drunk in a bar. However, if you respond to both attacks the same way, your going to get into trouble.

It’s a mistake to make the assumption that there are ‘no rules’ in a streetfight and our training must reflect that understanding.

The basis of our self-defense techniques should always include strategies to evade, escape, and control an attacker. We should strive to use the least amount of force necessary to achieve these objectives.

Techniques that cause serious injury should only be used in critical situations and as a last resort.

If we train ourselves to escape or control an attacker during practice, we can always increase the amount of force used in an actual confrontation. Our reactions will be more in line with societies’ legal and moral expectations.

But if our daily training only revolves around lethal force, we'll have trouble reducing our attack in the course of a stressful encounter. This could cause us to ‘strike first,’ without really considering the consequences of our actions.

The first step in developing a self-defense strategy is to realize that there are rules to street fighting. Our job is to understand how to use those rules to our advantage and how to best protect ourselves without violating them.

I hope you find this post useful in your own practice.

Train safe, train hard;

Respectfully,

Rick


(Author's note: Although I've used Bas Rutten's clip as an example here, readers should know that Rutten teaches many, many non-lethal techniques. Regardless of how he's portrayed in the clip, he actually seems to be a pretty nice guy and would only use those techniques if threatened with serious harm.)

Technorati Tags: streetfighting,bas rutten,non-lethal,martial arts,Benny Urquidez

Light posts at TDA

My network card has been down, but I just installed a wired connection to hold me over until the wireless is repaired.

I should have a full posting schedule next week.

Sorry for the interruptions.

--

Nathan

The carjacking choice

Via Defend University:   

Now let me make a slight change in the scenario. You are on a trip with your two-year-old child. You have secured her in a car seat in the rear passenger area of your parked rent-a-car. You walk around to the driver's side of your car, get in, lock the doors and put the key in the ignition switch. You turn around and notice that your child's seat is not properly secured. You get out of the car to make the adjustment. As you do, a man with a gun appears and insists on taking the car now.

Do you:

- A. Refuse and try to block his entry into your car?

- B. Jump in the car to try to start it so you can drive away?

- C. Plead with him to let you have your child before he takes the car?

- D. Demand that he either give you your child, or you will insist on going with him?

- E. Try to wrestle the gun away from the assailant so you can shoot him?

- F. Run like hell away from the car?

The answer? Run like hell

In over 20 years of teaching Women's Self-Defense, I've always gotten a variation of this question after covering the basics, "Excuse me, Mr. Nathan, that's all well and good, but what if he's got a gun?" MY answer was the same each time, RUN!" You may not know that in almost all cases, a victim who's been removed from the original scene of her abduction will never be seen alive again. A potential kidnapper doesn't want to shoot when others are around to hear, so get going! The scenario mentioned above is also correct:, "If you were to plead, you'd be wasting you breath. If you were to resist, you could be injured -- or worse -- and the mope would probably take the car anyway. And if you were to insist on staying with your child, the carjacker would then have two victims instead of one. What's worse, there may be no one to report the incident or to get immediate help. The correct answer, from me, the travel security expert, is definitely F." Read the rest!

For more information:
Defend University
Crime Doctor
Rape Escape
Melissa Soalt
Crime Information
Charlotte Self Defense
No Nonsense Self Defense
TDA Self-defense, Women's Self-Defense

Photo: Jamd.com

Technorati Tags: Women's self defense,self defense,weapons,carjacking,rape,karate,martial arts

Video: Van Damme form in action

You may or may not be a big Van Damme fan, but you have to admire the form, technique, and control. Enjoy.

 

Technorati Tags: Karate,Van Damme,kicking,martial arts

The MMA Weekly Wrap-Up for the week of 2-11-08

Hi and welcome again to another installment of the MMA Weekly Wrap-Up. Let’s get to all the news and happenings of the Sport Combat World for this week.

‘KIMBO SLICE’ FIGHT HYPE EVERYWHERE

With the fight between Kevin “Kimbo Slice’ Ferguson and Tank Abbot just days away, the already active hype over this match is everywhere.

Here is Ferguson appearing on Jimmy Kimmel Live.



If that isn’t enough Kimbo for you, check out his interview where Bill Goldberg joins him for a day of training at Bas Rutten’s gym in California.

WARNING: this clip contains some foul language (surprised?) but most of it is “bleeped” out. However, the video also shows how tough Kimbo’s training routine really is. Check it out at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c1C39PCW1Ls



COUTURE TO FIGHT FEB. 29TH

No, unfortunately the Former UFC Heavyweight champ, Randy Couture isn’t returning to the ring yet. However, his wife, Kim Couture is.

According to fiveouncesofpain.com, Kim will compete in an amateur match following the IFL 2008 opener in Las Vegas. The Xtreme Couture “smoker” match will be televised on HDNet.

So, who is Kim Couture and can she fight? Well, here’s an interview from Raw Vegas, where she and Randy talk a bit about their training, the Xtreme Couture gym, and their upcoming projects.






Now wait just a second... with all due respect Mr. Couture; Not only are you one of the toughest guys on the planet, you own one of the best MMA gyms in the world, and you have a successful clothing line; but also, you're wife is super smart, likes MMA (even competes), and she's HOT?!

It's time for a new headline:

RANDY COUTURE = THE LUCKIEST MAN ON EARTH.

There, that about sums it up.




FIGHT CARD FOR UFC 83 “SERRA VS. ST. PIERRE II”

From UFCDaily.com The Official Fight Card for UFC 83 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada has been set for April 19th. The event will be televised on PayPerView at 10pm ET.

Fights include:

• Matt Serra vs. Georges St. Pierre for the Welterweight Championship Bout
  


• Travis Lutter vs. Rich Franklin
  


• Nate Quarry vs. Kalib Starnes
  


• Charles McCarthy vs. Michael Bisping
  


• Mark Bocek vs. Mac Danzig
  

Preliminary Bouts (which may not be televised) include:

• Jason MacDonald vs. Joe Doerksen
  


• Sam Stout vs. Rich Clementi
  


• Ed Herman vs. Demian Maia
  


• Jonathon Goulet vs. Kuniyoshi Hironaka
  


• Patrick Cote vs. Alan Belcher
  
  

YAMMA PIT FIGHTING COMES TO THE TRUMP TAJ MAHAL

In response to an anonymous commenter, who wanted us to mention the YAMMA fights coming up on April 11th; MMAJunkie.com reports that MMA legend Don Frye (19-6-1) and Sambo legend Oleg “The Russian Bear” Taktarov (15-5-2) will face each other in a “Master’s Fight” that will be in addition to the eight man heavyweight tournament already planned.

Anonymous just might be right… This will be a great fight to watch!

CHUCK LIDDELL DISCUSSES THE REASONS FOR HIS MOHAWK HAIRDO (NO, HE DIDN’T LOOSE A BET)

In the following interview from RawVegas.tv, the former UFC Heavyweight Champ discusses his new book (Iceman: My Fighting Life), UFC Salaries, his rivalry with Tito Ortiz, and most importantly; why he ever decided to get that Mohawk. (spoiler hint… like any good story, it starts out “me and some friends were getting ready to go to a Slayer concert and…”)




Well, that does it for another week of MMA action and intrigue.

Check in again next week for "the best of the web" in MMA news and happenings.

Respectfully,

Rick

New Link: Combat Sport Psychology

As a matter of coincidence, my wife got me a subscription to Black Belt Magazine, something I've not had for many, many years (since the 80's, I think), I received my first issue, and I got an email from Dr. Randy Borum, who happens to be a columnist (Psyched) for the same magazine. Weird. How do these things happen???

It turn out that Dr. Borum has started a blog called Combat Sport Psychology. He describes it as, "... a collection of articles applying sport psychology to martial arts generally and to competitive performance in combat sports more specifically." We checked it out, and would recommend you do the same!

Randy Borum's Bio:

Dr. Randy Borum is a Professor at the University of South Florida and Director of Sport Psychology at Gracie Tampa. He is a Licensed Psychologist, and Certified Sport Psychologist. He writes a monthly column for Black Belt Magazine and articles for MMA magazines addressing applications of sport psychology to MMA and other combat sports. He has consulted to the National Academy of Sports Medicine and to the IFL and with professional and other elite-level combat sport athletes from the UFC, KOTC and other national and regional promotions. Dr. Borum is also the Performance Psychology Advisor to the Crazy Monkey Defense (CMD) Program. He was previously a strength and conditioning consultant for the USF Boxing Team and currently holds a Copper-Level (Intro) Coaching certification with USA Wrestling.

 

Technorati Tags: Sports Psychology,MMA,Black Belt Magazine

Today's Quote: Goodin on The Way of Karate

I have nothing to add.

Karate is a civilian art of self defense. It is not a fighting art. It is an art to defend yourself and loved ones. The greatest virtue in Karate is to avoid violence. When violence cannot be avoided, Karate techniques are used as a last resort, and then only to the extent necessary to escape and protect life.
If you ask me who was the greatest Karate man, one name I would mention is that of Shosei Kina. In the ending days of the Battle of Okinawa, he risked his life to go out and speak to the advancing American troops. The Americans suspected that Japanese soldiers were hiding in the village. If so, they would have the village bombed or targeted for artillery. Kina Sensei was an expert of both Karate and Kobudo. We went out and met the Americans. An interpreter was called. It was a young man who had been born in Okinawa but raised in Hawaii. The interpreter instantly recognized Kina Sensei as his former Sunday School teacher.

Because of Kina Sensei's bravery, the village was spared. He risked his life -- it was known that other Okinawans who ventured out to speak to the Americans were killed.

Kina Sensei was a great Karate man because he risked his life to save the lives of others. He was great because he placed peace above violence.

One of the maxims of Karate is that "The hand is a treasure in the pocket." Gichin Funakoshi often said that "There is no first attack in Karate." Sokon Matsumura said that "Karate teaches one how not to use the hand and feet in a fight." How not to use.

The greatest Karate man is one who could avoid violence and preserve life. The greatest Karate man is one who valued peace.

As Karate students and instructors, we should always emphasize peace. When violence cannot be avoided, then Karate techniques must be used to the extent necessary. But this is a last resort. Karate people should not be looking for an excuse to fight.

Who is the best fighter? Perhaps it is the person who can fight against injustice, bigotry, and discrimination.

You can see why my quotes don't usually make it into shows about Karate.

Respectfully,

Charles C. Goodin, in Emphasize Peace

Technorati Tags: Karate,peace,Okinawa,Sensei,bravery

Video: Kicks versus Punches handicap

This is another example of the disadvantage a kicker can have, but more than that, how footwork can play such a large part in fighting. Note, this isn't pretty, taken from handicap sparring footage of hands versus feet.

Lessons:

1. Don't move straight back! As dealt with in a previous post on reasons we get hit, moving straight back prevents a defender from setting up counters, and blocking effectively. Also, any time you cross your legs, especially moving backward, you risk a sweep or just tripping and falling. The puncher in the video didn't really do anything special, except control the range (get close enough to punch but too close to get kicked), and drive forward.
2. Building on the previous point, move laterally! Lateral movement can stifle almost any offense. If the kicker had focused on movement (as he know well!), he could've avoided punishment.
3. Don't go down! If the guy with his butt to the camera had joined in when the kicker went down, or if the puncher had a knife instead of a fist, we'd be watching a bloodbath. It would actually be a lot better to just turn around and run as fast as you can, as opposed to putting your back on the pavement (or dirt in this case).
4. The puncher did a leg-check versus the round kick, got hit on the kneecap, then took a breather, then got hit. Protect yourself at all times! As Rick stated so well, there's a big difference between "sparring" and real self defense. The kicker did the right thing, and tried to capitalize on the injury to his opponent. That's how you should train! It does your partner no good to back off, other than giving him a false sense of security. Boxers tap their cheekbones or temples with their gloves to remind themselves of their hand position - do the same. Remind your partner to protect herself. You may save her life!
5. Retract your kicks! You may have noticed the takedown at the end caused by the kicker making two mistakes: leaving the leg out there by retracting it slowly and kicking too high. Either mistake can allow a savvy, or just plain mean (obviously it's more of the latter, in this case) opponent to destroy your base and take you down.

See also:
Why Do We Get Hit?
Today's TDA Tip: Avoid Moving Straight Back!
Today's TDA Tip: Protect Yourself at All Times
Integrating Striking, Wrestling & Grappling
Todays TDA Tip: Handicap Sparring Key to Improvement
What if you WANT to high kick on the street?
Marc Animal MacYoung on Grappling
What happens if you go to the ground versus multiple opponents - video

Technorati Tags: Footwork,sparring,kicking,punching,ground fighting,self defense,knife defense

Free BJJ E-book

Via Streetfighting and Mixed Martial Arts:

 

Download Here

Technorati Tags: BJJ,e-books

Scenario Training: Are You Teaching Your Students to Fail?

(Photo by Brandan at Picasas.google.com)

How do you prepare for an attack outside of the dojo or gym?

While training in class, we’re surrounded by friends in a controlled environment. We’re assured that we won’t be seriously harmed while practicing our techniques against one another. We take precautions, like protective gear and floor mats to help guarantee our safety. While everyone is instructed to ‘control’ their attack in order to prevent injury.

However, on the ‘street,’ its another story; there’s no safety equipment, no rules, no precautions, and our attacker’s full intention is only to harm us. This means that the self-defense techniques that we practice in the comforts of the dojo or gym may look and feel much different when we have to apply them for real.

The difference, of course, is stress. In class, we are allowed, even encouraged, to make mistakes. If a given technique doesn’t work, we may simply restart and try again. Our instructors and fellow students are hopefully supportive and give us advice to help us improve.

In a real situation, there is no second chance. You can’t count on anyone being around to help or support you. If your technique fails, you better have a back-up plan or you’re going to be in serious trouble.

The anxiety of being in this sort of situation causes an adrenal-stress reaction in the body. In order to help you survive the encounter, your body releases adrenaline into your system, causing your heart to pump faster, your lungs to take in more oxygen, your nervous system to feel less pain, your vision to narrow, and any unnecessary body functions (like digestion) to shut down.

In order to account for this type of reaction, many schools practice “scenario training;” where they try to mimic the conditions of an actual attack. The purpose of this type of training is to create a stressful situation so that the students’ can prepare for their body’s natural reactions to the environment.

The students are often further challenged by surprises during the scenario. The ‘attacker’ may suddenly produce a weapon, move in an unexpected direction, or be joined by an accomplice. The drill forces students to respond to unanticipated circumstances.

While scenario training is an excellent tool for getting people to deal with the realities of combat, it’s also the cause of the #1 training mistake that most instructors make.

The problem is that this type of training is often used too soon, before the student has a solid grasp of the way the techniques should be used.

Many instructors, in their zeal to prepare their students for the ‘real world’ neglect to first provide them with a solid foundation. The students are overloaded by the difficulty of the situation and its potential obstacles.

This is a lot like teaching someone to swim by throwing them into the deep end of a pool. Under the stress of drowning, a person might somehow learn to flail their way over to the edge of the pool, but he or she won’t really understand how to swim.

That person wouldn’t be able to win a swimming competition or save themselves if they fell out of a ship at sea. They simply wouldn’t have the skills necessary to excel at swimming.

Furthermore, this type of training could actually backfire, making the person more afraid of water than they were before the training.

Like swimming, self-defense training is best done by slowly acclimating the students to the environment. In a good swim class, students are given plenty of time to get used to the water. They are taught how to place their face in the water, how to float, and how to swim before they are ever allowed to enter the deep end of the pool.

Self-defense needs to be taught in much the same way.

First, the technique needs to be demonstrated and explained. Students should focus on learning the movement correctly and not yet bother with possible contingencies. Potential problems can be addressed after the technique has been properly learned.

Once the student can accurately perform the technique, it should be rehearsed over and over until it becomes ingrained into the muscle memory. The student must practice until he or she is able to react to an attack without thought.

Focus mitts, bagwork, shadow boxing and kata are all great training drills for improving our ability to use techniques without having to think about what we are doing. In this way, we learn to move naturally, without hesitation.

Light partner drills are also beneficial. They allow students to get used to striking or grabbing an actual person. As the student’s ability begins to improve, the partner may begin slowly increasing resistance against the attack.

It’s important to train carefully. If either partner is injured in the gym, they will be less able to defend themselves on the street. At this point, partners should only allow one another to ‘get a feel’ for the attack without having to struggle.

Next, comes the most enjoyable part of self-defense training. The instructor should now ask, “What could go wrong?”

This is where our training becomes much like a game of chess. The goal is to anticipate the ways our attacker might respond to our techniques and develop ways of countering them.

Together, the instructor and students explore the ways that their technique might be foiled. They then try to prepare for these problems and address different ways for dealing with them.

Since everyone has different strengths and weaknesses, each person needs to develop their own individual strategy for handling these issues. What works well for a short person may become a liability for a taller person. A response that makes sense for a grappler might not be a good idea for someone who prefers striking.

In the end, everyone needs to have at least one or two alternative options in case their technique doesn’t’ work as planned.

In addition, combat principles such as reciprocal action, disorientation, complex torque, pressure point activation, mechanical advantage, or variable pressure can also be used to increase the effectiveness of the technique and help to ensure that it will work when needed.

By combining combat principles with a back-up plan, a redundant strategy is created. Like the brakes on an airplane; if one system fails - another is ready to take its place.

(For example; if my finger jab to the opponent’s eyes fails, I’m still in position to strike the neck, kick the groin, or initiate a take-down. Striking toward the eyes causes disorientation which makes a groin kick possible, while also throwing my opponent off balance and giving me the mechanical advantage needed to enforce a take-down. Each piece of my strategy helps to set up another possible attack.)

Once the students have properly ingrained the movement into their muscle memory and have rehearsed possible contingencies, they may begin practicing scenario training.

They might train outside or in an area designed to resemble the scene of an attack. Training partners can engage them with threatening dialog similar to the tone used by an attacker. Everything in the environment and the manner of the opponents should be staged to recreate the conditions of an actual self-defense situation.

To increase the stress level, the opponents might surprise the defender by changing their attack or pulling out practice weapons.

Armed with the well-trained techniques, the defender should now be able to adjust to the changing circumstances and face the attackers with confidence. If not, the drill should be stopped so that the technique can be relearned or so that the combat strategy can be modified.

It’s okay to return to previous training methods if the student isn’t ready for scenario training. It’s better to review basic skills than it is to have the student endure a negative experience during the drill.

“Losing,” in a scenario drill only teaches a student how to get beat up. (Something they don’t need to learn.) This is why it’s important that the student is successful at this drill. The idea is to build confidence.

The goal of this training is for the student to feel as though he or she has already successfully faced many attacks. This way, if someone really attempts to harm them outside the dojo, they will react naturally without becoming overly anxious.

Scenario training is one of the best types of self-defense drills available. However, it’s important that students are adequately prepared.

Trying to train a high-stress scenario is much like attempting to run a marathon without the proper preparation - it will most likely result in injury. (Either physical or psychological.)

Remember, too much, too soon, is never a good way to train.

I hope you find this post useful in your own training,

Respectfully,

Rick

[Nathan] As usual, Rick makes some great points, and I completely agree with the premise that scenario-training is only for those who've honed their technique, and should be eased into, not dumped on an unprepared novice. For those of you who've never taught or trained in scenario settings or drills, a good simile is sparring. If we taught, for example, a skip-roundhouse, then spinning hook kick combination to a beginner, then made them spar with this combination, the technique would be gone, and muscle memory replaced by the untrained mush that inhabits the sinews of the novice. In other words, to paraphrase Rick, train the technique first, then the application of that technique. A general rule of instructor ethics and business smarts should be to build up, not break down the student; feed them what they're ready to eat.

Technorati Tags: Sparring,scenario training,self-defense,attacks,karate,martial arts,adrenaline,stress