Violent Handshake Response – Kelly McCann

Has this ever happened to you? Someone turns a handshake into an attack? How can you respond?

What do you think?

Panantukan, a street-oriented fighting system

What is Panantukan, and what does it have to offer you and me?

I was recently exchanging tweets with Sam Guthrie, a martial artist, and Twitter buddy regarding the utility of the various martial arts with respect to defending the Western boxing jab – something which I contend many Asian systems have trouble. He related that he taught one Kali class where they covered approximately thirty responses to the jab, and send me this Inosanto video as an example. (Forward to approximately 4:00 to start viewing that particular part).

Inosanto is covering some of what he calls classical Panantukan responses to the jab technique. I have to admit that though I have some training in Arnis, a Filipino martial art utilizing bladed or blunt weapons (commonly trained with sticks), I had little exposure to Panantukan, which, according to a non-authoritative source, Wikipedia, is “the boxing component of Filipino martial arts,” and “a part of eskrima.”

I state my experience to make sure that you understand that I am not an expert, or even student of Panantukan. I am, however, what I like to think of as a practical martial artist, and can see what I believe are the benefits of the system.

First of all, any system which has, as the Wikipedia entry states, a variety of “street” techniques such as elbows, knees, shoulder strikes, head-butts, low kicks, and knees, has a lot going for it. If it has the inherent flow of the Filipino stick arts, known as Kali, Arnis, Escrima, and the like (hereafter referred to by Arnis), then it has all the makings of a sophisticated and practical system.

I posit “practical” because it blends the ability to handle knifes, sticks, clubs, and any weapon of opportunity with the ability to content in any striking range whether an attacker has a weapon or is unarmed.

As you know, I’ve posted repeatedly about the disadvantages of sport systems which have descended from true martial arts – including the Taekwondo, BJJ, Judo, or even Kendo. I acknowledge that all of those arts have their practical aspects, and even some variants that preserve the original, or intended, martial techniques that are against the rules in the modern sport. I refer to the most commonly practiced though – they are stripped of the techniques which are most effective in combat. Arnis is the same, in that there are sport tournaments with protective equipment and rules which reduce it’s effectiveness. Overall, however, the sport aspects are less practiced and emphasized, at least in the US, in my opinion.

Instead, the average Arnis practitioner studies his art for the effective techniques, or the art itself, as classically taught, which is combat-effective. Fewer, though, seem to know the empty-hand aspects known as Panantukan.

I would recommend that anyone who studies the Filipino art of the stick, sword, and knife would be well served by checking out, and learning whatever he can about the entire art – I know I will whenever I can.

Comments or questions? Pass em along, and I’ll try to get answers!

For more information:
Wikipedia on Panantukan
TDA What is the relationship of sport judo to unarmed combat?
TDA The Martial Art vs Sport Debate
TDA Training for Sport vs Training for Combat
Blauer Tactical Systems SUBMISSION, SUBDUAL, OR SURVIVAL?
TDA When Arts Become Sports
TDA If it's against the rules, then it must work!
TDA Why Are Martial Sports Superior?
TDA Enhance Your Empty Hand Speed
TDA Ain't none of it is real!

Technorati Tags: Filipino Martial Arts,Arnis,Kali,Escrima,Panantukan

____

Like this post? Subscribe to our feed, or by email and you won’t miss a thing.

Interact with us at our TDA Training Facebook page!

 

All original material is copyright of their respective authors.
All rights reserved. Permission must be obtained before use. Copyright 2010

Reading recommendation – On Knives

I don’t have time for a full post, but I’d recommend you read:

Jiu-Jitsu Sensei is in the midst of a great series of posts on the psychology of knives:

Why do we fear knives?
Fear of Knives: Exploring the Roots
Getting in Touch with Our Own Knife Psychology

At Low Tech Combat:

Can You Be Stabbed With a Knife and Not Know it?
Knife Defense with Paul Vunak
Knife and Edged Weapon Defence Collection
Realistic Violent Knife Training – Video

My Self-Defense Blog:

Knife Attack! What Can You Do?

Here at TDA Training:

It could happen anytime - real knife attack
The Reality of Knife Defense Techniques
Knife defense scenario training
Unarmed Knife Defense Video
If an attacker pulls a knife...

There are probably thousand of good sites out there that have great information on the subject. Please leave some links in the comments, or email me at tdatraining at gmail dot com. Thanks- Nathan

Making a difference – Thank you to our Troops

What I appreciate most about this video is seeing veterans and kids, former soldiers and citizens greeting the homecoming soldiers. To the men and women serving today, and their families, thank you. To all of those giving of their time and treasure to support our service members and their families, thank you, and God bless you!- Nathan

The Real Primo Bad Ass!

Some of my Twitter buds have the idea that perhaps it's Chuck Norris, but no!

THIS is the Primo Bad Ass!

Primo the Donkey!

There's no denying that he's one bad ass!

Please don’t drive under the influence

[Warning- Graphic]

This Australian Public Service Announcement is very graphic and shocking and may not be suitable for everyone, but it's the best drinking driving message I've ever seen because it focuses on the consequences.

If you have young drivers, I encourage you to have them watch it as well.   

Plan before you start.

Gun Safety With Eddie Eagle

Tell an adult!

Quote of the Day: George Ruiz

“Fighting demands 100% focus, so you can only be in the moment.  It's my meditation.”

I am at peace when I fight. How many of you feel the same?

The Best Resource for top Martial Arts Blogs

I have to hand it to Bob from Striking Thoughts he’s done something great, and deserves all the kudos in the martial arts world for creating the Martial Arts Toplist, a directory listing a who’s who of top MA blogs.

The discerning reader will note that TDA Training’s ranking must be incorrect, since we are only #9 as of this posting, not #1, our former ranking (OK, it was a long time ago!) which shows a major glitch in their ranking algorithm. Nonetheless, the Martial Arts Toplist is THE place to go to find a quick listing of top blogs.

For example, Ikigai, Mokuren Dojo, Dojo Rat, and Martial Thoughts are there, as are My Self-Defense Blog and the venerable Martial Views. There are really too many to list here, with one exception: TDA Training. You’ve got to check that one out!

Great job, Bob. You’re a gem!

Technorati Tags: Martial Arts Blogs

Do You React or Respond?

Jiu-Jitsu Sensei has a great (I don’t use the word lightly) post called Reacting to Aggression: How to Avoid and De-Escalate Conflict that is worth reading twice before coming back here to read on.

Back now? Did you read it? Ok, go ahead and read my $0.02, then:

I agree with all of her points 100%, and would only add that there’s a difference in mentality here, and that’s probably what she teaches her students. Response 1 and 2 (Passive and Aggressive, respectively), are the most common reactions.

What we need to teach and train others to do is respond appropriately.

A reaction is an involuntary action on the part of someone. In other words, it’s without volition or thought. My cat jumping from my arms and taking three layers of my arm with him when the dog barks is a reaction due to fear. Crouching and stalking by the same animal are carefully crafted responses based on training and the knowledge that he (the cat) is superior to the prey, and he is planning how best to make the bird or mouse his dinner.

In a similar manner we must step outside, defocus our vision to take in all of the body language of the aggressive person who may be threatening us. Look at the entire picture and the context, determine the appropriate response, and act. This is also called the OODA loop, where we Observe, Orient, Decide, and Act, a military concept now applied to law enforcement and which is the deliberate byproduct of training. Proper training, utilizing scenarios.

A good example of this would be Michael Jordan in his prime, a renowned workaholic when it came to practice. At game time, do you think Jordan had to think about how to dribble, shoot, or pass the ball? No, he was reacting to, and controlling his opponents with his body language, facial expressions, and intention. He had been there before, and had the reps.

Jiu-Jitsu Sensei’s point is applicable to men, women, and anyone involved in any verbal or physical confrontation. Do you react? Or do you respond?

A Martial Art We Cannot Defeat

Finally, the ultimate art! A complete system which covers everything from standing, ground, weapons, even  guns. Watch and learn.

If done properly no can defense!

I now realize what a child in the martial arts I really am. All these years of training only to be overpowered by the truth! Alas, 30+ years of training is wasted!

Just a little Wednesday humor to lighten the rest of your work week!

Hat tip to our Twitter buddy Matthew Benyon for discovering this gem. Please visit his site The Grappling Dummy, too.

Arthur Mercante Sr., Hall of Fame Boxing Referee, Passes at 90

There’s not a lot to admire in modern sports, with “heroes” failing us at every turn, and scandals galore. Boxing, the fight game of the 20th century had one gem that did not fade: Arthur Mercante, Sr. I profiled Mercante in this post in 2007: Inside the Ropes: Mercante tells his story.

The New York Times announced this morning that the final bell has tolled on Mercante’s life:

Arthur Mercante Sr., boxing’s most prominent referee of the past half-century and a presence at more than 140 championship boxing matches, including the 1971 Ali-Frazier “Fight of the Century,” died on Saturday at his home in Westbury, N.Y. He was 90.

Enlarge This Image

Associated Press

Referee Arthur Marcante directed Joe Frazier to the ropes after Frazier knocked down Muhammad Ali during the 15th round of their 1971 fight.

His death was announced by the International Boxing Hall of Fame in Canastota, N.Y.

Mr. Mercante’s career reads like a who’s who of boxing history. He refereed many of the greats. From my review:

Mercante was "inside the ropes" for some of my greatest boxing memories, including some of the best known championship bouts of Ali, Frazier, Foreman, Sugar Ray Leonard, Arguello, Dwight Muhammad Qawi, Wilfredo Gomez, Donald Curry, Tommy Hearns, Hagler, Hector Camacho, Fenech, Tyson, Julio Cesar Chavez, Buddy McGirt, Roy Jones Jr, and Lennox Lewis.

If you are a boxing fan, or a student of fight history, you’ll join me in celebration of his career, and regret at his passing.

 

Technorati Tags: Arthur Mercante St,Ali,Frazier,Foreman,Sugar Ray Leonard,Arguello,Dwight Muhammad Qawi,Wilfredo Gomez,Donald Curry,Tommy Hearns,Hagler,Hector Camacho,Fenech,Tyson,Julio Cesar Chavez,Buddy McGirt,Roy Jones Jr,Lennox Lewis

Top posts of the past 30 days

As of the date of this posting, here are the top 20.

1. Boxing for Self-Defense and MMA
2. Is Boxing Viable for Self-Defense?
3. Reliable boxing combinations
4. Boxing Punch Numbering System
5. Top Technique: Brachial Stun
6. Butterbean, the unlikely combatant
7. THE MMA WEEKLY WRAP UP for 6-23-08
8. Anaerobic Training Drills
9. Is Aikido Effective for Self-Defense
10. How to plan a training session - free planner template
11. Muay Thai Lessons from Ramon Dekkers
12. Video: Kubotan as demonstrated by Takayuki Kubota
13. Warriors with Terry Schappert
14. Why this man is dangerous… to us
15. A few Fat Loss Myths
16. Free BJJ E-book
17. Style Vs. Style: Kickboxing and Taekwondo – please comment
18. Does headgear protect your noggin? – UPDATED
19. Reader Poll: Best Ever American Police Vehicle?
20. Speed Punching

Thanks for supporting TDA Training.

Follow us on Twitter, and subscribe to our feed!

Thank you to our readers and subscribers

One of the things that has amazed me about TDA Training is that our readership has grown and both feed and email subscribers have expanded – even when posting is light. I don’t understand why, but it has.

At one time, I posted a lot. Then, life hit, and I was not able to do as much, and yet readership increased. Hey, maybe that’s the key? Post less! Are you all trying to tell me something?

 

So what can I say? Thank you!

Thank you to the American Soldier

Tribute to American Soldiers

If you want to support the men and women of the United States Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, veterans and their families, check out Soldiers Angels.

Not sure who’s got the the better job here

Not that there’s anything wrong with that!

Where is the weapon – Nice drill

Check out Systema - stevewildash.blogspot.com: So where is it then? - Weapon Concealment..

Low Tech Combat on who assaults whom

One blogger that does his homework is our friend Adam of Low Tech Combat. Check out this post: Real Case Studies Highlight Most Assaults Occur Between People Who Know Each Other |Low Tech Combat

More later when I have a chance. Read it. I mean it. Go.

Still here? What??

Go!

Another content thief: http://www.mma-news.net/

Thanks to one of my reader friends for making me aware of another content thief: http://www.mma-news.net/. I don’t use that word (thief) lightly, but reposting entire articles without permission is nothing other than stealing. I tried to comment on this site, but for some reason I can’t. I take this very seriously.

My plan is to contact the site owner through their contact information (except it doesn’t seem to be listed anywhere on the site), then host, to request the prompt removal, then notify the host of copyright violations (there are a huge number of my full posts there), and take further action as necessary.

My guess is that they will comply, as it’s not fun changing hosts repeatedly.

For those of you who would like to reprint or excerpt, you could just ask…

Screenshot from today (current link):

What are the characteristics of Nathan’s style?

This post was inspired by this excellent Martial Views post: Some Thoughts About 'My Style'. I am attempting to emulate it while sitting here at Big Boy digesting my hot fudge sundae. Not kidding about that. Ironic?

My style’s name: I don’t know what I call my style anymore, personally. This post details most of my training background, so I will try to give you an idea of my personal style without naming it.

Characteristics (in no particular order, and stream-of-consciousness style):

Probably 70% hands, 30% feet, unless I’m feeling really confident (or over-confident).

Lots of eye jabs and open hand striking, plus elbows and forearms (I love those)

Relaxed, but snappy. Sometimes too relaxed (translation: lazy)

Counter-fighting if I'm feeling superior. I love to see the realization in the opponent’s eyes that he’s made a mistake by going on offense.

Enjoyable body punches with a closed fist, when I flank.

Circular/flanking footwork. I try to get behind and to the side of you.

Checking and bumping style of infighting so that you can’t get set to lead.

Amateurish, but effective ground grappling, but instinctive ground and pound slipping from the bottom due to lotsa boxing.

I always watch for weapons.

I sometimes smile when fighting, cause I like it. Otherwise I will alternate between an evil glare or no expression.

Thai kicks and knees are part of what gives life meaning. I love to Thai clinch

I love defense. For me, that means lots of broken rhythm footwork, I hold still to draw someone in, but when they telegraph getting ready to move, I take a small step so that my opponent can’t get “set” to lead. They hate it! I also love to slip and dodge techniques – making someone miss it a lot of fun, leading to my inevitable concurrent counters. Stop hits!

If you are a good kicker, press the attach and stay in range, sweep, takedown.

If you are a good puncher, I will kick your legs, kick your legs, and mix in some leg kicks. And I like to knee your thighs and groin. I like it dirty.

If you like to grapple, I tend to constantly move laterally, circling away from your rear leg or hand, and throw hard shots to the side of the neck or use a forearm wedge move to the same location as punishment if you shoot for a takedown.

I sometimes, very cruelly, make you miss, then tap you with a finger or two. I am an arrogant SOB. I know it, and need therapy to try to change my ways.

If you are especially scrappy, and like to hit hard, I will hit just as hard, but in a better location. The kidneys, solar plexus, temple, nose, jaw, and forehead are my favorites.

If you are a real a-hole, and actually attack me (not in training, I will not woof or jaw with you, but hit you so quickly and hard that you go down without every completing your attach. I will wait for your telegraph, but not your move. I will finish you without hurting you, if possible. If possible…

I know it’s not the same as Mr. Vesia’s version, but I don’t have his style! Ok, comment or respond with a post and let me know – I’ll link back.

UPDATE: Those who have shared are:

Bob Patterson at Striking Thoughts blog: The “what is your style” meme

What are the characteristics of your style?

I mean it. Step outside your own training and try to analyze it. John Vesia did, in a most excellent way, for his style, Isshinryu Karate. An excerpt.

The following is a short list of some of the stock selling points of Isshinryu:

• Techniques adhere to natural body movements.
• Vertical punches are favored over rotating or "corkscrew" punches as the former are considered to be stronger, faster and more injurious to the receiver.
• Strikes are almost always delivered in a snapping (as opposed to a thrusting or pushing) fashion for the same reasons as above.

These are the major features and realize - especially if the reader is an Isshinryu person - this list is hardly exhaustive.

It’s a great post! Read the rest here. I will follow up by posting the characteristics of the TDA Training style of training.

Why this man is dangerous… to us

Obama Limits When U.S. Would Use Nuclear Arms - NYTimes.com

Read it all. Then comment.

Etiquette in the Martial Arts a life skill

Tang Soo Do Master Wayne Boozer covers one of the primary benefits of “traditional” martial arts in this post at his blog, Be The Master – A Journey In Tang Soo Do: Etiquette.

This forgotten word is actually one of the keys to learning what are called traditional martial arts. Those systems and styles which hold to their traditions are considered obsolete or irrelevant by many of those who train in sport or “reality-based” programs. Boozer shares something that most all of us can agree upon, however:

I constantly tell friends and students alike that consistent training will change your behavior for the better and it will eventually bleed into all aspects of your life as well. It’s kind of a neat thing, because how I carry myself in public is often been the subject of conversation when I meet someone new once it’s noticed.

Almost all of us can relate to having met someone who stands out, for some reason. In many cases, those who seem exceptional have military or Scouting experience, or some other area of confidence building service to others. For an example, read one of our old posts: The Value of Tradition

I would posit that the martial arts, and traditional arts in particular, are steeped in that service. Some who read this blog think that I am just your average walking, talking killer with restraint, but I learned much of that from my early days training in Isshin-Ryu, Taekwon-Do, and Aikido. I carried that with me everywhere, and you can too.

If you learn nothing from those traditional systems, learn that etiquette, and the world will definitely be a better place for all of us who live in it.

For more information:

Be The Master – A Journey In Tang Soo Do (follow at Twitter)

Karate Thoughts Blog

Okinawan Fighting Art: Isshin Ryu

The Value of Tradition

Technorati Tags: Tang Soo Do,Etiquette,Karate,IsshinRyu