Todays Quote: Cowtown Cop on "The Gun Show Loophole"

There is a growing trend among politicians and the media who have bought into the idea that there is this mysterious “gun show loophole” that must be illegal, immoral and dangerous just because of the name, right? This term is misleading and strives to make a perfectly legal and normal practice sound shady and wrong.

As I walked the long trek from my car to the front door I saw several folks engaging in open, above board transactions to buy, sell or trade firearms. This is not illegal. You can do it any where, not just a gun show. There just happens to be more of them at gun shows because that is where lots of people with guns to sell or trade congregate. We could all get together in a town square and sell each other guns and there would be nothing illegal about it. Why all the fuss then?

As I walked, I looked at the massive number of cars that were clogging the parking lot. I know for a fact that these cars kill far more people every year than guns do. Yet no one is calling for a ban on person to person car sales. There is no movement to ban high capacity vehicles (buses) or “assault cars” favored by criminals to carry out their nefarious crimes (’87 chevapontacadibuicks).

Why then is there such a fear of person to person firearms sales. I think it is because it SCARES some people. You, yes I mean you reading this right now. You scare the pants off of some folks with your guns and your independent attitude. How is the government going to take care of us all if you go and take care of yourself? It’s just not fair.

- Cowtown Cop in You Scare People, You Really Do...

Technorati Tags: Guns,gun shows,gun show loophole,gun rights,gun control

Todays Quote: Hock on Finishing the Fight

"There Must be 50 Ways to Leave Your Fighter" (with apologies to Paul Simon)

There are actually not that many in terms of concept. There must be 5 ways to "win," or to "finish" a fight, whether soldier, citizen, security or cop.

1) You leave. You escape from the opponent (hopefully using the "Orderly Retreat" concept)

2) He leaves. You use threats, demands and actions to make the opponent surrender and/or desists and leaves.

3) He stays. You inflect less-than-lethal injury upon the opponent. Injure and/or diminish to a degree that
the opponent stops fighting and chasing you.

4) You and he both stay. You control arrest, contain and restrain. You capture and escort the opponent. Or, you detain/capture the opponent and await the proper authorities.

5) He dies. Lethal methods. We fight criminals and enemy soldiers. Sometimes we kill them.

- Hock Hochheim's March 6, 2008 blog entry

Pretty brilliant, no?

Todays Quote: Chiron on Sacred Space

"What makes training sacred is that you cannot do it in the usual mundane haze of inattention." - Chiron

Very true. What Rory is describing is something that most of us miss during our daily lives - focus on what's happening, right now! I remember many training, sparring sessions, and even fighting, and once you get past the frantic beginning, there's a feeling of being there, a glory in what's happening at the very moment it happens. At a certain level of training and conditioning, what you're going to do, and what the opponent does just become what happens. Instead of struggling to make it happen, it just does. I miss it.

Quote: Weakness With a Twist on Useless Acts

"We don’t actually need meaning to find fulfillment." Read - you'll be glad you did.

Quote of the Day: A six year-olds definition of a black belt

I love this quote by jmdarter at OKCDT:

"I was talking to my 6 year old the other day, Ashlyn, and she asked me “do you know what a black belt is?” I asked if she knew, and she said “Yes, a black belt is a white belt that never quits [emphasis mine- NT]”. I was amazed at how simple she made it sound, and how she, on her own, related a black belt with commitment on that level. Anyone can achieve black belt, but only if they are committed to do so. And it doesn’t mean you have to commit your whole life, every hour of every day. It means that you commit a few hours a week to begin with, and understand that nothing else can interfere with that time."

Technorati Tags: black belt,commitment

Today's Quote: Chiron

"Good martial arts (and real fighting} is in the transition. Victory happens less in the technique than in the spaces between the techniques. At the point of impact boxers, muay thai guys and karateka aren't that different, but what they do with their hips, their legs and their shoulders before and after are very, very different." - Chiron

Technorati Tags: martial arts,fighting,karate,boxing,muay Thai

Today's Quote: Defend University on the Unexpected

 

"Remember that the professional may be predictable, but the world is full of amateurs." - Defend University

A great quote, and short post which reinforces what I've been saying for a long time, along with such luminaries as Hock Hochheim - train to deal with the untrained! Money quote:

I once saw Royce Gracie almost get KO'ed in a seminar (this was during the height of his UFC fighting days) when a raw beginner did a completely unexpected move and kneed Royce right in the face. The kid was not being malicious, it's just that he had no idea of what to do next so he did something completely unpredictable.

Expect the unexpected.

Well said, and you hear about this over and over, the cliche of black belts getting pounded by street fighters with no formal training. Is it the fact that the untrained fighter is dangerous, or that the black belt's training is too specific?

I'd say that it's a little of both. My recent, controversial post, Is your traditional training going to get you killed?, deals with the issue of martial artists being trained to deal with a certain mindset on the part of their training partners, and learn to look for (and react to) certain techniques at a certain range. In other words, my boxing training may teach me that clinching is to be discouraged, holding and hitting illegal, and there's certainly no need to look for head butts or kicks. My TKD training might mean that I try to stay at kicking range and neglect any takedowns or throws. I may not be used to the intensity of an attacker that actually wants to do me harm.

Another way of looking at this comes from a great Black Belt article by Hock Hochheim (you can download the PDF here) listing what he calls "12 Combat Commandments from the School of Hard Knocks." In it, he lists tips that he's gleaned from the fabled school of experience, plus study and teaching, including this nugget:

TRAIN ACCORDING TO THE STATS

A major problem in martial arts classes is lopsided priorities. Too much training is devoted to events that are unlikely to occur. Knife fighters duel too much, karateka exchange kicks and punches too much, and grapplers wrestle too much. Few students of self-defense spend enough time shooting firearms. Even fewer spend enough time studying the psychology of violence.

Endeavor to learn what's most likely to happen and train for that first. Then work backward along the continuum of probability. [Emphasis mine - Nathan]

What's more likely to happen, an axe kick attack, or a tackle? An overhand right or a left jab? Train accordingly!

For more information:

Defend University
Hock's Blog
Today's TDA Tip: Train versus the Untrained
TDA: UNCONDITIONAL SURVIVAL
TDA: Sucker Punch Saturday
TDA: THE VIOLENCE PROJECT
TDA: How to Win a Fight: Self-Defense Strategies for the Untrained Fighter
TDA: STREET SMARTS
TDA: Training diary Sat., 7/31/04 (Self-def)

Technorati Tags: Royce Gracie,untrained fighters,tae kwon do,karate,boxing,clinch,takedown,tackle,kick

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

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

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

Today's Quote: Ben Franklin

“Work as if you were to live 100 Years, Pray as if you were to die To-morrow.” —Benjamin Franklin 

Good advice, to be sure!

Quote of the Day: Kesting on The Big Picture

"Remember that fighting ability doesn't mean @#%$ in the big picture. If it brings enjoyment to your life that's brilliant. But, at your funeral do you want the mourners missing you and grieving over the loss, or saying "well, he had a really tight side control". Be nice and let your family and friends know how much you love 'em." - Stephan Kesting

I couldn't agree more. Train to live, don't live to train.

Nathan

Today's Quote: Maj. Jim Gant

Photo: Blackfive

"On that day, there were no Americans. There were no Iraqis, no whites and no blacks. There were no Sunnis, Shias, Christians. There was just a group of warriors working and fighting together. All the men I fought with that day showed incredible courage and bravery. That was one of the highlights of my life; working with those men that day." - Major Jim Gant, about the fight he led that earned him a Silver Star for Valor

Today's Quote: George Ruiz

“…it is not a good idea to cover up in the corner and hope that the bad man who’s hitting you will go away. He will not. So what do you do? Two choices, really. You either fight back or you move.” – George Ruiz

We've covered covering up before (play on words intended), but George's quote seems to apply to more than just martial arts, doesn't it?

Today's Quote: Brad Parker

"Remember here, running away is a very, very good option for the civilian. The LAPD has found that officers in foot pursuits were usually only successful in capturing the suspect in the first 200 yards of the chase. After 200 yards, the odds of catching the bad guy diminished rapidly. The same experience should also apply to you. If you can string the group out over a couple of hundred yards, then you can engage each opponent separately."

This is a quote from what I consider the best generic article on the Web for defending yourself versus multiple opponents, Defend University's, Facing Multiple Attackers? Styles, Attributes and Strategies for Successful Self-Defense," by Brad Parker. I'd recommend reading the whole article.

I like his analysis, but also consider that:

• The suspect in a foot pursuit may know the area better than a cop.
• Police are usually weighed down by more gear.
• Cops may not be in as good a shape as their quarry.

The point of stringing a group out over a couple of hundred yards is very valid, but you'd better be in shape to run and fight. I'm not, so I'm afraid I'd have to just fight...

Today's Quote: Hock Hochheim

"The truth is diversity, versatility. Preparedness. You simply fight where you have to fight. Learn it all, but don’t become any one thing! Don’t capture yourself as a ground fighter or a kick boxer. Be the bastard ! Study to learn how to defeat these things, not to become them. Be free! And then most importantly on top of that, cheat!" - Hock Hochheim

---

Where to start?

Diversity: No single style will get it done. Most of you reading this will be empty-hand experts, or are trying to get there. Most of us will think of this diversity as regarding the different ranges of fighting, or different types of technique. Instead, think of it as the totality of combat - as the quoted instructor teaches, gun, knife, stick, and empty hand.

Versatility: Know what you're doing on the ground (if you must be there), in very tight quarters, on a slippery or uneven surface, or on a moving bus or train. How about the dark? Be able to kick with punchers, punch versus kickers, disarm knife attackers, or out shoot a gun attacker. Truly know all the ranges, and everything in-between.

Preparedness: Not only being aware of your surroundings, or planning your route so as not to get into a bad situation, but this can also cover conditioning yourself for self-defense. Weight training can be the difference between being overwhelmed by a larger attacker, as can the ability to take a shot and keep going. Train for what you might face. Psychological preparation can include scenario training, videotape, and visualization. I often mentally rehearse, "How would I respond if that guy pulled a knife?" Or, "How could I take that guy down if he started beating his wife/girlfriend?" Look for escape routes and vulnerable areas of a room.

Finally, be mean when you have to be mean. The rest of the time, as Dalton in Roadhouse says, "be nice!"

Today's Quote - Tyson on "plans"

"Every fighter's got a plan until they get hit in the mouth." – Mike Tyson

I love that quote. Sometimes we just want to fight "our fight," and to train the way we want to train. Most of us will never fight at a championship level in anything, but if we are interested in being able to successfully fight for our lives, that means that we need to plan for the worst. What are you more likely to face, a national-level TKD player or a drunk? What types of techniques are you likely to face? Is it more important to train versus the axe kick or versus the tackle?

I used to focus on drilling my side kick for hundreds of reps a week, sometimes thousands. I could stop virtually anyone in their tracks, and once knocked someone out of the air with it by merely extending it with perfect timing - no power. I don't worry about doing it nearly the same amount today because I realize that it's not as important as it once was. I focus more on fighting out of a natural stance; I train more versus hands than feet. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy the fun of dealing with stylized techniques or sport as much as the next fellow, but it's not the biggest part of my "plan." Back to work!

Quote of the Day: Bruce Lee

"The highest technique is to have no technique. My technique is a result of your technique; my movement is a result of your movement." – Bruce Lee

Today's Quote - Max Baer

"(I define fear as) standing across the ring from Joe Louis and knowing he wants to go home early."  - Max Baer

Fields of Friendly Strife

"Upon the fields of friendly strife
Are sown the seeds
That, upon other fields, on other days
Will bear the fruits of victory."

Gen. Douglas MacArthur wrote this while superintendent of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, New York, 1919–1922, and had them engraved over the entrance to the gymnasium. Why there?

MacArthur understood that training is the time to challenge yourself-to get it right. The hours of sweat an toil in the training environment are when you need to concentrate on perfection, so that when you are competing, or more importantly, defending yourself or your loved ones, you are good enough.

Get to work!