Martial Arts Experiences Discussion Thread

[Naperville]

I bought the book.

I'd buy the DVDs but they are out of stock, and I have a few other things I hope to get. Maybe they will restock and the timing will be right.

Hope you like it! The DVD'S get restocked sporadically. They usually give a heads up on their InstaGram. They do have a Digital Download section that has all of the DVD content.

Thank you for sharing that! I for one am not bothered by coarse language, as long as it’s not overused to the point of becoming annoying (i.e., cursing just for the sake of cursing), and if it doesn’t interfere with the points the author is making. Looks like this one’s going on my list of future purchases.



Jim

Thank you!

Totally my bad. I only saw the DVDs. I'll go back and take a look for the digital downloads.

Nonetheless, I have at least 3 more Spyderco knives that I have to buy before the end of the year and that is #1.

[James Y]

Iain Abernethy Interview

I don’t expect many (if any) people here will actually watch this entire video (or even read my long-winded posts) , but Iain Abernethy has a wealth of very good knowledge. I agree with almost 100% of what he’s saying.

However, one issue that goes unaddressed here, and everywhere else that self-defense and/or martial arts are discussed, is that for some (many?), “running away” is not a viable option. I’m talking about those who are older and/or not in the best of shape, or who have some type of chronic condition (injury, illness, etc.) that prevents them from running. OR…if they are with somebody, like a significant other, a child, or an elderly parent who can’t or won’t run or move quickly enough, and the target cannot just run away and abandon the person/people they’re with. Even someone well-versed in practical self-defense who is young, healthy, in good shape and uninjured NOW will not necessarily be that way all of his/her life.

In addition, an attacker or attackers aren’t necessarily out of shape; many street predators can easily outrun most average people; many outrun police all the time. In fact, many of the very people who post on the internet to “just run away” from danger most likely couldn’t outrun young attackers themselves. This is a glaring issue I don’t think I’ve EVER seen addressed by self-defense instructors, even some of the best, in their writings or videos.

I’m still healthy, in very good shape for my age, still possess my striking speed, and can run *a little*, but at 58 I’m not as fast a runner as I was when I was young, and a chronic injury adds to that. But the first time I REALLY pondered this issue was when I was caring for my mom full-time and had to take her for her doctor’s appointments, etc. If something had gone down while I was taking her around with her walker, there is NO WAY I could or would have been able to just cut my losses and run away from danger. An almost similar issue is if you were with a little kid; they don’t, and cannot, react or move quickly enough. Again, nobody seems to consider this problem.

Note: I am aware that this long-winded post has little to do with the video itself, but it's something that needs to be said.

https://youtu.be/V55uLJ-kvDA

Jim

[ZrowsN1s]

.......

However, one issue that goes unaddressed here, and everywhere else that self-defense and/or martial arts are discussed, is that for some (many?), “running away” is not a viable option. ...... Again, nobody seems to consider this problem.

Jim

You are preaching to the choir with me. This is my number one gripe with almost every SD discussion I've ever had on this forum. "Why don't you just run away?". Like gee why didn't I think of that .

I try to be civil about it, but it's like OK, say you find yourself in one of countless scenarios in which you *can't* run away.... alright now what?

[Naperville]

Hahahaha, I ran every time up until I was a junior or senior in high school. Then I did not "lose" a fight until I was 26 and fought 3 first string lineman on a college football team. Still I did not do bad, I knocked out the first guy who struck me with 1 punch....it was all downhill from there!



I read 100% of what you write and I watch 80% of the videos. It has nothing to do with the content, it's a time thing. Sometimes I have the time, sometimes I do not. Sometimes I find myself going through threads rereading and (re)watching videos months later, hahahaha!

I like what the guy says around the 22 minute mark about the exchange of ideas given the Internet. I study that way now. One of the larger escrima/arnis schools that I was in broke up. I was good friends and acquaintances with everyone involved but had moved away years before the breakup. Now it's almost 18 yrs ago and I cannot get training material from either side.



Must be some kind of "secret death touch" material in those DVDs!

Sometimes people are open minded and other times, they turn inward. I'd be willing to pay for the DVDs, of course but it is not forthcoming, so that is the end of that path.

[James Y]

.......

However, one issue that goes unaddressed here, and everywhere else that self-defense and/or martial arts are discussed, is that for some (many?), “running away” is not a viable option. ...... Again, nobody seems to consider this problem.

Jim

You are preaching to the choir with me. This is my number one gripe with almost every SD discussion I've ever had on this forum. "Why don't you just run away?". Like gee why didn't I think of that .

I try to be civil about it, but it's like OK, say you find yourself in one of countless scenarios in which you *can't* run away.... alright now what?

Absolutely. There is no "one strategy fits all situations" in real life. I get the feeling that a lot of people who post that are just parroting what they've heard or read what other people say.

In the same manner that so many people post, "If you try to defend yourself with a knife, the bad guy will just take away and use it on you."

Or, "If someone tries anything with me, I'll just introduce him to my friends, Smith & Wesson." As if that's always the appropriate response for every situation, and that the gun is a magical talisman that's always with them 24/7 and is successful every time.

Jim

[James Y]

Hahahaha, I ran every time up until I was a junior or senior in high school. Then I did not "lose" a fight until I was 26 and fought 3 first string lineman on a college football team. Still I did not do bad, I knocked out the first guy who struck me with 1 punch....it was all downhill from there!



I read 100% of what you write and I watch 80% of the videos. It has nothing to do with the content, it's a time thing. Sometimes I have the time, sometimes I do not. Sometimes I find myself going through threads rereading and (re)watching videos months later, hahahaha!

I like what the guy says around the 22 minute mark about the exchange of ideas given the Internet. I study that way now. One of the larger escrima/arnis schools that I was in broke up. I was good friends and acquaintances with everyone involved but had moved away years before the breakup. Now it's almost 18 yrs ago and I cannot get training material from either side.



Must be some kind of "secret death touch" material in those DVDs!

Sometimes people are open minded and other times, they turn inward. I'd be willing to pay for the DVDs, of course but it is not forthcoming, so that is the end of that path.

Thanks for sharing your experiences. Yeah, I don't expect most people to even click on a long video, or watch more than maybe a couple minutes or so. But I still post 'em, just in case.

It's too bad when martial arts become polluted with politics. But by their very nature (historically), and the nature of many people who involve themselves in them, martial arts seem inseparable from politics. I simply don't like it, which is why I'm happier on my own now, and I no longer discuss martial arts. I'm perfectly content if people I know nowadays don't even know I've ever trained.

The reason my posts tend to be long-winded is I've never really written down or spoken aloud most of my thoughts and experiences regarding this stuff. It's the only way I know how to organize and express my thoughts coherently about the subject for once, since I'm not really intending to do it anywhere else.

Jim

[James Y]

Tim Larkin: “Big Mouth Eats An Elbow”

https://youtu.be/AjPykZ_sZ50

Jim

[Naperville]

Ouch.

I never go to bars unless I go with a dozen martial artists that I know and respect. Going alone in to a bar for a few drinks is just insane nowadays.

And as my mom always told me, never talk to strangers. A stranger might put his boot upside your head!

[Naperville]

Rich Moon!!!

https://youtu.be/CyoYedSSUwM

[James Y]

Rich Moon!!!

https://youtu.be/CyoYedSSUwM

Creative!

It’s funny, but the biggest thing that stood out to me was the Chinese salute he gives at 0:55. That is definitely not a salute you would ever see in a Judo dojo (unless possibly in a Judo dojo in China). I’ve noticed seeing other recent examples of Americans adopting the Chinese salute, and applying it to Japanese culture and martial arts. In a traditional Japanese dojo, you would never see that salute.

Jim

[Naperville]

Rich Moon!!!

https://youtu.be/CyoYedSSUwM

Creative!

It’s funny, but the biggest thing that stood out to me was the Chinese salute he gives at 0:55. That is definitely not a salute you would ever see in a Judo dojo (unless possibly in a Judo dojo in China). I’ve noticed seeing other recent examples of Americans adopting the Chinese salute, and applying it to Japanese culture and martial arts. In a traditional Japanese dojo, you would never see that salute.

Jim

First person I can recall that bragged about his martial arts background! There must be quite a few with martial arts backgrounds and they should reveal their efforts.

Thank you for the info!!!

[James Y]

“Deceive Your Enemy! Chaquan and Jeet Kune Do”

I really like this Kuro Obi World video series from Japan. I’m especially impressed with the fact that the video maker (whom I believe is a famous Shotokan Sensei in Japan) is open enough to feature other arts, and that the various different martial artists featured are respectful and open with each other.

One of the featured teachers demonstrates some Jeet Kune Do, while the other demonstrates some Chaquan. Chaquan is one of the major systems of Northern Long Fist, originated by Chinese Hui Muslims. It is VERY rare to see any demonstrations of Chaquan applications; most of what you’ll see of it on YouTube is forms demonstrations. This Chaquan teacher shows that many of the “flowery” movements in the forms are actually fighting principles in disguise. I’m not surprised that the Chaquan teacher that actually demonstrates applications is Japanese. It’s hard to find Chinese practitioners who will actually demonstrate any applications.

The “scoop kick” demonstrated by the Jeet Kune Do sensei starting from 7:08 is something I learned back in the ‘70s from Sensei Linekin, my Kenpo teacher. You can do it whether the opponent is facing you or has his back to you, and is very deceptive.

https://youtu.be/4UPCr9w5pDE

Jim

[James Y]

Real Fight - Spinning Backfist KO

Obviously, this is not a legal self-defense situation, but is a mutual combat street fight (big difference). Catches him right on the jaw for an easy KO.

Unfortunately, there is only a link here to watch it on YouTube.

https://youtu.be/xzkkDvcFRog

Jim

[James Y]

Enho, The Smallest Wrestler In Sumo, Slaying Giants (Highlights)

https://youtu.be/Y7Yzy9NmxMA

Jim

[Naperville]

Enho, The Smallest Wrestler In Sumo, Slaying Giants (Highlights)

https://youtu.be/Y7Yzy9NmxMA

Jim

FANTASTIC ACTION!!!

You've made me a fan of Echo.

The Japanese Govt should use Echo to sell Japanese War Bonds so that they can build their military.

[Naperville]

I am not saying that I agree 100% with everything being said. I have not analyzed it like it's a doctoral thesis! What is being said is coming from someone with a ton of experience.

Knife Fighting Lies by Marc "Animal" MacYoung
http://www.nononsenseselfdefense.com/knifelies.html

[James Y]

I am not saying that I agree 100% with everything being said. I have not analyzed it like it's a doctoral thesis! What is being said is coming from someone with a ton of experience.

Knife Fighting Lies by Marc "Animal" MacYoung
http://www.nononsenseselfdefense.com/knifelies.html

I highly respect Marc MacYoung. I started reading his stuff back in the 90s.

However, the "But what if someone can't just run away" is not a myth, but a very valid question. Anybody who doesn't think so has never cared for a 90+ year old mother for years and had to take her around. It is most definitely NOT a fantasy or an "excuse."

Jim

[Naperville]

I am not saying that I agree 100% with everything being said. I have not analyzed it like it's a doctoral thesis! What is being said is coming from someone with a ton of experience.

Knife Fighting Lies by Marc "Animal" MacYoung
http://www.nononsenseselfdefense.com/knifelies.html

I highly respect Marc MacYoung. I started reading his stuff back in the 90s.

However, the "But what if someone can't just run away" is not a myth, but a very valid question. Anybody who doesn't think so has never cared for a 90+ year old mother for years and had to take her around. It is most definitely NOT a fantasy or an "excuse."

Jim

Yes, I do not agree with everything in that document. His positions are completely based on not getting arrested/charged and headed to prison. And with that, I agree, it is best NOT to be in a position of defending oneself with a knife.

People are much better off getting a concealed carry permit (CCW) or live in a state with constitutional carry. I rarely see anyone charged for shooting in self defense that have a CCW.

I did not want to break down the document and take over the thread. I carry a knife for self defense, but it will have to be some terrible situation for me to deploy it. Maybe the store I am in is being robbed, or I am at an ATM and getting robbed. I would also deploy one if, as in the last time I did there are 4 to 5 guys trying to beat me up.

If it is just man-to-man and the opponent has no weapon, you are better off trying to deal with the perp with your bare hands if you do not posses a CCW.

Everyone's best bet is to travel and take care of errands during the daylight, not frequent bars, and use your head.

Thanks Jim!!!

[James Y]

I am not saying that I agree 100% with everything being said. I have not analyzed it like it's a doctoral thesis! What is being said is coming from someone with a ton of experience.

Knife Fighting Lies by Marc "Animal" MacYoung
http://www.nononsenseselfdefense.com/knifelies.html

I highly respect Marc MacYoung. I started reading his stuff back in the 90s.

However, the "But what if someone can't just run away" is not a myth, but a very valid question. Anybody who doesn't think so has never cared for a 90+ year old mother for years and had to take her around. It is most definitely NOT a fantasy or an "excuse."

Jim

Yes, I do not agree with everything in that document. His positions are completely based on not getting arrested/charged and headed to prison. And with that, I agree, it is best NOT to be in a position of defending oneself with a knife.

People are much better off getting a concealed carry permit (CCW) or live in a state with constitutional carry. I rarely see anyone charged for shooting in self defense that have a CCW.

I did not want to break down the document and take over the thread. I carry a knife for self defense, but it will have to be some terrible situation for me to deploy it. Maybe the store I am in is being robbed, or I am at an ATM and getting robbed. I would also deploy one if, as in the last time I did there are 4 to 5 guys trying to beat me up.

If it is just man-to-man and the opponent has no weapon, you are better off trying to deal with the perp with your bare hands if you do not posses a CCW.

Everyone's best bet is to travel and take care of errands during the daylight, not frequent bars, and use your head.

Thanks Jim!!!

Naperville:

Thank YOU for sharing that. But I want you to know that your contributions to this thread are every bit as valid and important as mine, or anybody else’s. Maybe more than mine. This thread is for anyone to share their views and experiences on anything martial arts-related. That article does have relevance to martial arts or SD, and you have considerable experience in the art(s) mentioned in it. So please feel free to share your views anytime you like.

Jim

[Naperville]

I am not saying that I agree 100% with everything being said. I have not analyzed it like it's a doctoral thesis! What is being said is coming from someone with a ton of experience.

Knife Fighting Lies by Marc "Animal" MacYoung
http://www.nononsenseselfdefense.com/knifelies.html

I highly respect Marc MacYoung. I started reading his stuff back in the 90s.

However, the "But what if someone can't just run away" is not a myth, but a very valid question. Anybody who doesn't think so has never cared for a 90+ year old mother for years and had to take her around. It is most definitely NOT a fantasy or an "excuse."

Jim

Yes, I do not agree with everything in that document. His positions are completely based on not getting arrested/charged and headed to prison. And with that, I agree, it is best NOT to be in a position of defending oneself with a knife.

People are much better off getting a concealed carry permit (CCW) or live in a state with constitutional carry. I rarely see anyone charged for shooting in self defense that have a CCW.

I did not want to break down the document and take over the thread. I carry a knife for self defense, but it will have to be some terrible situation for me to deploy it. Maybe the store I am in is being robbed, or I am at an ATM and getting robbed. I would also deploy one if, as in the last time I did there are 4 to 5 guys trying to beat me up.

If it is just man-to-man and the opponent has no weapon, you are better off trying to deal with the perp with your bare hands if you do not posses a CCW.

Everyone's best bet is to travel and take care of errands during the daylight, not frequent bars, and use your head.

Thanks Jim!!!

Naperville:

Thank YOU for sharing that. But I want you to know that your contributions to this thread are every bit as valid and important as mine, or anybody else’s. Maybe more than mine. This thread is for anyone to share their views and experiences on anything martial arts-related. That article does have relevance to martial arts or SD, and you have experience in the art(s) mentioned in it. So please feel free to share your views anytime you like.

Jim

You're a good egg.... if you're ever headed to the Chicagoland area let me know and I will try to meet up with you.

I'll contribute what I can.

Thanks Jim!