Martial Arts Experiences Discussion Thread

[James Y]

New Combat Sport "Run it Straight"

I thought that slap fighting was the stupidest sport. I guess they've thought up something even stupider:



Jim

[SpyderEdgeForever]

Tell us again about the guys who karate chop bricks and ice blocks and other materials with their hands. Is that a put on or real?

[James Y]

Tell us again about the guys who karate chop bricks and ice blocks and other materials with their hands. Is that a put on or real?

Not really sure what the tone of your post is. Some are faked, with specially-prepared materials that are made easy to break, and some are real. But I've personally never been impressed with breaking demonstrations, even if they are real.

Jim

[James Y]

"One Year Changed My Martial Arts Training! You Think 'Fighting' is Self-Defense?"

This is extremely valuable information and insights that most martial arts channels don't give out (or are not even aware of).



Jim

[James Y]

South Korean Special Forces / Hand-to-Hand Knife Fighting Training



Jim

[James Y]

Ex-Prisoner Schools Green Beret on Knife Fighting



Jim

[James Y]

"Responding to Your Comments About Why (Knife) Size Doesn't Matter"



Jim

[James Y]

One Brutal Forearm Strike to End the Fight



All of these strikes are very good, but with the radial strike, you need conditioned forearms, AND you must train it so your elbow is always bent on contact, lest you hyperextend it. As for the other strikes, I use the knife hand strike, and the ulna forearm version is for when they are too close; they are the exact same motions. In self-defense, simplicity is best.

Jim

[Naperville]

"Responding to Your Comments About Why (Knife) Size Doesn't Matter"



Jim

I watched 1/2 the video and thought that I would comment. I'll watch the remainder of the video in a sec.

I am not a 2nd Amendment expert witness nor do I work for the FBI stats division.

He has knives to sell.

The primary edged weapon in homicides in the home it will probably be a kitchen knife with a 4 to 6 inch blade. Just a hunch.

If the knife carry laws were changed nationwide, I'd like to carry a 5.5 to 7 inch blade cross draw on my belt in front, and a 28 inch blade across my back, or in a Japanese Samurai fashion(on my left side). I could move to TX and do it, but I'm not going to do that. It was what my edged weapon training used. In IL they put pressure on the defender to either NOT carry a knife or carry one that is closer to 3 inches, or if charged when performing self defense, you start with a felony.

I like to know what I am talking about so I asked about the depth of the chest cavity, and how can I strike the internals.

I ASKED:
What is the thickness, front to back, of a 200 pound male body?

Microsoft Pilot AI says:
The front-to-back thickness of a 200-pound male body—often referred to as torso depth or sagittal abdominal diameter—can vary depending on body composition, fat distribution, and posture. But we can estimate a general range based on anthropometric data.

Estimated Torso Thickness (Front to Back)
For an average adult male in the U.S.:

Chest depth (sternum to spine): ~10 inches (25.4 cm) at the 50th percentile

Abdominal depth (belly to back): ~9.9 inches (25.1 cm) at the 50th percentile

These values are measured at different points:

Chest depth is typically measured at the level of the nipples.

Abdominal depth is measured at the level of the navel or iliac crest.

A 200-pound male might fall slightly above average in body mass, so:

Torso thickness could range from 10 to 13 inches (25–33 cm) depending on muscle mass and fat distribution.

[James Y]

"Responding to Your Comments About Why (Knife) Size Doesn't Matter"



Jim

I watched 1/2 the video and thought that I would comment. I'll watch the remainder of the video in a sec.

I am not a 2nd Amendment expert witness nor do I work for the FBI stats division.

He has knives to sell.

The primary edged weapon in homicides in the home it will probably be a kitchen knife with a 4 to 6 inch blade. Just a hunch.

If the knife carry laws were changed nationwide, I'd like to carry a 5.5 to 7 inch blade cross draw on my belt in front, and a 28 inch blade across my back, or in a Japanese Samurai fashion(on my left side). I could move to TX and do it, but I'm not going to do that. It was what my edged weapon training used. In IL they put pressure on the defender to either NOT carry a knife or carry one that is closer to 3 inches, or if charged when performing self defense, you start with a felony.

I like to know what I am talking about so I asked about the depth of the chest cavity, and how can I strike the internals.

I ASKED:
What is the thickness, front to back, of a 200 pound male body?

Microsoft Pilot AI says:
The front-to-back thickness of a 200-pound male body—often referred to as torso depth or sagittal abdominal diameter—can vary depending on body composition, fat distribution, and posture. But we can estimate a general range based on anthropometric data.

Estimated Torso Thickness (Front to Back)
For an average adult male in the U.S.:

Chest depth (sternum to spine): ~10 inches (25.4 cm) at the 50th percentile

Abdominal depth (belly to back): ~9.9 inches (25.1 cm) at the 50th percentile

These values are measured at different points:

Chest depth is typically measured at the level of the nipples.

Abdominal depth is measured at the level of the navel or iliac crest.

A 200-pound male might fall slightly above average in body mass, so:

Torso thickness could range from 10 to 13 inches (25–33 cm) depending on muscle mass and fat distribution.

Hopefully not too graphic for the forum, but with soft tissue compression, a 3" long blade could potentially penetrate 4", 5", or possibly even as deep as 6".

Jim

[James Y]

Psychology or Lack of Empathy? / The Bystander Effect / Impact of Kitty Genovese's Case



At first glance, this has nothing to do with martial arts ... or to be more exact, practical self-defense training. But when considered, it can have everything to do with it. You cannot (or should not) expect anyone to come to your aid if you suffer an emergency, or if you are ever attacked. It has to be your own responsibility.

On two occasions over 30 years ago when I lived in Taiwan (where I spent most of my 20s), I helped elderly men, who had been riding scooters and been sideswiped and injured by cars that continued driving away in rush hour traffic. In the first instance, I helped the old man out of the street, so he wouldn't get run over. NOBODY ELSE STOPPED TO HELP, even though there were many people walking by in both directions on the sidewalk. I went into a nearby shop and told them to call an ambulance for the old man, then went back outside and waited with him, about 30 minutes, until help arrived. He was still sitting on the curb in shock, his broken scooter still lying partway in the busy street, and he never once spoke a word to me. He was probably in shock. I didn't help him because I expected a thank you; I helped because what if that were me, or someone I loved?

I have helped others in other situations, and might still do so in a similar situation, depending. But at this point in my life, I will not be a white knight for a stranger if there is a violent attack. I WILL get a safe distance away ASAP and call the police. I will not just do nothing, and act like "out of sight, out of mind". The types of people who do that are NPC's, and will someday have to face the karma of their cold-blooded apathy.

I recall posting a video years ago on this very thread that showed security cam footage of an attack and fatal stabbing of a man in broad daylight, in a crowded tourist area in Amsterdam (IIRC), with people walking past in both directions like cattle, as the attack was happening. Some noticed, but behaved like nothing unusual was happening; others showed only mild interest or awareness, and continued walking or browsing in shops, mere feet away from the chase and the attack. In the end, the only person who did anything was a nearby Turkish shopkeeper, who came out and stopped the attack from continuing by chastising the attacker. But by that time, the victim was already dying or dead. Yes, according to the news report, the knife attack was fatal. That video has long been deleted by YouTube.

Only you can be responsible for your own safety.

Jim

[Scandi Grind]

Excellent thoughts, Jim. I feel like you have pointed out how to avoid getting yourself into trouble by involving yourself in dangerous situations many times before, but here you also point out the importance of caring about what happens to the people around you. This is a balance that many people never come to.

[James Y]

Excellent thoughts, Jim. I feel like you have pointed out how to avoid getting yourself into trouble by involving yourself in dangerous situations many times before, but here you also point out the importance of caring about what happens to the people around you. This is a balance that many people never come to.

Thanks, Scandi. Many people lean too far one way or the other, and parrot online what they've heard or read from other people. Some have "Superman Syndrome," where they imagine how much of a hero they would be. Others become callous towards others, saying to "help no one at all, under any circumstances, unless it's my own wife/kid(s)," etc. The former attitude is dangerous. For those with the latter attitude, well ... I hope they or their lived ones never have to experience a mishap, and wonder why nobody cares enough to do at least the bare minimum to help.

As far as avoiding problems to one's self while still maintaining one's humanity, it's a difficult line to draw; it depends on the situation. If it involves violence that doesn'tinvolve me or someone I care about, forget it. Especially if it's between a husband/wife, BF/GF situation. That's no business of mine. I will call the police in such a situation, but that's it.

If someone falls on the street or has an accident, etc., that's different, and if I can, I'll help. Keeping in mind that if they're down, you might not want to move them or jostle them, and risk injuring them some more. Calling the cops/911 would still be of primary importance.

Jim

[James Y]

Stick vs Knife



Jim

[Naperville]

Stick vs Knife



Jim

The good thing about weapon arts is that most of it translates to empty hands, or techniques that can be used with one empty hand.

YES, I might get hit. I'd throw a roof block with my left arm, and go in with the knife.

The only way to stop me in that situation would be if the perp had a machete or 2+ foot blade and all that I had was a <6 inch blade.

[Naperville]

Psychology or Lack of Empathy? / The Bystander Effect / Impact of Kitty Genovese's Case



At first glance, this has nothing to do with martial arts ... or to be more exact, practical self-defense training. But when considered, it can have everything to do with it. You cannot (or should not) expect anyone to come to your aid if you suffer an emergency, or if you are ever attacked. It has to be your own responsibility.

On two occasions over 30 years ago when I lived in Taiwan (where I spent most of my 20s), I helped elderly men, who had been riding scooters and been sideswiped and injured by cars that continued driving away in rush hour traffic. In the first instance, I helped the old man out of the street, so he wouldn't get run over. NOBODY ELSE STOPPED TO HELP, even though there were many people walking by in both directions on the sidewalk. I went into a nearby shop and told them to call an ambulance for the old man, then went back outside and waited with him, about 30 minutes, until help arrived. He was still sitting on the curb in shock, his broken scooter still lying partway in the busy street, and he never once spoke a word to me. He was probably in shock. I didn't help him because I expected a thank you; I helped because what if that were me, or someone I loved?

I have helped others in other situations, and might still do so in a similar situation, depending. But at this point in my life, I will not be a white knight for a stranger if there is a violent attack. I WILL get a safe distance away ASAP and call the police. I will not just do nothing, and act like "out of sight, out of mind". The types of people who do that are NPC's, and will someday have to face the karma of their cold-blooded apathy.

I recall posting a video years ago on this very thread that showed security cam footage of an attack and fatal stabbing of a man in broad daylight, in a crowded tourist area in Amsterdam (IIRC), with people walking past in both directions like cattle, as the attack was happening. Some noticed, but behaved like nothing unusual was happening; others showed only mild interest or awareness, and continued walking or browsing in shops, mere feet away from the chase and the attack. In the end, the only person who did anything was a nearby Turkish shopkeeper, who came out and stopped the attack from continuing by chastising the attacker. But by that time, the victim was already dying or dead. Yes, according to the news report, the knife attack was fatal. That video has long been deleted by YouTube.

Only you can be responsible for your own safety.

Jim

I think it is a lack of empathy OR maybe they had been arrested and charged before for sticking their nose in where they did not have to.

[James Y]

Stick vs Knife



Jim

The good thing about weapon arts is that most of it translates to empty hands, or techniques that can be used with one empty hand.

YES, I might get hit. I'd throw a roof block with my left arm, and go in with the knife.

The only way to stop me in that situation would be if the perp had a machete or 2+ foot blade and all that I had was a <6 inch blade.

This is why I prefer a longer stick, like my walking stick. I use two hands, and I do not swing it, or use big, wide movements. I maneuver and thrust and utilize small angles, striking with the hard handle end. One-on-one, it would be VERY difficult for anyone with a shorter, non-firearm weapon to get close enough.

Jim

[James Y]

Psychology or Lack of Empathy? / The Bystander Effect / Impact of Kitty Genovese's Case



At first glance, this has nothing to do with martial arts ... or to be more exact, practical self-defense training. But when considered, it can have everything to do with it. You cannot (or should not) expect anyone to come to your aid if you suffer an emergency, or if you are ever attacked. It has to be your own responsibility.

On two occasions over 30 years ago when I lived in Taiwan (where I spent most of my 20s), I helped elderly men, who had been riding scooters and been sideswiped and injured by cars that continued driving away in rush hour traffic. In the first instance, I helped the old man out of the street, so he wouldn't get run over. NOBODY ELSE STOPPED TO HELP, even though there were many people walking by in both directions on the sidewalk. I went into a nearby shop and told them to call an ambulance for the old man, then went back outside and waited with him, about 30 minutes, until help arrived. He was still sitting on the curb in shock, his broken scooter still lying partway in the busy street, and he never once spoke a word to me. He was probably in shock. I didn't help him because I expected a thank you; I helped because what if that were me, or someone I loved?

I have helped others in other situations, and might still do so in a similar situation, depending. But at this point in my life, I will not be a white knight for a stranger if there is a violent attack. I WILL get a safe distance away ASAP and call the police. I will not just do nothing, and act like "out of sight, out of mind". The types of people who do that are NPC's, and will someday have to face the karma of their cold-blooded apathy.

I recall posting a video years ago on this very thread that showed security cam footage of an attack and fatal stabbing of a man in broad daylight, in a crowded tourist area in Amsterdam (IIRC), with people walking past in both directions like cattle, as the attack was happening. Some noticed, but behaved like nothing unusual was happening; others showed only mild interest or awareness, and continued walking or browsing in shops, mere feet away from the chase and the attack. In the end, the only person who did anything was a nearby Turkish shopkeeper, who came out and stopped the attack from continuing by chastising the attacker. But by that time, the victim was already dying or dead. Yes, according to the news report, the knife attack was fatal. That video has long been deleted by YouTube.

Only you can be responsible for your own safety.

Jim

I think it is a lack of empathy OR maybe they had been arrested and charged before for sticking their nose in where they did not have to.

The lack of empathy is exactly what it is for MANY who post things online. So many post like that, that I highly doubt that many of them have ever actually tried to help anybody else at any point in time, because they most likely would mention it as an example if they had. I'm not saying much of what they say isn't legitimate. I am saying that the majority of them are simply parroting things they've heard or read about by other people online.

If you try to help a stranger from a violent threat, and fail, you can end up severely injured or dead. If you succeed ... especially if you are unintentionally TOO effective for your (and everybody else's) own good ... you'll be treated like Daniel Penny, or worse.

Jim

[Naperville]

Psychology or Lack of Empathy? / The Bystander Effect / Impact of Kitty Genovese's Case



At first glance, this has nothing to do with martial arts ... or to be more exact, practical self-defense training. But when considered, it can have everything to do with it. You cannot (or should not) expect anyone to come to your aid if you suffer an emergency, or if you are ever attacked. It has to be your own responsibility.

On two occasions over 30 years ago when I lived in Taiwan (where I spent most of my 20s), I helped elderly men, who had been riding scooters and been sideswiped and injured by cars that continued driving away in rush hour traffic. In the first instance, I helped the old man out of the street, so he wouldn't get run over. NOBODY ELSE STOPPED TO HELP, even though there were many people walking by in both directions on the sidewalk. I went into a nearby shop and told them to call an ambulance for the old man, then went back outside and waited with him, about 30 minutes, until help arrived. He was still sitting on the curb in shock, his broken scooter still lying partway in the busy street, and he never once spoke a word to me. He was probably in shock. I didn't help him because I expected a thank you; I helped because what if that were me, or someone I loved?

I have helped others in other situations, and might still do so in a similar situation, depending. But at this point in my life, I will not be a white knight for a stranger if there is a violent attack. I WILL get a safe distance away ASAP and call the police. I will not just do nothing, and act like "out of sight, out of mind". The types of people who do that are NPC's, and will someday have to face the karma of their cold-blooded apathy.

I recall posting a video years ago on this very thread that showed security cam footage of an attack and fatal stabbing of a man in broad daylight, in a crowded tourist area in Amsterdam (IIRC), with people walking past in both directions like cattle, as the attack was happening. Some noticed, but behaved like nothing unusual was happening; others showed only mild interest or awareness, and continued walking or browsing in shops, mere feet away from the chase and the attack. In the end, the only person who did anything was a nearby Turkish shopkeeper, who came out and stopped the attack from continuing by chastising the attacker. But by that time, the victim was already dying or dead. Yes, according to the news report, the knife attack was fatal. That video has long been deleted by YouTube.

Only you can be responsible for your own safety.

Jim

I think it is a lack of empathy OR maybe they had been arrested and charged before for sticking their nose in where they did not have to.

The lack of empathy is exactly what it is for MANY who post things online. So many post like that, that I highly doubt that many of them have ever actually tried to help anybody else at any point in time, because they most likely would mention it as an example if they had. I'm not saying much of what they say isn't legitimate. I am saying that the majority of them are simply parroting things they've heard or read about by other people online.

If you try to help a stranger from a violent threat, and fail, you can end up severely injured or dead. If you succeed ... especially if you are unintentionally TOO effective for your (and everybody else's) own good ... you'll be treated like Daniel Penny, or worse.

Jim

100%.

Around 2010 I worked in remote tech support for 3M, Red Roof Inns, and a Texas school district. When the service was dropped by employer I lost my job. I was living in Chicago at the time and unemployment kicked in. I had a ton of free time and walked a lot. Came across hundreds of homeless people.

Right or wrong, I must have given out $3500 in cash, $20 bills to homeless people. I do not care what they did with the money, I just could not stand to see women with children homeless on the streets of Chicago.

I was out of work in Silicon Valley 2002 or 2003 living in a Chevrolet Express van and bathed in the Pacific and La Honda creeks and ate just one to two cans of tuna a day. Nobody helped me, and my employer did not pay all that they owed me before ceasing operations. Eventually I went off and did escrima/arnis in Stockton, CA for something to do because I could not find a job in Silicon Valley. They got me a job installing car windows for some cash. I came home from Silicon Valley with no career path. The degree never panned out... I'm trying to get back in now. Again. We will see. The warehouse work is really getting me in shape but it is brutal and at 65, I have to keep up with people 25 to 35 years old. I do not care about being the most fit 65 year old, I just don't want to have a heart attack doing the work.

I will not give money away like that again. I realize the poor helping the poor is not a benefit to anyone.

Although a capitalist, I do not think anyone having $250 billion makes any sense.

[James Y]

Psychology or Lack of Empathy? / The Bystander Effect / Impact of Kitty Genovese's Case



At first glance, this has nothing to do with martial arts ... or to be more exact, practical self-defense training. But when considered, it can have everything to do with it. You cannot (or should not) expect anyone to come to your aid if you suffer an emergency, or if you are ever attacked. It has to be your own responsibility.

On two occasions over 30 years ago when I lived in Taiwan (where I spent most of my 20s), I helped elderly men, who had been riding scooters and been sideswiped and injured by cars that continued driving away in rush hour traffic. In the first instance, I helped the old man out of the street, so he wouldn't get run over. NOBODY ELSE STOPPED TO HELP, even though there were many people walking by in both directions on the sidewalk. I went into a nearby shop and told them to call an ambulance for the old man, then went back outside and waited with him, about 30 minutes, until help arrived. He was still sitting on the curb in shock, his broken scooter still lying partway in the busy street, and he never once spoke a word to me. He was probably in shock. I didn't help him because I expected a thank you; I helped because what if that were me, or someone I loved?

I have helped others in other situations, and might still do so in a similar situation, depending. But at this point in my life, I will not be a white knight for a stranger if there is a violent attack. I WILL get a safe distance away ASAP and call the police. I will not just do nothing, and act like "out of sight, out of mind". The types of people who do that are NPC's, and will someday have to face the karma of their cold-blooded apathy.

I recall posting a video years ago on this very thread that showed security cam footage of an attack and fatal stabbing of a man in broad daylight, in a crowded tourist area in Amsterdam (IIRC), with people walking past in both directions like cattle, as the attack was happening. Some noticed, but behaved like nothing unusual was happening; others showed only mild interest or awareness, and continued walking or browsing in shops, mere feet away from the chase and the attack. In the end, the only person who did anything was a nearby Turkish shopkeeper, who came out and stopped the attack from continuing by chastising the attacker. But by that time, the victim was already dying or dead. Yes, according to the news report, the knife attack was fatal. That video has long been deleted by YouTube.

Only you can be responsible for your own safety.

Jim

I think it is a lack of empathy OR maybe they had been arrested and charged before for sticking their nose in where they did not have to.

The lack of empathy is exactly what it is for MANY who post things online. So many post like that, that I highly doubt that many of them have ever actually tried to help anybody else at any point in time, because they most likely would mention it as an example if they had. I'm not saying much of what they say isn't legitimate. I am saying that the majority of them are simply parroting things they've heard or read about by other people online.

If you try to help a stranger from a violent threat, and fail, you can end up severely injured or dead. If you succeed ... especially if you are unintentionally TOO effective for your (and everybody else's) own good ... you'll be treated like Daniel Penny, or worse.

Jim

100%.

Around 2010 I worked in remote tech support for 3M, Red Roof Inns, and a Texas school district. When the service was dropped by employer I lost my job. I was living in Chicago at the time and unemployment kicked in. I had a ton of free time and walked a lot. Came across hundreds of homeless people.

Right or wrong, I must have given out $3500 in cash, $20 bills to homeless people. I do not care what they did with the money, I just could not stand to see women with children homeless on the streets of Chicago.

I was out of work in Silicon Valley 2002 or 2003 living in a Chevrolet Express van and bathed in the Pacific and La Honda creeks and ate just one to two cans of tuna a day. Nobody helped me, and my employer did not pay all that they owed me before ceasing operations. Eventually I went off and did escrima/arnis in Stockton, CA for something to do because I could not find a job in Silicon Valley. They got me a job installing car windows for some cash. I came home from Silicon Valley with no career path. The degree never panned out... I'm trying to get back in now. Again. We will see. The warehouse work is really getting me in shape but it is brutal and at 65, I have to keep up with people 25 to 35 years old. I do not care about being the most fit 65 year old, I just don't want to have a heart attack doing the work.

I will not give money away like that again. I realize the poor helping the poor is not a benefit to anyone.

Although a capitalist, I do not think anyone having $250 billion makes any sense.

Thanks for sharing, Naperville.

Jim