Unarmed Combat and Martial Arts

United93 · July 6th, 2009, 02:42 PM

In this thread I invite everyone with martial arts experience to tell us a little about your style and why you like it. How does it help you defend yourself in the real world?

Is that even why you study it? Feel free to post YouTube vids to demonstrate something or make a point. Also, stick fighters and knife users are welcome to take part.

I know we have done this kind of thread before, but not for a while, and I think it should be informative.

Please note: While good discussion would be great, let's not bash anyone or their opinions and preferences.

I'll start:
I have been studying MMA for several years now. I believe in being able to fight effectively at the three ranges of unarmed combat: kicking, punching, and grappling (both standing and on the ground), and MMA is great for this. We spend a lot of time on all three. Kicks help with balance, and I think they have their place in the defensive toolbox. Long periods of time spent throwing combos against a heavy bag without respite train the mind and the body to keep going even when it's hard, and there is no workout quite like a 3-min. round of free grappling, even when you're getting your butt kicked.

Throws teach you to get a person with superior boxing and / or kicking skills to the ground, and are really fun to learn / use.

I do wish the training incorporated some weapons (Bo, Jo, knives, escrima, etc.).Those are never used in the octagon, but knowing how to use them could be useful on the street. Also, we do not learn eye gouges, groin strikes, or the like (again, because they are banned in competition).

Please, let me know what you like and why.

jarhead79 · July 6th, 2009, 02:53 PM

Shindo Jinen Ryu Karate-do.

Mostly to do something with my son. Honestly can't say I'd be able to use it on the street, thus far. We've been doing it less than a year and I'm a Green Belt. For the record, my son has his blue belt. He doesn't let me forget it, either.

Monkeytown · July 6th, 2009, 05:24 PM

1994-1998: Black Belt in Isshin Ryu Karate
1999-2000: freestyle kickboxing
2001-2002: Jeet Kun Do
2006-2007: Brazilian Jiu Jitsu/MMA type training

I have a long history of studying MA but have not spent enough time in any to be an expert. I like the jkd and bjj the best however my jkd instructor had kids and stopped training and the bjj ended when my son was born. I hope that some of what I have learned would help on the street, however my biggest weakness now would be gassing. I workout 4 days a week, but mostly weights. I have never experienced cardio training like bjj rolling and felt like I was in the best cardio shape while doing that. Hopefully some day soon and I can back to the bjj/mma training. I have no interest in getting in the ring/octagon (as I am 37 y/o), but like United93, I think this is one of the best ways to train multiple ranges of fighting.

I have never been in street fight in my life. I am 6'4" and a solid 255lbs. so I don't get a lot of trouble makers coming my way. I also carry myself in such a manner as to not draw a lot of attention from trouble makers (i.e. I am not a loud mouth, braggard, smart a$$, etc.).

MT

Paco · July 6th, 2009, 05:29 PM

I have been studying Taekwondo for the past year or so, mainly because my kids' instructors also offer a class for Parents, which means all 4 of my kids and me and my Wife all participate.

I doubt if it came down to it my TKD skills would be the deciding factor in my survival. Luckily our instructors were taught TKD with a Kempo mix, and as they progress in Krav Maga they will be adding that flavor in as well.

I have a pretty good resume for old school fist fights and a knife fight or two, but that was when I was growing up in South Dallas and almost a lifetime ago. But you can take the kid out of the hood but you can't take the hood out of the kid.

mjmoore · July 6th, 2009, 05:30 PM

4th degree tae kwon do and 3rd degree hap ki do .
Got into martial arts years ago with my daughter wound up
owning and operating my own school for eight years before
being relocated .
As far as working on the street the two styles work well together
TKD for strikes and HKD joint locks and throws.
One of my students was a " rasslin " coach and we taught enough
ground work for my students to get back to their feet.
IMO armed combat is much better than unarmed

United93 · July 6th, 2009, 05:49 PM

Monkeytown: "I also carry myself in such a manner as to not draw a lot of attention from trouble makers (i.e. I am not a loud mouth, braggard, smart a$$, etc.)."

Good strategy, IMO.

mjmoore: "armed combat is much better than unarmed"

Well, it kind of depends on the situation, but I definitely think that if lethal force is warranted, it is foolish to use UC if weapons are available.

Dal1Celt · July 6th, 2009, 06:20 PM

I trained Philippine Stick fighting from an SF guy that spent years learning the art. Trained for just over a year until my teacher retired and moved.

Unlike the name says it is a multi layered art, Sticks, Knives and unarmed combat.

I haven't used it in anything other then training. I just need to find another teacher that charges a reasonable rate. I know I'll never find another that charges $20.00 a month for every Tues and Thurs.

MinistrMalic · July 6th, 2009, 07:28 PM

I train in Ed Parker American Kenpo. I love it because IMAO it is really focused on real-life self defense. Some concepts that our organization focuses on:

1) The ability to "choose." Kenpo is not stuck on particular techniques or rigid forms (though those are there), but rather uses technique to build a vocabulary of motion from which to defend ourselves and/or others.

2) multiple "stages" of a conflict. These range from outside of any ability to contact to grappling on the ground.

3) Unarmed as well as armed combat, both attacking and defending. We train with sticks, clubs, knives, and even firearms. We train MOSTLY unarmed, though we try to integrate all of it into a philosophy of SD.

4) Lack of mysticism: We try to avoid mystical/eastern philosophy. (Ed Parker was a Christian, so is my teacher) We also try to avoid the mystique of martial arts and the "secret knowledge" of defense.

Our art belts in the order white/yellow/orange/purple/blue/green/brown/black. I am currently a blue belt advancing toward green at a decent pace. I have been studying for a tad over three years and love it.

United93 · July 6th, 2009, 07:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MinistrMalic

I train in Ed Parker American Kenpo. I love it because IMAO it is really focused on real-life self defense. Some concepts that our organization focuses on:

1) The ability to "choose." Kenpo is not stuck on particular techniques or rigid forms (though those are there), but rather uses technique to build a vocabulary of motion from which to defend ourselves and/or others.

2) multiple "stages" of a conflict. These range from outside of any ability to contact to grappling on the ground.

3) Unarmed as well as armed combat, both attacking and defending. We train with sticks, clubs, knives, and even firearms. We train MOSTLY unarmed, though we try to integrate all of it into a philosophy of SD.

4) Lack of mysticism: We try to avoid mystical/eastern philosophy. (Ed Parker was a Christian, so is my teacher) We also try to avoid the mystique of martial arts and the "secret knowledge" of defense.

Our art belts in the order white/yellow/orange/purple/blue/green/brown/black. I am currently a blue belt advancing toward green at a decent pace. I have been studying for a tad over three years and love it.

Sounds good. Sounds real good. I like the idea of developing a system around many different defensive tools.

Paco · July 6th, 2009, 08:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MinistrMalic

Lack of mysticism: We try to avoid mystical/eastern philosophy. (Ed Parker was a Christian, so is my teacher) We also try to avoid the mystique of martial arts and the "secret knowledge" of defense.

Not that it matters in a fight, but I am glad my instructors are the same. They don't teach the Korean aspect and religious foundations of TKD. In fact they are messianic Christians, so we know more of Jewish traditions from them then anything Asian.

July 6th, 2009, 02:42 PM	#1
United93 Ex Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Maine Posts: 912	Unarmed Combat and Martial Arts In this thread I invite everyone with martial arts experience to tell us a little about your style and why you like it. How does it help you defend yourself in the real world? Is that even why you study it? Feel free to post YouTube vids to demonstrate something or make a point. Also, stick fighters and knife users are welcome to take part. I know we have done this kind of thread before, but not for a while, and I think it should be informative. Please note: While good discussion would be great, let's not bash anyone or their opinions and preferences. I'll start: I have been studying MMA for several years now. I believe in being able to fight effectively at the three ranges of unarmed combat: kicking, punching, and grappling (both standing and on the ground), and MMA is great for this. We spend a lot of time on all three. Kicks help with balance, and I think they have their place in the defensive toolbox. Long periods of time spent throwing combos against a heavy bag without respite train the mind and the body to keep going even when it's hard, and there is no workout quite like a 3-min. round of free grappling, even when you're getting your butt kicked. Throws teach you to get a person with superior boxing and / or kicking skills to the ground, and are really fun to learn / use. I do wish the training incorporated some weapons (Bo, Jo, knives, escrima, etc.).Those are never used in the octagon, but knowing how to use them could be useful on the street. Also, we do not learn eye gouges, groin strikes, or the like (again, because they are banned in competition). Please, let me know what you like and why.

July 6th, 2009, 02:53 PM	#2
jarhead79 Distinguished Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Stansbury Park, UT Posts: 1,298	Shindo Jinen Ryu Karate-do. Mostly to do something with my son. Honestly can't say I'd be able to use it on the street, thus far. We've been doing it less than a year and I'm a Green Belt. For the record, my son has his blue belt. He doesn't let me forget it, either. __________________ Sig P239 9mm Bersa Thunder.45 Ruger SP101 .38 SPL Glock 36 (night sites) UBG Holsters current wait time as of 7-16-2009: 3-5 weeks.

July 6th, 2009, 05:24 PM	#3
Monkeytown Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Alabama Posts: 178	1994-1998: Black Belt in Isshin Ryu Karate 1999-2000: freestyle kickboxing 2001-2002: Jeet Kun Do 2006-2007: Brazilian Jiu Jitsu/MMA type training I have a long history of studying MA but have not spent enough time in any to be an expert. I like the jkd and bjj the best however my jkd instructor had kids and stopped training and the bjj ended when my son was born. I hope that some of what I have learned would help on the street, however my biggest weakness now would be gassing. I workout 4 days a week, but mostly weights. I have never experienced cardio training like bjj rolling and felt like I was in the best cardio shape while doing that. Hopefully some day soon and I can back to the bjj/mma training. I have no interest in getting in the ring/octagon (as I am 37 y/o), but like United93, I think this is one of the best ways to train multiple ranges of fighting. I have never been in street fight in my life. I am 6'4" and a solid 255lbs. so I don't get a lot of trouble makers coming my way. I also carry myself in such a manner as to not draw a lot of attention from trouble makers (i.e. I am not a loud mouth, braggard, smart a$$, etc.). MT __________________ "Any society that would give up a little liberty to gain a little security will deserve neither and lose both." Benjamin Franklin Steps in the stripping of State's Rights/Sovereignty 1. War of Northern Agression 2. Coersion to ratify the 14th Amendment 3. Ratified 17th Amendment

July 6th, 2009, 05:29 PM	#4
Paco VIP Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: McKinney, TX Posts: 2,763	I have been studying Taekwondo for the past year or so, mainly because my kids' instructors also offer a class for Parents, which means all 4 of my kids and me and my Wife all participate. I doubt if it came down to it my TKD skills would be the deciding factor in my survival. Luckily our instructors were taught TKD with a Kempo mix, and as they progress in Krav Maga they will be adding that flavor in as well. I have a pretty good resume for old school fist fights and a knife fight or two, but that was when I was growing up in South Dallas and almost a lifetime ago. But you can take the kid out of the hood but you can't take the hood out of the kid. __________________ "Don't hit at all if you can help it; don't hit a man if you can possibly avoid it; but if you do hit him, put him to sleep." - Theodore Roosevelt If you are not willing to stand behind our Troops, feel free to stand in front of them! -Paco

July 6th, 2009, 05:30 PM	#5
mjmoore Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: alabama Posts: 263	4th degree tae kwon do and 3rd degree hap ki do . Got into martial arts years ago with my daughter wound up owning and operating my own school for eight years before being relocated . As far as working on the street the two styles work well together TKD for strikes and HKD joint locks and throws. One of my students was a " rasslin " coach and we taught enough ground work for my students to get back to their feet. IMO armed combat is much better than unarmed __________________ " They couldn't hit an Elephant at this dist....." Last words of Gen. John Sedgwick Union Commander Last edited by mjmoore; July 6th, 2009 at 05:32 PM.. Reason: add a line

July 6th, 2009, 05:49 PM	#6
United93 Ex Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Maine Posts: 912	Monkeytown: "I also carry myself in such a manner as to not draw a lot of attention from trouble makers (i.e. I am not a loud mouth, braggard, smart a$$, etc.)." Good strategy, IMO. mjmoore: "armed combat is much better than unarmed" Well, it kind of depends on the situation, but I definitely think that if lethal force is warranted, it is foolish to use UC if weapons are available.

July 6th, 2009, 06:20 PM	#7
Dal1Celt VIP Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Clarksville, TN Posts: 2,594	I trained Philippine Stick fighting from an SF guy that spent years learning the art. Trained for just over a year until my teacher retired and moved. Unlike the name says it is a multi layered art, Sticks, Knives and unarmed combat. I haven't used it in anything other then training. I just need to find another teacher that charges a reasonable rate. I know I'll never find another that charges $20.00 a month for every Tues and Thurs. __________________ "Let's Go!" "All the way" "AIRBORNE!" "Without fear there can be no Courage!"

July 6th, 2009, 07:28 PM	#8
MinistrMalic Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 485	I train in Ed Parker American Kenpo. I love it because IMAO it is really focused on real-life self defense. Some concepts that our organization focuses on: 1) The ability to "choose." Kenpo is not stuck on particular techniques or rigid forms (though those are there), but rather uses technique to build a vocabulary of motion from which to defend ourselves and/or others. 2) multiple "stages" of a conflict. These range from outside of any ability to contact to grappling on the ground. 3) Unarmed as well as armed combat, both attacking and defending. We train with sticks, clubs, knives, and even firearms. We train MOSTLY unarmed, though we try to integrate all of it into a philosophy of SD. 4) Lack of mysticism: We try to avoid mystical/eastern philosophy. (Ed Parker was a Christian, so is my teacher) We also try to avoid the mystique of martial arts and the "secret knowledge" of defense. Our art belts in the order white/yellow/orange/purple/blue/green/brown/black. I am currently a blue belt advancing toward green at a decent pace. I have been studying for a tad over three years and love it. __________________ "...whoever has no sword is to sell his coat and buy one." (Luke 22:36) Here is my blog if you're interested :)

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