Martial Arts - What Do/Did You Study

[Drat]

I think this is actually the first thread that I've started... Wow.

Anyway, I trained and taught Shaolin Chuan Fa (Chinese Kempo) for many years (Got my blackbelt in 94), but haven't done much of anything with it in at least 8 now.

I've recently started training my 5 year old daughter and my wife and I'm getting the itch to really get back into it again.

So here's the question: Do you train? What style and for how long?

(stories about being forced to use it are always entertaining too :ss )

[theonlybear4CORT]

I did kempo for years then I got 13 stitches in my left leg and had to take 2 months off.I got laxy and never made it past yellow belt :(

[Ratters]

My brother used to teach Wing Chun and would teach me some stuff.

But he really enjoyed when I went to his class and said "Hokey religions and ancient weapons are no match for a good blaster by your side."

[Sr Mike]

I have learned a few over the years

Karate
Hwa Rang Do - Korean Martial Arts
Currently I am learning Escrima - Filipino Martial Arts

[Drat]

I have learned a few over the years

Karate
Hwa Rang Do - Korean Martial Arts
Currently I am learning Escrima - Filipino Martial Arts

A good friend of mine is really into Filipino fighting styles. We practice stick fighting every now and then with full riot gear on. A stick against a riot helmet really makes the ears ring!

[Hardcz]

shorinji ryu - 8 years - black belt - shaolin temple family / forest
okinawan kobudo - 6 years - black belt - weaponry
iaido - 4 years - traditional japanese swordsmanship
daito ryu - 4 years - hard version of aikido
aikido - 4 years
tai chi - 3 years - unsure of style
ground fighting / some type of jitsu - 4 years
Ki - a mix of japanese and chinese instruction
modern arnis - 4 years

The school I was in had a few specializations which allowed us to learn multiple styles at the same time, and had a lot of special events with instructors coming in. I also traveled a bit and trained under various schools with a few other people from my school.

[Sr Mike]

A good friend of mine is really into Filipino fighting styles. We practice stick fighting every now and then with full riot gear on. A stick against a riot helmet really makes the ears ring!
I have been a score keeper at the competitions here in San Diego, it cracks me up how loud we are. There are other competitions going on with other martial art styles, but we are the group that is heard, and with the most adrenaline.

[Kreth]

Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu. I have a teaching license, have been to Japan a few times for training, but haven't had much time for it the last couple of years.

[md4958]

shorinji ryu - 8 years - black belt - shaolin temple family / forest
okinawan kobudo - 6 years - black belt - weaponry
iaido - 4 years - traditional japanese swordsmanship
daito ryu - 4 years - hard version of aikido
aikido - 4 years
tai chi - 3 years - unsure of style
ground fighting / some type of jitsu - 4 years
Ki - a mix of japanese and chinese instruction
modern arnis - 4 years

The school I was in had a few specializations which allowed us to learn multiple styles at the same time, and had a lot of special events with instructors coming in. I also traveled a bit and trained under various schools with a few other people from my school.

So basically dont F U K with Dan!!!

Studied karate when I was young, never got past green belt. I have considered taking it up again.

[Commander Quan]

19 Years of TKD, 4th Degree Black Belt, and run my own school. Currently with 150 members

[kayaker]

So basically dont F U K with Dan!!!


Yeah, I didn't know Dan was such a lethal weapon.

I went to a Ju Jitsu class last night and will keep going once a week until I go home.

Back home I took Muay Thai for 4 months and then injured my foot. I plan on getting back into it this summer.

[jkim05]

I studied Hung Fut Kung Fu for a few years and Tae Kwon Do...I never really tried very hard though...

[LordOfWu]

I studied a mixed style of TKD, Kenpo and Tai Boxing with a little Jiu Jitsu thrown in for almost 5 years. The I moved and wanted to do something a little different so I've been studying Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for about 7 months now.

[ade06]

I did Karate for a few weeks as a kid. All I remember was doing alot of push-ups and jumping jacks. I guess I wasn't too focused. lol

[Hardcz]

So basically dont F U K with Dan!!!

Studied karate when I was young, never got past green belt. I have considered taking it up again.

Yeah, I didn't know Dan was such a lethal weapon.

I went to a Ju Jitsu class last night and will keep going once a week until I go home.

Back home I took Muay Thai for 4 months and then injured my foot. I plan on getting back into it this summer.


Yea.... you'll never suspect a fat guy could move so fast :r

[kayaker]

Yea.... you'll never suspect a fat guy could move so fast :r

Dan is KUNG FU PANDA!!!:r:r:r

[gvarsity]

Judo on and off for about 8 years.
Capoeira for about six months.

Dan is KUNG FU PANDA!!!

You jest but I loved Kung fu panda. :) Go Panda Style

http://thecia.com.au/reviews/k/images/kung-fu-panda-1.jpg

[poker]

aikido

[md4958]

Dan is KUNG FU PANDA!!!:r:r:r

:r:r

[tobii3]

Does MCMAP count??

:r

[Hardcz]

Does MCMAP count??

:r

Hell yea, wish I could take and teach those courses... I'd be happier than flies on cow ****

[Drat]

Yea.... you'll never suspect a fat guy could move so fast :r

Us skinny guys tend to move faster, but have a hell of a time hurting you big guys. I did a scissor takedown on a guy pushing 300# once and I swear the ground shook. The bad part was I couldn't get the bottom leg out from under his giant legs and he rolled onto me. That's some scary shiat right there, I tell you what!

[Hardcz]

Us skinny guys tend to move faster, but have a hell of a time hurting you big guys. I did a scissor takedown on a guy pushing 300# once and I swear the ground shook. The bad part was I couldn't get the bottom leg out from under his giant legs and he rolled onto me. That's some scary shiat right there, I tell you what!

lol, dude i was sparring this one guy, lean, maybe 6'3 he did that to me, I was probably 215 at the time, I caught the ****er, took him down with an elbow to the chest... luckily we were on a mat.... like that helped any :rolleyes:

Only reason I did that was because this is the bastage who was showing off his "jumping skillz" with a flying side kick while I was holding the bag....he missed and kicked my head instead.... :bx don't hate the person... get even lol

[Kreth]

If anyone is interested, I'm a mod at Martial Talk (http://www.martialtalk.com). It has a nice, community feel (much like here). Once in a while we get one of the "my style is the best and everything else sucks" or "Who would win a fight, Bruce Lee or Steven Segal" morons, but they generally get shut down pretty quick.

[Hardcz]

Once in a while we get one of the "my style is the best and everything else sucks" or "Who would win a fight, Bruce Lee or Steven Segal" morons, but they generally get shut down pretty quick.

Smart people realize they all compliment each other... save for TKD... that style just sucks :fu

Also, no contest, bruce lee....

[Drat]

Smart people realize they all compliment each other... save for TKD... that style just sucks :fu

Also, no contest, bruce lee....

Hahaha, I've got a great TKD story.

I was a bluebelt and we got in a 4th degree who had a falling out with his TKD "master"* He was unsure about starting another style since he's spent 5 years in TKD (yes, that's right, 5 years to a 4th degree!). The weekend sparring class came around and my instructor didn't know who to pair him up against for his first time fighting (it was point-sparring that day). I got picked and wasn't sure was going to happen, the guy was a 4th degree TKD balckbelt afterall! The guy had some of the most beautiful flying, spinning kicks I'd ever seen. I stepped to the side as he was doing them at me and punched him in the head. he looked at me with the most confused look ever, sort of like a "where the hell did you go?" looks. This happened 2 more times and I was declared the victor. I have to give the guy credit though, he didn't give up. He lasted about 6 months before he decided he wanted to go back to TKD. He just couldn't figure out how to not fight in a straight line...

*we had a joke about TKD instructors back in the day: The day the get their 1st degree, they get a plane ticket to america. The get on the plane and they are a 2nd degree. The plane reaches altitude and the are a 3rd degree. Touchdown in America = 4th degree, and when they get off the plane, they are 5th degree masters...

[Kreth]

Also, no contest, bruce lee....
What if Segal uses his deadly "sped-up fight scene" skill? :r

[Hardcz]

Hahaha, I've got a great TKD story.

I was a bluebelt and we got in a 4th degree who had a falling out with his TKD "master"* He was unsure about starting another style since he's spent 5 years in TKD (yes, that's right, 5 years to a 4th degree!). The weekend sparring class came around and my instructor didn't know who to pair him up against for his first time fighting (it was point-sparring that day). I got picked and wasn't sure was going to happen, the guy was a 4th degree TKD balckbelt afterall! The guy had some of the most beautiful flying, spinning kicks I'd ever seen. I stepped to the side as he was doing them at me and punched him in the head. he looked at me with the most confused look ever, sort of like a "where the hell did you go?" looks. This happened 2 more times and I was declared the victor. I have to give the guy credit though, he didn't give up. He lasted about 6 months before he decided he wanted to go back to TKD. He just couldn't figure out how to not fight in a straight line...

*we had a joke about TKD instructors back in the day: The day the get their 1st degree, they get a plane ticket to america. The get on the plane and they are a 2nd degree. The plane reaches altitude and the are a 3rd degree. Touchdown in America = 4th degree, and when they get off the plane, they are 5th degree masters...

Great story.... took on average 5-6 years to get a first degree in my primary art.... mostly to get you mentally ready, the physical part came with all the training...

I went to two different TKD places when I moved from home...about 100 miles away, so I needed a new school.... I walked in wearing my gi, no belt, didn't think it was right, I was already 9 years invested in various other arts at this point... didn't say I knew anything. They were teaching me the basic kata and basic moves... thing that got me is when they were telling me how to do a front kick, they told me to drop my hands to my sides... this was coming from a black belt...

And I know from sparring and tournaments if you do that you'll get your nose broken... I know this from personal experience.... get hit in the head enough you keep your hands up to protect it....

What if Segal uses his deadly "sped-up fight scene" skill? :r

Ya man, watch enter the dragon.

[Drat]

thing that got me is when they were telling me how to do a front kick, they told me to drop my hands to my sides... this was coming from a black belt...


Thing is, TKD has all of 5 hand strikes. Protecting the head is easier when you're only looking out for feet. It is by far the least practical "self defense" system.

Oh, fun side note: There was a TKD studio in HB CA named "The House of Discipline", no kidding!

[Kreth]

Oh, fun side note: There was a TKD studio in HB CA named "The House of Discipline", no kidding!
If it's like some of the places around here, they "discipline" you into paying on your contract each month... :r

[Darrell]

I have an Apprentice Black Belt (3rd Kyu) in Koden Kan Karate. I stopped training when I was about 17. I'd like to get back into it and get my 1st Dan, when the knee gets fixed.

TKD is a joke. Seriously. I used to love sparring TKD guys in tournaments. Easy wins every time.

[Kreth]

TKD is a joke. Seriously. I used to love sparring TKD guys in tournaments. Easy wins every time.
I used to love the point sparring guys when I was bouncing. They'd get a few drinks in them and think they were bad enough to take on the doorman when I told them to leave. I'd get hit with a bunch of that tappy-tap ****, then I'd bounce them off a few tables on the way out of the bar. :r

[nozero]

Tae Kwon Do in my early teens, only got up to a blue belt. Tried to get into Tai chi chuan using dvd training videos a couple of years back, but just could not get the weight shifting down pat. It did not feel at all natural.

[MithShrike]

I learned aikido up to blue belt when I was about 11-12. I didn't really like it though because I was a lot bigger than all the other kids in the class and didn't think I was learning properly. None of them were even close to my size. The advanced students my age had trouble taking me down too.

I've been thinking about getting into qigong but I dunno.

[bonjing]

I was a TKD student in my high school years. I don't think i remember much though. all the kicking was cool till my uncle asked me to show him what i learned, first kick, he stepped into it and he dropped me like a rock. :hn

hopefully (not lazy) i'll be taking either jui jitsu, or krav maga when i get around to it. just thinking about it makes my limbs hurt. i really got to start stretching more. also i feel bad for anyone that i spar with because i sweat like a hog when doing anything. :pu

[ChicagoWhiteSox]

greco roman wrestling- started in 1999
jiu-jitsu- started in 2005

[BamBam]

I have studied Tae Kwon Do and also studied Jiu Jitsu. Jiu Jitsu was my favorite as I feel it was more tactical and useful.

Haven't done either for a while

I would love to study Krav Maga but there are no close schools

[bonjing]

out of curiosity, for those that have studied jiu jitsu, how does it deal with multiple opponents? does any form factor in multiple opponents?

[Hardcz]

out of curiosity, for those that have studied jiu jitsu, how does it deal with multiple opponents? does any form factor in multiple opponents?

You just do it.... you're aware of your surroundings and kick ass...

[Kreth]

Traditional Japanese jujutsu doesn't have as much of a focus on the ground game, so it's more versatile in my opinion.
But those UFC fanboys are pretty dangerous (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VXNroQ1-dWs). :r

[AD720]

I don't know Karate, but I know Ka-ray-zee!

http://www.frontrowking.com/concerts/james%20brown/james_brown.jpg

[12stones]

Meibukan Goju Ryu - 12 years. Studied first four years in Okinawa.

You can see my sensei (Ikemiyagi Masaaki) on Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GHRQPgx4_bU

[Cyanide]

Wow, I am late to this thread

I did about 4-5 years in Wado Riu, an Okanawan form of Karate. Emphasizing grace over power, using the opponent's power against themselves (these "soft" styles don't typically compliment a "big guy" as myself. Oddly though, I think it has allowed me to be much more graceful in life, important at many junctions I have come to). It also included aspects of Juijitsu and Ikiado if I remember correctly. This was probably about 15 years ago. Almost got my black belt, but then family turmoil drew my focus away and I dropped it...then soon moved.

Years later I tried TKD. I can't remember if it was World or International....one uses "sine wave" motions, the other does not.....the one I was in insisted on "sine wave" motion in all the moves. They knew of my background, but wouldn't allow me any rank exceptions. So, I was asked to go to tournaments as a white belt, they all knew I was almost a black belt in another style (even then years rusty though), and by that time I had recovered many of my moves. I declined because that was just unfair.

I soon moved on because I couldn't stand the ineffective and simply wasteful and rediculous "sine wave".

I guess I am longing for the day when I find a Wado class again in my region. Its unfortunate, in a way, that I came across my first instructor, Les Mansfield. That guy was such a great teacher (really had an inspiring knack for teaching late teen-agers) that I am tainted from now on, not seeing any other instructors as "on par".

But, there you have it.....another rambling from me.

Cheers

Cyanide

[Old Sailor]

Tae Kwon Do in my early teens while in High School.

[ChicagoWhiteSox]

Traditional Japanese jujutsu doesn't have as much of a focus on the ground game, so it's more versatile in my opinion.
But those UFC fanboys are pretty dangerous (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VXNroQ1-dWs). :r

:r

[Waynegro1]

Krav Maga, 20 years and counting. If you want to consider it a "Martial Art".

[ChicagoWhiteSox]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SD6lautQN_4&feature=related :r:r

[zitro_joe]

Kajukenbo from kid to 16.
Wrestled and boxed in HS
Took TKD off and on for two to learn how to kick.
BJJ for the past six years. Taking a break at the moment. Three kids now something had to be put on hold.
Border patrol uses our gym and they do something similar to Modern Military Combatives, 'll join them every now and then on the open mat. I used to be a tech school instructor for the AF. My co-instructors were Army and Marines so I would work out with them on Combative skills, as well.. Fun times.

[bonjing]

i can't believe that no one broke out the judo

ju don't know if i got a gun, ju don't know if i got a knife :r

[taltos]

I once dated a girl who was a black belt in lung fu. :ss

[LordOfWu]

out of curiosity, for those that have studied jiu jitsu, how does it deal with multiple opponents? does any form factor in multiple opponents?

Quoting from "Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu" by Renzo and Royler Gracie: "Probably the most common complaint with regard to grappling as a viable means of self-defense is that grappling is useless against multiple opponents. The argument is that in locking with one attacker, one is easily attacked by his partners in crime. This is entirely true. Grappling skills will not allow you to destroy several attackers at once. Brazilian jiu-jitsu makes no claim to teach a method of overwhelming mass attacks. Should you be heavily outnumbered, Brazilian jiu-jitsu will not save you. It is the contention of the authors that no other style of empty-hand fighting will save you either. The martial arts is full of overinflated claims. One of the most common is that one unarmed man can defeat many aggressive, dangerous attackers at once. The irony is that many of the stylists who made suck grandiose claims proved entirely incapable of defeating even a single attacker when put ot the test in mixed martial arts competition. Such claims are the stuff of fantasy and belong more to the realm of martial arts movies than a book concerned with real fighting."

I'm only a lowly white-belt, so I don't want to answer myself, so I thought I'd give it to you out of the horses mouth, so to speak.

[Hardcz]

I see no horse.....

From my black belt test I had to take on 3 oponents, mind you only 2 had attacked at the same time, and I had to get punched by one of them to take them both out, but yea..... it's possible, no matter what style you're in. Just depends on the circumstances, what you understand about your capabilities and what you can do....



Quoting from "Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu" by Renzo and Royler Gracie: "Probably the most common complaint with regard to grappling as a viable means of self-defense is that grappling is useless against multiple opponents. The argument is that in locking with one attacker, one is easily attacked by his partners in crime. This is entirely true. Grappling skills will not allow you to destroy several attackers at once. Brazilian jiu-jitsu makes no claim to teach a method of overwhelming mass attacks. Should you be heavily outnumbered, Brazilian jiu-jitsu will not save you. It is the contention of the authors that no other style of empty-hand fighting will save you either. The martial arts is full of overinflated claims. One of the most common is that one unarmed man can defeat many aggressive, dangerous attackers at once. The irony is that many of the stylists who made suck grandiose claims proved entirely incapable of defeating even a single attacker when put ot the test in mixed martial arts competition. Such claims are the stuff of fantasy and belong more to the realm of martial arts movies than a book concerned with real fighting."

I'm only a lowly white-belt, so I don't want to answer myself, so I thought I'd give it to you out of the horses mouth, so to speak.

[Drat]

I see no horse.....

From my black belt test I had to take on 3 oponents, mind you only 2 had attacked at the same time, and I had to get punched by one of them to take them both out, but yea..... it's possible, no matter what style you're in. Just depends on the circumstances, what you understand about your capabilities and what you can do....

Exactly.

I too have fought multiple opponents at once (training situations). I usually got my ass handed to me, but the potential for survival was there.

A former colleague of mine was mugged by 5 guys with sticks and knives and he survived. I can't say the same for his assailants though. I think 2 made it, but will never walk again.

[Hardcz]

Exactly.

I too have fought multiple opponents at once (training situations). I usually got my ass handed to me, but the potential for survival was there.

A former colleague of mine was mugged by 5 guys with sticks and knives and he survived. I can't say the same for his assailants though. I think 2 made it, but will never walk again.


Difference between training and real life is, can you handle it, will you react on instict from the thousands of times you did the move or will you freeze up.... then once you act on instinct, you then realize you can and will hurt these people. All of a sudden you're not stopping as you touch their throat skin, you're stopping 3 inches beyond that, you follow through with the kick to their knee, and that elbow to the face, well that hurts you too though hurts them much more.

I'm lucky I've only had to use it a few times, and every time I was scared shitless, my adrenaline was pumping, and yea I got hurt 50% of the time... the best thing you learn is not being there.... stay out of the situation so you don't have to do anything...

[12stones]

I love the "this is better than this" and "that is better than that" discussions that take place whenever martial arts are brought up. The fact of the matter is that in a real situation you can win or lose on any given day. One style is not better than the other; it all depends on the practitioner and the situation that takes place. Jiu-jutsu (it is jutsu folks) is just as good as goju-ryu which is just as good as muay thai, etc. It's all about preparation, training, understanding, and ability. And even all of those don't add up to guarantee you won't get your ass kicked by someone untrained; though it does better the odds.

And for those that think TKD sucks, go watch the ROK Marines training in South Korea and see if you want to join them; it's no joke. Again, it's all about the practitioner.

[Drat]

I love the "this is better than this" and "that is better than that" discussions that take place whenever martial arts are brought up. The fact of the matter is that in a real situation you can win or lose on any given day. One style is not better than the other; it all depends on the practitioner and the situation that takes place. Jiu-jutsu (it is jutsu folks) is just as good as goju-ryu which is just as good as muay thai, etc. It's all about preparation, training, understanding, and ability. And even all of those don't add up to guarantee you won't get your ass kicked by someone untrained; though it does better the odds.

And for those that think TKD sucks, go watch the ROK Marines training in South Korea and see if you want to join them; it's no joke. Again, it's all about the practitioner.

I agree with most of this, especially that it is the prep, training, understanding and ability that matter most. I still balk at anyone defending TKD as being on the same level as the others. TKD is, in my and many of my fellow artists opinions, the least rounded defense system out there. That's not to say that it isn't a good way to exercise, build confidence, etc. It just doesn't train you for most practical fighting situations. Most fights, as hardcz mentioned above, happen so fast that it is the muscle memory of years of repetition that will dictate how you perform. And even that has a 50/50 chance of backfiring. When you don't have those years of training in close contact fighting (which TKD certainly does NOT focus on), you don't have what it takes for 90% of fights. Seriously, 90% of fights end up on the ground. I have a great jump spinning hook kick, but it's worthless when I'm tangled up with someone or on the ground...

[Kreth]

And for those that think TKD sucks, go watch the ROK Marines training in South Korea and see if you want to join them; it's no joke. Again, it's all about the practitioner.
I agree, the ROK Marines are pretty hardcore. I think most of the impression that TKD sucks comes from the Mcdojo rank mills that seem so prevalent.

[Hardcz]

I agree, the ROK Marines are pretty hardcore. I think most of the impression that TKD sucks comes from the Mcdojo rank mills that seem so prevalent.


Don't forget the BS "martial arts" competitions where they dance, jump, spin 3 times in the air and land to the splits but it's cool cause it's too the music and they punch and scream at the end.

These people who put on these shows are not showing any true martial skill, they're doing gymnastics and calling it martial arts. Sure it's cool you can jump and flip... you're just looking for a way to make you not look like a pansey.. hell even though they played with barbies, *the boys* they're straight because they do martial arts, not gymnastics... :bh

Anways, if you really know what to look for, you can tell when a punch is just a punch, and when it actually has power behind it.

[12stones]

I agree with most of this, especially that it is the prep, training, understanding and ability that matter most. I still balk at anyone defending TKD as being on the same level as the others. TKD is, in my and many of my fellow artists opinions, the least rounded defense system out there. That's not to say that it isn't a good way to exercise, build confidence, etc. It just doesn't train you for most practical fighting situations. Most fights, as hardcz mentioned above, happen so fast that it is the muscle memory of years of repetition that will dictate how you perform. And even that has a 50/50 chance of backfiring. When you don't have those years of training in close contact fighting (which TKD certainly does NOT focus on), you don't have what it takes for 90% of fights. Seriously, 90% of fights end up on the ground. I have a great jump spinning hook kick, but it's worthless when I'm tangled up with someone or on the ground...

Drat, the thing is that TKD involves most of the technical principles that any other standing martial arts has too. As Kreth says below, it's the mcdojo that's made it seem like a worthless martial art. If, however, you know and understand the principles within your art, then you can apply it whether it's karate, TKD, judo or what. These mcdojos have everyone thinking that TKD is only about the high-flying kicks and so many people write it off as a viable martial art. But, guess what, there's other kicks and punches in there too. It's not the art that invalidates its viability, it's how it's being sold to the masses that's diluted it. TKD practitioners can have muscle memory just like anyone else. Again, it's how they train, know and understand the principles within their art that makes the difference.

I agree, the ROK Marines are pretty hardcore. I think most of the impression that TKD sucks comes from the Mcdojo rank mills that seem so prevalent.

Yep, totally.

[tsolomon]

3 years of Shorin-ryu. Damaged my knee sparring and had to give it up.

[kayaker]

Thoughts on Jeet Kune Do?

I've only read a little about it, but understand that Bruce was very much into adapting whatever styles that work for an individual. I know that some followers have adopted it as a "style" and that others try to keep to Bruce's idea that it is not so much a style, but that it is almost a philosophy. Take the best of what is out there and use what works for you.

Is that a fair analysis?

[Hardcz]

It's cool.... like I said previously though, if you study one style and expect it to be the best, you will fail. You need to take parts from each and apply it to yourself and situation to have a full understanding of it, and even then you still will be a student for life. Once you learn to accept this then it becomes easier.

[Kreth]

...if you study one style and expect it to be the best, you will fail.
Unless that art happens to be Sinanju! :r

[Hardcz]

Unless that art happens to be Sinanju! :r


You wish, my Dan Fu will pwn ju!

[Cyanide]

I agree that most styles are of equality, and the performance is more based on the practicioner.

Except Wado Riu and TKD. Wado rules, TKD drools. 'nuff said.

Ironically, my only multiple attacker situations all occured before any formal training. Having come from a fairly rough part of a fairly rough industrial town in the '80s you learned to play in the neighbourhoods through a "trial of fire". I went for months at a time where you would be expected to fight someone at least once a day. As I moved around alot, even within that city, I was always the "new kid". So, everyone wanted to know where you sat in the pecking order. Little did they know that this very tendency was giving me an unfair advantage. As I was always the new kid, noone had to fight as much as I did. With repetition comes compentence.

I only type this as its fun to tell stories from the past (I guess that's a sign of getting old?). I don't want to fight any of you....go pick on a newbie!:ss

[Drat]

Drat, the thing is that TKD involves most of the technical principles that any other standing martial arts has too. As Kreth says below, it's the mcdojo that's made it seem like a worthless martial art. If, however, you know and understand the principles within your art, then you can apply it whether it's karate, TKD, judo or what. These mcdojos have everyone thinking that TKD is only about the high-flying kicks and so many people write it off as a viable martial art. But, guess what, there's other kicks and punches in there too. It's not the art that invalidates its viability, it's how it's being sold to the masses that's diluted it. TKD practitioners can have muscle memory just like anyone else. Again, it's how they train, know and understand the principles within their art that makes the difference.

Yep, totally.

Very valid point. I guess my experience has only been with the McDojos. I have come across too many TKD blackbelts who have proven absolutely NO actual ability to defend themselves in a practical fighting situation. I guess the real point of it is that anybody with enough knowledge of what real fighting is like will never get into one. That's an ego boost for me considering I've been in 3 "real" fights in the 20 years that I've been training...

[Kreth]

While we're telling war stories...
A few years ago my wife (gf at the time) and I were out at the bars, and some moron made a rude comment to one of her friends. I called him on it, words were exchanged, and he leans over real serious-like and says, "Look man, I've been kick-boxing for 3 years. I can kick you in the side of the head before you even move. You don't want none of this."
I said, "Gee, I've only been doing Japanese martial arts for a little over a decade. It's gonna be a shame when I snap your knee."
My wife's friend got an apology. :r

[kayaker]

Before or after the knee snapping?:r

[Kreth]

Before or after the knee snapping?:r

Before. I've found most of those guys are like the little chihuahua that barks his ass off. If he was gonna kick me, he would have. Since I didn't back down (and in fact raised his bet) he did...

[Cyanide]

I think we can summarize that we are, indeed, all tough guys here.

:ss

[Hardcz]

I'm a bad ass. One day Chuck Norris was crossing the street. When a bus hit him.. Of course the bus was instantly destroyed by the force of hitting Chuck. I told him that wasn't cool because he was jay walking. He said he was Chuck Norris and rules didn't apply to him, he was the rules.... That's when I laid the smack down. I walked up to Chuck, stared him down. When he started the thought process of how to get rid of me, that's when I swept his feet from under him, while he was still firing his little brain cells to decide how to take me out, I was punching him mid air, into the ground. Six months later he woke up punching the air. Apparently he thought I was in front of him when he came out of the coma.

[Tombstone]

I have been studying Chuck Norrisdo for many years.

[Kreth]

I think we can summarize that we are, indeed, all tough guys here.

:ss
I killed a 6 pack once, just to watch it die... :r

[Hardcz]

I make kids cry

[LordOfWu]

I killed a 6 pack once, just to watch it die... :r

:r:r

I will readily state that I am not a tough guy. I have no real desire to be a tough guy. I do want to be a good bjj practitioner and improve myself physically and mentally through martial arts.





and when I'm done with that I want a good cigar :D

[Kreth]

:r:r

I will readily state that I am not a tough guy. I have no real desire to be a tough guy. I do want to be a good bjj practitioner and improve myself physically and mentally through martial arts.





and when I'm done with that I want a good cigar :D
You could make an MMA career out of those two things combined. Get the guy in your guard then put out a Cremosa on his face for the submission. :r

[Sr Mike]

My escrima instructor has a great MMA story, some kid was telling him that his MMA style is better than others because of a particular hold. So my instructor (MMA guy himself but did not tell the kid) decided to give this kid the opportunity to prove it and allowed the kid to put a lock on him. Once locked, my instructor pulled out a knife, the kid freaked and let go yelling "what the hell are you doing!" my instructor said "you had me in a lock, I was going to stab you in the leg". The knife worked, the kid dropped the lock and my instructor now has a hilarious story to tell.

[WildBlueSooner]

Closest I have is boxing. Boxed amateur growing up...had a good record if I do say so myself. 74-8

[Hardcz]

My belt is longer and thicker than your belt.

[WildBlueSooner]

My belt is longer and thicker than your belt.

We are gonna have to compare pictures. :bx

[RonC]

Kali - knife and stick

[Sr Mike]

My belt is longer and thicker than your belt.
My belt holds my pants up and is studded with steel rivets.

[bonjing]

My belt holds my pants up and is studded with steel rivets.

oh yea! my belt doesn't even fit anymore :fu

on a serious note thank you everyone for all the input regarding multiple opponents.

[Steve]

Kodekon Judo (taught as well), Te Kwon Do, Kobekan Ju-Jitsu.

Now; (flash to scene of Indiana Jones fighting the Swordsman) .357 magnum! (Getting to old to mess with it :ss)

[foomanto]

I love the "this is better than this" and "that is better than that" discussions that take place whenever martial arts are brought up. The fact of the matter is that in a real situation you can win or lose on any given day. One style is not better than the other; it all depends on the practitioner and the situation that takes place. Jiu-jutsu (it is jutsu folks) is just as good as goju-ryu which is just as good as muay thai, etc. It's all about preparation, training, understanding, and ability. And even all of those don't add up to guarantee you won't get your ass kicked by someone untrained; though it does better the odds.

And for those that think TKD sucks, go watch the ROK Marines training in South Korea and see if you want to join them; it's no joke. Again, it's all about the practitioner.


Been to Korea and watched the ROK Marines train almost everyday that i was there and they train hard. i took Okinawan Kempo for about 3 years when i was stationed over there.

[DrDubzz]

I did this http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shuai_jiao for a couple years as a kid

made it to the third belt (yellow in this case) and quit when the Sifu become an unbearable ass

wouldn't mind picking it back up at some point

[gnukfu]

Took up Kung Fu (Northern Praying Mantis style/variation) when I was 39. Got my black belt when I was 43. Quit about 4 months after that when I almost blew my back and knee out doing butterfly kicks. I realized it wasn't worth ruining my back and knees for the rest of my life just to get my next stripe. It was great fun while I did it!

[Sr Mike]

Took up Kung Fu (Northern Praying Mantis style/variation) when I was 39. Got my black belt when I was 43. Quit about 4 months after that when I almost blew my back and knee out doing butterfly kicks. I realized it wasn't worth ruining my back and knees for the rest of my life just to get my next stripe. It was great fun while I did it!
Something I like about FMA, who I train with, kicks are directed at the opponents chest on down. Though high flying kicks are really cool to watch in forms. We just have to worry about not breaking our knuckles with sticks or botched homicide with machetes.

[12stones]

Been to Korea and watched the ROK Marines train almost everyday that i was there and they train hard. i took Okinawan Kempo for about 3 years when i was stationed over there.

Who did you study with over there? I knew Butch Spain and got to train with him a few times. I got to meet Odo Sensei once while there too.

[LordOfWu]

Took up Kung Fu (Northern Praying Mantis style/variation) when I was 39. Got my black belt when I was 43. Quit about 4 months after that when I almost blew my back and knee out doing butterfly kicks. I realized it wasn't worth ruining my back and knees for the rest of my life just to get my next stripe. It was great fun while I did it!

Yeah, strain on my knees was one of the reasons I chose BJJ after doing TDK/Kenpo for a while. My flexibility is almost as good as it was, and I don't pound my knees nearly as much (notice I didn't say not at all).

[Darrell]

I'd like to propose a vote that we remove Tae Kwon Do as a Martial Art and classify it as gymnastics. :r

[webjunkie]

Been doing Kendo and Iaido for about five years now.

[zemekone]

Brazilian Jiu-jitsu only for 3 weeks...

[Blueface]

Isshin-ryū

Had to give it up when I had my accident and herniated two discs.

[LordOfWu]

Brazilian Jiu-jitsu only for 3 weeks...

What school are you studying at? I've heard quite a bit about Gracie Barra out there...just curious. :D

[zemekone]

What school are you studying at? I've heard quite a bit about Gracie Barra out there...just curious. :D

:D im studying at a Gracie Barra school, in a 25 mile radius there are more then 10 including the headquarters...

Less then 30min i have Royce Gracie's school (i forgot what its called)...

then less then a hour away i have the Gracie Academy, Machado's school, and Eddie Bravo's school (The 10th Planet)...

[Drat]

:D im studying at a Gracie Barra school, in a 25 mile radius there are more then 10 including the headquarters...

Less then 30min i have Royce Gracie's school (i forgot what its called)...

then less then a hour away i have the Gracie Academy, Machado's school, and Eddie Bravo's school (The 10th Planet)...

Be careful, the Gracie schools had a reputation in the 90s for having the most injured students at any given time.

[Sr Mike]

Jerry, you are a disgrace to your race...

[Hardcz]

Be careful, the Gracie schools had a reputation in the 90s for having the most injured students at any given time.

so do the hurting and don't get hurt :dance:

[LordOfWu]

Be careful, the Gracie schools had a reputation in the 90s for having the most injured students at any given time.

That's interesting, I wonder what belt level they had most of their injuries in? I trained with a young man tonight that just moved to CO from FL and had trained in a Gracie Barra school. Our school requires 20 beginner classes of just techniques before you can start live training (grappling at speed with a partner). His school allowed live training from day 1. Just wondering what would happen to a bunch of guys in their first week rolling with someone with a few months but not a lot of control.

Anyway, tonight was my 71st class! :wo

Good times!

[zemekone]

at our school white belts can only roll at less then 60% with the blue belts (for safty reasons)

[Hardcz]

When I used to teach and go to schools, we'd put the advanced students with the less advanced when learning new things so they both will learn... one will learn by teaching, the other will learn because they don't know...

[kayaker]

When I used to teach and go to schools, we'd put the advanced students with the less advanced when learning new things so they both will learn... one will learn by teaching, the other will learn because they don't know...

I've been doing a little rolling near the end of class with other wb, but I have to be careful. I've been able to muscle my way through things a bit, but I don't want to hurt any one or get me hurt. I still need to learn a lot, just one the basics.

I also need to learn to take falls again. I was thrown 2-3 times last night from a basic leg sweep and landed fairly hard each time. I was fine, but much more and I'd have the wind knocked out of me.

[Hardcz]

I've been doing a little rolling near the end of class with other wb, but I have to be careful. I've been able to muscle my way through things a bit, but I don't want to hurt any one or get me hurt. I still need to learn a lot, just one the basics.

I also need to learn to take falls again. I was thrown 2-3 times last night from a basic leg sweep and landed fairly hard each time. I was fine, but much more and I'd have the wind knocked out of me.

I can teach you how to fall and do rolls... pretty easy once you get it...

[kayaker]

I can teach you how to fall and do rolls... pretty easy once you get it...

better than hitting like a ton of bricks. My partner and the instructor both came over to see if I was OK. I was fine, but I guess it didn't look too graceful. That and I wasn't exhaling on impact.

[Hardcz]

better than hitting like a ton of bricks. My partner and the instructor both came over to see if I was OK. I was fine, but I guess it didn't look too graceful. That and I wasn't exhaling on impact.

pfft exhaling on impact? Putting too much thought into it.

[LordOfWu]

at our school white belts can only roll at less then 60% with the blue belts (for safty reasons)

For the whole time you are white belts? So white belts never roll with each other? So how long are you guys white belts? I'd think it'd get old getting your a$$ handed to you every night for a year! :D Getting a chance to roll with yet lower level white belts helps boost my confidence, I know that (although I have submitted blue belts twice...legitimately...and I'm still stunned!).

[greytowhite]

Sorry to revive an old thread but why make a new one?

I practice Chen taiji, mainly chansigong (spiral work) and ding shi (posture transitions) from that tradition. Once I'm employed here I'll probably hook up with the local Yiquan group and maybe do some Escrima.

I sparred with a guy a little while back and had a blast. Googled the guy's name and it turns out he's in jail now for assault. When we sparred he probably had about 6 knives on him and made a display of disarming himself first. He had great hard skills but little body method. Had to fix my specs once I got home.

[Blak Smyth]

I was big into Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for a while a couple years ago.

[Remo]

I practice the "Always Cheat, Always Win" method :tu

[Subvet642]

I practice the "Always Cheat, Always Win" method :tu

There is no such thing as cheating; there is only victory or defeat.

[BFallehy]

There is no such thing as cheating; there is only victory or defeat.

So the "Age and Treachery Vs. Youth and Skill" method of combat.

I have a friend who is a practitioner of Crotchfu, he is not to be trifled with. :gary

[Remo]

There is no such thing as cheating; there is only victory or defeat.

:banger!!

[Remo]

So the "Age and Treachery Vs. Youth and Skill" method of combat.

I have a friend who is a practitioner of Crotchfu, he is not to be trifled with. :gary

Damn near spit my beer :lr

[shark]

Used to study Tang Soo Do in high school.

[Steve]

I practice the "Always Cheat, Always Win" method :tu

So the "Age and Treachery Vs. Youth and Skill" method of combat.

I have a friend who is a practitioner of Crotchfu, he is not to be trifled with. :gary

:banger:banger

http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTWKsBC7U-i_9qK8GjNOj7n9KSwaUFXjaykvpIxRFHlxSeAXaTJUQ


I traded in my black belt for this belt...