Parsonator73

NCIS, Lost, Castle, Burn Notice, The Mentalist, Psych, Man vs. Wild

When I was in Kenpo the first time around in elementary school, I had to perform a stick technique for a demo. My dad and I cut a couple of broomsticks down and wrapped them in electrical tape so that I could practice. They're still laying around the house somewhere...

I haven't been studying karate for very long, but both of the techniques in the videos differ from what I have learned for knife defenses. The defense I have a learned against a thrusting knife attack like in the first video starts with a twist to escape the thrust and then a then a downward strike and an upward strike simultaneously to the wrist of the attacker to either make him/her drop the knife or at least create pain in the wrist. It is followed by a backfist type strike to the face and then a side kick to the throat. I find it very effective and not all that difficult to perform. As for a slashing attack with a knife, we learn to take 45 degree angles to escape the slash. At the correct moment, you step into the attacker and block the arm and strike to the groin at the same time. Then you wrap the attacker's arm and neck, pull him/her into your body and turn to face the opposite direction to throw them. Maintaining the arm wrap, you strike to the throat/collarbone twice, and then explode upward, snapping the arm, and come down with a final strike to the throat/collarbone. This one is a little more complicated, but practice makes perfect. I think I would prefer either of these to the two in the videos, but every situation is different and each person has their preference.

I definitely think that martial arts can bring happiness. Karate makes me happy. I'm pretty good at it, and it is sometimes the only thing I look forward to throughout the whole week. It is one of the only things that I chose to do, unlike school and work which I have to do. I always feel good when I go to class and spend time training.

I think that using the elbow like that is an effective block. I recently learned a technique where you use an upward elbow strike when the attacker tries to pull you into his punch. At the same time it can be used as a block if they try to hit you with the opposite hand. I can also see the claw being effective if it was done right, although that is probably not what I would use in that situation.

My name is Eric and I am new to the site. Looking forward to reading, posting, and learning!