54Oldsman

Is it possible to look at a person who suddenly throws a haymaker and discern how much of a threat they really are? Maybe, maybe not. As a general rule, aren't we suppose to use the amount of force required to stop the attack and get away as unharmed as possible? If an attacker would actually think through what can be in store for them if they attack a person who is qualified to defend themselves in most situations, wouldn't they think twice about the attack? A streetfighter and a true "predator" might not look all that different in a dimly lighted area and a sudden attack.

Basically in a self defense situation, punching to most regions of an attacker's body or head is going to break your hands and properly executed palm strikes will not. If you happen to be wearing you boxing gloves as your attacked, go ahead with the punches.

with your hands out front guarding the"center line", an attacker is forced to punch around your guard, therefore the haymaker. the counter would then be to "spear" (ulnas to their breastbone, neck, shoulder region) stopping to momentum and then a barrage of close quarter strikes. elbows, knees etc. and then get the heck out of there!

At our dojo we are taught to avoid, talk down, run, etc. and if that fails and the attacker steps inside the "saftey" area(arms length), strike first, continue to strike and once the threat is over step back and get out of there.

I guess it depends on how much time you want to put into it. On average, people just don't have that much time to devote to training and alot more efficient ways to train effectively are available. Although, alot of time can be consumed if you train to get good at all the aspects of an martial art or several arts. I'd try and figure how much time you have available, how much you want to devote and divide that by the amount of days you train in a week, then see what you can fit into that amount of time. I doubt it ends up being 5-6 hours a day and 10,000 kicks and punches!!

Started at 41, currently 42.

Dazza, If the fight gets bad enough to lose the sphincter, at least we stand a chance of the smell driving the attacker away!! Just kidding!!

Amen hobbitbob!!! In training for self defense we sometimes forget that once a "thug" figures out that we're probably going to get the best of them, the knife or gun are coming out if they have one. A blade or bullet can do mortal damage in an instant and then it's too late. Guess that's why we're taught to avoid violence if at all possible!!

$89.(US) a month, okinowan kenpo, kobudo karate- ka. Seems a little high but, it's top quality and not many people seem to be leaving on account of price.

Welcome, I just joined myself and look forward to participating!

Greeting from Livermore, Maine. My username seems a little unusual and it's because it's the same one I use for all the forums I frequent. We study okinawa kenpo kobudo karate-do @ pellitier's karate here in maine. I'm very partial to the place and look forward to many years of participation. I'm somewhat of a rookie and started kinda late in the game at 42.

I've been at my dojo 6 months and can't say enough good of the sensei and the variety that he covers. A joker but, insistant that we learn properly. My question is about some of the senior members, it's very difficult to make eye contact with them when arriving at the dojo much less get them to say high or strike up a conversation. Most are excellent training partners, it just seems the common courtesy isn't there. In the dojo rules, it states to be courteous to fellow members. Maybe it takes awhile to be accepted into the fold and I'll keep at them. I was brought up to acknowledge other humans when their in close proximity to you, even a nod of acknowledgement is acceptable. Enough crying, glad to be a member.