cathal

Have at least two others with you, and have them just throw punches. Don't bother punching yourself, you can if you want, but the focus is on avoidance.

I'm not surprised you saw some very different things. The two artforms are based on two different sets of physical techniques. The philosophies do differ in some respects as well. However when it comes to self-defence keep in mind that when watching a film or TV what you'll see there is meant to entertain. Ergo not everything will be realistic.

I definitely disagree with this. The Gracie's have been fairly popular in the martial arts community for many many years. Their family, methodology, and their fighting records have been around for a very long time.

This is a good one. I think he'd have to say something like "You will sentence me to six years in prison." If it was true, then the judge would have to make it false by sentencing him to four years. If it was a lie he would have to sentence the man to six years, making it true. It's a clever way to get two years taken off. However, as for myself, I'd probably say something like "I am male." because that can't be disputed.

This is another fantastic one! The letter E

I agree, controlling the class is imperative. This situation exists because of a lack of proper decorum and it's a major sign of disrespect.

Welcome aboard.

I'm going to check it out in greater detail later on - I've only had a brief chance to check it out. I'm happy with what I've seen so far.

When in doubt always go with your sensei's cirriculum. They have the experience and if they feel a deviation from it is necessary they'll tell you. The more you push it the less likely it will be to get an earlier grading, etc.

Now that's an interesting something. We don't do that but I may start.

Welcome aboard, am I correct in assuming you're in the armed forces?

I like this one, It's the word "wholesome".

There is a lot of great advise here, I'd definitely go with baronbvp here in that you have some thinking to do before going forward with a decision. But regardless of what your goals are, etc if you aren't happy with it maybe you should consider moving to another school. The people factor there may be a bit more agreeable.

A computer!! I'd say a keyboard instead. Nyah nyah

In terms of general knowledge for the public it would normally seem like common sense to be aware of your situation and surroundings. When we were all in elementary school we're taught to avoid "bad" situations and people, and places. As martial artists how do we incorporate our training into this philosophy? After all we focus mainly on the physical aspect of combat, at first anyway. Later on we learn more about ourselves and how people's minds work. We understand more that it's better to simply avoid a fight than it is to simply fight it out and wait to see what happens. So to answer that question what do you think we as martial artists can do to incorporate this into our training?

These is a fantastic discussion. Because if you're interviewed by police at some point, which description would you use? I definitely think the original post isn't as accurate as it could be. But expanding it like we have definitely seems better to me.

I tend to agree that is would be useful but only to an extent. If someone grabs you, my opinion is to get out of that situation as quickly as possible. You may not be well served by going to the ground right away. Especially if your attacker isn't alone.

Good job man. The first few tournaments are the most challenging because of the mix of emotions.

I pay $30/month. Or $75 for three months.

Here are two links to two drills we've discussed: http://www.karateforums.com/close-quarters-hip-exercise-vt29570.html?highlight= and http://www.karateforums.com/close-quarters-exercise-vt28855.html?highlight= As for a few others here we go: 1. Have the class pair up as closely as possible to the same height. Have one of the pair throw **Very light** punches to the head/chest and the other push them to the side/up/down to get that punch off-target. Examine the effectiveness. Next, one of the pair will turn 90 degrees to one side and close their eyes. At that point the one facing will begin to throw *very light* punches at the head & chest level. The person with their eyes closed with merely move their hand left/right up/down to push the fist/flat hand away slightly. Examine that effectiveness. Lastly, have them face one another again and repeat the first drill. You'll be amazed at the results. Switch, repeat. 2. Have your class paired up. Each pair faces one another and locks eye contact. They aren't allowed to break eye contact no matter what. Have them reach out and hold one another's hands, and they move their hands around. Up down, left right, all that jazz. Next, they let go & close their eyes. They will then try to lightly touch the face/gi of their partner, while simultaneously blocking each other. Amazing results yet again. Afterward, have them do it with close fists, and use punching techniques with blocking/evading techniques. Have them go from slow to fast, building up speed. Truly amazing results at this point. 3. Have the class get into pairs (eventually trios). The goal is to start in the middle of an area with clearly defined border, like a sparring ring. The goal is to push their partner to one side and outside of the boundary. They aren't allowed to break contact so the moment their hands land on another they can't let go or reposition or even move their hands from where they are. So they can't let go either or they lose. 4. Have the class pair up. One person stands in ready stance, and the other is about ten steps away. Have that one walk/run/skip/whatever toward the stationary partner. the moment they are within range of an attack they randomly do so. Slow motion at first, building up speed. All I can think of just now. I'll probably have more later.

Welcome, glad to have you.

Easy, just throw it up in the air.

The answer is nothing.

We listen to music in some of our special training sessions. It really helps you to learn the rhythm of combat. It doesn't much matter what you're listening to so long as the beat does not change timing.

If it happens again I'd lightly punch his shoulder and say something like "Suck it up drama queen".