baronbvp

Outstanding, cross. I'm guessing he saw your motivation. It's hard to resist teaching someone who earnestly wants to learn. Let us know how it goes.

I believe it's done about 3-5 inches below the floating rib, just in front of the person's side. There are various reasons explained for why it knocks you out, such as the liver contacting the rib or spine, or the brain instantly shutting off blood flow to the brain to protect it against a sudden increase in blood pressure. I have no experience with the liver shot, either throwing it or receiving it. It looks like a great tool if you can get a clear shot. It's also a legal punch, whereas a kidney punch is not.

I have been researching the liver shot - a strike just below the floating ribs to the liver. If delivered correctly, it can be a KO punch or kick. At the least, it will hurt very badly. A hook to the body is a great way to connect. Does anyone have any experience throwing these or sucking them up?

Or start on both, and then throttle back if you need to? I personally would choose shootfighting if I could only do one, for the reasons cross mentioned. Might be a little easier on your joints as well - since you have a life.

I couldn't agree more with ninjer. A sharp breath out your nose or mouth (depending on your mouthguard, if you're wearing one) is much more effective and takes less energy. I'd rather use that energy in my strike while keeping my abdominal muscles tight. Similarly, I think the same thing about lifting weights. Noisy weightlifters are wasting energy. The occasional grunt is okay.

I believe that finding the bunkai in Tai Chi moves would assist someone in using it for fighting, would it not? Like observing or figuring out the practical application of kata? That said, I can't imagine Tai Chi winning against a modern-day Muay Thai/BJJ guy.

Since I have an engineering background, I also like an instructor who understands and can relate the physical mechanics behind a technique. I like to know WHY it works, especially with leverage moves. When I understand why I am doing things, I better learn how to do them on my own when the situation doesn't exactly match the setups I've practiced.

Looks like Seattle will in fact let Ken Hamlin go, now that they've signed Deon Grant from Jacksonville. And Jax may be interested in Hamlin, as may NO. Trading safeties to save money? Kooky.

I do leg/glute kickbacks with an ankle cuff on my low cable. I'm not sure it improves my flexibility, though, since it tightens up my hip muscles.

That advice is worth more than two cents. Excellent post, Ottman.

Haaaaaaaaaaaa!

I fenced with foil in high school, which is obviously a thrusting (stabbing) weapon. I have tried some moves with my Navy officer's cutlass. See a photo here: http://www.militarysabers.com/navy-officer-sword-hi.html. A history of this sword can be found here: http://www.history.navy.mil/library/online/uniform_sword.htm Would you call a cutlass a straight sword? It's not curved like a cavalry saber, but rather a single-edged cutting and thrusting weapon designed to be used in close quarters aboard ship against - you guessed it - pirates. Obviously thesa are now purely ceremonial. I find the ornamental grip on the hilt roughs up my hand unless I wear a glove.

I took archery when I was a kid for three summers and then again in high school. I loved it. I had sort of forgotten about it, never really thought about it as a martial art. Maybe I'll add it to my styles list.

Thanks brother! Can do easy.

So the Ravens sign McGahee, and now Drew Rosenhaus wants a new contract for Frank Gore after only two years in SF. He was a rookie before last season! Who will stop the money train?

In general, women don't attack men unless they have a significant reason. So if one did, and you didn't deserve it, she should be treated as a threat. A threat is a threat. Tell me you wouldn't take out this attacker: http://youtube.com/watch?v=6jrEVylV6Yg http://youtube.com/watch?v=71NZL6BVxpY http://youtube.com/watch?v=RFDzSSscLig Granted two of these are girl on girl. But a couple of quick Muay Thai knees to the face wouldn't be a bad way to end it. A fight is a fight. I wouldn't prolong anything, especially if weapons or other participants could come into play.

"Somewhere every three seconds a man is thrown off a cliff and killed in a giant explosion. We have video of this poor man."

Try grabbing one of his legs and throwing him to the ground, or at least holding it. Also, kick his support leg.

Welcome to KF! Best forum on the web.

Good for you! I never stop learning. The quest for knowledge is a thirst. Glad you found the well.

Eragon at the theater with my kids. A good one - hard to believe it was written by a teenager. On DVD, Thank You for Not Smoking. Classic and funny.

I am active duty military and have been to Bahrain a few times. I'll bet you can find something more to your liking by asking around. Talk to the MWR rep on base and perhaps even look out in town. I don't know if you have any FP restrictions or curfews that drive off-base behavior, but take all that into account. To answer your basic question, much of my training has been informal from whomever I was with, in whatever style I could find. There is value in combat-effective training and/or sparring with anyone you can find. Even MCA (military combat arts) with the SF or Marines is worth your time. Ask around at the base gym. You'll find someone eager to train with you. Focus on what works, and stay away from esoteric philosophy or complicated forms. I am 45 and do Muay Thai and Jeet Kune Do. I am also interested in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. You are never too old. Just be smart about how aggressively you train and spar versus the risk of injury. Stay hydrated and give your body time to recover from workouts. Good luck!

I like Muay Thai more than karate for all the reasons you mentioned in your OP. I believe you should also add BJJ or some kind of grappling/ground fighting to your arsenal.

Sohan, I agree with you in principle. But I am thinking of guys in their 40s or 50s. I have seen some incredible older martial artists and MMA guys who I would like to see duel, focusing on technique and not brute brutality.

Many of them can't do it. It's all they know, all they have. Not everyone is Tiki Barber.