Willannem

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What record? Don’t use sport events as a guideline for effectiveness. Traditional systems teach a martial art while MMA systems claim to teach "street fighting", ring fighting, a mix of traditional systems, or selective techniques from whatever the instructors have learn'd. It all depends on what you want out of training on what school you should choose. On another note, I've trained in a traditional art and it is considered to be too "hard core" for most people. It takes a certain mentality to stay in it. Classes are normally small (I've maybe seen 10 people in class on the best day). We've had Army Rangers and other special ops alike come through and never stay (sometimes the kids stay but parents don't...go figure). The school has not changed its teachings to keep the doors open.

Thats not true. Adrenaline does a great job of sapping all of your energy from you. Adrenaline makes you feel great for about 10-20 seconds if you decide to go beserk and crazy. If you dont get the job done by then (or do significant damage) then you're in some trouble. I've been in a few street fights and have whitness'd many more. I've never seen anyone tire out after a 10-20 second burst of rage. Also, none of the fights lasted longer than 2 or 3 min. In a competition/sport, you'd be in trouble. Based on personal experiences, adrenaline induced rage has last'd long after the fight is over. Its not so much the skill of the individual in a fight that determines how quickly its concluded as it is the comparitive skill of BOTH the fighters (and weight disparity as well). For instance, Roy Jones Jr. could quickly defeat and knock out some scrub who has no training whatsoever, due mostly to the difference in experience between the two fighters. When he fights another professional boxer, it suddenly becomes a fight that becomes drawn out, because the other boxer knows how to defend properly and counterattack as well. Well, I said the more experienced martial artist. Roy Jones would fall into the 'more experienced' category in your scrub scenario. Also, Roy has knock'd out several well train'd boxers in short stints. Roy was just the more experience fighter in the matchup. Besides, as I've said earlier, street fights (from my own personal experience) don't last more than a few minutes, no matter the skill of the fighters. Rules of the ring make fights long and drawn out. Rules of the street keeps 'em short.

Mr. Mike, I think you did an excellent job of conflict resolution. Individuals like him are used to being in control and the aggressor. When they find themselves on the other side of the coin, they cower. A simple slap is all it took. Restraint doesn't seem like a strong enough word for what you displayed. The only mistake I say you made was allowing him around your family. Thankfully no one was hurt and you learned your lesson. I've learned through experience that if things can get worse, they usually do.

Looking to impress someone in fight usually precludes you get'n beat half to death...or worse. Save flash for demo's when you're trying to recruit. If your school is teaching flash as a self defense technique, I feel sorry for you.

That isn't the only thing that creatine does but that is a big exponent of it. I'd agree to shy away from supplementation until you're an adult except in cases of some protein shakes and vitamins. As far as lifting goes, I suggest you start with light weights (stuff you can do for 3 sets of 10-12 reps) until you build up the knowledge and skill level to lift properly. Most people with years of practice have horrible form which can get you hurt. If you can afford it, seek out a personal trainer to show you how to lift with correct form. Make sure he is certified, though. Click here for a great resource on working out. It even shows you proper form. There's a faq section that can answer many questions you may have, also.

Training in either art will help you shape up. I'd go with the one that I feel most comfortable with.

Ice it down, take some ibuprofen, and see a doctor. You may have to fight with one hand. I did when I broke my wrist. You can do it.

Systema

I wouldn't compare a sensei to a gun runner. Gun runners engage in illegal activites and deal with people they know will use their wares to do harm. They are in it for pure profit for themselves and little more. Senseis build character along with teaching people to defend themselves and/or compete in organized events. They teach people not to engage in combat unless absolutely necessary; the avoidance of war. If anything, you can call them 'Lords of Peace'.

I'd like to try that. Gotta upgrade this dinosaur, though.

Sounds like a great idea. Make it happen!

As some will say that you can’t defend against a takedown unless you train against someone who is an expert in takedowns, you can reverse that statement for strikes…You can’t defend against a strike unless you train against an expert in striking. I agree and disagree with both statements. You have to train with those that are experts in both. In ideal circumstances, it’s within one system. Also, just because you do something more than someone else does not mean you’ll be better than them. Our Soke constantly said, “Quality over quantity!” In traditional jujutsu, you are train’d in stand-up, ground work, locks, throws, weapons, etc. There is just too much to focus on one aspect. I’ve fought against pure strikers in their own tournaments. More times than not, I’ve beat them. Some of the credit goes to me but most goes to the training I’ve received. I’ve spent, at best, 1/5 the time training to strike they have. Due to me being call’d up to active duty and subsequent relocation, I haven’t had the opportunity to fight pure grapplers so I haven’t tested that side of theory. My instructor has, however, and has prosper’d well against ‘em. In essence, it all comes down training and the individual. You may have the perfect technique against takedowns but if you screw it up, oh well. Same goes for techniques against strikes.

After about a month of jujutsu training, I let my instructor know I wanted to train in Karate to be a "well rounded fighter". Little did I know he held black belt ranks in Karate, too. He wore me out in a one-on-one training session. It was just me, him, and 35 years of his exerience. He taught everything I needed to know. If you seek what your school doesn't have, I don't see why it would be a problem to crosstrain; as long as it doesn't detract from your current training.

His movies were ok. Nothing to brag about. I caught some footage of him in actual tournaments. He's a good fighter. Tae Bo has made him a LOT of money. It's an honest living. Other than that lil bit, I know little about him.