Existence_is _suffering

Nineteen eighty-four by George Orwell... 3 times in less than two weeks... I'd read it again too but I lent it to my slow-reading friend So am reading a tone of music theory and history books for school...

There was a case here a while ago where a black-belt actually picked a fight. The judge while sentencing noted that the man had usually shown great restraint in the past (he had worked as a bouncer/security guard etc. prior to the event and had never had a complaint filed against him). Seemingly having a black-belt actually worked in his favour to a degree..

Are there any (Predominately empty-handed) martial arts that have been banned in any country? By Banned I mean the training of the art has been banned for any reason?

Medium rare/rare, pink in the middle mostly!

Rage Against The Machine, Drones... Depends what training I'm doing!

Drugged up psycho that wants to tear your head off to see the blood.. (May be a bit of an over-statement but...) Not common where I live.

To me, verbal diffusion is the key. While doing this I maintain a short distance (just out of punch range, but within snap-kick range, if I know the person to be violent I usually try to keep a bit back), hold my hands open, palms towards them at between my waist and chest height (once again depending on A. If I know the person to be violent. B. If I don't know the person at all.) And talk calmly, clearly and softly, but not as low as to let them think I'm muttering things under my breath or anything (hey, some people are crazy! ) While I'm doing this I "scope-out" the target, (body-language, size/ fitness= as to estimate speed and strength etc., take note of any stances shifting of weight=may tell me of an incoming attack and if they've had training and eyes=tells me if they're intoxicated or whatever, may also give away a possible attack). I also take notice of surroundings (any friends he has, possible weapons, proximity to walls/obstacles etc.) If a person makes a grab for me, depending on my risk assesment strategy I either leave it (If I know them to be all talk) or use their force to spin them around/ put off balance (works well if they're not overly fired up but drunk from experience. Granted, this one is more for people you know/ don't particularly want to hurt). Put them in a pain compliance hold (More sober people). I've found when facing someone who has induced a stimulant, eg. speed, it is better to simply dodgeand weave until you have a chance to escape (unless I felt if they would vent on someone else, in which case I would try to position myself for a pacifying strike, eg. K.O., nerve-strike(?)maybe a break of some kind).. All after the grab applies unless they have a weapon, in which case I would A. Apply a pain-submission technique that would disarm them, or a Aikido throw that left me in control of it/out of reach. B. If I believe that I'm in imminent danger I would either go for a break move (hapkido aikido throw or a hard knife-hand to the throat/bridge of nose (exact target would rely on whether or not I believe that the opponent would get up/ continue the altercation with a broken nose. I'm just speaking from experience and what has and that (from past experience) I believe would work. Please feel free to critique and ask questions and I will do my best to give you a satisfactory answer!

If someone is abusing me I: A. Laugh and agree (Usually whenI'm in a good mood). B. Ignore them. If they continue I look at them with a bored look on my face and ask them "Haven't you finished yet?/ Are you still talking?", have worked most of the time!

Defacto, SOME Mars Volta stuff, I've got a Jazz for meditiation cd as well, which isn't too bad... Sometimes (but rarely) Industrial... Sometimes use drones too!

I play bass (not very exotic I know! lol. I have noticed that I haven't had to work as hard as some people I have spoken to with my grip/ forearm conditioning. A bit of Rage Against the Machine always amps me up before a training session if I'm not in the mood as well!

Well said pitbullJudoka! Congratulations on being member of the month too!

Thanks DWx, the links were fantastic!

Great topic and arguements!... I have to agree with NightOwl though. The mere absence of a guard on a huge proportion of practicioners that compete says that they aren't being trained in a way that would point to being a more effective fighter, rather an effective competitor...

Thanks, clears a lot of things up for me!

Can someone explain more about this philosophy please? Well, what exactly would you like to know? Maybe I can give a little something for you. Is it studied for religious purposes? Does it have a "code of conduct" (Think Bushido)? Is it seen as 100% self-defence/discipline or seen as bettering oneself with the added bonus of being able to defend yourself?.... Sorry, I'm finding it hard communicate my questions properly today...

I'd go praying mantis. While it is vigorous at some points, the weight-loss and gains in flexibility, endurance, muscle tone should be alot faster than tai chi chaun (I'm guessing you're thinking of a Yang class). That's not to say tai chi won't produce the same benefits or is easier... To me it depends on your commitment to the art (fitness or self-defence etc.) Maybe ask to sit in on a beginners class of each school?...

I agree with marie curie (and mantis.style) having never really been in this situation myself because brothers, while younger than me, have always been able to defend themselves (Many times when I've been in the vicinity of one of their fights it's been over before I've arrived). So yeah, shouldn't beat yourself up over it!

Hahaha, very nice!

Can someone explain more about this philosophy please?

What does everybody know of this art? I'm very interested in studying it and as I live in a place with very few decent instructors of any art, I thought I'd research before I spend countless hours attempting to track down an instructor... I know a bit about it already but if someone could give me some references to some quality literature (books would be ideal) I'd appreciate it! Thank you!

You pretty much get what you pay for when it comes to martial art vids on the net.... But I've found Youtube helpful in smoothing out kinks in my technique and giving some idea of different techniques...

Well put!

Hmm, depending on who/why I'm in that situation, I'd punch them in the bicep (of the arm holding me), punch him in the solar plexus, grab both sides of their head and pull/twist at the same time using their leverage (pushed forward from the punch to the solar plexus) to flip them off me... Basically what Montana said...

Sorry, I'll rephrase the question. Are the majority of the moves that he does in the film Xingyi/Baguazhang?

http://www.hungkuen.net/home.htm Thats an ok site... Wikipedia has a pretty good article on it too from what I've read! Do you know what lineage you practice?