Are there any real uses of acrobatic movements in fighting?

[iolair]

Some thoughts for discussion...

 

Is it possible to make any real use of gymnastics/acrobatics/tricks types moves in a "real" fighting situation?

 

If it is possible, how would there effectiveness (both physically and psychologically) compare to simpler techniques?

 

How effective are trick-heavy styles such as Capoeira and TKD in street fighting / self defence / UFC?

 

Does practising these techniques have any other significant payback (improved balance/coordination/speed etc.)?

[The Saint]

Yes gymnastic are useful when it comes to balance and strenght, however they are not very to useful in a street fight. Maybe to run away or to get off the ground. A side kick to the face or stomach is quite effective form the TKD point of view. More examples are, a cresent to knock a knife out of someones hand, roundhouse sweep would work, fists, elbows and knees to finish the job. My rule of thumb is Keep It Simple.

 

When I think on mixing MA with Gynastics, it is done for show only

[Sam]

One thing - u menionted TKD as trick heavy - its not actually true - its just alot of practitioners like showing off alot....

 

I would say it was far off from being the most effective but if you train properly it helps.... i.e.

 

If you are at short range [grabbed, against wall, whatever] a good TKD student could execute a powerful twist / side / turning kick [choice] to the knee which would likely cripple the person for a short time....

 

But yes I agree the main use of acrobatics might be to spring over a fence while running away...

[Shane]

I think you might be able to make them effective during a street fight by makeing your attacker laugh themselfs to death!

 

hahahaha

[dmdfromhamilton]

um a quick arial cartwheel to close the gap, back flip so avoid a sweep and create a bit of distance can't think of anything else though

[Smurf]

Guys i think they can be usefull, not in the attacking sense but more in being able to ride attacks thrown at you, if you've been thrown off balance or to the ground, then maybe a nimble roll to the feet or away is better than a big weighty urrrgh as u try and get back to your feet? I know i'd rather have my gymnastic ability than not

[aefibird]

Guys i think they can be usefull, not in the attacking sense but more in being able to ride attacks thrown at you, if you've been thrown off balance or to the ground, then maybe a nimble roll to the feet or away is better than a big weighty urrrgh as u try and get back to your feet? I know i'd rather have my gymnastic ability than not

 

Yes, that's true. Gymnastic ability will help a persons balance and fluidity of movement, should they ever get into a fight/incident.

[Shorinryu Sensei]

um a quick arial cartwheel to close the gap, back flip so avoid a sweep and create a bit of distance can't think of anything else though

 

I'm assuming (and really hoping) that you're kidding here? Unless the person you're fighting is totally incompetent, doing a cartwheel or backflip during a real fight is just plain suicidal.

Edited January 9, 2005 by Shorinryu Sensei

[VinnieDaChin]

i wouldnt callthem totally useless. maybe you can convince them not to beat you up cause youre entertaining....

[Shorinryu Sensei]

i wouldnt callthem totally useless. maybe you can convince them not to beat you up cause youre entertaining....

 

I hadn't thought of that....or when they are rolling around on the floor in hysterical laughter at you might be another opportunity to get them.