The two consistencies of combat

[bushido_man96]

The two things that I think are the things that can be counted on in combat, and therefore should probably be reflected in training to some extent, are that it is:

1. Dynamic

2. Chaotic

These two things are guaranteed to be a part of combat, no matter what nature it falls into.

Comments?

[shujika]

Two very “fine” words, (but a bit “ambiguous/vague”) I think they need to be “defined”, in order to actually have meaning. Either, could be taken “to whatever” extream the user desired.

[joesteph]

. . . and therefore should probably be reflected in training to some extent, are that it is:

1. Dynamic

2. Chaotic

In training, would a heavy emphasis on chaining the attack, whether by hand, foot, or both, be dynamic?

As for chaotic, I'm not an instructor, but wouldn't an instructor, particularly a creative one, have different scenarios--if not surprises--in his/her bag of tricks for the martial arts student, particularly the more advanced ones? I believe there was a posting about practicing knife defenses in low-light conditions--not the usual practice session.

Edited September 30, 2008 by joesteph

[tallgeese]

There are a ton of things that should be considered. These two often get overlooked and should definatly be addressed, both will obviously be present in the real thing.

Dynamic movments really need to be stressed due to the ever changing flow of combat. Drills need to reflect this and make the student react to constantly changing conditions.

The chaotic nature of a fight should also be addressed thru the application of free-form sparring sessions as well as spontaneous attack and defend drills that allow origninality and creativity on the part of the attacker.

Both good points, both often fail to get the attention that they deserve.

[cross]

The two things that I think are the things that can be counted on in combat, and therefore should probably be reflected in training to some extent, are that it is:

1. Dynamic

2. Chaotic

Very true. Its funny though, that the training methods of alot of martial arts classes are:

1. Static

2. pre-defined.

[bushido_man96]

Two very “fine” words, (but a bit “ambiguous/vague”) I think they need to be “defined”, in order to actually have meaning. Either, could be taken “to whatever” extream the user desired.

I don't think the words here are vague at all. Combat involves at least 2 people moving and with and against each other, thus the dynamics of combat include at least the movement of 2 people against each other. In other words, combat isn't like a one-step.

As for the chaos, that's what combat is. Its random, and can be uncontrolled. The environment and the actions of the other person make it so.

[bushido_man96]

The two things that I think are the things that can be counted on in combat, and therefore should probably be reflected in training to some extent, are that it is:

1. Dynamic

2. Chaotic

Very true. Its funny though, that the training methods of alot of martial arts classes are:

1. Static

2. pre-defined.

I agree, cross. I think that too many, my opening thread may sound obvious, but this is the very reason that I wanted to point it out.

[bushido_man96]

In training, would a heavy emphasis on chaining the attack, whether by hand, foot, or both, be dynamic?

For dynamic, not only chaining together attacks, but also dealing with the attacks of the other person, who is not going to just let you attack. Many forms of sparring help to achieve this. However, I think it is important to change the rules of sparring from time to time, to get students out of their comfort zones.

As for chaotic, I'm not an instructor, but wouldn't an instructor, particularly a creative one, have different scenarios--if not surprises--in his/her bag of tricks for the martial arts student, particularly the more advanced ones? I believe there was a posting about practicing knife defenses in low-light conditions--not the usual practice session.

Yes, I think that scenarios are a great way to train. The low-lighting knife work is a good idea, too. Also, just having someone put a weapon on the ground while two are sparring is a great way to add spice to the chaos.

[FitOrDie]

The two things that I think are the things that can be counted on in combat, and therefore should probably be reflected in training to some extent, are that it is:

1. Dynamic

2. Chaotic

Very true. Its funny though, that the training methods of alot of martial arts classes are:

1. Static

2. pre-defined.

Absolutely right, and absolutely right! How amusing. This is why crossfit is my physical fitness program- constantly varied functional movement at high intensity... And I train self defense the same way. You need the mentality (aggressiveness) to do what it takes (destroy your opponent before he destroys you) without hesitation or distraction from trivial matters like fear or pain.

You never really know what's around the next corner.