Self Defense or Looks?

[BlackDragon777]

I am just curious to see what you guys think. In the Kung fu I practice, my teacher as I said combines Karate with Kung fu and we don't learnmany "fancy" moves. We learn moves to take down the opponent very fast and easy. This is the way I like.

 

For example, You have a big strong guy.

 

#1, with front leg, kick to the groin, strike the eyes out with five fingers, punch to the groin and come up with a punch. This should eliminate the opponent, at least long enouph for you to get away. There is nothing fancy about the moves. He says as long as you learn trhough Karate and Kung fu how to defend yourself, fancy moves aren't important.

 

He does however teach us some fancy moves, but self defense moves come first. I love his philosiphy. These attacks are VERY easy and VERY fast. I am not interested in fancy moves, rather skills to eliminate an opponent.

 

My shihan use to teach Us Special Forces, and now trains all the police officers in my city. His moves and forms are made to easily and quickly take out the opponent which as I said I really enjoy. What do you guys think? Do you perfer "fancy" moves or are you the martial artist who just cares to learn how to take out an opponent quickly or both?

 

For myself, I enjoy both but I mostly enjoy learn quick and easy moves to take out an opponent. Thanks!!!!

 

GOD Bless you Always my Friends!!!!

[fungku]

Personally I prefer both.

 

Sometimes it's fun to put on shows.

 

I think training 'real' moves should come first and foremost, and they should be seperated. It should be clearly understood what is combat efficient/effective and what is not.

 

A lot of the 'fancy' moves are good to practice simply because of their fitness benefit. They may not be a 'combat-oriented' technique, but they can help improve agility, balance, power, speed, strength, accuracy, etc.

[omnifinite]

I have no interest in the fancy stuff personally. My head is cluttered enough already without sticking that extra stuff in there .

[Kyle-san]

I'm not much of a flash kinda guy, I tend to lean towards something that's effective and doesn't have much look to it.

[Karateka_latino]

Unless you aren't planning a carreer in the show business, then stick what its effective.

[Karateka_latino]

small correction..

 

Unless you ARE planning a carreer in show business, then stick with the effective techniques.

 

sometimes i type so fast that i don't watch what im writing.

[Red J]

For self defense, effective is what's best. Fancy techniques are nice for training purposes.

[ramymensa]

Fancy stuff ... love it, but I take care of the effective techniques first. The others are just to prove myself I can do artistic moves

 

Effectivness is our priority. Shotokan is quite boring in this apect, but I guess I cope with the situation. And when it comes to defend your person on the street it's important to do it well and powerful, not artistic

[fungku]

Watch this video from Kungfu.net

 

I liek the part where one of the guys tries a big spinning hook or whatever and the other guy justs grabs his leg and sends him on a trip.

 

This just shows make sure you know what you're doing. Like I said, keep your training seperate. If you want to do fancy stuff, because it looks cool and helps coordination, agility and balance, go ahead. Just remember when it comes to actual combat -> KISS - Keep it simple, stupid

[Shaolin Fighter]

Self-defense, looks can get you really hurt........