The first martial art that will be discussed is one that I have 13 years of experience in; Shotokan Karate.  This style was created by Gichin Funakoshi in approximately 1963.  It is considered a Hard style and is seperated into three sections; Kihon (basic), Kata (Forms), and Kumite (Sparring).  The power of Shotokan karate comes from the hips.  The syncronism of rotating hips guiding the strikes, kicks, and blocks allows for optimum power for the techniques as well as increasing the speed that the techniques can be executed.  The confrontational style is direct, meaning that there isn’t flowing motions that are found in tai chi, but instead a more block/strike/counterattack mentality.  Shotokan has helped spawn various other styles such as kyokushinkai, several Ryu Styles and even Russian Sambo.  The older forms of karate have been used by the Japanese in their military and these principles are even adopted by modern soldiers.  The strikes in Shotokan are not meant for a brawl, they are meant to end the fight with that one strike.  The close-fisted strikes are administered by rotating the hips and guiding the fist with the palm side parallel to the floor towards the target.  The impact is concentrated on the index and the middle knuckles.  This creates a strike that surpasses a boxer’s hook because the impact area is concerntrated to those two knuckles and therefore has deeper penetration.  A strike to the temple can kill, to the sternum can break it,can crack ribs, and to the stomach can cause internal damage.  The kicks differ to those traditionally used in the UFC.  Those kicks are administered with the shin and the upper arch of the foot.  However, the limitation in this variation is that if somebody blocks with the elbow, the kicker will be limping for a month.  In shotokan, frond kicks and roundhouse kicks are administered with the front sole of the foot.  This is a safer way to kick because the impact will not cause the kicker pain and it is also a less tender area than the shin or the upper arch of the foot.  The front kick is considered one of the fastest forms of attack and also one of the most powerful because of the direct impact.  It must also be noted that practitioners of Shotokan go through a long line of conditioning by doing push ups on knuckles and punching boards.

     The second style that I would like to discuss is Tai Chi.  Many observers that have become accustomed to the MMA culture will consider Tai Chi to be a “pretty dance”, however, to their disadvantage, these people will miss the subtle power that governs this martial art.  The influcences of Tai Chi are derived from Taoist and Budhist temples.  It is considered an internal martial art and is widely known for it’s beneficial effects on the health of the practitioner.  However, this martial art has been used as an effective means of self-defense for countless years.  The subtle law mentioned earlier is center of balance.  The Tai chi practitioner uses the his own stable center of gravity to locate the opponent’s center of gravity and displace it with the least amount of force possible.  In fact, on several occasions, a Tai Chi master has been able to put a Jiu Jitsu user flat on his back.  The ability to sense the opponent’s center of gravity, allows Tai Chi practitioners to utilize pushes, throws, and strikes that are difficult to block because they do not attack the body, but instead the ability to maintain composure.  When attacked, the Tai Chi user will absorb and redirect the force of the strike, push, or pull and turn that strength against the attacker.  Many of these principals can be found in aikido, hapkido, and Systema Kadochnikova (Russian Military).

     The main point that readers should take from this article is that the UFC is a sport and is governed and limited by the rules of engagement, while the classic styles of martial arts are used as a means of self-defense from potentially fatal attacks.  For example:  In the UFC, one of the most widely used forms of combat is Brazillian Jiu Jitsu in fact it is said that most of the fights will end up on the ground.  Though BJJ is effective when it is one on one, the usefulness of this style is obsolete when facing more than one opponent.  The second widely used martial art is Mui Thai.  Unfortunately, only the ‘legal’ aspect is taught.  What isn’t taught is the strikes to vital areas, nor do UFC trainers teach defense against weapons.  However, classical martial arts do not fool around with a brawl.  They are used to disarm and disable an opponent in the fastest means possible.  Instead of striking to the face and body twenty times, a true martial artist will end the fight with one strike to the groin, neck, throat, eye, temple or another vital area that will have a crippling effect, however, a master will be able to avoid the fight altogether.  Therefore, it is impossible to use the UFC as a measuring stick for classical martial arts because figuratively speaking, UFC fighters have one hand and one leg tied behind their back.  The winner of a UFC bout either knocks out, submits, or gets scored higher than the opponent.  The goal of a martial artist is simply to walk away with his life and limbs attached.  The UFC is not even close to “as real as it gets”, it’s just a game of pretend.

According to Kamus Besar Bahasa Indonesia (Indonesian Language Dictionary), published by Balai Pustaka, pencak silat is an art to protect and defend oneself and to attack, with or without weapons. Definition Pencak in traditional Javanese style is an action of Olah Cipta (art of mind power), Olah Rasa (art of feeling) and Olah Karsa (art of will) for defense purpose. To master Olah Cipta, Olah Rasa and Olah Karsa, one must have a pure heart. This pure heart can be realized by understanding one self. This self understanding means the process to understand their mind, body and spirit. To achieve self-understanding, one should do introspection and contemplation to see into the deepest part within his heart and living elements which are called Sedulur Papat Lima Pancer (four elemental angels/ brothers and one core spirit). Sedulur Papat Lima Pancer elements consist of earth, water, fire, wind and the spirit. In ancient time in Java, pencak silat had some various name, e.g.: Jaya Kawijayan ( a figthing art of winning) and Olah Kanuragan (the art of body).

Generally, Pencak silat is classified into thousands styles and hundreds schools. There are many style inspired by animal movement for example Jurus Harimau (Tiger Style) and JurusElang (Hawk Style). The respective Pencak Silat style is unique.

There are 10 historical pencak silat schools in Indonesia.

1. Tapak Suci (Jogjakarta)
2. Phasadja Mataram (Jogjakarta)
3. Perpi Harimurti (Jogjakarta)
4. Persaudaraan Setia Hati Terate (Madiun)
5. Perisai Diri (Surabaya)
6. Perisai Putih (Gresik)
7. Persaudaraan Setia Hati (Jakarta)
8. KPS Nusantara (Jakarta)
9. Putra Betawi (Jakarta)
10. PPSI (Jakarta)

For instructions 1 through 6, head to "Street Fighting Lesson 1."

7. Since now you know how to use your fists, let us learn how to use your legs. To improve your kicks it is very important for you to become flexible. This will also you to kick more freely.

8. If you dont know any other kind of advanced fighting style such as karate, you should not aim your kicks anywhere above your opponent's waist. If you aim above the waist will little experience, your opponent can easly grab a hold on you leg and take you down in seconds. Good places to aim are the side of the knee,and the back of the thighs.

9. Defending yourself is the most important part of fighting. Usually, the person with the least amount of damage will win. In order to take less damage from blows and strikes you must toughen up your body. There are many ways to do this, and a common way is to harden your muscles. You cant really make your face stronger but you can make your body feel very hard with abs (six packs). An easy way to get abs is to do curl-ups (sit-ups). Do about 20 to 30 a day for a month and you should have some decent abs. Even if you have some fat covering up your stomach and you cant see your abs, doesn't mean you dont have them. If you try punching your stomach while creating a muscle on your stomach it shouldn't hurt.

10. It is also good to get used to street fighting. Get a friends and fight each other. It doesnt have to be for serious but you should get used to taking hits from each other. Also pratice blocking hits, so your reflexes will become better.

11. The next thing you should do is practice ground fighting. The most important thing is for you to never let your opponent go on your back. It will leave you wide open for a submission. When your opponent does end up on your back quickly try to face your opponent or go on your opponents back. You should also never ever ever put you back completely on the ground unless you are pulling a submission on him or her. If you are weak at this skill try to get back on your feet as fast as you can.

12. To learn submission techniques you must grab on to your opponents body parts; neck, legs, arm, etc. You will twist, fold, and squeeze these parts on a position where your opponent can not hit you. You should let go when your opponent is begging for mercy or gets to a point where he can start to hit you again.

13. You must learn your environment. Remember there are no rules in a street fight; eye gouging, low-blows, biting, using knives, bats, etc, are all legal (untill a cop comes). Know that the ground is most likely cold, and hard. Know that there are weopans all around you.

The Principles of Krav Maga: Krav Maga is a combat oriented martial art that was later modified to have more civilian self defense aspects. The core principles of Krav Maga are

Avoid injury

• Defend and attack as quickly as possible
• Use the body's natural reflexes
• Take advantage of your opponent's vulnerable points
• Use any tool or weapon at your disposal

Techniques

Krav Maga consists of kicks and punches similar to those used in other martial arts. Also used are elbows, knees, joint locks, throws and some weapon disarm techniques.

The Krav Maga is not an mixed martial art system, rather, it was developed with the perception that the classic martial arts were lacking various elements. The defense needs in the eras that the classic martial arts were developed were different than those of today. New unique techniques for defense against pistols, guns and hand grenades were considered needed, and therefore developed.

Krav Maga has no katas or specific sequences that must be followed. Students use the basic moves in conjunction with any one of a number of other moves to fend off an attack, the key idea being adaptability to new situations through improvisation. Emphasis is put on speed, endurance, strength, accuracy and co-ordination especially for intensive Krav Maga training.

I think the saying should now be amended to "real men don"t play rugby.' Perhaps that broad statement needs a little qualification. A few real men play rugby, but they're getting harder and harder to see amongst the pack of scruffs who've been performing on the fields the last few seasons.

Photo courtesy of KeenTurtle

I don't suppose rugby ever qualified as a gentle man's game - there's always been a rough edge to it. But these days there's no way you'd think of it as a game for gents: the rugby field's become a place where galoots with weight to throw around think their weight's the main reason they're in the team.

If someone else gets in your way, poke him in the snout, or pull his arm off, or throttle him. What do you mean, tackle him? That's for quiche-eating sissies.

My biggest concern with all these lumps whose brains reside in their fist is the effect they're having on the up-and-coming generation of footballers.

Kids are learning a mindset regarding this game: the opposing team's only there to walk over. In fact, if you don't get in first, they'll demolish you. Hang the game: this is warfare.

I'm appalled by kids who think that rucking someone's face or head or torso or let is the way to play rugby. I cringe when kids consider that injuring the opposition is part of the game. I even hear about kids who go into the scrum determined to punch someone's lights out so as to put them out of the action.

Where do they learn all this? Do their coaches teach them? I don't think so.

We used to see an advert on television where an aggressive young player in the changing rooms was told he wasn't going to play because he had the wrong attitude.

The philosophy behind that advert no longer impacts on the minds of the kids out on the fields. Aggression and ugly play are getting to be the norm.

Photo courtesy of Tokenhippygirl

And why? The answer's obvious. Refs spend countless minutes in games these days sorting out adults who can't control their tempers or fists. They're forced to waste the time of paying spectators because so-called top players get steamed up over nothing and don't have the self-control to behave on the field. And half the time it's fully televised for all the nation to see.

The skills of good rugby players are going down the tubes because they've forgotten their purpose is to play a game, not have a fight. If these players are so much into fighting, send them into a boxing ring. At least there people expect you to knock your brains into sludge.

Let's leave fisticuffs off the football field.

Photo from Flickr.com

Does the pressure of playing rugby, or the hype of a championship final, or the state of the ground really cause grown men to fling their fists about? I don't think so.

And will hitting the pockets of the players with a fine really tackle the problem? Coughing up cash is the easy way out.

I think these guys need to be hit where it hurts: ban them from the game, not just for a few weeks, but for a full season. Put them on the back burner and see if some sense of shame starts to seep into their system.

So what if they're big-time rugby stars? In the future, are most fans going to remember Richard's Loe's playing, or the way he eye-gouged Greg Cooper?

And while these guys are out of it, let them do a bit of community work with people who find being battered isn't so macho. And perhaps they could write a few essays for general publication on why they think a lack of self-control is so vital to their game, or how they reckon young players can avoid being influenced by their petulant behaviour.

Unfortunately, I don't think the New Zealand Rugby Football Union has the guts to turn these players into real men.

Of course in the movies or on TV two people square off against each other and take turns to swing neat hooks at each other until the bad guy falls over. Real life fights aren't like that - they are clammy, scary, painful and confusing.

And they don't just happen to hoodlums - anyone at any time can find themselves confronted with the threat of physical violence. This is about teaching you to spot trouble, avoid it or survive it.

The assumption I'm making is that you have zero martial arts training of any type - if you have then talk to your Sensei, not me. I am also assuming that you have no (or very limited) experience of fistfights - if you have you don't need my advice. This is intended to help you if you haven't thrown a punch in anger since pre-school. A lot of it may seem like common sense but that doesn't make it any less correct.

Avoidance

The first - and best - way of surviving a street fight is to simply not get into one in the first place. Learn the dangerous parts of town and avoid them. If you are out late at night then stick to the well lit areas. Don't have expensive valuables on show - walking down a dark alley talking on a cell phone just invites someone to grab it. Be aware of your surroundings, where you are, where you are going and who is in front and behind you.

Always walk confidently - wolves attack the weak and street gangs are no different! Looking like a victim is a sure way of becoming one. Keep your head up, stride purposefully and try and project confidence.

If you see a group blocking a pavement ahead and you think they may be looking for trouble then be aware, be alert but do not look afraid. Do not turn suddenly and walk in the opposite direction. Do not cross the road - these are signs of weakness and will mark you as a target. Instead walk confidently towards them and around them. Don't stare at them but don't stare at your feet - if you make eye contact nod a greeting but keep walking.

Evasion

Even with the best avoidance you can still end up in a confrontation. You may get called out by someone in a bar. You might get someone stepping out to ambush you on the street, or an argument in a public space might escalate so that violence looks probable.

You have heard the expression “discretion is the better part of valour”. That means that if it's about to hit the fan then running away is no shame. I've done it countless times when the odds were against me. If someone is facing you down and looking for a fight then look for your escape route and don't feel ashamed of bolting and running for your life. It might hurt your pride but that heals faster than broken bones.

If running isn't an option then talk your way out of it - use humour or any other means of diffusing the situation. Whatever you do though maintain the air of confidence - at all costs you must not let them see you are afraid, this only makes violence more probable.

The Last Resort

If it's clear that you can neither run nor talk your way clear then you need to prepare for the fight.

If there is a group then you may be able to choose your opponent. The main aggressor is the last person you want to fight - they will be the strongest and toughest. However gangs often have a “runt”, someone smaller, younger or less confident. You'll spot them on the fringe of your antagonists; they'll be joining in but not leading. Make eye contact with them and call them out, switch the focus so that you are attacking the runt rather than the gang leader attacking you. With the role reversal you may be able to bully your way past the leader and into a position you can run from. At the least you may be able to take on a less able opponent.

If a fight is imminent then prepare yourself. If you wear glasses then take them off - it's better not to see the punches than have the lenses broken into your eyes (believe me I still have scars from when I was jumped and didn't have time to take my glasses off). If you are wearing a coat or jacket either take it off or zip it up. If you have rings with protruding stones take them off (you risk damaging your hands). Take deep breaths, focus on trying to stay calm. Form loose fists and keep your thumb on the outside not the inside.

A number of things will happen to you as the stress hormones are released. You may start to shake, you'll get sweaty but feel cold, all the strength may seem to go from your body and you may feel literally “weak at the knees”. This is the primordial “fight or flight” reaction. Your opponent is feeling the same and it is nothing to worry about. Being ready for it is the best defence.

Try and maintain a little distance between you and your opponent before the fight starts so that you can see him coming. 99 out of 100 untrained street fighters will just lunge at you. This is your single best opportunity; step smartly to your left and swing as hard as you can with your right fist aiming for the point of your opponents nose. Try and swing from your hips so that your whole body weight goes into the punch (the power is not generated from your arm). It might be worth practicing this at home. This assumes you are right handed - reverse it if you are left handed.

If all goes well your opponent will have tucked his chin in as he lunged and will be coming straight towards you with his arms out to grapple. A swift punch will be unexpected and you should make some contact. A sharp blow to the nose causes the eyes to water, which will help you. It also gives him reason to respect you. Even if you miss his nose you should connect with either an eye or his mouth again giving him cause to think.

At this stage everything will suddenly get messy and very un-Hollywood. In all probability you'll have grabbed hold of each other and you'll now be grappling. At all costs stay on your feet, get a firm grip on your opponent, get your feet wide apart, tuck your chin into your chest and put your head in as close to his as you can. The aim now is to hang on for dear life until someone breaks up the fight. Stay close because that way he has no leverage to punch. If possible keep your elbows tucked into your ribs.

You have probably seen a few martial arts films where the bad guys are flattened by flying kicks and it looks pretty cool and pretty easy. Believe me in real life it's not! And you will feel pretty dumb when the aggressor has a hold of your foot and is making you hop before he trips you and beats you up. Unless you are trained (in which case why are you reading this?!) do not kick!

The only exception to this is in the grapple where you may take a risk and try stamping hard on your opponents feet. It is a risk though as it will destabilise you and leave you susceptible to being put to ground.

If you are put to ground and your opponent keeps his feet then the fight is over for you. You may have a chance to grab your opponents knees as you fall and bring him down but realistically once you start to go then you've lost. At this point all you can do is damage limitation.

Curl into a foetal position, hands curled into loose fists over your ears and chin tucked into your chest. Pull your knees in towards your belly and bury your face in there. Roll so that it is your back that is facing your opponent and tuck your elbows in to protect your ribs and kidneys. The idea here is to take the blows on areas that won't get damaged. Lie as still as you can and perhaps discover religion. It will feel like the beating lasts forever but in reality it won't.

And that's it - I can't teach you how to be Bruce Lee and pulverise a dozen hoodlums but what is here might save you from a trip to the emergency room. If you are worried then I strongly suggest a trip to your local martial arts club - we're a friendly bunch and the help and training you'll get there will be a lot more useful than advice on the internet!

Good luck and stay safe!

A cool style of kung fu is dragon style which is obviously based on the movements of the Chinese mythical dragon. The dragon style is powerful enough to cripple or even kill opponents with limited kicks and jumps, but this style uses palm, clawing, and fist techniques. The footwork is also interesting because its sort of zig zaging, like a dragon which increases your power and stability. Also if you have ever seen the movie “Dragon Fist” Jackie Chan uses dragon kung fu.

A real interesting style of Chinese martial arts is the northern praying mantis style which imitates the movements and attacks of a real life mantis, which makes this style deadly. One thing that makes the praying mantis really special is the mantis hook which uses one to three fingers to attacking the opponents vital spots, like the eyes or acupuncture points in a whip like manner.

Ninjustsu is another of my favorite fighting styles because of its wide range of things included when you learn this art of fighting, like explosives, concealment, disguise, and other things. Though today ninjustsu is mainly about self defense when ninjustsu was used to survive in feudal Japan. Also the art of the shinobi (ninja) was used for assassination is you probably know in the warring time of feudal Japan, where the assassins were considered the lowest of the low and not even human because it was not honorable to do tasks of assassination/espionage, though I am not sure if this is completely correct.

Taekkyon is another style except this one originated in Korea and has a dance like appearance. In Taekkyon you constantly move about and you must be very fluid. This style uses many sweeps with straight forward kicks and very high crescent kicks. The low kicks are basically for disabling the opponent and making them fall.

In conclusion these are just the few of many styles of fighting around the world, though these five all originate in Asia, but there are other styles of fighting, like Jeet Kune Do which was made by Bruce Lee in America, so there are many styles of self defense around the globe, most you never heard of.

Yokozuna was born Rodney Anoa'i on October 2, 1966 and died on October 23, 2000.He was a Samoan-American professional wrestler. He was best known for wrestling in the WWE. I remember that he was billed as a Japanese wrestler who didn't speak a word of English. A match that comes to mind was the shortest championship reign that he had. In WrestleMania IX, he won the Heavyweight championship from Bret Hart and lost the belt to Hulk Hogan the same night. I also remember the double main event match that he had with Lex Luger and Bret Hart at WrestleMania X. Yokozuna beat Lex Luger earlier in the night and then lost the belt to Bret Hart later. I am a huge Bret Hart fan so it was a great moment to watch Bret win the belt back a year later. Anyway, I remember that I always felt sorry for the victim of the Samoan splash. He would stand on the ropes and then jump on his opponent. I used to wonder how Yokozuna pulled that off without hurting someone since he outweighed his opponents by quite a bit of weight.

Death

Yokozuna died of a heart attack on October 23, 2000 at his Liverpool residence in London. I was shocked by his death since he was so young. Then again, since he was a large man, I guess the heart attack was inevitable.

Adrian Adonis

Adrian Adonis was born Keith Franke on September 12, 1954 and died on July 4, 1988. He started his wrestling career in 1974. He wrestled in the AWA and WWE. My memory of Adrian Adonis was when he took on an effeminate persona. I had never seen a wrestler dressed up like that before. One of his most memorable feuds was with Roddy Piper. I remember the Hair Match/Retirement Match as if it happened yesterday. It helps how I just saw that match on an old tape. (LOL!)

Death

Adrian Adonis was killed in a car accident on July 4, 1988. I really can't believe that this year will make it 20 years since he died.

Andre the Giant

Andre the Giant was born Andre Rene Roussimoff on May 19, 1946 and died on January 27, 1993. He was believed to be 7 ft. tall when he was really 6 ft. 10 in. I just assumed he was 7 ft. tall. I became familiar with him during WrestleMania I. I remember how he used to be a babyface wrestler and was friends with Hulk Hogan. This was around WrestleMania 1 and 2. The next thing you know, they were wrestling against each other in WrestleMania 3. I remember the match really well. I did remember how Andre looked like he was a little tired while he was wrestling Hulk. Andre ended up losing the title, but it was still one of his most memorable matches in my opinion. The event also broke attendance records and the record still hasn't been broken.

Death

Andre died in his sleep on January 27, 1993. It turned out that he died of congestive heart failure. He was survived by his daughter. I wasn't surprised by his death since he was sick during the end of his wrestling career.

Crush

Crush was born Brian Keith Adams on April 14, 1964 and died on August 13, 2007. He rose to fame as Crush. He used to tag with Ax and Smash of Demolition. One of the best matches he had with Demolition was a handicap match with the Hart Foundation at Summer Slam "90. It was a two out of three match and it was tied up until the Legion of Doom interfered. I was so happy to see the Hart Foundation win the match. Crush ended up leaving the WWE for a while and returned as a singles wrestler. I think that he wrestled better alone because it gave the audience a chance to see what he could do.

Death

Crush was found by his wife on August 13, 2007. He wasn"t breathing. According to an autopsy report, he died of a overdose of pain killers and antidepressants. This was another shocking death to me because I didn't hear much about him once he left the WWE so I assumed everything was okay with him.

The Fabulous Moolah

The Fabulous Moolah was born Mary Lillian Ellison on July 22, 1923 and died on November 2, 2007. She held the record for the longest title reign by any athlete in any professional sport. She had a 38-year championship reign in 1956. I'm familiar with her feud with Wendy Richter. I also remember her later matches with the late Sheri Martel and she even fought with Mae Young. Like her or not, the Fabulous Moolah was able to accomplish a lot during her career that female wrestlers today will never accomplish. She never had to use her body in order to get where she did. She let her skills speak for itself.

Death

The Fabulous Moolah died on November 2, 2007. According to her daughter, the cause of her death was a possible heart attack or a blood clot that was related to a shoulder replacement surgery. She was survived by her daughter Mary. I was surprised that there was so little coverage about her death. I guess since she didn't die from drugs, the reporters didn't care.

Fringe guys: Joe Stevenson, Frankie Edgar, Chuck Liddell, Urijah Faber, Brandon Vera, Lyoto Machida, Rashad Evans, Kid Dynamite, Shogun, Josh Koshchek.

Future guys or just entertaining fighters: Genki Sudo (retired but most fun to watch ever,) Clay Guida, Roger Huerta, Nate Diaz, Jeremy Horn, Frank Shamrock, Chris Leben (I love watching this dude get his ass kicked,) Keith Jardine.

TAKE BASICS AS READ

Okay, so what are basics of unarmed knife defence? Basics are enemy with knife, try to kill you. Important remember right from off-set that man try to kill you is bad man; when you fear for you life, you have right to use extreme force. Sifu will explain legalities of extreme force and other deep Martial Arts issue.

EXTREME FORCE

Reasonable force is legal term, define in law to mean ‘minimum necessary force’; generally, this interpret to mean as much force as is need to repel attacker. Law not expect you to win; law expect you to survive and escape. Therefore, things Sifu will discuss in article only applicable when opponent is try to kill you and there is no way for escape except kill him first.

STEP 1: OVERCOME FEAR

Fear of knife is major problem; to overcome, Laui must be familiar with weapons and associate dangers. Best way overcome fear of knife is train with sword. Sifu say train, not carry; carry sword is illegal. It most important train you body, because read article not enough. Even if you memory good, recall Sifu advice in emergency, it not matter what you mind remember; you body must also remember and know what to do. Only way to teach body is to train.

If you are experienced Martial Artist, maybe even black belt, go ahead and get shinai (bamboo Kendo sword), then get friend and garden. It bad idea train even bamboo sword in street or front yard; police not like that sort of thing. It also bad train indoors with weapon, especially in house, so train outside in secure location such as own garden.

Proper equipment also essential; use proper shinai, which are cheap and safe. Whack friend with shinai, him only bruise. Whack him with stick, even cheap broom handle, you maybe break a bone. Shinai also not break; improvise wooden sword can break and become sharp-tip improvise spear; Sifu cannot stress enough, use proper shinai.

For best training to overcome fear, Laui should not us protective equipment. Kendo armour very expensive and reduce physical fear in training. Whole point of exercise is to feel fear in safe environment, feel shinai connect and what it like be hit; Laui learn quickest when training is real as possible. Nervous Laui may consider gum-shield and eye-goggle when use shinai, but Sifu think this make for lazy Laui.

If you are not black belt or very confident of your training, do not train shinai without supervision; it okay for black belts whack each other with sticks, they can take it and trust each other not do something stupid. Other student should have additional person look out for safety while train with shinai.

It not necessary be any good at sword fight; it only necessary for Laui to experience intensity of sword-fighting adrenaline. Once you have experience this, adrenaline of fear from knife much less, more familiar and easier to handle.

STEP 2: DISARMING ENEMY

Now you are brave, used to fight opponent with long reach and quick sword; knife is small and quick, but not nearly so scary as sword. Sword have what is called ‘defensive line’; this is solid barrier of sword edge between you and opponent. It not necessary him hit you, only interpose defensive line of sword in you path. Knife does not have defensive line; it is small, and opponent must present weapon in attack to do you harm. Obviously, if you are stupid and run straight onto knife, you in trouble; do not be reckless, but attack you opponent secure in knowledge that you can disarm man with sword, so knife much less scary.

Basic principle of sword fighting is to deal with weapon, then opponent arm, then opponent body. Same principle apply with knife; first, evade knife and seize opponent wrist. Do not seize hold of knife! It is possible grab knife by flat of blade, but very dangerous to try; intensive training and much luck needed to succeed. Seize opponent wrist and apply wrist lock. It not matter which wrist lock; only necessary cause opponent pain and occupy knife from attack again. If you familiar with nerve points, apply with wrist lock to increase opponent pain-compliance.

Do not concentrate on wrist lock at all; make grab, apply pain and immediately attack opponent arm. If possible, strike to elbow joint before apply shoulder-hold or arm-lock. Between wrist lock and shoulder-hold, experienced martial artist should find enough options to break opponent arm. Less experience Laui should only try restrain enemy; you are not done defend you self yet.

When you have knife and opponent arm restrained, hopefully broken, put enemy down hard. Stomp out him knee, sweep him foot, hip throw him, anything; wrestle him down by broken arm if you have to. Again, do not concentrate on take down; try easiest option, hurt opponent if him resist, but do immediately onto final stage of beating enemy senseless. If him arm is broken and he is down on floor, kick him in balls and face to end fight. If him is on feet, restrain and bruise but still feeling tasty, punch him in ribs, punch him in face, punch him until him drop. Allow you wrist lock and shoulder-hold to change as opponent struggles; let him squirm about, keep changing what you do, but never stop hit him until him on the floor and defeated.

PRINCIPLES:

Principle at work is to relax; fighting tense is not effective. If man swim tense, him will sink. If him box tense, him will lose. Tense man fall off bicycle, tense man never win at tennis. Why therefore should all Laui tense when in fight? It not good sense, Laui. Relax, be confident in you training. If you training not include prepare you for fear, then you training is too soft, Laui. It is easy think of what opponent can do to you with knife, but not often considered what trained fist can do to mugger face. Mugger’s nose is no tougher than ordinary nose; him balls just as small and sensitive, him elbow and knee joints work just like anyone else and snap just the same way.

KNOW YOU ENEMY:

Most important is that mugger also feel pain and fear; he is not invincible, he is not super man genetically engineer to be unbeatable mugging-machine. Him not unthinking predator; him is human being with thoughts and morality; him is think all the time about what him do and what other people is think. Him is live in fear of police and discovery; him got a lot to be afraid of and only knife to protect himself. Last thing mugger want is victim up in him face, giving it large and shouting odds, kick him in balls and wrestle for knife. Knife is mugger’s only protection; him will think about knife even when you are kick him in the nuts or poke his eye.

Understand thoughts in mugger head and understand you own fear. That right, Laui; know you enemy and know you self; understand that enemy fear is greater than yours and you will not fear him at all. You do not need knife; you are Martial Artist, you are practise Kung-Fu, so why you fear this little man who need little knife to feel big and brave? Take him knife away, break him arm, stomp him knee and punch him face; kick him balls and call him bad names while him cry at you feet; this is attitude of Martial Artist to dirty mugger who is human cockroach unworthy to walks streets use by decent people. For mugger, you should have only contempt; where there is contempt, there can be no fear; where there is no fear, there Laui will find victory.

The World Shall Hear From Me Again!]]> Mon, 14 May 2007 08:26:27 PST