Matt, Tony, this has been a topic that Ive been thinking about bringing up since joining the tribe. I haven't, because this topic usually brings up more arguments on a forum then religion or politics:P So I am going to just throw down my credentials on the subject and go from there:
I have about as much experience with hand-to-hand combat, self-defence, martial-arts, and and competitve fighting as a man can have. I am a 19-0 heavyweight MMA fighter. I own a company that contracts security to high-end clubs, bars, and pubs that I started while bouncing myself. I started bouncing when I was in high-school 10yrs ago. In that time I have broken up or been a part of at least 500 fights. I also spent time in the United States Marine Corps before spending 4 years in the US Navy where I was a hand-to-hand instructor, a weapons of opportunity instructor and an edged weapons instructor for the Special Operations Unit I was a part of. I also teach a reality based combat class, a womans self defense class, and a rape defense class. The first at the fight gym I train at and the latter two for free at whatever women's shelters will let me. There is very sad, tragic reason for my doing that last part and I will only talk about one-on-one, not over an open thread.
The point of all that is to show that I speak with authority on this subject. And I could talk all day about this, but Im gonna try to keep it short and sweet. Im gonna start with MINDSET
1st: you have to know that there is only one universal right in nature. The Right to Self-Defense. There is no right to life, liberty, joy, or oppurtunity in Nature.
DEAL WITH IT.2nd: the only rule in a real fight is
"Win by whatever means necassary" Everything is fair. Rip, bite, tear, or pick up a brick. Just win.
3rd there are 3 things you need to assume whenever in a fight and let these things dictate your actions/reactions. Assume he is trying to kill or maim you. Assume he has a weapon or will aquire a weapon during the course of the fight. Assume he has friends. That last one is really important to people who think that they are going to triangle choke a guy on the ground because the took a littl jiu-jitsu.
4th the most ruthless, brutal actions are what win fights.
5th suprise, speed, and violence of action will beat technique and skill the majority of the time.
Now after saying the basics, Im going to say, Matt you are gonna get your self killed or mugged. A broke nose or a shot to the gut hurt like hell but they arent going to stop a really pissed, large, criminal.
In my experience, in a real fight, 99% of what is taught in your average dojo is useless.
I was taught as a child this concept that has saved my life and allowed me to end someone elses when it had to be done: Maximum Damage Minimum Effort.
It's take a bit of ruthlessness to really appreciate what my dad ment by this. But here are a few simple yet brutal examples:
Instead of a palm strike to the nose, aim for the collarbone. Fight's over in one hit.
I tell the girls to grab, squeeze, twist and pull. Throat or genitals. Fight's over with a quick turn of the wrist.
A big guy like Tony gets up close and you bite the nose as high up as you can. Fights over before you can spit it out.
Jab an eye with the thumb near the tear duct and turn. Yes there is a proper way to gouge the eye. That much pain and blindness and the fight's over.
There are as many responses as there are possible situations. But I have seen time and again that agression and brutality USUALLY WIN.
