martial arts

“Good point sarge regarding bjj (as it is typically taught) -- it doesn't necessarily equate with a realistic environment, in which your opponent happens to be wearing a gi for example. Also, there are serious issues involved with pulling guard on the street, most namely glass and gravel. Also, some of the techniques are problematic in a real environment, such as trying to traingle somebody and getting your balls bitten off!

The point is, if you do end up in situation where your (single) opponent is (a) much larger than you and/or (b) a more skilled standup fighter. A ground game is your best defense. Also, sometimes you don't have a choice -- the guy bull rushes you or you get pushed down. In either case, your own the ground now, and if your opponent is bigger and stronger than you,you'll bein serious trouble unless you know how to defend/fight for the ground.

In sum, I see bjj (or any ground-based MA) as just another tool to put in your arsenal. As I think I mentioned previously, fighting is a fluid and dynamic situation... it's inherently unpredictable -- you have to be able to deal with however the situation ends up. No doubt Tyson is a skilled striker (with his hands), but you put that guy on his back, then he would not be able to end a fight in 10 seconds I promise you that.

That's I think the advantage to studying a mix of martial arts, so as they complement each other such that you are a well rounded fighter. I for example train muay thai which is great for striking in the ring... however some of it would put you in a dangerous situation in the street, where you are subject to "no rules." For example, a clinch is a great position from which to destroy your opponent with knees and elbows in the ring. In the street, your opponents could, among other options (a) kick you in the sack, (b) bite your throat, or (c) rake your eyeballs out. The same argument can be made for BJJ as well. That said, having both of these tools in my bag, give me more options to deal with situations both in and outta the ring. Of course, I supplment these with other self-defense specific training to quickly end and street encounter.”

“If you want to see how a pure traditional martial art style (in this case TKD) stacks up to mixed martial arts. Take a look at the clip.

WARNING, it's pretty brutal.
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-2685066836228704338&q=travis+fulton”

“... in the Octagon.”

“Brutal! LOL”

“I realized they had rules, but didn't realize they were so extensive until reading your link, nowslimmer. The "rules" list sure has grown in the years.”

“Just found a shotokan dojo up the road...start up thursday”

“I'm still looking for a place...not much aound here..”

“That's the skinniest 170lb guy I've ever seen.”

“Geez, I figured that skinny guy was dead as soon as he started off the match with the high-flying air assault.”

“I DO NOT want to get hurt so mabe this is not the thing for me...that leg kick one did me in..”

“i wanted to stay japanese for now...once i get in shape and a good background in a formal japanese style..i want to learn a chinese form to master”

“Daydreamer, that's just the extreme side of martial arts. Most martial arts schools will teach you, and have you spar abit with other students. It's up to you if you want to compete.”

“body slammed that cocky chihauha into a seizure....sorry..i dislike most TKD practitioners....pay for rank usually. you will find the rare true form tkd though.

Think that dude is on solid foods yet..it was 98”

“you guys gotta hear about my new class...my legs and arms don't work right now..so i'll type it up later”

“Opie ....mabe you can show your new kung fu moves to riverman/bojangles.........”

“Opie...are you just tired or are you bruised up?”

“sorry got busy, i'll post it later, kewl old style shotokan, and they train for 1.5-2 hours a 4 nights a week. i'm gonna have to get in shape..or they will kill me...i mention that i'm the only white guy in there....lol”

“Da token white dude.”

“Just signed up for a martial arts class.

Here's some video of the new Sensei kicking major butt.

http://www.glumbert.com/media/bodies”

“god pple are such sheep”

“Jesus!”