Post: #276

Mister Kai,

I did a generic security training course some time ago, but the instructor was a massive martial arts enthusiast and demonstrated some of the "soft" techniques we could aspire to if we wanted to go further down that path.

One of them was a sort of downward backhanded slap at the base of the ribs that literally took the breath out of your lungs and made you go foetal, even though it barely looked like it made contact. It could be done on one side or both at the same time for full effect. Afterward, to aid in the "reversal" the spine was slapped between the shoulder blades and vigorously rubbed up and down.

Have you seen this or trained to do it? Your thread reminded me of it and I was curious what school it was part of.

Post: #277

(03-24-2017 04:16 AM)Leonard D Neubache Wrote:  Mister Kai,

I did a generic security training course some time ago, but the instructor was a massive martial arts enthusiast and demonstrated some of the "soft" techniques we could aspire to if we wanted to go further down that path.

One of them was a sort of downward backhanded slap at the base of the ribs that literally took the breath out of your lungs and made you go foetal, even though it barely looked like it made contact. It could be done on one side or both at the same time for full effect. Afterward, to aid in the "reversal" the spine was slapped between the shoulder blades and vigorously rubbed up and down.

Have you seen this or trained to do it? Your thread reminded me of it and I was curious what school it was part of.

I have seen that demonstration before. It's not a particular school but you can learn that from Dim Mak instructors. In fact, I think I have only seen it personally done by Dim Mak guys.

Post: #278

(03-24-2017 04:48 AM)TravelerKai Wrote:  

(03-24-2017 04:16 AM)Leonard D Neubache Wrote:  Mister Kai,

I did a generic security training course some time ago, but the instructor was a massive martial arts enthusiast and demonstrated some of the "soft" techniques we could aspire to if we wanted to go further down that path.

One of them was a sort of downward backhanded slap at the base of the ribs that literally took the breath out of your lungs and made you go foetal, even though it barely looked like it made contact. It could be done on one side or both at the same time for full effect. Afterward, to aid in the "reversal" the spine was slapped between the shoulder blades and vigorously rubbed up and down.

Have you seen this or trained to do it? Your thread reminded me of it and I was curious what school it was part of.

I have seen that demonstration before. It's not a particular school but you can learn that from Dim Mak instructors. In fact, I think I have only seen it personally done by Dim Mak guys.

Can we get a video of this?

Post: #279

(03-24-2017 04:48 AM)TravelerKai Wrote:  ...

I have seen that demonstration before. It's not a particular school but you can learn that from Dim Mak instructors. In fact, I think I have only seen it personally done by Dim Mak guys.

It's unpleasant as hell. I was the only one that volunteered for both sides at once, and I swear if he'd given me a full dose with no reversal then I would have died of suffocation on the spot.

This is the maestro IIRC.



His name, Mark Kalme, is kind of funny all things considered. His security training business is in the suburbs of Adelaide, South Australia.

Post: #280

What's your stance on brain damage as an amateur boxer/kickboxer? How much should you spar if you don't plan to compete seriously? Sometimes after I spar, even if I don't get hit much, I get a bit of a headache.

Post: #281

the area you're referring to, you talking about the solar plexus?

Post: #282

(04-01-2017 03:15 AM)TTQQTT Wrote:  What's your stance on brain damage as an amateur boxer/kickboxer? How much should you spar if you don't plan to compete seriously? Sometimes after I spar, even if I don't get hit much, I get a bit of a headache.

This is a tough topic.

I would advise the following:

1. Spar no more than once a week.

2. Do pad work for the majority of your training with a trainer holding the focus mitts.

3. If you ever get knocked out or dazed, stop sparring for the rest of that day and for the following week.

4. If you ever get a concussion take 1-2 weeks off depending upon the level of the concussion.

5. Always spar with the headgear on. I used to always spar with it, and got teased for it, but I never cared what others thought, because I had a level 3 concussion before, and never wanted to experience it again. You shouldn't feel shame either.

CTE from what is known right now, is magnified by people who continue head hitting activity when a concussion has occurred, instead of stopping the activity and not adequately resting for a week or more.

Back when I was active, if you got knocked out, you'd get back in there and fight after you shook it off.

Those days are over.

Take care of yourself and you will be fine. At least you have the knowledge to know how. Alot of good folks committed suicide and wrecked their lives so that we have something of a chance.

If you want a new-ish therapy for concussion related issues, try CST (craniosacral therapy). It helped me a good bit. This is what NFL dudes are doing. Roy Jones Jr. swears by it. He said he never ever could sleep before the therapy and now he sleeps like a baby. For me, I don't sleep better per se, but my PTSD issues are gone and I don't get sleep paralysis anymore. (knocks on wood)

It isn't very cheap, and is kinda hard to find in some cities, but that was a couple years ago now. Word is getting around alot more. I was paying around 200 per session and I would go once a week or something like that.

Hope this helps.

EDIT:I also forgot to add something very important:

Get a great mouthpiece. Spend the money. Do not cheap out. If you have to get a custom one from a dentist, do it. Also do neck exercises. Traps, delts, neck, need to be harder than steel to avoid knock outs and concussions.

Post: #283

Hey guys,

I was chatting over PMs with someone and I sent him this video link:





I was planning on showing this but lost track. So let's discuss it and break down things about it.

What are some things you learned from this video? What conclusions can one draw from this?

For all you guys that carry guns concealed, have you ever worked on your draw ability to a high level? What about your fitness in general to roll or evade an attack so that you may draw?

For any guys knowledgeable on knives or other regular martial arts, how prepared do you think you are for a surprise attack from a knife holder in general?

Post: #284

^ I think this comment hits the nail on the head

Quote:This might shock some people but, if someone wants to harm you and they have the element of surprise, there is almost nothing you can do to stop them. I would suggest not going to areas with large amounts of strangers and, if you must, go in groups of 3 or more. For some reason, studies have shown, even crazy people, wont attack when there is a 3 to 1 superiority. Oh yeah, and, carry at least a good knife, flashlight, and pistol everywhere you go. 

Post: #285

(04-07-2017 01:36 PM)TravelerKai Wrote:  Hey guys,

I was chatting over PMs with someone and I sent him this video link:





I was planning on showing this but lost track. So let's discuss it and break down things about it.

What are some things you learned from this video? What conclusions can one draw from this?

For all you guys that carry guns concealed, have you ever worked on your draw ability to a high level? What about your fitness in general to roll or evade an attack so that you may draw?

For any guys knowledgeable on knives or other regular martial arts, how prepared do you think you are for a surprise attack from a knife holder in general?

Great video. Those guys know their stuff. I see a lot of what I've trained in their tutorials.

If you're lucky to live in a place allows you to conceal carry you'd better be able to use it in dynamic circumstances. No excuse if you can't.

In training, we've found that depending on your size (Longer legs help create distance, smaller bodies benefit from rolling more) dropping straight down and rolls to the sides are great for disrupting the aggressive mind.
One of the things we harp on at the dojo is situational awareness. There is no point in being a black belt if you step off the curb and get hit by a bus you didn't see coming.
This also extends to firearms training we do. There's quite a bit of "forced or uncomfortable" drawing scenarios we do. For example, drawing from your non-dominant side or reaching across your body to draw the gun because the dominant side is injured etc...
For our dojo and i think it's common for many others rolling is part of the warm up at the start of class. Everyday. The only people who don't roll are older or have back problems.

I'm fairly certain that if i noticed someone acting strangely I'd be able to deal with his knife or weapon attack.
This goes without saying that if i get attacked from behind by someone i didn't see it's gonna be a rough time for me.

During the summer we have a local yearly celebration for 10 days. And it brings out the worst our city has to offer. Almost everyday there is some type of swarm attack between rival gangs in the city or between groups of people looking to cause problems. There is a very visible police presence during the hours the park is open but it doesn't deter anything. People have been curb stomped, thrown down flights of stairs and throw on to the train tracks at the train stations.

There is only really 3 solutions to these types of situations:
1. Stay home.
2. If you go there then go in a large group.
3. Be invisible. Never let yourself become a target.

Post: #286

(03-24-2017 09:34 AM)Ringo Wrote:  

(03-24-2017 04:48 AM)TravelerKai Wrote:  

(03-24-2017 04:16 AM)Leonard D Neubache Wrote:  Mister Kai,

I did a generic security training course some time ago, but the instructor was a massive martial arts enthusiast and demonstrated some of the "soft" techniques we could aspire to if we wanted to go further down that path.

One of them was a sort of downward backhanded slap at the base of the ribs that literally took the breath out of your lungs and made you go foetal, even though it barely looked like it made contact. It could be done on one side or both at the same time for full effect. Afterward, to aid in the "reversal" the spine was slapped between the shoulder blades and vigorously rubbed up and down.

Have you seen this or trained to do it? Your thread reminded me of it and I was curious what school it was part of.

I have seen that demonstration before. It's not a particular school but you can learn that from Dim Mak instructors. In fact, I think I have only seen it personally done by Dim Mak guys.

Can we get a video of this?

Start at the 25 second mark

Post: #287

(04-07-2017 09:59 PM)CaptainChardonnay Wrote:  ^ I think this comment hits the nail on the head

Quote:This might shock some people but, if someone wants to harm you and they have the element of surprise, there is almost nothing you can do to stop them. I would suggest not going to areas with large amounts of strangers and, if you must, go in groups of 3 or more. For some reason, studies have shown, even crazy people, wont attack when there is a 3 to 1 superiority. Oh yeah, and, carry at least a good knife, flashlight, and pistol everywhere you go. 

That would not be an attack, that would be an assasination. And it's called an assasination because very few people ever survive. That's why there are whole disciplines, customs and equipment designed to protect against this. The handshake was invented to show that you were not carrying a stiletto in your hand.

If we're just looking at bladed weapon, the medieval/renaissance times give you plenty of example. You basically have zero chance of defending against an assasin , even if you have bodyguards and stuff. The Japanese designed their floor to be empty boards so that footsteps can easily be heard, and most daimyo/samurai carry a knife with them all the time. An entire martial art - iaijutsu - was invented to increase your chance of survival.

I'm not talking about just how fast you can draw and cut at the same time, like Iaido. Iaijutsu takes into account a lot of thing, especially situational awareness. Samurais when go into dark areas usually undo their kimono sleeve so you can easily draw your sword. Shadow watching - being aware of how different light sources can help you to watch the environment, was also taught.

A lot of the techniques involve rising draw, which is done after you have rolled yourself away from danger, or are defending yourself from an assasin just after the ceremonial bow.

In aikido we practice a lot of wrist grab. At first everyone thought its retarded. Who's gonna grab your wrist? Well no shit, it makes a lot of sense if he is grabbing your wrist/shoulder/shirt so that he can gut you with a knife. Alternatively, they can grab your weapon arm to prevent you from drawing, then skin you.

We practice this a lot in aikido and I realize it really sucked to be an assasination victim. Imagine you shaking someone's arm then suddenly he grabs you then punch a stiletto between your ribs. Unless you have lightning reflexes just how do you defend from that? You are looking at his eyes and your vision is totally not calibrated. Or simply walking in a crowded street. Some dude walks toward next to you and plunged a knife. Unless you have precognition how do you tell him from the hundreds of normal walkers?

I think that's why the really hard-core people I know are actually pretty cool-headed dudes and never get physical unless they ahve to. They above all know that if you pissed off the wrong people, even a kid with murder in his heart can end your day.

Post: #288

(04-10-2017 06:27 AM)TravelerKai Wrote:  

(03-24-2017 09:34 AM)Ringo Wrote:  

(03-24-2017 04:48 AM)TravelerKai Wrote:  

(03-24-2017 04:16 AM)Leonard D Neubache Wrote:  Mister Kai,

I did a generic security training course some time ago, but the instructor was a massive martial arts enthusiast and demonstrated some of the "soft" techniques we could aspire to if we wanted to go further down that path.

One of them was a sort of downward backhanded slap at the base of the ribs that literally took the breath out of your lungs and made you go foetal, even though it barely looked like it made contact. It could be done on one side or both at the same time for full effect. Afterward, to aid in the "reversal" the spine was slapped between the shoulder blades and vigorously rubbed up and down.

Have you seen this or trained to do it? Your thread reminded me of it and I was curious what school it was part of.

I have seen that demonstration before. It's not a particular school but you can learn that from Dim Mak instructors. In fact, I think I have only seen it personally done by Dim Mak guys.

Can we get a video of this?

Start at the 25 second mark

Very similar to the location struck @ 1:21 but from front on.

Post: #289

(04-10-2017 06:57 AM)Dalaran1991 Wrote:  

(04-07-2017 09:59 PM)CaptainChardonnay Wrote:  ^ I think this comment hits the nail on the head

Quote:This might shock some people but, if someone wants to harm you and they have the element of surprise, there is almost nothing you can do to stop them. I would suggest not going to areas with large amounts of strangers and, if you must, go in groups of 3 or more. For some reason, studies have shown, even crazy people, wont attack when there is a 3 to 1 superiority. Oh yeah, and, carry at least a good knife, flashlight, and pistol everywhere you go. 

That would not be an attack, that would be an assasination. And it's called an assasination because very few people ever survive. That's why there are whole disciplines, customs and equipment designed to protect against this. The handshake was invented to show that you were not carrying a stiletto in your hand.

If we're just looking at bladed weapon, the medieval/renaissance times give you plenty of example. You basically have zero chance of defending against an assasin , even if you have bodyguards and stuff. The Japanese designed their floor to be empty boards so that footsteps can easily be heard, and most daimyo/samurai carry a knife with them all the time. An entire martial art - iaijutsu - was invented to increase your chance of survival.

I'm not talking about just how fast you can draw and cut at the same time, like Iaido. Iaijutsu takes into account a lot of thing, especially situational awareness. Samurais when go into dark areas usually undo their kimono sleeve so you can easily draw your sword. Shadow watching - being aware of how different light sources can help you to watch the environment, was also taught.

A lot of the techniques involve rising draw, which is done after you have rolled yourself away from danger, or are defending yourself from an assasin just after the ceremonial bow.

In aikido we practice a lot of wrist grab. At first everyone thought its retarded. Who's gonna grab your wrist? Well no shit, it makes a lot of sense if he is grabbing your wrist/shoulder/shirt so that he can gut you with a knife. Alternatively, they can grab your weapon arm to prevent you from drawing, then skin you.

We practice this a lot in aikido and I realize it really sucked to be an assasination victim. Imagine you shaking someone's arm then suddenly he grabs you then punch a stiletto between your ribs. Unless you have lightning reflexes just how do you defend from that? You are looking at his eyes and your vision is totally not calibrated. Or simply walking in a crowded street. Some dude walks toward next to you and plunged a knife. Unless you have precognition how do you tell him from the hundreds of normal walkers?

I think that's why the really hard-core people I know are actually pretty cool-headed dudes and never get physical unless they ahve to. They above all know that if you pissed off the wrong people, even a kid with murder in his heart can end your day.

Yep. Samurai often slept with their backs against a wall or a tree, sword either in hand against shoulder or on the ground by the drawing hand.

MS-13 uses children to assassinate people because few victims see it coming.

Shia Muslim radicals created what we know as the assassin. The whole term of cloak in dagger comes from them.

I'll give you guys a tip few teachers will or know how to teach.

Get really good at pulling a tight guard around your ribs, upon touch. Keep your fists slightly closed and brought up to your chin line.

A few reasons for this:

1. Your hands could stop a neck stab or stop the stab from completing.
2. Your hands being slightly closed makes punches faster to release from command, but being open enough for a disarm halfway through the attacker's attempt.
3. Your elbows and biceps will protect your vitals as best as possible from puncture, but still be in a position to counterattack.
4. Be prepared to roll away without hesitation and create space.
5. For frontal secondary attacks, push the attacker away with push kicks, knees, or hop kicks. Groin areas can be beneficial.
6. For attacks on your back, be ready to drop and roll forward at an instant, stick your legs out to defend if they follow up fast, roll to your feet at a NW/SW/SE/NE angle to either escape or counterattack.

Not alot of instructors or masters will tell you stuff like this, because few prepare for Plan Z, after A, B, C, etc. are exhausted. Sometimes the draw is too fast and you cannot track it. Knowing how to protect yourself after an initial attack and counterattack in a meaningful way, even if you are possibly mortally wounded. You never know what little bit can give you the opportunity to survive it.

Post: #290

(04-10-2017 06:57 AM)Dalaran1991 Wrote:  

(04-07-2017 09:59 PM)CaptainChardonnay Wrote:  ^ I think this comment hits the nail on the head

Quote:This might shock some people but, if someone wants to harm you and they have the element of surprise, there is almost nothing you can do to stop them. I would suggest not going to areas with large amounts of strangers and, if you must, go in groups of 3 or more. For some reason, studies have shown, even crazy people, wont attack when there is a 3 to 1 superiority. Oh yeah, and, carry at least a good knife, flashlight, and pistol everywhere you go. 

That would not be an attack, that would be an assasination. And it's called an assasination because very few people ever survive. That's why there are whole disciplines, customs and equipment designed to protect against this. The handshake was invented to show that you were not carrying a stiletto in your hand.

If we're just looking at bladed weapon, the medieval/renaissance times give you plenty of example. You basically have zero chance of defending against an assasin , even if you have bodyguards and stuff. The Japanese designed their floor to be empty boards so that footsteps can easily be heard, and most daimyo/samurai carry a knife with them all the time. An entire martial art - iaijutsu - was invented to increase your chance of survival.

I'm not talking about just how fast you can draw and cut at the same time, like Iaido. Iaijutsu takes into account a lot of thing, especially situational awareness. Samurais when go into dark areas usually undo their kimono sleeve so you can easily draw your sword. Shadow watching - being aware of how different light sources can help you to watch the environment, was also taught.

A lot of the techniques involve rising draw, which is done after you have rolled yourself away from danger, or are defending yourself from an assassin just after the ceremonial bow.

This is giving me flashbacks to my childhood. I've lost count how many times my old sensei would discuss about things like this. Most of the time Iaijutsu would have the training integrated with knife or sword training. Very rarely will you ever see a school specialize in this.
Training in the ways to assassinate people is a very good way to avoid being assassinated. This is similar to strikers training in bjj and wrestling to avoid being taken down or at least put up a solid defense to the tactics of those styles.

In reality, though you are least likely to be "assassinated" with a blade and more likely to be shot with a gun. The level of skill required to kill someone with a knife up close without drawing attention is special forces level.
What kind of enemies do you have for this to be a valid concern in your life?

Post: #291

Best training possible to prevent close range assassination?

Grow up with a little shit for a brother who's barely a year younger than you.

Post: #292

(04-10-2017 03:51 PM)kinjutsu Wrote:  This is giving me flashbacks to my childhood. I've lost count how many times my old sensei would discuss about things like this. Most of the time Iaijutsu would have the training integrated with knife or sword training. Very rarely will you ever see a school specialize in this.
Training in the ways to assassinate people is a very good way to avoid being assassinated. This is similar to strikers training in bjj and wrestling to avoid being taken down or at least put up a solid defense to the tactics of those styles.

In reality, though you are least likely to be "assassinated" with a blade and more likely to be shot with a gun. The level of skill required to kill someone with a knife up close without drawing attention is special forces level.
What kind of enemies do you have for this to be a valid concern in your life?

Its very hard to find koryu school that teaches the original techniques because most of it make no sense in the modern world. Ironically, it makes every sense for the people who are serious.

My sensei used to walk around with his bokken during practice and randomly wack people, and you are supposed to parry it. Very few managed to, and that given everyone was already hot and vigilant in a dojo.

Frankly it's incredibly hard to defend against assasinations simply because you cant defend against something you dont see. Unlike most movies or myths, most assasinations are done by knife, not skimpy-ass shuriken or poisoned dart or shit (though poisoning do often occurs) which leads me to this:

Quote:In reality, though you are least likely to be "assassinated" with a blade and more likely to be shot with a gun. The level of skill required to kill someone with a knife up close without drawing attention is special forces level.

I believe this is an American mentality. If we are talking about assasination, then I assume these things:

1. It needs to be rather quiet
2. The victim must not see it coming
3. The assasin should be able to get away
4. Enough lethality to ensure a kill
5. Easy to secure and dispose of weapon

Unless you are talking about JFK style assasination (which is of course, special), guns dont make the best assasination weapon. Its fucking loud even with silencer(1), you can easily miss unless you are a good shot (4), harder to get (5). If we're talking Bronx gunfight sure, but thats not what I would call assasination. More like gun fight. Only advantage of gun is the mass murder capability and better reach.

A knife however, is silent, everyone can get one, doesn't take any training to use, easy to deploy, and fucking deadly at assasination range.

Not sure why you think it takes training to assasinate with a knife? Its the weapon of choice every time I hear of a murder in Vietnam or Brazil or the like, and not necessarily gang related either. In most assasinations, the victim knows the assasin. A jealous boyfriend, a pissed off buddy, a betrayed co-worker, etc. These are just regular people who got pissed off.

All it takes is bring a knife concealed in your sleeve / under your shirt, come near the person unsuspectedly and stabs like crazy.

Any person can very easily be taught to do the following, which is how most assasination happen:

1. Follow the target into a very crowded / very dark area, preferably from behind. Plunge a knife in his lower back and up under the ribs multiple times.

2. Say "sir, you dropped something" points at behind him. Or asks him what time it is. As he turns his vision away, stab under the ribs at the lungs. It severs the most organs including the lungs, preventing the victims from screaming.

3. Very common in Vietnam and Brazil: be on public transport with the target, usually overcrowded. Just as everyone and the target gets off the bus/train, stab. Nobody would ever notice.

4. The most common case is simply that the assasin knows the target. So they meet up as normal then the assasin stabs away.

I honestly dont see how I can defend myself again any of these situation, unless I'm already scenting blood in the air. Which is what Sensei talked about: a man out for blood will smell like it. Learn to recognize the killing intent, and you can survive. This however can not be taught though.

If you are very aware, then you can notice if someone in the vicinity is extremely tense and focused. Anyone about to murder is. Then get the hell away, double if you notices he follows you.

Here's the thing: if you see the attack coming, then yes sure there's a chance you can survive, and training really really helps. But most of us dont receive the training to perceive danger or killing intent.

Other techniques involves the clinch like Kai taught above, but again, this assumes that you even see the blow coming, which more often than not you dont.

Post: #293

Something everyone should, in my view, get in the habit of doing is profiling everywhere you go. I learned this as a game when I was younger from an exSF godparent. Now, as a matter of habit, wherever I go I am always profiling everyone I can see - how big are they, do they look like they'd be useful in an emergency, who is going to cause trouble, who is going to step in, who is all show and no go, are there unattended bags lying around, who looks like they are having a bad day, etc etc. Other habits like never sitting with your back to a door, knowing where exits are in any building you're in, are also useful ones to get into.

Skills like these are what really give you the drop on a situation, when it goes from calm to chaotic in the blink of an eye. You want as much of the decision making process done in advance, when things go bad, so that you are only really having to make one or two decisions under extreme stress.

When you do get into the habit of doing this, you'll quickly understand why most people end up statistics in violent or chaotic situations. Most police and military fail to profile people at all. I'm always shocked at airports how oblivious the police and other first responders are to their environments and the people within them. Of course, in most major public transport hubs now there are generally a few highly trained guys on the ground who know exactly what they are doing, but most of those tasked with preserving your safety will be as useful as a chocolate teapot if a situation unfurls.

Post: #294

(04-11-2017 03:14 AM)Dalaran1991 Wrote:  ...

Unless you are talking about JFK style assasination (which is of course, special), guns dont make the best assasination weapon. Its fucking loud even with silencer(1), you can easily miss unless you are a good shot (4), harder to get (5). If we're talking Bronx gunfight sure, but thats not what I would call assasination. More like gun fight. Only advantage of gun is the mass murder capability and better reach.
...

A properly suppressed 22lr with subsonic ammo is so quiet the only thing you hear is the slide racking itself. A suppressed single shot 22lr zip gun is no louder than clicking your fingers.

From behind it would take just one at the base of the skull at a slightly upward trajectory. A single shot zip gun with a crudely applied laser would still be accurate enough at 5 yards to kill, small enough to conceal in a jacket and quiet enough that nobody would turn to see what just happened until the target fell down. The biggest problem would be controlling your nerves and the associated tremors.

With a suppressed semi auto 22lr I would be very surprised if three to the heart through the back ribs failed to do the trick. With a proper holster you could walk behind someone, pause briefly, reach into your jacket and then move on while everyone tries to figure out what the hell just happened.

You wont see than in the movies though, because most people wouldn't believe you can suppress a low powered (but powerful enough) gun to the point of genuine silence.

This scene is one of the few that ever jumped out at me as being realistic but a 22lr can be made much quieter than even this... (NSFW)





The guys with guns that know what they're doing and don't want to get caught on the scene are going to do things in ways you'll never see in the movies, possibly if only because the studios don't want to be responsible for teaching the low-IQ set those tricks. The truth about suppressors is that if you're willing to make a big enough one then you can suppress a .50 bmg anti-matieral rifle (it would help to use custom subsonic ammo). The amount of noise you want to or have to make is all a matter of volume and engineering.

Post: #295

(04-11-2017 03:14 AM)Dalaran1991 Wrote:  [quote='kinjutsu' pid='1546984' dateline='1491857472']


Other techniques involves the clinch like Kai taught above, but again, this assumes that you even see the blow coming, which more often than not you dont.

Incorrect.

The instant you feel a gunshot, stabbing, grab, or a punch, you need to react. You do not have to see something coming to do the below reaction and spin to face your attacker or pull away and gain distance.



If you instinctively reach up number 1 will protect your neck and if someone is trying to garrote your neck, you will likely grab it in mid motion. A follow up drop to your knees and rolling in a diagonal direction, will likely get him off you. If not, that is what Judo/Jiujitsu/ju jitsu (or whatever else you took is for).

A regular joe blow with no training whatsoever, has almost 0% chance to shake someone off like this. Exceptions might be former military types healthy and smart enough to do enough of something to get the guy off.

Once again numbers 3, protects your vital organs and allow a springboard for a counter attack to to impede the cutting action that was already started.

Number 2 does not really apply in many cases, but it is there, and a second stab or punch can be defended by your hands/fists or from a swift knee or kick. If someone has a baseball bat, they might swing again for your head if the first shot was not enough. Number 2 will apply.

Finally there is no reason whatsoever to clinch a surprise attacker unless you determine that he is unarmed (gun or knife) or he just has a baseball bat or some other instrument you can disarm or beat his ass neglecting it. For example, if a scrawny man you outweight by 100 or more pounds has a bat that he tried to hit you in the back of the head, but he did not hit you flush enough to knock you out (glanced off your deltoids and traps, etc). If you are a Muay Thai or Dutch Kickboxer trained, grabbing him in a clinch to destroy him with a few knee strikes, would make more sense, because giving him distance might give him more advantage than you.

So again, turtling up to defend at the initial impact of something will save your life. When shot by a gun, your adrenaline will give you up to a minute or two depending upon where you were shot. If you want, I can post several videos of people getting shot and bolting or running away to die a quarter mile away or survive. That is why CCW holders are supposed to shoot until the threat stops. Shooting someone once is no guarantee. If a gun shot is not a instant drop kill, a knife attack certainly isnt as well. Why do you think FMA/Silat/Systema guys cut your tendons off with their knives and karambits? They slice continuously until the threat stops moving.

Here is a knife assasination you can watch and see for yourselves. If this young man had any empty handed skills whatsoever, he would be alive possibly.

Post: #296

While we're at it, lets go back all the way to the roots and discuss medieval arts.

There have been countless and often pointless debate about samurai vs knight, but I found a link that discusses this pretty neatly.


http://www.thearma.org/essays/knightvs.htm#.WO5E9mnyiM-

The guy John Clements is legit. A strong contributor of the ARMA movement and also knows lots of stuff about Japanese sword:

Way too long to post it all here, but it comes down to this.


I fence regularly with a buddy who does longsword, and even though we often come off even, its simply because I have better footwork. The reach advantage of the longsword is fucking huge. Imagine a 7" tall Taekwondo guy who keep snapping kicks at you while you cant reach him. But you cant grab his leg because it (the sword) would sever your arm.

With a shorter weapon like the katana you really have to go banzai and charge it close while protecting yourself with a somewhat weaker swordblade.

I would recommend people trying this out. Its great fun, lots of cardio, and might actually comes in handy with all the refugees shit going around. Suited up in full plate / samurai yoroi with a two handed blade / nodachi sure as hell beat the shit out of islamic invaders. As Charles Martel did, so shall we

Quote:Educated Guesses

As our hypothetical fight ensued, any number of things might happen. In the course of striking at one another, a chance blow by either side could possibly end the fight. The katana may or may not be able to make a lethal or incapacitating cut (something difficult to do against plate armor, let alone a maile coat with a shield). But the knight, unfamiliar with the aggressive style or nature of his opponent, might throw out a strike that makes him vulnerable to a well-timed counter-attack. Of course, the samurai might also underestimate the power of the Medieval sword's cleaving blows and agile thrusts, even against his armor. The average European two-hand sword is longer in handle and blade than the average katana by several inches to as much as a foot or more and is not at all slow. It has a versatile hilt used for binding, trapping, and parrying. But the katana is also a fast weapon that cuts strongly and guards well and comes in a variety of lengths.

Despite its considerable reach though, there are numerous techniques for infighting using the long-sword's "half" guards and there are many techniques for striking with a shield. But then the katana is very good at close-in slices, which a straight blade cannot effectively do nearly as well. Of course, against good armor such actions can be negligible and fighting against shields was relatively unknown in Japan. So on one hand, the knight's fighting style –either of close-in sword and shield clashing, or large passing steps with long-reaching shearing cuts and plunging thrusts with a longsword or greatsword –might prove decisive. On the other, the intense, focused, counter-cutting style of the samurai with his razor-keen blade and own experience in armored fighting might prove decisive. Then again, maybe they'd kill one another?

It could be argued that the samurai by nature could have a tactical advantage in attitude and fortitude as a result of the psychological elements of his training and fighting methods. He is well- known to have integrated unarmed techniques into his repertoire as well as having a keen sense of an opponent's strengths and weaknesses. Still, much of this is intangible and subjective. Besides, although not widely appreciated, it is now well-documented (particularly from Medieval Italian and German fighting manuals) that European knights and men-at-arms fully integrated advanced grappling, wrestling, and disarming techniques into their fighting skills. They also studied considerably on tactics and the military "sciences." There is no evidence to the myth that knightly martial culture was any less sophisticated or highly develop than its Asian counterparts –its traditions and methods only fell out of use with the social and technological changes brought about by advances in firearms and cannon.

While it is known that the average samurai had a large inventory of unarmed fighting techniques at his disposal, these too would be unlikely to play a part against a shield wielding warrior. Some could suggest that the samurai was simply a better swordsman and more tenacious warrior and would likely out-fight his European counterpart. Others could say, "No way," and argue a skilled, superbly conditioned knight in full plate armor using either a sword and shield combination or a longsword would be near invulnerable and brutally overpowering. Still others could rightly point out that such over-generalized statements either way are un-provable conjecture. There are so many elements to address and practitioners who are experienced in one form of sword art or familiar with only one type of blade and not others will tend to favor what they're familiar with. It is rare to find individuals with a deep grasp of the attributes of each method and the arms involved.

Those who think the Medieval sword and shield was and is just a "wham-bam, whack-whack" fight are as greatly misinformed as those who imagine the katana was handled in some mysterious and secret manner and can cut through anything as if it were a light-saber. Those who presume the use of Medieval long-sword merely involved a brutish hacking are also under a tremendous delusion. It is a mystery how such beliefs can be held independently of those who today assiduously study and train in the subject as a true martial art, and spend years in practice with the actual weapons. Perhaps this ignorance is due to watching too many movies or the influence of fantasy-historical societies with their costumed role-playing.

Medieval and Renaissance sword fighting is often viewed by the uninformed as a wholly subjective matter either consisting of merely brute force and ferocity, or else incapable of reasoned analysis and discernable principles. Both are equally inaccurate. It is sad when leading modern fencing masters (experienced only with the dueling style of light foils, epees, and sabers) will issue naïve, unschooled statements about how Medieval swords "weighed 20 pounds" or could only be used for "clumsy" bashing and chopping. There is a definite prejudice that the modern refined fencing sport is "superior" to earlier, more brutal methods. Without going into the history of warfare, it's important to state it is a myth that personal combat in Europe was entirely crude, cumbersome, and never an art. It may perhaps be true that, only in a modern cultural context, it cannot compare to the surviving systematized traditions of feudal Japanese sword arts. However there is sufficient evidence surviving that when paired with contemporary research has given us a much better under-standing of the function and use of Medieval and Renaissance European arms and armors to confirm that they consisted of a highly effective and dynamic "Science of Defence."

Keeping our hypothesis broad

To be fair, while there is an extraordinary amount of nonsense and fantasy surrounding historical European swords and sword arts, there is a good deal of myth and ignorance on the true teachings of historical Japanese fencing. While there is today an active subculture promoting and preserving historical Japanese bujutsu or practicing modern budo and a great deal is also known about their practice, the equivalent can not yet be said for "lost" Medieval or Renaissance fighting arts. But, at least for the latter, there are dozens of surviving technical guides from the period describing the actual methods and techniques of knights and men-at-arms in great detail.

So, given the complexities of the question of what kind of knightly arms and armor from what period we could consider in a hypothetical knight-samurai encounter, it might be easier to just imagine an unarmored duel, sword against sword, without shields. Let's assume that our gladiatorial fantasy would be fought by two respective 15th century warriors with single swords alone. In this way we essentially have two fighting men both experienced in using a long sword as well as fighting unarmored.

This solves a lot of questions. But even here the issue is problematic. We still need to ask what kind of katana and what kind of longsword? What length of blade and handle? There was no standard generic model for either weapon, after all. So, assuming that we choose two weapons of comparative dimensions, we could make the knightly longsword of the cruciform-hilted, double-edged, slightly tapering variety.

Under this scenario, the katana would have a slight advantage, we could imagine. It's adept in unarmored cut and thrust fighting where the slightest wound from its keen edge could perhaps sever a hand or disabled an arm. It could also thrust well and might even threaten a pressing or slicing draw if close in. The half-swording techniques of the longsword would also not be nearly as viable here, though its hilt design might prove very useful. While the longsword would be menacing in its quick and long-reaching thrust, its stabbing attacks would perhaps not be that unfamiliar to a samurai use to facing spears. On the other hand, the knight would himself not be that unused at all to facing a curved single-edged blade, likely being skilled in or familiar with such ones as the falchion, badelaire, messer, long Grossemesser, and even Turkish scimitars. So again, the outcome of the match would come down to intangibles of personal attitude and individual prowess. As to the issue of the deadliness of thrusting wounds versus cutting ones, well, the historical and forensic evidence does favor the lethality of stabs--but only in contrast to lacerating flesh wounds not deep cleaving blows.

Considering the many issues brought out in describing the modern reconstruction of historical European martial arts, contrasting them with the practice of Asian fighting arts is a legitimate area of speculation. If we had a time machine and for depraved research wanted to go back, grab a hundred random Medieval knights and an equal number of samurai, match them one on one and throw them at each other, we might be able to come up some statistical averages (and some serious ethical problems, as well). In one sense we are talking about very different approaches to armed personal defense in this comparison. But, then again it's all the same when reduced to two armed combatants facing one another in antagonistic combat. There are many universal commonalities and shared fundamentals between both European and Japanese feudal warriors, but there were also significant technical and stylistic differences in their respective approaches. If not, their martial histories and their arms and armors would not have been so distinct.

So what can we really know?

As can be seen, there are just far too many variables and unknowns to make a judgment either way for such a theoretical question as who could defeat whom between knights and samurai. The fight cannot be reduced to any generalized statements about who had the overall historical advantage in skill or who had the superior array of arms and armor. In matters like this we certainly cannot not invoke mystical principles or endless "what ifs" and still engage in intelligent conjecture. All we can do is give an opinion of questionable value. Still, it is an intriguing comparison to ponder objectively.

Post: #297

European or Japanese Swordfighting is great fun. Most guys into this stuff have very strong upper bodies that do not look very suspecting. Even their lower bodies are strong, especially if they like some of the heavier stuff.

It gives alot of insight and perspective on just how strong and physically conditioned your ancestors once were, despite not having a diet as rich as our own, even though you could make a strong case that their diets were healthier in lots of ways.

Post: #298

When you look at boxers what do you think about the difference between amatuers and pros? Mostly i ask in an athletic sense. Pros and cons of being involved in the sport at each level?

Post: #299

(04-12-2017 11:53 AM)Jameson Ranger Wrote:  When you look at boxers what do you think about the difference between amatuers and pros? Mostly i ask in an athletic sense. Pros and cons of being involved in the sport at each level?

Short answer would honestly be something like can they run 10 miles or 25 miles a day?

Cardio wise, pros are higher than amateur level dudes. Their conditioning is much higher as well.

I would also say, pros have waaaaay higher pad work levels than the others. Watch Manny or Floyd working the pads, and the buttery smooth power is not something duplicated. They have massive control over their power that you can see in the technique. It translates into the ring big time.

Some amateur guys get all fussed up about ring time and spar time. When you see them work with the pads, all kinds of fucking holes in their game is apparent. At least to me from my experience as a trainer. Lots of young dudes with big egos will tell you it doesn't matter. How far do they ever go pro wise? Not far at all.

That said, alot of times the difference between an amateur and a pro is who has the better manager to get them the right fights they need (at the right time), the right trainers, nutrition, etc. Sometimes guys go it without any of that stuff. In alot of ways, boxing is just heart and hard ass work. The work most pro/semi pro boxers put in would scare off most people.

There may be alot more insight, but I never worked in pro boxing, just MMA. Sometimes our worlds blend or collide because we use the same boxing trainers and whatnot, but not everything is the same for both worlds. I've met some boxing legends, we all have mutual friends, etc. I learn things from them and they learn stuff about MMA from guys like us.

Post: #300

(04-10-2017 03:51 PM)kinjutsu Wrote:  

(04-10-2017 06:57 AM)Dalaran1991 Wrote:  

(04-07-2017 09:59 PM)CaptainChardonnay Wrote:  ^ I think this comment hits the nail on the head

Quote:This might shock some people but, if someone wants to harm you and they have the element of surprise, there is almost nothing you can do to stop them. I would suggest not going to areas with large amounts of strangers and, if you must, go in groups of 3 or more. For some reason, studies have shown, even crazy people, wont attack when there is a 3 to 1 superiority. Oh yeah, and, carry at least a good knife, flashlight, and pistol everywhere you go. 

That would not be an attack, that would be an assasination. And it's called an assasination because very few people ever survive. That's why there are whole disciplines, customs and equipment designed to protect against this. The handshake was invented to show that you were not carrying a stiletto in your hand.

If we're just looking at bladed weapon, the medieval/renaissance times give you plenty of example. You basically have zero chance of defending against an assasin , even if you have bodyguards and stuff. The Japanese designed their floor to be empty boards so that footsteps can easily be heard, and most daimyo/samurai carry a knife with them all the time. An entire martial art - iaijutsu - was invented to increase your chance of survival.

I'm not talking about just how fast you can draw and cut at the same time, like Iaido. Iaijutsu takes into account a lot of thing, especially situational awareness. Samurais when go into dark areas usually undo their kimono sleeve so you can easily draw your sword. Shadow watching - being aware of how different light sources can help you to watch the environment, was also taught.

A lot of the techniques involve rising draw, which is done after you have rolled yourself away from danger, or are defending yourself from an assassin just after the ceremonial bow.

This is giving me flashbacks to my childhood. I've lost count how many times my old sensei would discuss about things like this. Most of the time Iaijutsu would have the training integrated with knife or sword training. Very rarely will you ever see a school specialize in this.
Training in the ways to assassinate people is a very good way to avoid being assassinated. This is similar to strikers training in bjj and wrestling to avoid being taken down or at least put up a solid defense to the tactics of those styles.

In reality, though you are least likely to be "assassinated" with a blade and more likely to be shot with a gun. The level of skill required to kill someone with a knife up close without drawing attention is special forces level.
What kind of enemies do you have for this to be a valid concern in your life?

Actually knife attacks far far outnumber gun attacks by some absurdly high number.

In the UK there can be thousands of knife attacks in a single month!

Even knife attacks are higher than gun ones in the US (in 2011 I think). Canada would be closer with the UK.

Heck, weren't you involved in a knife attack once or twice before your ownself?

Compared to me as an American, I have had guns pulled on me twice and only one knife attack.