Post: #1

3 days ago, one of my friends who is a rapper invited me and other friends to be on his new video clip. We were recording it in a subway known to be problematic. As we were recording it, this man who was probably in his early 40's, walked past us and stared at every single one of us, he was not trying to intimidate us but he had this ''don't fuck with me look'', the way he walked also showed how much of an alpha he was. I told one of my friends, ''yo, I am sure this guy has done martial arts before'', my friend asked me, ''how do you know?'' I told him, there is just something about his body language. He was like, let's ask him.

We walked up to him. ''yo big man, yo big man''. He looked back and quickly walked back to us as if something is about to go down (there are no many dudes who would walk up to a bunch of black dudes like he did, everybody that walked past us was literally scared, that move made me believe even more that he did some type of martial arts). I asked him ''I was just telling my friend that you did some type of martial arts before, have you ever done any martial arts?'' he was like ''nah, never'', I am like ''boxing, judo, karate, muay thay, none of that?'' He was like ''no''. I hardly ever get that shit wrong. Then he was like ''well, I did Ice hockey for many years'', I thought to myself, many of these Ice hockey players had more real life fights than many martial arts practitioners. His super confidence probably came from a state of someone who has been through lots of violence and that made him fearless.

This intuition that I have to guess if someone does martial arts, also applies to many other areas. I usually can tell when I am going to bang a girl after I get her number, I am usually good at guessing what country somebody comes from (thanks to being in so many places around the world). I had a basketballer friend who could guess when someone played basketball (some of the dudes were not so obvious to the average person).

Thieves usually have that intuition when comes to choose their victims, the same applies with rapists, they usually know what women can be potential victims.

I wonder what you think about that ''intuition game''.

Post: #2

Ears bro. Check em out.

Post: #3

edit:^^ beat me to it.

Cauliflower ears is usually a good indicator you will get your ass kicked if you fuck with that person.

I have noticed most martial arts guys who are really into BJJ or muay thai tend to be lean and wirey guys. Usually bigger guys who are ripped aren't as into it but are more into lifting.

Post: #4

I can spot these guys pretty easy but I've been wrong my share of times too, so it's not foolproof.

I get this shit all the time too. People always ask me if I'm a mma fighter, and while I wrestled in high school and dabbled in martial arts, it was a long time ago and I'm not that experienced. In southeast Asia people often ask me if I'm a soldier or a spook.

It's funny when I reply, "Nah I sit in front of a computer all day."

In college people always asked if I was a football player.

Some people just have that look, I guess. Maybe it's genes?

And maybe upbringing a bit - I've been in a lot of fights (and am slightly self delusional with my belief in myself haha) so I'm sure that translates into the look of confidence and self awareness you'd expect in a more practiced fighter.

I'm a huge fan of trusting your instincts though, with all kinds of human dynamics, and generally if I sense someone isn't to be trifled with, I go with my gut, no matter how big they are.

"The individual has always had to struggle to keep from being overwhelmed by the tribe. To be your own man is a hard business. If you try it, you'll be lonely often, and sometimes frightened. But no price is too high to pay for the privilege of owning yourself." - Rudyard Kipling

Post: #5

I look at the hands for signs of toughening or hard use. The nose to see if it's been damaged or repaired. The ears (already answered above). Then I look into the eyes. You know that this person is seeing you as nothing more than a bag of targets when they look at you. It's like a lion looking at a herd of gazelle. Another sign of a GOOD fighter is positioning. They never put themselves into a bad position where they can't defend themselves, or they're balance and movement is compromised.

The guy you encountered assessed each and every one of you when he walked past you and when you approached.

Post: #6

Should you edit the title to 'can you usually tell when someone does martial arts or ice hockey?'

Post: #7

(01-09-2016 08:53 AM)pitt Wrote:  I wonder what you think about that ''intuition game''.

Learning to hear what your gut is telling you is one of the most powerful tools you can develop. In many situations we ignore it if it goes against what we want to be true.

That said, we also need to be careful to discern whether it's "our gut" or "our paranoia" talking. And they can both be true, since one's paranoia, or idea of the world, decides what kind of world they will experience.

Post: #8

Very Interesting.

I'm one the best pool players i know . I can look at a guy (even one not holding a cue stick) for 2 seconds and figure out if he's a good pool player or not. One of my Dad's friends was a competitive Off-road racer back in the 80's. He could tell you everything about someone's personality by watching them drive for less than 5 minutes. Shit was scarily accurate. Also heard that US military guys can spot each other easily even in civilian attire.

Would love to hear more experiences. Intuition game is real.

Post: #9

(01-09-2016 08:53 AM)pitt Wrote:  We walked up to him. ''yo big man, yo big man''. He looked back and quickly walked back to us as if something is about to go down (there are no many dudes who would walk up to a bunch of black dudes like he did, everybody that walked past us was literally scared, that move made me believe even more that he did some type of martial arts).

If you kids would have gotten your ass beat for being the subway punk kid like you were acting I would have LOL'd in real life.

Post: #10

(01-09-2016 12:39 PM)monster Wrote:  

(01-09-2016 08:53 AM)pitt Wrote:  We walked up to him. ''yo big man, yo big man''. He looked back and quickly walked back to us as if something is about to go down (there are no many dudes who would walk up to a bunch of black dudes like he did, everybody that walked past us was literally scared, that move made me believe even more that he did some type of martial arts).

If you kids would have gotten your ass beat for being the subway punk kid like you were acting I would have LOL'd in real life.

????

You probably misread it. We were not looking for trouble, we were simply there rapping and recording our video, people usually get intimidated when they see a bunch of young (black) guys together even if they are not causing any trouble . We are all in our late 20's and early 30's and nearly all of us fight pretty well, if a fight was to go down, that guy wouldn't be able to do anything even if he knew various martial arts. Actually one of us is a capoeira instructor, one of the other dudes is black belt in judo, mixing with the rest that been in and out of jail (one for attempted murder) trying to fight us would be literally committing suicide.

Post: #11

(01-09-2016 12:50 PM)pitt Wrote:  

(01-09-2016 12:39 PM)monster Wrote:  

(01-09-2016 08:53 AM)pitt Wrote:  We walked up to him. ''yo big man, yo big man''. He looked back and quickly walked back to us as if something is about to go down (there are no many dudes who would walk up to a bunch of black dudes like he did, everybody that walked past us was literally scared, that move made me believe even more that he did some type of martial arts).

If you kids would have gotten your ass beat for being the subway punk kid like you were acting I would have LOL'd in real life.

????

You probably misread it. We were not looking for trouble, we were simply there rapping and recording our video, people usually get intimidated when they see a bunch of young (black) guys together even if they are not causing any trouble . We are all in our late 20's and early 30's and nearly all of us fight pretty well, if a fight was to go down, that guy wouldn't be able to do anything even if he knew various martial arts. Actually one of us is a capoeira instructor, one of the other dudes is black belt in judo, mixing with the rest that been in and out of jail (one for attempted murder) trying to fight us would be literally committing suicide.

I hear what pitt's saying. Different vibe. I'd be wary, but good chance I'd get a read that they don't mean any harm.

However, it was a different story when I was crossing the street at a deserted intersection around 3 in the morning and a bunch of black guys asked me for the time. A fear response probably meant getting jumped. Thankfully I think they picked up the fact that I wasn't going to be an easy mark and left me alone.

Post: #12

Although my tournament days are over, the first thing you do when stepping into the list is to size up your opponent. I could tell in two seconds if he was a punk or experienced.

Post: #13

(01-09-2016 12:50 PM)pitt Wrote:  

(01-09-2016 12:39 PM)monster Wrote:  

(01-09-2016 08:53 AM)pitt Wrote:  We walked up to him. ''yo big man, yo big man''. He looked back and quickly walked back to us as if something is about to go down (there are no many dudes who would walk up to a bunch of black dudes like he did, everybody that walked past us was literally scared, that move made me believe even more that he did some type of martial arts).

If you kids would have gotten your ass beat for being the subway punk kid like you were acting I would have LOL'd in real life.

????

You probably misread it. We were not looking for trouble, we were simply there rapping and recording our video, people usually get intimidated when they see a bunch of young (black) guys together even if they are not causing any trouble . We are all in our late 20's and early 30's and nearly all of us fight pretty well, if a fight was to go down, that guy wouldn't be able to do anything even if he knew various martial arts. Actually one of us is a capoeira instructor, one of the other dudes is black belt in judo, mixing with the rest that been in and out of jail (one for attempted murder) trying to fight us would be literally committing suicide.

I'm not sure how I misread this. Amateur rappers and convicted attempted murderers filming a rap video and then in between takes going up to big dudes asking if they do martial arts in a subway and probably showing off some moves as well....

Did you even have a permit to film? Permits are required by law to film on public property.

Post: #14

(01-09-2016 12:50 PM)pitt Wrote:  

(01-09-2016 12:39 PM)monster Wrote:  

(01-09-2016 08:53 AM)pitt Wrote:  We walked up to him. ''yo big man, yo big man''. He looked back and quickly walked back to us as if something is about to go down (there are no many dudes who would walk up to a bunch of black dudes like he did, everybody that walked past us was literally scared, that move made me believe even more that he did some type of martial arts).

If you kids would have gotten your ass beat for being the subway punk kid like you were acting I would have LOL'd in real life.

????

You probably misread it. We were not looking for trouble, we were simply there rapping and recording our video, people usually get intimidated when they see a bunch of young (black) guys together even if they are not causing any trouble . We are all in our late 20's and early 30's and nearly all of us fight pretty well, if a fight was to go down, that guy wouldn't be able to do anything even if he knew various martial arts. Actually one of us is a capoeira instructor, one of the other dudes is black belt in judo, mixing with the rest that been in and out of jail (one for attempted murder) trying to fight us would be literally committing suicide.

This kind of attitude is why some people end up as statistics. There are people out there who look like accountants who can show you a kind of fear you most likely don't realise exists. One serious fighter, not ninjas like you and your buddies, would have left you holding your guts in on the pavement. You were sizing up a guy trying to guess if he was a martial artist - some people, if you catch yourself being smart with the wrong one, will be standing opposite you making any last minute assessments regarding which artery to open based on what clothes you're wearing, how you and your friends are lined up, etc. On the walk past he will already have assessed your probable competence and group dynamic (hint: capoeira instructor is probably not going to be the first to go). When you confront him, he will already know which one of you dies first, and who goes second, whilst you're still being a wise guy.

I'm sure you're all fit, I'm sure you are all reasonably tough and competent at your respective SPORTING disciplines. But, some people are scary in a way that guys who do fight dancing and aggressive cuddling cannot begin to comprehend. Getting caught and going to prison makes you the kind of predictable, impulse driven, one dimensional fighter that dies very quickly in a real situation with someone who is a far meaner predator than you. There are more of these guys walking around than you realise. They have not been to prison. You should not assume because their trousers fit, their belt is tight, and they speak in complete sentences, that they won't really fuck up your (and your friends) day. It pays to be polite and respectful - really dangerous people usually are.

Post: #15

(01-09-2016 11:19 AM)vinman Wrote:  I look at the hands for signs of toughening or hard use. The nose to see if it's been damaged or repaired. The ears (already answered above). Then I look into the eyes. You know that this person is seeing you as nothing more than a bag of targets when they look at you. It's like a lion looking at a herd of gazelle. Another sign of a GOOD fighter is positioning. They never put themselves into a bad position where they can't defend themselves, or they're balance and movement is compromised.

The guy you encountered assessed each and every one of you when he walked past you and when you approached.

I agree, its that 'situational awareness' like they have a terminator targeting computer in their head and tune people out when something is up. The guys that I've known that are serious martial artists or occupationally involved in violence (bouncers, bikers) will perk their ears up like a dog when there is a disturbance in a bar but not get in the middle and shit talk. They just sort of sit there ready.

Another thing is recognition. They aren't intimated and respect other scary looking mother fuckers. Like they will give a genuine smile, nod handshake and backslap to the other dude in the bar with one ear missing, an eye patch and missing teeth while other people look at him like he's going to grind their bones to make his bread.

Post: #16

(01-09-2016 12:39 PM)monster Wrote:  I'm not sure how I misread this. Amateur rappers and convicted attempted murderers...

   

That shit escalated quickly indeed...

Post: #17

My way of knowing on who to absolutely not mess with is to look at their footwork. Since I take the subway everyday to go to work, I notice that most people, even the one in shape, do not have the footwork of a martial artist. Myself having done Muy Thai and wrestling for 8 months, I instinctively that some weird angle when I walk, and brace myself with my backfoot when the subway is coming at a stop, similarly like someone that attempts to stuff a takedown!! I do get crazy look sometimes too!!

Post: #18

(01-09-2016 03:10 PM)Captain Gh Wrote:  

(01-09-2016 12:39 PM)monster Wrote:  I'm not sure how I misread this. Amateur rappers and convicted attempted murderers...

That shit escalated quickly indeed...

Hahaha...no kidding. Everyone needs to chill out and watch an episode of Kung Fu.

Post: #19

In a game of rock, paper, scissors. A knife to the throat wins.

Post: #20

You can generally tell whether someone does or has done sports from their gait and the way they hold themselves. Not sure about specifically martial arts, unless you're engaging them with aggressive behaviour. Generally the well trained people are respectful but confident and don't have the 'fake muscles' swagger. One thing learning how to fight teaches you is: don't fight.

Post: #21

(01-09-2016 02:50 PM)H1N1 Wrote:  

(01-09-2016 12:50 PM)pitt Wrote:  

(01-09-2016 12:39 PM)monster Wrote:  

(01-09-2016 08:53 AM)pitt Wrote:  We walked up to him. ''yo big man, yo big man''. He looked back and quickly walked back to us as if something is about to go down (there are no many dudes who would walk up to a bunch of black dudes like he did, everybody that walked past us was literally scared, that move made me believe even more that he did some type of martial arts).

If you kids would have gotten your ass beat for being the subway punk kid like you were acting I would have LOL'd in real life.

????

You probably misread it. We were not looking for trouble, we were simply there rapping and recording our video, people usually get intimidated when they see a bunch of young (black) guys together even if they are not causing any trouble . We are all in our late 20's and early 30's and nearly all of us fight pretty well, if a fight was to go down, that guy wouldn't be able to do anything even if he knew various martial arts. Actually one of us is a capoeira instructor, one of the other dudes is black belt in judo, mixing with the rest that been in and out of jail (one for attempted murder) trying to fight us would be literally committing suicide.

This kind of attitude is why some people end up as statistics. There are people out there who look like accountants who can show you a kind of fear you most likely don't realise exists. One serious fighter, not ninjas like you and your buddies, would have left you holding your guts in on the pavement. You were sizing up a guy trying to guess if he was a martial artist - some people, if you catch yourself being smart with the wrong one, will be standing opposite you making any last minute assessments regarding which artery to open based on what clothes you're wearing, how you and your friends are lined up, etc. On the walk past he will already have assessed your probable competence and group dynamic (hint: capoeira instructor is probably not going to be the first to go). When you confront him, he will already know which one of you dies first, and who goes second, whilst you're still being a wise guy.

I'm sure you're all fit, I'm sure you are all reasonably tough and competent at your respective SPORTING disciplines. But, some people are scary in a way that guys who do fight dancing and aggressive cuddling cannot begin to comprehend. Getting caught and going to prison makes you the kind of predictable, impulse driven, one dimensional fighter that dies very quickly in a real situation with someone who is a far meaner predator than you. There are more of these guys walking around than you realise. They have not been to prison. You should not assume because their trousers fit, their belt is tight, and they speak in complete sentences, that they won't really fuck up your (and your friends) day. It pays to be polite and respectful - really dangerous people usually are.

We were not sizing up anybody. We are simply social people and we were engaging with him. This is like asking someone if they play basketball or if they are rappers or if they are from Russia. The guy didn't think we were ''sizing him up'', he even talked to us for another 4-5 minutes, then when I told him why we asked him that (I said that he has the body language of someone who has done martial arts for many years), he took it as a compliment and said thank you. He knew we were simply being social.

But yeah, I know that the most dangerous people are usually not the loudest, I enjoy reading people, reason why we went to talk to him.

(01-09-2016 03:10 PM)Captain Gh Wrote:  

(01-09-2016 12:39 PM)monster Wrote:  I'm not sure how I misread this. Amateur rappers and convicted attempted murderers...

That shit escalated quickly indeed...

hahahaahahahah That comment made me laugh hard. Convicted attempted murderers you know.

Post: #22

(01-09-2016 08:53 AM)pitt Wrote:  this man walked past us and stared at every single one of us, he was not trying to intimidate us but he had this ''don't fuck with me look'', the way he walked also showed how much of an alpha he was.

I asked him ''I was just telling my friend that you did some type of martial arts before, have you ever done any martial arts?'' he was like ''nah, never'', I am like ''boxing, judo, karate, muay thay, none of that?'' He was like ''no''. I hardly ever get that shit wrong. Then he was like ''well, I did Ice hockey for many years''.

As the only forum member to have encountered Little Dark in real life, I envy you.

"Ice Hockey" is code for getting into huge fights with White Knights.

Also, since Little Dark has unparalleled natural fighting abilities, he simply has no need for training of any sort.

Post: #23

Most guys have picked the more obvious tells, but another one for me is the way blokes move: Core Strength is very self-evident in walking, running and other body movements, once you recognise it. It's a combination of abs and back. These are the deepest layer of the abs, but the pelvic floor muscles, the lats, and obliques. This is a very different level of fitness to bodies built purely on gym work alone: its the style of movement you see on boxers, MMA's, martial artists and military men.

A guy on here mentioned wanting to be able to Kip Ups the other day: that's core strength, and the reason I could pull them off easily in my 20's.

(01-09-2016 03:05 PM)Dr. Howard Wrote:  Another thing is recognition. They aren't intimated and respect other scary looking mother fuckers. Like they will give a genuine smile, nod handshake and backslap to the other dude in the bar with one ear missing, an eye patch and missing teeth while other people look at him like he's going to grind their bones to make his bread.

An easier tell: watch the nod. If he nods upwards, not downwards, he's confident enough to throw down. It sounds minor, but people looking for trouble subconsciously recognise this, as do women.

To really recognise danger: note the guy who smiles, but never blinks.

Post: #24

(01-09-2016 06:16 PM)AnonymousBosch Wrote:  Most guys have picked the more obvious tells, but another one for me is the way blokes move: Core Strength is very self-evident in walking, running and other body movements, once you recognise it. It's a combination of abs and back. These are the deepest layer of the abs, but the pelvic floor muscles, the lats, and obliques. This is a very different level of fitness to bodies built purely on gym work alone: its the style of movement you see on boxers, MMA's, martial artists and military men.

A guy on here mentioned wanting to be able to Kip Ups the other day: that's core strength, and the reason I could pull them off easily in my 20's.

(01-09-2016 03:05 PM)Dr. Howard Wrote:  Another thing is recognition. They aren't intimated and respect other scary looking mother fuckers. Like they will give a genuine smile, nod handshake and backslap to the other dude in the bar with one ear missing, an eye patch and missing teeth while other people look at him like he's going to grind their bones to make his bread.

An easier tell: watch the nod. If he nods upwards, not downwards, he's confident enough to throw down. It sounds minor, but people looking for trouble subconsciously recognise this, as do women.

To really recognise danger: note the guy who smiles, but never blinks.

this is what the bikers in my town would do before beating someone who had offended them/spilled their drink etc.

Smile, say "oh hey its not problem" extend their hand to shake and then punch the guy in the face. Except they would smile really wide, like the joker, with wide open eyes...not blinking.

Post: #25

I'm pretty sure I can accurately spot other RVFrs. Before I met several forum members for the first time, I could just tell they were my tribe.