What REALLY works?

[GJEC]

As a spin off from the Face Punches thread I think this topic comes up regularly enough to merit it's own discussion.

We should never state "That doesn't work" instead of the more honest "I'm not skilled or determined enough (yet) to make that work" I know the first one is easier on the mind, but that doesn't make it right.

Our minds have evolved to look for confirmation of our gut feelings, so doubts are confirmed by negative posts on forums such as this that are taken as supporting evidence. Those that have a bit more faith in themselves look to their mentors as proof of what's possible. My early mentor, Brian Fitkin, was an awesome fighter so if he could get that strong and effective I wanted some of that for myself. I was prepared to suffer and not let things put me off, certainly not doubts from others, that just inspired me.

So no prizes for guessing which camp I'm in. If others can do it, I can and I will.

Gary

[meguro]

Something heavy landing on the jawline, temple, or neck (the sweet spot where Brazilian kicks land). As I have reached the age where my underlings should be doing all the hard work and I come in to deliver the coup de grace, I find it off putting that I should risk getting hurt myself. I will take your question to mean, what works for the individual. For me, two or three henchmen and a ball peen hammer.

[GJEC]

Can't disagree there.

But my thrust here is more to inspire people to believe that if others train hard and become great fighters, it's possible for them.

Gary

[meguro]

What better example than teachers and sempai who have become great fighters.

[GJEC]

Excellent point! The only way to ask questions years ago was to turn up and train. You saw, in the flesh, people far more capable than you handling the rough stuff (and it was rough) so you were inspired to improve.

I feel sorry for the youtube generation that are far more likely to view or read something online than discover it first hand. Forums (this is one of the better ones) seem full of wannabees talking about stuff they can't make work, instead of sweating and trying until it does.

Gary

[MMX]

Getting in there and sparring. Sweating as Kancho Ninomiya would say. As far as what I find effective in Knockdown Sparring- getting inside,sweeps,rib punches,combinations,getting positional advantage for takedown.

Talk is just that. DO or DO NOT as Yoda would say.

That is just the short list.

[curlbroscience]

We are what works for us and we should not discount what has worked for someone else. Even if we were to try and replicate, the outcome may not be the same. Pass or fail, does not mean that the technique is good/bad just means that it works for us.

I agree with Meguro in that there are smarter ways of doing things, but to discount something without even trying it is another.

What really works is cultivating a spirit to endure and persevere. If you love it, do it.

[meguro]

I was looking for a clip I saw on fb which depicted sucker punches completed in 200 milliseconds or so. The gist, if your arms are down you have no chance to fend off the attack and you'll go down. If your hands are up, you've got a chance. If two combatants happen to have seen that clip, they'll know to have their hands up, and what will ensue is a cat fight or boxing match. . .Until someone starts grabbing, then you've got ice hockey, Enshin or MMA. Anyway, searching for that clip, I came across this

[curlbroscience]

From a blogger I read an excerpt from:



“First, I must make some attempt to define and differentiate skill and technique. As a start may I offer a definition of technique: it is the use of the body and its bits and pieces (arms, legs and head) to transmit force to the opponent, in order to bring about some predetermined effect, i.e. make him fall down, pin him to the ground or break his arm. In order to appreciate and understand the function of technique, it is best learnt in the simplest of circumstances, i.e. in a non-varying situation, standing or lying still.

Skill is the application and therefore the adaptation of technique to an ever-differing situation; it is implicit that maximum consistency of success is desirable when learning the necessary modifications.”

The author goes on to say that one does not have to precede the other and that the goal must justify the method.

Has anyone read this book? Seems like an interesting read as the author is a Psychologist and Judoka.

meguro Interesting find.

[meguro]

All the kata applications, the Judo throws, the grappling, etc. comprise the Plan B. Plan A is the one punch, head butt, groin kick, eye poke knockout. Everything else is for when the opponent refuses to follow along with Plan A, or has a plan of his own.

I suppose one might look at the distinction between technique and skill the same way one might view knowledge vs. experience. A Silat junior instructor tried to school me on stances, and why my low stance was inferior to his high stance (we were practicing takedowns). I acknowledged that his high stance was effective. . .as long as the training partner is cooperative. When he is not, things go south rapidly and a lower stance will prevail up close. He also insisted on using a straight arm to effect a throw, until I arm barred him.