Putting the sparring debate aside I agree with him that there are more important things you can do in preparation to protect yourself against violent crime.
Here is a story a non-martial art friend told me the other day. He is teaching English here in Japan but he used to be an airforce pilot in Okinawa. He told me that alot of the marines were thugs and would mug you for money as their pay wasnt so good. He said airforce pilots were often picked on by these types.
Anyway he was walking back to base alone after drinking (first mistake I guess), then he noticed two marines following him at a distance. He thought there might be some trouble but he was at a safe distance so didnt worry too much until 2 more people appeared on the road infront of him. Now he knew he was in trouble. What he did next impressed the hell out of me. He pulled his wallet out of his pocket and started holding it like a cell phone. He kept talking into his imaginary cell phone while looking at the men infront and turning around to look at the men behind. Making it look like he was setting them up to bust them or something. They soon disappeared and he got back safely.
Just a great example of self defense. I personally dont think martial art skills hold much value in violent assaults unless someone calls you out in which case it can be easy to avoid unless you have something to prove. You got to think in terms of the main motivation behind a violent assault. They want something, and they are not interested in fair fighting rules to get it. They will tip the odds in their favour anyway they can.
But if you want to be a good fighter (in terms of squarring off one on one with someone) I can see how sparring etc could be a valuable tool for this.
There Is No Efficient Preparation For Real Combat (TINEPFRC)
Without hard sparring there is no efficient preparation for real combat.
Without training for all kinds of scenarios that include more than just striking, kicking, and trapping - TINEPFRC.
Without training to defend against takedowns and throws - TINEPFRC.
Without training in how to use takedowns and throws - TINEPFRC.
Without training for the possibility of being on the ground - TINEPFRC.
Without training against other fighting styles - TINEPFRC.
Without training against multiple opponents - TINEPFRC.
Without strict and disciplined body conditioning regimentation - TINEPFRC.
Without the inclusion of stretching, aerobics, and strengthening as part of that regimentation - TINEPFRC.
Without training for unarmed self defense against weapons - TINEPFRC.
Without training in the use of weapons - TINEPFRC.
Without training in a very mobile and potentially explosive footwork - TINEPFRC.
Without training in how to use and defend arm and elbow locks - TINEPFRC.
Without training how to use and defend choke holds, headlocks, and bear hugs - TINEPFRC.
Without training in how to put all of the above together as one coherent whole - TINEPFRC.
since when are we making a living at this WC (unless you are a professional at it which means a full time instructor) or since when are we competing or fighting against the world’s best?
You miss the point, which is that for anyone to reach THEIR highest levels in a physical, and especially competitive, and especially combative, endeavor, “match” practice is essential. If survival is your aim, you are still going to need to PERFORM.
This applies to professional sportsmen, weekend warriors, and hobbyists. If you prefer not to be able to perform to the very best of your ability at the moment of truth, we have little in common.
The ponit of martial skill being much less important than other attributes in real self defense is well taken. Some may recall I introduced Strong’s book to many on the list.
However, IF you claim you are training WC for self defense (albeit a small part thereof), the question still remains: how do get the best results (keeping your purposes in mind) from your training?
Anerlich, I can see some of your points. Yes more practice would make me/us better at what we are doing, the old motto “Practice makes perfect” is incorrect, it should read “Practice makes improvement”. I guess we could all get better at it if that’s what we want to do. That’s the key question. I myself am confident that my ability is sufficient to handle most of what could happen on the street, although I do not practice as much as I used to. I can honestly say that I think I have improved since my level 10 grading. My understanding is better and my technique is tighter than ever. Is my cardio as good, nope probably not, but I believe my relexes and eyes are faster now than then. If my training had completely stopped since then(96’) I would not have improved at all, so I do agree that some kind of continous training besides forms practice has to be there.
Today I like to practice just for the sake of practice, not really with the intention or thought that this practice session will improve my self-defence abilities, I find pleasure in just training at times.
[QUOTE]Originally posted by yuanfen
[B]Comments on dave c post in brackets_
Then why bother if you find this thread boring?
I would be very interested to hear your pov and your reasoning behind it…after all we all dont have your years and years and years of experience .
((sarcasm can be amusing but does not necessarily deserve a response.Hence-that and the comment on experience with a smiley attached-ignored.
**LOL, well apparently it got one didnt it!
To others-
**Uh, Joy, trying hard to be civil here but it was I (Dave c) that asked for your comments since you interjected yourself into the thread by making your condescending comments regarding the thread.
Sparring with gloves early can arrest- listening skills and wing chun
**Yes, that is true IMO which I believe is also the point that I made earlier in the disucssion.
Some sparring can overcome some folk’s fear of contact.
**Again one of the main points of the thread, so it appears that in actuality that your outlook on sparring is not that much different than the rest of us mere mortals ;).
Without a trained and knowledgeable observer and sharing observer present- sparring can reinforce bad habits for lots of folks without teaching new long lasting skills.))
**I couldnt agree with you more so my question is why didnt you post these thoughts in the first place. Wasnt all that hard now was it! Thank you for you comments you may go back to your mountain top now ;))).