Why don't you go and learn how to fight?

[Song4TheBroken]

Here's the thing, the vast majoriy of humans don't have the slightest clue how to fight. How do I know this? Well, just go and stand outside a bar or club at the weekend, or watch a youtube video. You'll see what I mean. Or maybe you won't see what I mean, because (given the odds) it's overwhelimingly likely that you also don't have a clue how to fight, therefore you're probably unaware of what 'good' and 'bad' fighting looks like.

Personally, I feel as though learning how to defend yourself is one of the most important skills anybody can ever learn in life (for obvious reasons). That's why I train MMA, it encorperates all possible areas of unarmed combat; punches, elbows, knees, kicks, standing grappling and ground grappling. I would just like to point out that I'm probably one of the least violent people you'll ever meet, but I LOVE fighting. This may sound like a paradox but it isn't.

My question to you all is: why don't you learn how to fight and how combat actually works? I find it bizzarre how people can just go through life without truly knowing the most efficient ways (tried and tested) to defend yourself in an unarmed combat situation. Yes, you should try to avoid fights whenever possible, but that's not always possible, is it? Is it down to laziness? Lack of interest in your personal safety and the safety of those you care about? Ignorance? I'm genuinely curious to know why 99% of people don't learn how to fight.

I already train MMA dude.

I like to pretend I train MMA dude.

I train in a useless martial art that doesn't work in real combat.

I'm too lazy to learn self defence.

I didn't know martial arts was a thing...

I just don't care tbh.

Updates

+1 y

Yes, I'm aware that I should have added a poll option for people who train in a single (useful) martial art.

[oddwaffle]

Same reason I don't learn rock climbing just in case I need to hang on for dear life. Or maybe sky diving in case I need to jump off a plane. Or survival training in case I get lost in the wild (actually I might learn this considering how many people die a year).

I'm going to use survival training as an example here. Without it, you have about 48 hours to live in the wilderness. Most people die after the 1st 48 hours due to exposure, injuries or lack of water. With proper training, you can survive up to 7+ days without food and longer - enough time for people to save you. If you like travelling and adventures then survival training is a very very life saving skill.

Then there are hunting and tracking skills as well as the stuff that they teach rangers, special forces and scouts. Technically, the whole package they teach soldiers and rangers can be considered very very useful (they also teach close combat) for when you need it.

If you notice why you haven't learn all of those very very useful and practical skills then you will notice why a lot of people don't learn martial arts.

[Song4TheBroken]

But the chances of a person trying to kill you (or even inadvertently killing you) are much higher than getting lost in the wild. But yeah, wilderness survival skills are also a useful skill to have. I'm interested in those too.

[oddwaffle]

If you have actually have a danger of people killing you then you might want to consider having life insurance. If they say no or just give you a crazy amount then better learn those survival skills quick. These guys are in the business of betting that you'll live to pay up. They are really really good at looking up how much your life is worth.

Personally, if I think I need skills to survive then I probably try to take those courses that teach rangers and soldiers wanna be. Not the special weapons training stuff but more like how to survive in almost any situation from close combat to getting chased by guys with guns. How to stop a bleeding wound, how to keep your broken bone straight (or bone setting), what you need to do to keep your body functioning... etc.

I'd prefer their combat rather than MMA. They have no rule. Eye poking, groin kicking, use a deadly melee weapon... etc much more useful if you fight for your life.

[Song4TheBroken]

But eye gouging, biting, hair pulling and groin kicking are all unskilled moves, anybody can do them. They don't require years of practice and thousands of repetitions to perfect. Trust me, those rangers are noobs when it comes to unarmed combat. Sure, they could probably defeat an average untrained human. But against a properly trained fighter they will get eaten alive.

But do what you wanna do.

[NearlyNapping]

It's quite simple. There is no reason to learn. I've managed to get through my life without it. That's even hanging out with a lot of pretty hard core people. I've been around a lot of drug dealers, been in jail many times, dealt with a lot of real scumbags. If someone "needs" to know how to fight, then they are doing something wrong, or just having really bad luck.

To spend so much time learning something that in all likelihood will never be used seems like a waste of time, unless it's just something you want to do. You can claim that you "might" need it, and that's true. But you "might" need all kind of things. There are probably thousands of things that might come in handy in a given situation. But it's not realistic to learn every one of them.

[Song4TheBroken]

I love martial arts and fighting, those are additional reasons why I train. The potential life saving aspect is just the most important reason to train (imo). Let me ask you this: do you think it's better to know how to fight and not need it, or not know how to fight and need it when it could potentially save your life (or the life of your children, spouse, parent, sibling, friend). I think any answer other than the former would be borderline idiocy.

[NearlyNapping]

It's not that simple. It's about time vs risk vs reward. If you could instantly know how to fight, then sure, it's better to know it. But to really learn to fight takes a large investment of time. Even then there is nothing saying it would ever be used, or if it would be effective.

As I said, there are probably thousands of things that might come in handy to know under the right circumstances. With every one of those you could ask the same question, "Is it better to know it and not need it, or to need it and not know it?". In every case the answer is probably yes. But we can't possibly learn all of those things. We make judgement calls and allocate our time.

I wrestled for three years in high school, did lots of sports and was in pretty good shape. I also took a little martial arts until I had a serious injury. But I just did it because I wanted to and liked being in shape. I don't feel like it was needed to protect myself.

[Song4TheBroken]

Well, I don't know about you, but I value being alive tremendously, more than anything else in the universe. So even if there is only a 0.00001 percent chance that I'd ever be in a life threatening combat situation, I'm sure as hell gonna invest the time into training my combat skills so I can use them if and when needed,

[NearlyNapping]

Why don't you use that time to get medical training? You are probably hundreds, if not thousands, of times more likely to use it.

But really, if you want to learn to fight, that's fine. You asked why people don't learn and I said why. That's the answer to your question.

The health benefits of being in shape probably far outweigh the potential benefits of needing it in a fight. Being in shape WILL extend and enhance your life if you live to an older age. So whatever sport you enjoy serves that purpose.

[Song4TheBroken]

I know CPR and the Heimlich maneuver, but that's about as far as my medical knowledge goes.

So, just to be clear, your answer as to why people don't learn martial arts is because they think the odds of them ever being in a life threatening situation are too low to invest some time into training?

[NearlyNapping]

That's one of the reasons yes. Or maybe they just don't want to. Or maybe they just don't like sports or fighting. But whatever the reason, if somebody thinks it's important enough, they'll do it. They just have to weigh how important it is to learn vs whatever reasons they have for not learning.

[Song4TheBroken]

That's fair enough.

[lost_kitten]

I've taken a few self defense classes and the thing i found was that most of the time they weren't teaching me how to fight but rather how to escape.
When i go out i go with a lot of friends and we stick together. I don't drink and i pay attention to the people around me. I try to be nice and respectful to everyone to avoid conflict.
My focus is on avoiding fights and escaping as effectively and efficiently as i can. I've considered taking up parkour for this reason, and because it looks really cool and fun.
I don't feel like learning to fight is realistic for everyone, in terms of their build and also their schedule. I personally don't have enough time to dedicate to really learning to fight, and even if i did train enough i doubt i could fight a guy as i'm a pretty slight girl.

[Song4TheBroken]

That's a very common misbelief, that women can't fight men. It's quite simply untrue and ignorant. So the average man is physically bigger than the average woman, that's true. But so what? That's like saying smaller guys don't stand a chance against bigger guys. It's completely untrue because combat is primarily about technique and skill. Size does play a factor, but only makes any noticeable difference when two people are of the same skill level.

Also, 'self defence' classes are bullshit. I guess they kind of give you more of an idea of how to fight than you had before, but just barely. To become a competent fighter, you need to train in a legit martial art at a legit gym.

If you don't have the time to train martial arts, that's fine. Just don't use your size as an excuse, because it's never an excuse.

[lost_kitten]

I don't think it's ignorant to assume the size of your opponent matters. Even in MMA you have weight divisions. But i then i don't really know all that much about it so you could be right.

[Song4TheBroken]

Yes you have weight classes, but as I previously said, physical attributes only come into play if two people are (roughly) on the same skill level. Size can never make up for a huge gap in skill, ever.

[BelleGirl21]

I don't like your choices bro. Taekwondo is totally feasible irl situations. Mma is good too. Different techniques for different people. But actual street fighting is different from regular things you'll learn in a class, you're right about that.

[Song4TheBroken]

I love TKD, I never said it was a bullshit martial art. I train a little bit of TKD myself and it has some of the most deadly kicks of any martial art. TKD is also part of MMA, depending on whether the individual mixed martial artist chooses to incorporate it. All MMA really means is a mixture of different disciplines. However, it needs to be combined with other martial arts to be effective against a trained opponent. But against an untrained person, TKD alone would probably be more than enough,

[BelleGirl21]

Awesome. I think it's really cool you're so devoted in MMA.

[Song4TheBroken]

Thanks. I think it's cool that you like TKD. A lot of people seem to brush it off as useless, when it's easily one of the best kicking arts in existence.

[RichardTheFrog]

If someone were really out to get you... They would just blindside you... No training for that...

[Song4TheBroken]

@RichardTheFrog They may do that, they may not. But let's suppose they do blindside you. After they've done that (unless you're unconscious) then you're in a position to engage in combat.

I don't know why so many people are coming up with ridiculous excuses as to why they have never learned any self defence. If you're lazy or don't value your life enough, then just say that, it's fine. But don't come up with these pathetic attempts to justify it.

[NeglectedDyldo]

Most people who train martial arts aren't going to attack you on the streets...

[Song4TheBroken]

@NeglectedDyldo I agree, I'm not quite sure why but speaking from personal experience, when you actually learn how to fight, you're less likely to start fights for no good reason. Maybe it's because you know for a fact that you could easily destroy 99% of humans, so you feel as if you've got nothing to prove.

However, not all people who train are like this. There are still trained fighters who are douchebags that go looking for fights.

[BertMacklinFBI]

because a gun is the ultimate equalizer

[Song4TheBroken]

And do you have a gun on your person at all times? You're never without a gun for any period of time? And what if your 'ultimate equalizer' jams? You're rendered defenceless.

[BertMacklinFBI]

that doesn't knock off a gun as the ultimate equalizer, whether shit happens or not, in this world, a gun is the ultimate equalizer lol.

[Song4TheBroken]

I'm not disagreeing with that. I'm just saying that you're not always going to have a gun on you. So, what happens when you're attacked whilst you aren't carrying it?

[imnotcrearive]

@Bellegirl21 is right. Training MMA for a street fight is nowhere close to your best option. There's 4 factors that determine who wins a fight, mental, physical, environmental and luck. MMA removed the environmental one and luck usually plays a very small part. However when you're on the street, the environmental factor IS the biggest one. So all your MMA training goes down the drain and you're basically left with your stand-up game and perhaps Judo if you have some sort of background in that. Because lets face it as soon as you take your opponent down in a street fight you're a dead man. His buddy could kick you in the face, there's way too many factors to even consider. If you're looking at self defence someone with a Krav Maga background among many others will be much more prepared than you, because in a street fight, eye gouging, groin hits, back of the head, spine, face kicks when you're down are all ok. After all if you think that being nice or fighting fair against someone who attacks you is honorable you're an idiot. And at the end of the day all it comes down to is who's better prepared. You could have a background of 8 years experience in w. e martial art you chose. If the guy you're fighting trains 3 times a week in anything, even boxing, and you have trained in a year... He'll win.

[BelleGirl21]

I'd love to get into krav maga! So intense but really hard to find an actually qualified trainer!

[Song4TheBroken]

You're very misinformed, but it's cute that you actually think you have a clue what you're talking about.

[imnotcrearive]

@BelleGirl21, yeah I was lucky enough to have someone who had a good understanding of psychology on top of his Krav Maga so he taught everything from an adrenaline dump point since that's normally what you'll be faced with in your first 4-6 life threatening fights. And @op if you have something you disagree with just say it don't just get salty because I share a different point of view that goes against yours...

[Song4TheBroken]

It's not that you have a different point of view. It's that you're simply incorrect. That's all.

[Phoenix98]

I've known how to fight since I was quite young, been trained in my martial arts in Jeet Kune Do both the art and the philosophy, Goju Ryu, Traditional Karate, Wing Chun, Filipino Escrima which relates to unarmed combat as well as knife, Rattan stick and Bo staff fighting, and Niten Ichi Ryu an art dedicated to nothing but the sword it is quite literally an art of killing and relates to the Katana as well as unarmed combat and philosophy, and of course I've been shooting with firearms of all kinds since I was quite young.

I'm probably one of the least violent people you'll ever meet, but I LOVE fighting. This may sound like a paradox but it isn't. ( me in a nutshell so I totally get it by the way )

[Song4TheBroken]

Thank you! It's rather annoying to see how many ignorant people are calling me a violent person just because I love to fight. Even though I clearly stated that I'm not a violent person.

[Phoenix98]

Exactly it's like the difference between loving to spar and loving to fight on the streets it's two different but similar things. You can love to fight but at the same time your not trying to hurt or kill them, just improve your skills, besides very few people can ever understand how blood and pain would be fun lol.

[Song4TheBroken]

lol I know.

[Phoenix98]

Yeah I know you do I just have a habit of describing stuff lol.

[PT1911]

I've been training in Hwa Rang Do since I was 8. What made me stay was my instructor emphasizing application, understand what we are really doing.

And yes, I have been in fights and won. People think the stronger someone is, they know how to fight. Bullshit, strength doesn't mean jack if you don't know how to apply it.

And I know what you mean, I love fighting, especially ground fighting, its so technical and precise.

Here is our stand up component. It was designed to get rid of the aged tae kwon do point style to truly show your skill level, yet without the risk of serious injury. The goal isn't to knock them out, the goal is too show how gpood you are. And yes I've had injuries, plenty of them, popped my elbow out once.

https://youtu.be/iR5E4wTTeYY

[Song4TheBroken]

It's cool that you love to fight, but I have to criticize that video. I'm not sure it it's your art or just these particular practitioners, but they are constantly leaving themselves open to ALL SORTS of strikes. Any decent kickboxer or Thai boxer would pick them apart with ease. They kind of just stand right in front of their opponent with their chin sticking out.

[PT1911]

As I said, the goal isn't to knock out, its just to show your skill level. Have i had my fair share of of head strikes? Oh yes. Its a new system we implemented, just last year. Before, you would just plain point sparring. It took some time to perfect, but you don't see us sticking our heads out like that lol.

[Dez22]

How much money do you invest in MMA? I want to learn, but what holds me and probably a lot of people back is money and time. We have too many other priorities and dont make enough money for extra things. So self defense usually gets put on the backburner especially if you're chances of getting into a fight is slim. Maybe that's why I don't know

If I were to make a high school, instead of regular gym, it would be self defense 101 or something because it is a life skill.

[Song4TheBroken]

Me personally, I pay £5 per training session. I'm not entirely sure what that would be in dollars. Also, if money is an issue, you could try and self train. There are a lot of videos and information on the internet about the technical side of different martial art disciplines. You could watch how the techniques are correctly executed (on youtube for example), record yourself performing the techniques, watch it back and see if it looks anything like the demonstration.

Obviously, learning at home is nowhere near as good as going to an actual gym but it's certainly better than nothing. I used to learn at home from internet videos when I was 17, before I decided to actually start properly training a few years later. And when I first went to a gym, I had MUCH better technique than my friends who also joined with me but never self trained.

The thing about fighting though, is that you need actual experience sparring with resisting opponents to make any real progress in a combat situation.

[Song4TheBroken]

Just be careful and don't fall for any of those McDojo martial arts. They're all bullshit. Aikido, for example, is useless against an opponent who doesn't basically run at you and try to clothesline you like an idiot. Learn martial arts that have been tried, tested and proven to be effective in a real combat situations. Basically anything that is successful in modern day MMA (aka UFC or cage fighting) is useful in a street fight. Because MMA is the closest combat sport we have to a street fight. So boxing, kickboxing, muay thai, taekwondo, wrestling, judo, bjj and certain types of karate are all useful martial arts to learn. However, 99% of karate that is taught is complete bullshit, especially in western countries.

[CityBoy773]

I personally do kickboxing and Judo at my college for stress reasons. Helps relieve my stress and anger, builds muscle, and leaves me too tired to be pissed. But the only reason I even can take these classes is because kickboxing is covered with my Group X membership ($55 a semester is hard to beat) and Judo is $60 a semester for students. With a one time fee of $115 per semester, or only $55 since I can't really afford Judo, I can easily make that up in a paycheck.

However, city wise, it's $30 a month to use the gym, another $30-something to go to the MMA gym in the city. That's around $60/month. Cheap to some, but too much for me.

[Song4TheBroken]

That's cool. Good luck with improving your skills.

[dartmaul15]

frankly i would never touch mma.
I'm a pacifist, i don't use violence. It doesn't solve anything.

The ONLY reason i'd practice martial arts is for the self-controll. Taekwondo, karrate, jun jitsu... They're martial arts alright, but they also focus on mental balance and self-cotroll.

I think people need more of that, rather than the ability to beat the shit out of eachother.

Also, don't bring fists to a gunfight. If someone picks a random fight, you can simply back off and he or she will likely give up. Or, you know, just run faster than him? If someone want you real dead, the person will use a gun, rendering your martial arts useless.

[Song4TheBroken]

You clearly don't know what MMA even means, do you? Of course you don't, or you wouldn't have made such a ridiculously ignorant statement. Please educate yourself before making such absurd statements. By the way, you can be a pacifist and train martial arts, duh.

Also, you spelled Jiu-jitsu wrong...

[dartmaul15]

MMA? as in the staged shows, or actual martial arts?
I'll asume you talk about martial arts.

I am well aware it's more effective than just one martial art (because it's a mix of them all), but historically MMA has been more about raw combat ability. I aknowledge this is highly effective for a self defence scenario.
However as said, i'd preffer one that focus more on mental balance and self control. Because that'd be my reasons to practice martial arts, not so i know how to effectively beat the living hell out of people.
MMA simply does not fit MY purpose for potentially practicing martial arts.

I probably did spell it wrong, yeah. but it doesn't hange my point :P

[Anpu23]

MMA works in the realm of an MMA ring. I have studied for 38 years in many forms of combat. I have worked with some MMA combatants, and trainers. My current study is Dim Mak, and HEMA great sword. If I you are fighting one on one with the rules of the ring, then you can't beat MMA, on the other hand if your opponent has even a stick and knows how to use it, then your training is gone as you have nothing against an armed opponent. Every system is good for what it was designed for, and to say that one system is the BEST is a gross oversimplification.

[Anpu23]

By the way, I honestly don't think that I'll ever fight an opponent armed with great swords but it's a fun study (and great upper body workout) on the other hand the pressure point techniques I am learning will definitely help in an unarmed combat situation.

[Song4TheBroken]

Fighting outside of an MMA contest does not necessarily mean armed combat. Nice strawman argument though. Anything that works in modern day MMA will also work in a 'street fight' without rules (as long as both parties are unarmed). The only difference being that the mixed martial artist wouldn't be bound by the rules of a contest.

[Anpu23]

I have a good buddy who is ranked shehan in the Shotokan system he hwld off 3 attackers two of whom had knives with nothing but a 6" plastic tube. I have another buddy who is runs a Ninjitsu school who you would never want to meet fully equipped. Yes street fighting does not necessarily mean armed, but you also can't rule it out. Another point that is valid is that a tournament trained fighter is never taught to kill or maim as a first strike option. And yes some schools do teach that if you are put in a situation where you must fight, your first duty is to stop the fight any way you can. That includes killing, permanently crippling, blinding, etc. But these schools have clear rules of engagement

[Song4TheBroken]

Sorry, but it's all bullshit. There are no 'secret attacks' that are capable of instantly crippling someone. It's simply untrue.

[Anpu23]

From "Vital Pount Strikes" by KimVital Points Can Shut Down the System Because the human body is a highly complicated interconnected system, it is vulnerable to attacks that disable key points of the system, thereby causing systemwide failure. By attacking one of the vital regions of the body, you can paralyze the entire system. Particularly damaging are attacks on the nervous system. When the nervous system becomes disabled, so does the rest of the body. Injuries to the brain and spinal cord are among the most lethal. A relatively minor injury, like a concussion causes a temporary loss of mental faculties while a serious injury, like a severance of the spinal cord can cause permanent paralysis or death. Because it attacks a key area of the human system with a specific objective, a vital point strike can turn a physical brawl into a tactical fight and render an opponent powerless.

[Song4TheBroken]

Yeah, it sounds great in theory... but it doesn't work in reality.

[goflipaburger]

I've been training to kick ass since I was very young 😎 I've been in my fair share of fights so I'm pretty confident that I can protect myself.

[Song4TheBroken]

That's cool, we need more girls like you in the world. What do you train?

[goflipaburger]

mostly shuri goju ryu, jujutsu, and aikido. lately i've been into kick boxing, too

[Song4TheBroken]

Kickboxing is awesome you should focus your attention on that. Aikido is bullshit, sorry, but it really is. And by Jiu-Jitsu do you mean BJJ or JJJ?

[jaydogs1990]

Used to do a bit of boxing which I found to be a good martial art as any when in a sticky situation although I use a lot of street moves that you can't use in a boxing ring or cage fight. As you probably know already there's no rules in a real life situation and when there's no padded gloves or head gear and no rounds its often the guy that moves fastest and hits hardest. I have knocked down a karate guy and taekondo guy, fought a couple of MMA in the street and one in the ring guys with mixed results the first guy I literally battered his face into submission with jabs while not letting him get close enough to grapple he was apparently a good grappler but needed to work on his hand skills, the second guy I knocked down down a few times while he tried to trade punches but he got took me down and got a submission. Personally I dont think its the martial art but the man using it and who's better on the day.

[Song4TheBroken]

The term 'better on the day' only applies if two people are relatively close in terms of skill. If one person is much more skilled than the other, than the less skilled person is never going to be better on any given day.

Also, the dude you're talking about was certainly not a good grappler. If he was in your striking range enough to constantly get jabbed (unless you have FREAKISHLY long arms) then he would have been in range to shoot for a takedown. At the very least, he would have been close enough to cover up, rush you and grab hold of you.

It's definitely the martial art that matters. In MMA there is a hierarchy of which martial arts are the most dominant.

[Xelebrum]

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai right here. 8) I think everyone who is able to should learn how to fight, at least enough to defend themselves or their loved ones.

[Song4TheBroken]

Well said, dude. Are you cringing at the majority of replies too? The excuses that people come up with are honestly pathetic. Fair enough, if someone doesn't value their life enough to learn how to adequately defend it, that's okay. But why do they find it necessary to think of ridiculous excuses?

[Xelebrum]

Their excuses really do bother me to be honest. All of their replies, with the exception of those saying they don't have the time or money, are based entirely on the ASSUMPTION that they won't ever be in a situation where they'll have to defend themselves. Nothing is guaranteed in life, they can say that now but then a week later some random drunk guy could try to start shit with them and either pull out a weapon or make on from their bottle of beer/vodka/etc. If they don't care enough about their own safety to learn then fine, that's on them. But if anything, they should at least learn how to defend their loved ones. Especially if they have kids one day.

[Song4TheBroken]

Exactly!

[Prettygurl12]

I don't train in any school of fighting. I do train in self defense as per the requirements for my job. I just completed a PPCT course but I'm sure you don't care for that.

I am reasonably confident that, despite my size, I am able to handle myself in a physical altercation.

[Song4TheBroken]

PPCT?

[Prettygurl12]

Pressure point control tactics

[Song4TheBroken]

Oh, you're right, I don't care for that. Please don't let this 'training' give you a false sense of security. Why not go to BJJ class for just one night? You could just go and observe and see if it's something you wanna try. It's an art that doesn't involve striking, if you're worried about getting hit in the face. And it's probably the most effective martial art for a fight.

[Prettygurl12]

Pft. No.

[Song4TheBroken]

lol okay.

[9mfeo]

Why is it necessary? Don't all Americans carry like 78 guns at all times anyway because they have no gun control laws?

[BertMacklinFBI]

LOL! im trying to get my concealed carry license

[9mfeo]

@BertMacklinFBI *sigh* how vulgar.

[BertMacklinFBI]

something did happen recently at a bar down the street from my place, of all the places someone was stabbed to death in my city, that has a good reputation.

[Lolomon]

Lol, my parents said life is hard and even harder and more dangerous for a girl. so, I was taught how to box since little and taught that life isn't a field of roses. we live in a hippie era where people rather love than fight which is unrealistic for the real world.

[Song4TheBroken]

That's awesome. You mean your parents put you in a boxing gym since you were a child?

[Lolomon]

Well, I was in karate first then boxing but I haven't done either in years but im sure if I needed to use them I could.

[Song4TheBroken]

Well yeah, if you repeat a certain movement enough times, it becomes ingrained in your muscle memory. If punching becomes as natural as breathing, then you never forget how to do it.

[throwit]

I've never been in a fight and I don't like learning how to punch and kick punching bags in gym class. If someone tries to swing at me its natural instinct to suck or to use an arm to block it. That's all I really need in reality, no one is out to get me.

[Song4TheBroken]

Everybody seems to be missing the point. I'm not saying that anyone is out to get you, or that you will ever necessarily be in a situation in which you'd have to fight for your life. The point I'm making is that it COULD very well happen to you just as much as it could happen to the next person. So, would you rather know how to competently defend yourself and never need to use it, or need to fight for your life but not have a clue how to do so? I know which one I'd choose.

[RichardTheFrog]

Pepper spray

[Song4TheBroken]

@RichardTheFrog No.

[throwit]

Yeah, chances are I would learn how to defend myself and when the time finally came where I needed to use it all of hat info would go straight out the window. I'm not gonna waste my life learning and practicing everyday for something that won't even happen. I'll carry pepper spray

[RichardTheFrog]

Thank you!!! My brother spends all his time "training" and doing stretches. It's like, first of all, I could pepper spray you or take you... Second of all, you should do the same if you get attacked on the street... Third, all of this is illegal anyway...

[Song4TheBroken]

@throwit If your training goes out the window in a real fight, then that simply means you haven't practiced enough and you haven't sparred enough. There's no other reason you would forget your training. Take it from somebody who actually trains and has used that training in a real fight.

[throwit]

I would never waste my time learning something I won't use

[Song4TheBroken]

But you don't know that you won't ever have to use it...

[throwit]

I'm never in a situation where a fight would be possible. I don't make enemies. I've never so much as been in an argument with someone.
If I'm walking someone and someone jumps me chances are they are going to be bigger and stronger than me and probably have a weapon and any knowledge I have would be useless (I wouldn't risk my life to try and fight someone who said they would kill me if I moved)
I know how to block a punch and how to claw and scratch and bite and kick
You can't convince me that I need to learn to fight.

[Song4TheBroken]

I'm not trying to convince you that you need to do anything. I'm simply telling you that it's possible someone will try and seriously hurt you one day, and when that day comes you won't have the slightest clue what to do. Just stating a simple fact that can't be disputed.

[meowcow]

People with aggressive personalities are the type to learn to fight and start a fight or get into fights. These are the types to go to clubs acting macho, taking ab selfies and talk a lot of shit. For all the time and training, it does not make you a better person. Aside from high school where I got into fights monthly, I have never been in a fight as an adult, nor have the friends in my circle. I suspect you are surrounded by aggression and fighting because you yourself are an aggressive and violent person.

During the hundreds of hours you spend training to fight some imaginary future adversary, I probably learned something new and made a shit load of money off of it and made a better lifestyle for myself.

[Song4TheBroken]

All I could do was shake my head at this post because it was just so fucking ignorant. You don't even deserve a proper reply.

[NeglectedDyldo]

Where's the option for "I train in a useful martial art that does work in real combat"?

[Song4TheBroken]

I realise that I should have added the option for a single useful martial art. What do you train?

[NeglectedDyldo]

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

[Song4TheBroken]

Fair one! But do you never think of becoming well rounded in all aspects of combat?

[NeglectedDyldo]

Yeah I want to learn Muay Thai but I don't have the time or the money to practice two martial arts at once.

[Song4TheBroken]

Fair enough. BJJ is amazing though. If I could only train one martial art, it would probably be that. What belt are you? Or do you train no-gi?

[NeglectedDyldo]

I train gi but have only been doing it since June this year.

[Song4TheBroken]

Okay, that's cool. Just remember not to get too caught up with belts. That's not what Jiu-Jitsu is about.

[ThisDudeHere]

You didn't include the "I'm considering learning it someday" in the poll.

[Song4TheBroken]

My bad dude.

[ThisDudeHere]

No worries, dude.

[ColdHeartCries]

Can you train me
I don't know any of this stuffs. So I don't even know where to start.

But yeah, I am paranoid.

[Song4TheBroken]

lol just google martial art classes in your local area. If you want to be well rounded then look for MMA specifically because that will give you a very well rounded skill set. As I said to another girl, make sure to only train in martial arts that are proven to be effective in real combat situations against resisting opponents. Any martial art that doesn't incorporate sparring is a bullshit martial art and needs to die.

[ColdHeartCries]

Thank you!!

[Song4TheBroken]

You're welcome ^_^

Also, if you're worried about getting hit in the face, maybe you should try BJJ. It doesn't include striking and is completely grappling based. But it's SUPER EFFECTIVE

[ColdHeartCries]

Lol, yes. I don't want to get hurt.

[Song4TheBroken]

Well try grappling martial arts such as BJJ or Judo. But seriously, even if you train a striking martial art, you're highly unlikely to ever get hurt. When you sparr, you don't go 100% trying to knock your partner out. It's really just light punches.

[ColdHeartCries]

I will see if I can handle it. I am just paranoid easily lol

[Song4TheBroken]

lol okay, have fun! Martial arts can be very fun, as well as an important life skill. ^_^

[RationalMale]

If I'm fighting someone hand to hand with my bare fists, something has gone terribly wrong. When I have reason to believe something might happen, a Sig 2022 9mm is in my waistband. When I don't have reason to believe anything will happen, I carry a nice knife with a 3" blade.

I've had lessons and I practice, but if it comes down to empty fists, I'm just trying to stay in one piece. I don't believe in fighting unless I planned and have a heavy advantage, haha.

[Song4TheBroken]

Well, things sometimes go wrong in life. That's just the way it is. Do you believe you're going to carry a gun or knife on you for the rest of you life, 24 hours a day?

[Jessie1DLM]

I wanted to learn selfdefense but just sorta got out of the idea. People just told me to -if it's a guy- kick him in the balls and run. I'm genually just not a violent person and would never hit anybody, ofc if i had to defend myself, i would.

just naive like that, i dont expect anything bad from people, so i dont expect them to go starting fights or so sexual stuff w/o consent

[Song4TheBroken]

Yeah, you're right, that's very naive. There are a lot of bad people in the world, some will try and hurt you simply because they don't like the way you look.

Also, it's not very easy to get a clean shot on someone's balls unless you catch them off guard. By the way, I'm not a violent person either. You don't need to be violent in order to learn self defence or to enjoy fighting. Think of Goku from DBZ. He's a kind and gentle person who wouldn't harm a fly, but he adores fighting and only does it to protect people.

[Other_Tommy_Wiseau]

because i don't wanna take up a sport where i can get kicked and punched in the face repeatedly. football and rugby are as physical as i'm willing to get. i don't mind taking punishment, but when the other dude's sole purpose is to knock me in the solar plexus then that's where i draw the line. plus, i know how to fight. i watch enough mma to understand how to fight. and mma isn't exactly accurate depictions of street fighting either.

[Song4TheBroken]

Hahahaha it's funny that people think watching MMA gives them some sort of idea of how combat works. Mate, trust me, you DO NOT understand how to fight just because you occasionally watch the UFC.

Also, in sparring you only get hit lightly, it's not 100% effort for obvious reasons. But if you're too much of a pussy to withstand a few light punches, you could train grappling martial arts. BJJ for example, there's no striking in Jiu-Jitsu. It's called the gentle art for a reason.

[Other_Tommy_Wiseau]

wow, you're cool, dude. i've watched the sport since around 2002/2003 (ortiz vs shamrock). i don't understand all the nuances of fighting in mma, nor do i pretend to, but i watch the sport and have studied it enough to basically understand what to do in most situations. it's sports, not rocket science, dude. don't kid yourself.

obviously it's not 100%. either way, i don't wanna get hit in the face or even get threatened to get hit. how is that hard to understand? i've been in fights before. i've been hit, but if i have the option to not get hit, i'd take it... and bjj is fine. that's pretty much just situational awareness. however, if someone takes out their taekwondo and may thai... i'm not dealing with that shit.

[Song4TheBroken]

I'm not even gonna argue with you. Your post is just full of so much ignorance that I can't be bothered to properly explain how wrong you are. Plus. even if I did it would just go completely over your head, as did my last post. Goodbye.

[Other_Tommy_Wiseau]

how is it wrong? please educate me.

[Yanoa_Yanza]

Yep
people can be full of openings
and some training makes the difference clear

I think we should learn these things, because there are just agressive people out there

[Song4TheBroken]

Well said. I'm glad you told the truth instead of coming up with bullshit reasons for why you don't train (unlike most people in this thread).

[Yanoa_Yanza]

I honestly train because I just find it fun to do, like when you're with the right sparring partner who (you know that) you can go all out, and condition. And sitting in school drives me nuts
But I hear of meaningless violence sometimes, and have seen enough so the self defense is a handy bonus to it all

Some people go to events, just to start problems... sigh

[Song4TheBroken]

The only time you can spar 100% is in grappling martial arts. If you go 100% in a striking martial art then somebody is likely to end up with an injury.

And yeah, some people are just pricks that intentionally look for trouble.

[Yanoa_Yanza]

But you know :c

[Dandeus]

I've been in two fights in my life and came out on top both times due to my size and natural coordination.

I don't go to clubs and bars full of drunken morons, I don't frequent crime-prone neighborhoods, and I exercise common sense precautions to minimize exposure to risk.

I also keep a knife in my car and a baseball bat next to my bed on the unlikely chance I ever need it.

[Song4TheBroken]

Okay, but hypothetically, what if you ever find yourself in a situation where your life is being threatened and you don't have any lethal weapons with you and neither does your attacker. What will you do then?

[Dandeus]

I'm 6'4" 290. The odds of me meeting a person of my size, trained to fight, but also lacking the restraint that tends to come with training, are astronomically small to the point that it's not worth investing hundreds of hours on such a contingency.

[Song4TheBroken]

I'm also 6'4" and weigh roughly 220lbs, and I completely disagree. Perhaps I just value my life more than you do. I think the potential of being caught in a life threatening situation (no matter how small the odds are) where knowing how to fight to a competent standard could save my life, is worth putting some time into training once every few days,

Also, it doesn't even have to be a life threatening situation, just a situation where you are in danger of physical harm (which is much more common). Also, size doesn't play a huge factor in combat. It does matter, but not massively, certainly not enough to rely on that factor alone. And restraint doesn't necessarily come with training, although there does seem to be a huge correlation.

[Dandeus]

There's an enormous correlation. Through the last century, thousands upon thousands of boxers have credited the sport with saving their lives, getting them to clean up their acts, and be upstanding citizens. Since the advent of MMA, those fighters share the same stories. MMA more than boxing caries a strain of martial arts philosophy, with a lot of people looking to Jeet Kune Do as its predecessor, which carries a strong philosophy of restraint and conflict avoidance as the best form of self defense. The more a person trains, the more evident that becomes, and I'm really not gonna lose sleep at night over some two bit failure of an amateur boxer who took a few lessons before hitting the skids.

Also, size plays less of a role in trained fighting, but a very tiny minority of the population has ever tried to train, and only a small number of those ever stick with it long enough to learn anything. I value my life, I'm just not paranoid.

[Song4TheBroken]

Firstly, I never said you didn't value your life. I said you don't value it as much as I value mine, which is evidently true. Secondly, please leave out all of the philosophical bullshit. MMA is about learning the most efficient ways the human body can move in any given combat situation, nothing more.

[Dandeus]

That's the central concept of Jeet Kune Do.

[Song4TheBroken]

What? Efficiency? Okay, but leave out the philosophical bullshit. That's all irrelevant.

[Alexious]

I don't need to learn to fight. It's simple, you don't run your mouth.

I've been threatened at knifepoint before.
The guy wanted my phone. I just said to him:
"Look mate, is taking my phone really worth being a jail cell for the next 5 or so years of your life? It's just a piece of plastic with a screen"

He just walked off, because he realized it wasn't worth it.

If someone tries to fight me I'll just calm them down. It's not worth it. I've gone 19 years without a fight, and I can do the same for the rest of my life.

[Song4TheBroken]

No, actually, you only think you can. Perhaps that will turn out to be true, or perhaps you'll end up dead in a month when an unreasonable person decides they want to end your life. Good luck calming a psychopath down. But honestly, that was one of the most naive and ridiculous arguments I've read so far.

[Alexious]

Whatever bro. I couldn't care less.

[Song4TheBroken]

Okay.

[Maxemeister]

I haven't fought much in my life, but once I beat this dude (same age as me) that had a black belt in karate cuz he beat I couldn't pin him to the ground. It was quite a fight. I'm one for using elbows. Fists r only a last resort. Not to mention I prefer to avoid fighting over talking. But I like to think I can hold my own in an irl fight.

[Song4TheBroken]

Yes, because the majority of Karate being taught (particularly in the west) is complete BS. You could get a black belt free with a happy meal and be just as 'deadly' as most karate black belts. XD

[Maxemeister]

Gee, how much do ya think I could pay to get a blackbelt IN ONE DAY?

Gee, tell me more!

[Song4TheBroken]

The cost of a belt... which is probably like a few dollars. Anyone can buy a fake black belt.

[Noxifer626]

Are you saying I should go to a gym and actually PAY for people to kick my head in, in hopes of someday learning how to kick other people's head in? Nah, sorry mate. I'd rather let that money go on a robbery.
Also, you are obviously very biased in what martial arts you consider "good".

[Song4TheBroken]

Nope, I'm not biased at all. Martial arts that are effective are used in modern day MMA. If it's not used in MMA then there is a reason, because it either doesn't work or is inefficient. It really is that simple. The early days of the UFC outed all the bullshit martial arts when they started getting destroyed by martial arts that actually work.

[Noxifer626]

Well, yeah, but that doesn't mean other martial arts are completely ineffective. Taekwondo, Jujitsu, Karate, all where designed for combat situations. Aikido was designed specifically to allow a weaker opponent to defeat a stronger opponent.

[Song4TheBroken]

No, Aikido was apparently designed for fighting drunk people who try to clothesline you. On the other hand, BJJ and Judo are martial arts that were designed for smaller people, because they rely exclusively on leverage and balance.

[Noxifer626]

If someone designed a new martial art, it must have been for a reason. I don't think they would just make a martial art useless on purpose.

[Anonymous]

"the vast majoriy of humans don't have the slightest clue how to fight."
That's because fighting is for animals and uncivilized people. The only people who resort to fighting are people who don't know how to use their brains to solve an argument hence falling back to their basest instinct, violence.
Self defense is an entirely different thing.

[Song4TheBroken]

Defending yourself IS fighting, duh. Did you think you were making some sort of valid point?

[Coffinspire]

The problem is that even if you know how to fight, there is always someone faster and stronger than you, so you will get into fights that you won't win regardless. Violence is so primitive I would have hoped people got past that, but I guess not.

[Song4TheBroken]

But strength and speed aren't important factors in combat. It's 95% about technique. Physical attributes only make a huge difference when two people are roughly on the same skill level.

And sadly, there will always be violence in the world. It's the dark side of human nature. The least you can do is properly prepare yourself.

[Coffinspire]

Either way there is always someone out there better than you are and will kick your butt, you can't win every fight. I'm just not a fighter lol

[Song4TheBroken]

Yes, of course there will be more skilled fighters, but if you train to a competent level you will put yourself in the.1% of humans who actually know what they're doing. Therefore your chances of coming up against someone who can kick your ass is significantly lowered. I never said you had to be the best in the world, just better than the majority of people.

[mskay]

Lol a knife can help me deal with anything literally. Anyways, I've been taekwando since I was young, just stopped it few years back. Saw no point in learning already.

[mskay]

learning taekwando* lol

[Song4TheBroken]

Dude, TKD is awesome, you never should have stopped.

[mskay]

Nah, I don't see the point in learning it anymore. Reached the level I wanted, have enough skills to protect myself.

[Song4TheBroken]

You must not have a passion for it. Shame.

[mskay]

What's the point of continuing learning it if I've got a black belt jeez that's a waste of money. Plus it's not a shame, I still practice it, to each their own. I learned it and achieved what I wanted. I'm good.

[Song4TheBroken]

You do realise that if you stop training, your skills will deteriorate, right? I HIGHLY doubt you're a black belt if you have this sort of mentality. And if you are, it's certainly not a legitimate belt.

[Anonymous]

I've been training Martial arts since I was 5 years old, so yes - I can fight :D

[Song4TheBroken]

Cool! What do you train?

[Opinion Owner]

Hapkido

[Song4TheBroken]

I'm not familiar with hapkido, but if it's anything like aikido, I suggest you stop training immediately and go to a proper martial art gym. For example; boxing, kickboxing, muay thai, BJJ, wrestling, judo. These are all proven to be effective in real combat against a fully resisting opponent.

Also, do you do full contact sparring in hapkido?

[Opinion Owner]

Aikido is effective, it needs no physical strength, but Hapkido is much more efficient Martial art because of various striking techniques which are not included in Aikido. Yes, we have full contact sparring.

[Song4TheBroken]

No, really, aikido is not effective. Perhaps if you get some drunk dude to try and do some so of ridiculous clothesline attempt. Then maybe some of the moves would work. Under any other circumstances, it's complete BS.

If you want to learn a martial art that doesn't require strength but is extremely efficient, then I suggest you take a look at BJJ. Probably the most effective martial art in existence.

[Opinion Owner]

That depends on which style of Aikido are you familiar with... for example - Yoshinkan Aikido is highly efficient style. On the other hand, most people in Europe and America practice Ki No Kenkyūkai Aikido - in that case you are right, totally ineffective.
BJJ uses strength, I've never heard of any women using that style efficiently. LoL, everybody claims that his/her fighting style is the most effective, I've heard the same from some Krav Maga and Sambo practitioners. :P

[Song4TheBroken]

Trust me, BJJ is not about strength, not at all. You have a very misinformed understanding of what BJJ actually is and how it works. It relies on leverage and balance, strength would only be an advantage if two people are roughly on the same skill level.

By the way, there are PLENTY of women competing in BJJ at a high level. Just type something like 'female BJJ' on youtube and you'll see what I mean.

[Opinion Owner]

Ok, but floor fighting seems to require lots of physical strength, it looks quite exhausting... are there any famous female BJJ fighters? Anyway, I'll check it out :D

[chrisbigman]

You LOVE fighting? So, are you part of the problem? Are you a bully?

[Song4TheBroken]

Is it sheer ignorance or do you lack comprehension skills? I clearly stated that I'm not a violent person, you idiot. You can be a non-violent person who loves to fight. They aren't mutually exclusive.

[chrisbigman]

You say you're not a violent person, but yet you love fighting? So, calling me an idiot helps make you feel better? People would consider you a hypocrite, myself included.

[Song4TheBroken]

Yes, you're an idiot. No, it doesn't make me feel better, I'm simply stating a fact. The fact that you think a non-violent personality and a love for combat are mutually exclusive, just proves how much of an idiot you are.

[chrisbigman]

Did you notice the question mark? Didn't you notice I was asking? Maybe you should check yourself first before going off someone on an opinion.

[fondue]

I did krav maga for a little bit. I'm also proficient with broken glass bottles. I don't really have a set martial art, I mainly still just do whatever.

[fondue]

Although I am thinking about like, kickboxing or tai Kwan do.

[Song4TheBroken]

Do you spar in Krav Maga? Like full contact sparring? If not, it's a massive waste of time.

And yeah, you should definitely do kickboxing and taekwondo, they're both amazing.

[fondue]

Yeah they offer that on set days. I did it once but shortly after I had to stop anyways.
I still spar with friends every now and then but again, its just freestyle fighting.
Lol although now I should probably look into wing chun or something cuz I'm hitting old woman status.

[Song4TheBroken]

No wing chun, EVER! It's ineffective. If you're hitting 'old woman status' I would suggest BJJ as it only involves grappling. It's great for old people (not that you're old haha).

[fondue]

... gonna go learn bjj. Then I'm gonna hit up the old peoples park while they're doing their tai chi nonsense and grapple them all. Wastin their time passing watermelons when they couldve been learning the superior art of ebjj.

[Song4TheBroken]

OMG this made me laugh. XD

[MayaJJ]

What crappy place do you live where this is a concern of yours. I understand training as a sport, but actual real life fights are a possibility for you, you must live in a hole...

[Song4TheBroken]

I live in a middle class area, but you're completely missing the point.

[MayaJJ]

It is always possible to avoid fights if you are in a reasonably developed place. Violence is stupid.

[Song4TheBroken]

Of course it's not always possible to avoid fights, don't be so silly. You must be living in a fantasy world if you truly believe that.

[MayaJJ]

It is very possible to go your whole life without getting into a physical fight. It's easy. You watch too much TV.

[Song4TheBroken]

Of course it's possible, I didn't say it was impossible, did I? I said it's not always possible to avoid fights. Please learn to read.

[Lyndsielee666]

I just carry pepper spray with me...
But my boyfriend did MMA in high school, the people he's fought recently have been some of the shittiest fighters i've even seen.
like...
why the fuck.

[Song4TheBroken]

But would you bet your life on a can of pepper spray? I'd feel completely comfortable betting my life on the skills I've acquired through training.

[Lyndsielee666]

Well i also carry a knife and brass knuckles so i'm gonna be just fine haha

[RichardTheFrog]

Have you ever been pepper sprayed?

[Song4TheBroken]

You carry a knife and brass knuckles with you everywhere you go? 24/7? I highly doubt it. Also, brass knuckles are only effective if you can connect with a punch, if you can't then they're basically useless. Like having a gun with no bullets.

[Song4TheBroken]

@RichardTheFrog No I haven't but I don't see how that's relevant. I would never put myself in a position to get pepper sprayed.

[Lyndsielee666]

you find it hard to believe that i keep things in my purse?
Haha i'm sorry you have such a hard time trusting people, and yes, i know how brass knuckles work, i'm not an idiot.
Thank though.

[Lyndsielee666]

Another thing, I live in the ghetto of California so yes, everywhere i go i have pepper spray and a knife on me.

[Song4TheBroken]

I very much doubt you're going to have a knife on you 24/7 for the rest of your life. Do you take that knife on vacation with you?

[Lyndsielee666]

i'm sorry you doubt people you don't even know xD
What a pathetic life of yours.

[Song4TheBroken]

Okay then.

[MrDetermined]

I agree with you, but i am just lazy and have no interest in it.

[Song4TheBroken]

Thank you for being honest. If only everyone had answered as honestly as you.

[electrollama]

I'm a pacifist. For those times it's not possible to avoid a fight, I'd just get beat up. I shouldn't be blamed as the assault victim.

[Song4TheBroken]

Okay, if you wanna let someone take your life, that's on you.

[Song4TheBroken]

If you had kids and someone was beating them to death would you just stand there and do nothing? Or what if it was your parents or spouse?

[electrollama]

I'd call the police and let the justice system give him the punishment. I hope I'm not coming across as condescending. I wouldn't blame anyone else for fighting in that situation, I just personally don't want to for personal reasons. Both decisions are ethical.

[Song4TheBroken]

You do realise that they'd be dead before the police could arrive, right?

[electrollama]

Sorry, I don't feel like arguing ethics.

[Song4TheBroken]

I'm not arguing about ethics. I'm asking if you're willing to let your loved ones die, without even so much as an attempt to help them.

[PiuBelloAmante]

Tbh bro, I don't know why you are so upset about others not training to fight

Worry about yourself

[Song4TheBroken]

I'm not upset dude, just curios. What makes you think I'm upset?

[PiuBelloAmante]

Perhaps upset isn't the right word
You sound frustrated with people who don't know how to fight

[Song4TheBroken]

I don't know if I'd say I'm frustrated either, more like confused and mind boggled haha. I just can't understand the mentality of people who have no interest in learning how to fight. If nothing else than purely for the possibility that you may one day be in a situation where you would have to fight for your life. It just seem like such an important life skill and the majority of humans never learn this skill. It just seems so bizarre to me.

[PiuBelloAmante]

Well said
I think people should take some classes if anything
But it's their choice

[Possible_Mate]

blue belt in karate bra :) im pretty passive but i love going to train, and fighting. helps me relax so much, plus i agree it's a valuable skill to have.

[SirenDep]

I 'd like to start kickboxing, once I get more fit. By what I've seen in videos, the training is too brutal and I don't think I'm ready for it yet.

[Song4TheBroken]

It's not brutal, only as brutal as you want it to be.

[SirenDep]

I've seen people train for it in the local gym and the training was hard

[Song4TheBroken]

Like I said, it's only hard as you're willing to make it. If you push yourself as hard as you can, then it's gonna be pretty 'brutal'.

[GingerBear]

None of your poll options apply to me.
I don't train in martial arts or fighting because I don't have the time, money, or access to a good school.

[Song4TheBroken]

Your first two points are acceptable, but maybe not the third point. Where do you live? I'm sure there's at least one good gym that's relatively close to you.

[GingerBear]

There aren't.
I live in Australia, outside a capital city. It'd take me more than a couple of hours to get to the nearest martial arts gym.

[Song4TheBroken]

Ah, I see. Well maybe you could even self train? There's plenty of videos on youtube where trained fighters demonstrate certain techniques, step by step. Obviously, this isn't the same as training at an actual gym but it's certainly better than nothing.

[GingerBear]

I know my basic self-defense moves, the ones that require little to no strength. I can collapse a person's trachea, I can drive the floating rib into the lung, and I can rupture an eyeball. Worst comes to worst, I know which part of my head can withstand headbutting a person in the nose/jaw to disable them. I can also break a choke hold.

[Song4TheBroken]

Yes, but there's a difference between knowing a certain move and being able to pull it off in a high adrenaline situation against a resisting opponent. The only way is to do a lot of sparring and getting comfortable with techniques in realistic combat situations. That's why I say any martial art that doesn't incorporate full contact sparring (aikido, for example) is bullshit.

[GingerBear]

I certainly don't have the time for that sort of training. I also can't risk the potential injuries, with the joint problems I have.

[Song4TheBroken]

I would assume that BJJ is generally okay for people with joint problems. As for the time investment, even if you could do an hour or two every weekend, you'll get it eventually. Just not as fast as someone who is training everyday. You'll also never be as good as someone who constantly trains, but you'll be able to demolish an untrained person with ease.

[GingerBear]

Yeah, not so much for me. I have to be extremely careful, because of the sheer number of injuries I've had, and the permanent damage to my knees.
I also don't have the time on the weekends. And still don't have the money.

[Song4TheBroken]

Ah okay, I guess there's not much you can do then.

[Bards]

They don't have

1 time
2 money
3 interest
4 transportation
5 have an condition or injury

[Song4TheBroken]

All of your points are valid, other than number 3. That's the lamest excuse anyone could ever think of. Basically saying you don't care very much about your safety or the safety of your loved ones.

[Bards]

People know enough to get by usually. Like punching, kicking, or a gun? Or they run away or back off.

[Song4TheBroken]

The thing is though, people really don't know enough to get by, they just think they do. And you can't just say 'use a gun' because I'm talking about unarmed combat specifically. Also, running away or backing off isn't always an option. In which case, your life could be in serious danger since you don't have a clue what you're doing or which set of movements are most efficient in any given situation.

Yes, there is a chance that you could defeat your opponent, because they are likely to be just as clueless as you when it comes to fighting. But that's a risk you shouldn't be willing to take.

[CityBoy773]

@Asker, people might literally not be interested in it. I'm not interested in owning a gun, EVER, but I care about my safety and my brothers safety. A gun will be my best bet as I'm not very strong and am naturally a smaller guy who isn't very strong. Yet I won't own one even if it might be safer, as I couldn't live with possibly killing someone.

[Song4TheBroken]

@CityBoy773 That's a very bad analogy. You aren't very likely to kill someone in unarmed combat, are you? Maybe if you intentionally try to kill them.

Also, I never said you didn't care about your life. I said you clearly don't care about it enough to learn how to adequately defend it. Which is evidently true.

[Bards]

@CityBoy773 eh don't worry about it.

[jacquesvol]

No need, I got some self defense in the army training and the sarge said every time 'Only do it that way if you really want to kill.' (there were some mean tricks)

[Song4TheBroken]

hmmmmm...

[jacquesvol]

Not very practical in night life situations thus.
But for instance I learned how to disarm a guy attacking me with a knife (and had to use that once)

[RichardTheFrog]

Because I would use pepper spray...

And I think eating pussy is more important of a skill...

You can spend all day "training," but pepper spray would beat you and if you did any real damage, you would go to jail...

[Song4TheBroken]

Pepper spray will not work against a trained fighter because they wouldn't just stand in front of you for you to spray them. They'd pick you up and slam you on your head before you know what happened, gain control of the arm holding the spray and proceed to snap your arm at the elbow joint.

I realise this may have sounded slightly aggressive or angry but that wasn't my intention. And by the way, is eating pussy going to potentially save your life or the life of someone you care about?

[RichardTheFrog]

You would go to jail if you did that...

And in all likelihood, anyone who is attacking you will have a gun...

[RichardTheFrog]

Also, what do you have to say about eye gouging and biting, because I was once locked up at a mental hospital and I learned "there are no rules in fighting," and people would eye gouge and bite...

[RichardTheFrog]

I just watched a self defense class video on YouTube... If you honestly think you can beat someone who has a gun or knife, you're delusional...

[Song4TheBroken]

Firstly, I never said I could beat someone who is wielding a gun or a knife, did I? I said I could easily destroy somebody who is 'armed' with pepper spray.

Secondly, I would not go to jail for breaking any of your limbs because it would have been in self defence

Thirdly, eye gouging and biting are things that anybody can do. They are unskilled moves. They don't require years of training to become proficient at. Also, you're wrong, in most combat situations both parties are likely to be unarmed.

[Song4TheBroken]

If you don't wanna learn how to defend yourself, that's fine. But stop coming up with ridiculous excuses as to why you don't train. Because the truth is that you're either lazy or don't care enough about your safety to dedicate the time to learn.

[RichardTheFrog]

I spend my days running businesses that are going to be worth millions... I go downtown all the time, I feel no fear and if some psycho homeless guy attacked me, I would pepper spray him... Your "training" is useless since someone can just go for your eye... I have been to jail and was in no danger because I didn't pick fights... How would you be defending yourself from ME if I didn't attack you for no reason? And if you attacked ME, I would spray you, gouge your eyes and bite... What's your response?

[Song4TheBroken]

Oh god, you struggle to read basic English, don't you? I'm not going to prolong this discussion because you've just regurgitated invalid points that I disproved in my previous post.

Have fun with your 'millions'.

[RichardTheFrog]

If you attacked me, I would pepper spray you... And if you got through it, you would go to jail...

It's pretty much as simple as that...

And if you tried to act all MMA in jail, you would get put in isolation...

[Song4TheBroken]

Yes, the attacker would go to jail, but you'd be dead. Great thinking, you're clearly a genius.

[RichardTheFrog]

And you would spend your life in prison...

People don't go around acting like that, and if YOU do even once... Then you're out of society for good...

And I'm still not convinced you could get past my pepper spray...

[Song4TheBroken]

What do you mean people don't go round acting like that? Do you realise how many people are murdered every day? if someone is trying to kill you, you can't just say "Stop! If you kill me you'll go to prison!" because I'm pretty sure they're fully aware of that.

And dude, you really need to get over your pepper spray fetish. It really won't do you much good unless someone is going to stand right in front of you and let you spray them in the eyes.

[RichardTheFrog]

When have you ever been attacked in public? I have lived homeless and slept behind dumpsters and not been attacked... I have been to jail and not been attacked. If someone is attacking you to kill you, they will most likely have a weapon anyway. And if they don't... Pepper spray will do the job. Have you ever been pepper sprayed? It would do the job and if it doesn't, then it's time for eye gouging, taser, biting, or RUNNING and calling the police...

[Song4TheBroken]

The only thing you mentioned that would work is a taser. Running away isn't always an option and the person might easily able to catch you. Biting is ineffective in stopping an attacker. Eye gouging is unlikely to occur and only nullifies the attacker if you can gouge both eyes (be). And not only is the attacker is not going to give you the luxury of calling the police, but you will likely be dead before they have time to arrive.

Also, stop saying pepper spray. I've explained why that's not effective and it's becoming rather annoying and pathetic at this point.

[Song4TheBroken]

By the way, tasers are illegal in most countries.

[RichardTheFrog]

Taser is legal where I live... Have you ever been pepper sprayed? I've seen 160 lb. people take down 300 lb. people with eye gouging...

[Song4TheBroken]

No I haven't, but as I've said numerous fucking times, you can only pepper spray someone if they stand right in front of you and basically allow you to spray them. Is that really too hard for you to comprehend?

Also, as I previously said, the chances of you being able to dig your thumbs into a persons eyes in the middle of combat is relatively low.

And tasers are legal where you live? Good for you. Now what about the majority of people who are unable to legally carry a taser?

[RichardTheFrog]

What about the fact that any psycho that goes around attacking people would be in jail.

Are you one of these psychos? Have you ever met any?

[Song4TheBroken]

This is boring. I'm done replying to you.

[the_rake]

Mmas great until you get poked in the eye, kicked in the balls, stamped on your foot, stomped on your face, etc., etc. And ground fighting? Ground fighting is a BAD idea especially against multiple opponents: you need to isolate your enemies at striking range so you just fight one man at a time.

But yeah, Ido feel a lot more confident around most men now I have MMA and a few other disciplines under my belt.

[Song4TheBroken]

Do you really expect me to believe you actually train MMA? Anyone trained fighter that reads your post is going to laugh at how pathetically obvious it is that you're lying.

[the_rake]

Yes, I have practised Thai boxing and Brazilian jiu jitsu together with gi and no-ghi submission practice and also practiced other arts more indirectly useful, eg taekwondo and wrestling. Problem is for street application it is not nearly as useful as other effective martial arts systems eg systems - these are far more flexible, allow for a wider range of strikes and combos and mostly avoid situations that involve grappling or groundfighting.

[Song4TheBroken]

Well clearly, if there is more than a single assailant, you would avoid going to the ground. That's called common sense, but what's your point? It's pointless trying to continue this lie because I know for a fact that you've never trained, nor do you understand how combat works. If you had the slightest clue about unarmed combat, then you wouldn't make such ridiculous statements. Anyone who actually trains (or has trained in the past) is laughing at your comments. The fact that you think unarmed combat is somehow different because there is a cage involved, shows how truly ignorant you are.

[the_rake]

I have PRACTISED it for roughly a year not that that's anything worth bragging about (it's not like I've ever stepped into the octagon). That's long enough to learn thebasic striking combos, apply them fluently (I can also throw a reverse heel) and use takedowns, pins and throws... slip through guard, half-guard, control someone in side control, mount them and get a submission. But then I don't need to prove that I have practised MMA to you, I'm just sharing that info because you asked what people's experiences with it were.

Tbh reading through your comments, you're so quick to deride other martial arts and advocate the supremacy of your own when it was only ever designed for 8 caged walls and a refereed match for people with a blood fetish.

I know more than most people what to do in a fight, and still I would prefer to avoid them.

[the_rake]

Ps there are lots of differences. When I took up systema, the instructor showed me very quickly why most of the MMA maneuvers would be ineffective against a trained systema fighter.

[Song4TheBroken]

I'm done replying to you. You're really not worth my time.

[the_rake]

That's ok because reading through your question as well as opinion comments you never said anything much substantial anyway. Just bragging about yourself and putting MMA above all other disciplines that you have poo-pooed.

[Octavius]

"unarmed combat situation."

except in most cases someone has a gun and if that someone isn't you then you just lost...

[Song4TheBroken]

No, in most cases people are unarmed. I don't know where you live, but where I live (and in most of the world) people don't carry guns around with them 24/7. Also, owning a gun isn't even legal in most countries. But even if you happen to live in a country where it's legal, you aren't going to have it on you 24/7, are you? And in that moment when you find yourself without a gun you are like a fish out of water. Granted, if the other person has a gun you're fucked anyway, but like i said, most people don't have a gun with them 24/7. Saying you have a gun is really no excuse for not learning how to fight.

[Octavius]

Most people don't carry a gun around with them on person. But someone who attacks you is most likely going to have a gun if they plan on robbing you or killing you. And most attacks come from behind. All the training in the world isn't going to prepare you for that crap. I could sneak up behind Anderson Silva and blindside him in the back of the head with a bat and he'd be gone. The first rule of self defense if you're lucky enough to even still be conscious by the time you find out it's happening is to run away. There are very very few scenarios where you'll be forced to fight and if it comes to that once again they'll most likely have a weapon because most people aren't stupid enough to try and mug someone without a weapon.

[Song4TheBroken]

Yes, but you're STILL missing the point. Okay, so let's go with your premise that the vast majority of people who are likely to attack you will either do so with a lethal weapon, do it when you're unaware, or both. Even if we assume these statements to be true (not actually true), that doesn't account for the small percentage of situations where this isn't the case.

So, I'll ask this question again. Is it better to know how to fight and never need it, than not know how to fight and need it in a situation that is threatening to your life. It's a simple, logical answer and there's literally nothing you could say that would change the answer.

[Octavius]

Nope I'll just carry a gun around because I can. I exercise and I used to do a lot of BJJ but in terms of practicality it all becomes a moot point because of the gun. Besides MMA is good inside of a padded cage and not on the street where there's broken glass (like there most likely will be at a bar fight) and hard concrete to fall on.

[Song4TheBroken]

Dear god, you clearly lack comprehension skills as well as critical thinking skills. On top of that, you quite clearly don't understand how unarmed combat actually works. The surface you're on is almost completely irrelevant, but it's cute that you think it somehow negates a person's combat abilities.

'It only works in the cage' is literally one of the most retarded statements anyone could make... like, ever. That's how I KNOW you've never trained BJJ a day in your life, so please stop acting as if you have.

[Octavius]

"The surface you're on is almost completely irrelevant"

Actually it could not be more relevant. Try doing a takedown on pavement. You're going to break your hip. You've done nothing but brag about crap and act like you're an expert I believe you're the one who has been talking out his ass since you are way too confident in yourself and being able to handle yourself if someone attacked you. Most likely you're going to get yourself killed kid.

[Song4TheBroken]

LMAO okay then.

[Kirah]

I can easily defend myself, I took some classes a few years ago.

[Song4TheBroken]

Classes in what?

[Kirah]

@Song4TheBroken krav maga.

[Song4TheBroken]

Oh...

[BreatheMe19]

I've never gotten into a fight. And if a guy attacks me, even if I know how to fight the odds are not in my favor.

[Song4TheBroken]

You're incorrect.

[BreatheMe19]

Don't just say 'you're incorrect' explain to me why/how

[Song4TheBroken]

For some reason, you seem to think that being a woman puts you at a disadvantage against a man. That is incorrect.

[ElissaDido]

I really want to take taekwando classes ASAP

[Song4TheBroken]

What are you waiting for? Go and start training!

[OrdinaryGentleman]

Yup and that is what makes street fights so fun.
But problem is if you keep fighting people who suck you will not gain jack...
buy a gun.

[Song4TheBroken]

Yes, that's why you train with skilled fighters. You don't waste your time fighting random bums on the street if you want to become a relatively decent fighter. I thought that would have been obvious.

[OrdinaryGentleman]

I was a security guard/bouncer and I had to break up bar fights, I have trained Ju-jitsu, Muay Thai and Krav Maga; So If I were to defend my point, the reason to practice on untrained individuals is to bring down an attacker without hurting them, restraint is the difficult part. You irritate me by saying "that would be obvious" because you don't know me nor my situation dude and thats pretty uncourteous from one martial artists to another.. assuming you are.

[Song4TheBroken]

Assuming I am? That's quite ironic, considering it's clear you don't train, and if you do then you're clearly not very skilled. Nobody who trains would ever say that you should practice on untrained individuals. That's just idiotic, restraint doesn't even come into it. Also, if by 'trained' you mean you attended one or two classes at a gym, it doesn't count.

[OrdinaryGentleman]

#butthurt kid it's sad you have to go around correcting people about how they should train. It says a lot about you though, and i understand what it's like to be helpless, floundering floundering for something to say back as you are now. So here I'll do this for you... blocked

[Pinkbeauty]

I never tried martial arts and I never been in a situation were I would have stickup for myself

[Song4TheBroken]

Do you have interest?

[Pinkbeauty]

ah I don't know if I do but Iv been watching videos of self defense on a YouTube channel I think called howcast

[Song4TheBroken]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=USB_X-U2zZs

Does this look like something you'd be interested in doing?

[Pinkbeauty]

I wouldn't do the Brazilian jitsu but here's one I did find its not the howcast video but I'll show you that video to
https://youtu.be/nCMYj1y1D2A

[Pinkbeauty]

here's a video from howcast that I saw
https://youtu.be/vwROKSFuokg

[Song4TheBroken]

That knife defence video is bullshit and I'll explain why. When someone attacks you with a knife, it's HIGHLY unlikely that they will lunge at you with a straight stabbing motion.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=37XiSn81oFw

^This video explains it pretty well. There's no real way to properly defend against a knife attack. You can definitely win against someone with a knife, but getting cutting is pretty much inevitable.

[Pinkbeauty]

I see what u mean I have another video to show what do u think of this one? https://youtu.be/8-HUxeIxFsQ

[Song4TheBroken]

Yeah, gun disarms seem like they'd be effective. but only if the person with the gun is stupid enough to hold the gun directly in front of you. If they're smart then they'd stand at a distance where you'd be unable to grab the gun. But most people aren't exactly smart, are they? lol

[Pinkbeauty]

lol no I guess not

[Anonymous]

Where is the option for, 'violence is never worth it'?

[Song4TheBroken]

That's irrelevant though.

[Song4TheBroken]

If someone is trying to kill you just try saying "Wait! Violence is never worth it." and see how far that gets you.

[Opinion Owner]

Well if I can liver for a third of my life with not one single count of violence, I'll take my odds, my free time and energy with something else lol I just don't see the use in it.

[Song4TheBroken]

Fair enough. If you wanna take the risk, that's up to you.

[Omar5881]

I took medals in MMA 3 times and I've been military trained

[Song4TheBroken]

What do you mean you 'took medals'? And military training is pretty shit for unarmed combat, it's basically noob level stuff.

[Omar5881]

Not nob stuff at all its military the normal military training and i was in armed combat

[Song4TheBroken]

Okay but I'm talking about unarmed combat specifically, not armed combat. I've seen military dudes training on youtube, and yes, they are certainly noobs when it comes to unarmed combat. Better than the average person? Sure. As good as a properly trained martial artist? Not even remotely close.

[Omar5881]

Not my military training it's awesome not nob AT ALL egyptian army by the way

[Song4TheBroken]

Which martial arts do they train you in the military?

[Omar5881]

I don't know there names in English buy MMA and parkour and a lot of other things

[Anonymous]

I'm currently in kickboxing, I didn't join specifically to learn "how to fight" though.

[Song4TheBroken]

So why did you join? If you don't wanna learn to fight then what are you even doing there? It's not some sort of 'boxercise' class, is it?

[Opinion Owner]

I joined for fun. Do something new. I guess how to fight too. & No. It's kickboxing.

[Song4TheBroken]

Okay, so you DID join to learn how to fight. I train for fun too, not JUST for the self defence aspect. You should try BJJ, it will literally blow your mind. You'll learn things that you never even knew were possible.

[Opinion Owner]

Yeah 😊 and that's cool! And wow really? I'll check it out, thank you!

[Song4TheBroken]

Yes, I'd probably say BJJ is more complex than all other areas of combat combined. Once you learn it, it's kind of like the difference between knowing how to read a language and just seeing random scribbles on paper. Right now, you'll probably look at people fighting on the ground and just think they're flopping around desperately. But once you start to realise what's going on, it's like you've just discovered an entirely new universe of possibilities!!!

[Opinion Owner]

That sounds great!,

[auspicious]

I think you made this post to brag and please your ego, going and insulting martial arts and giving advice right and left and making MMA look like the best !! Even Elites avoid judging martial arts..

[Song4TheBroken]

No, actually, elite fighters would agree with me. Anyone who has a basic understanding of combat knows the difference between effective martial arts and bullshit martial arts. It's laymen like you that haven't got the slightest clue.

[auspicious]

Sorry but you are wrong.. i may have trained more martial arts than u (taekwando-karate-wushu) and i do boxing now... and by the way.. one of the strongest people that i know is aikido 3 dan master and is respected by all fighters in my area so stop ur bullshit and stop judging martial arts.. u may judge a martial artist's skills instead

[Anonymous]

Because I don't want a gun pointed at my head. Violence doesn't solve anything

[RedThread]

I'm a peaceful person.

[Song4TheBroken]

So am I, but how is that relevant at all?

[RedThread]

I don't light fights or violence lol

[goflipaburger]

I'll be your body guard :)!! <3

[RedThread]

like*
@goflipaburger thank you so much. I always wanted someone around who could fight my battles for me ;)

[Song4TheBroken]

Okay, I get that, but you don't have to like violence to learn how to competently defend yourself.

[RedThread]

I'm 6'5" and I'm pretty beefy so most people already don't screw with me. Being big is a natural bubble against violence.

[Song4TheBroken]

As a 6'4" man, I agree with you. However, not everybody is intimidated by a person's stature.

[Anonymous]

I can fight, I'm a Kung Fu girl ;)

[Song4TheBroken]

Do you really train Kung Fu?

[Opinion Owner]

Yes, Traditional Wing Chun Kung Fu

[Song4TheBroken]

Please, for your own sake, train in a martial art that is actually effective. Do you see any wing chun practitioners in MMA? No, because it doesn't work in real combat. I don't mean to be offensive, I'm just trying to help you.

[Opinion Owner]

Traditional Wing Chun is effective, it was invented by a woman who was never defeated by any man. Most of the ineffective Wing Chun practitioners (in the west) are only trained in modified version of this style, which is completely useless in my opinion.

[Song4TheBroken]

I'll remain sceptical until I see any wing chun techniques effectively executed in MMA.

[Opinion Owner]

MMA is constrained by certain sports rules, whilst Traditional Wing Chun is not a sport, it's a deadly art based on pressure point attacks.
Most of the western Martial artist don't have a clue about true Wing Chun, they practice non-genuine version of that style, which is simply pale in comparison with the original.

[Song4TheBroken]

As far as I'm aware, pressure point attacks are perfectly legal in MMA. Things such as small joint manipulation (individual fingers), eye gouging, biting, groin attacks are illegal. But as for 'pressure point' attacks, I'm fairly certain they're completely legal. The reason they aren't used is simple, they don't work.

[Opinion Owner]

Pressure point attacks work, but most MMA fighters don't know how to use them because they are not trained in Kung Fu, Ninjutsu, Hwa Rang Do, or any other Martial Art with great variety of such techniques. Besides, pressure point attacks are usually lethal, crippling or mutilating, that's why they are forbidden in combat sports.
Most of the MMA fighters practice Kickboxing, Karate, Taekwondo, Judo etc, but these styles aren't known for pressure point fighting.
As for the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu... why is small joint manipulation illegal?

[PizzaGuy22]

what do you think of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

[Song4TheBroken]

I think it is a beautiful and extremely technical art. When you get to the higher levels of jiu-jitsi, It's more technical than all other aspects of MMA combined. Also, you can destroy a person without even physically harming them.

[the_unknown_panda]

I've been doing karate for half my life.