Martial Arts

[Deloria]

I noticed we had no thread, and I can think of at least three people here off the top of my head who inexplicably have decided to not remain sedentary and instead channel their energies into learning how to potentially attack the scum of the Earth. So, discuss.

[stika]

You practice/practiced Martial Arts, Deloria?

I've 6' 2'' (189cm) and for some reason I never saw the point, maybe my size has always driven off would be assailants to look for smaller prey? (hey I can dream can't I?)

[Deloria]

I don't, but I know Lork and Brandon and I think Katie do. And I wanted to make a thread. I am a sedentary person. I did fence for a while though. Now I simply hide under a duvet when I feel threatened. People tell me it's adorable.

[stika]

oooh tell me you carry your sword everywhere you go!

And If someone cuts you in line you can challenge them to a duel!

[Deloria]

I have a lovely little dagger/letter opener decorated with gold leaf from Toledo. It would go in my inventory and I would carry it around with me because that's what Cassima did.

[stika]

There ya go! Now you just need an awesome outfit and you're a superheroine!

I want a 10% of all the comic book and movie sales as well as any revenue from TV shows, accessories, videogames or toys

[Delling]

wait... I totally replied to this thread while I was in the office...

I do Tae Kwon Do and Capoeira. I'm a red tag in TKD and a green yellow cord in Capoeira (3rd belt).

Aaaaaaaaaand... I have Capoeira in about 30 minutes.

[Deloria]

There ya go! Now you just need an awesome outfit and you're a superheroine!

I want a 10% of all the comic book and movie sales as well as any revenue from TV shows, accessories, videogames or toys

Done! I will be Milady Catharsis!

[KatieHal]

Wow, you're 6'2", Gonz? I had no idea.

Well, I, being a 5'3" female,  am not about to come off as threatening to anyone on looks alone. I've studied American Jiu Jitsu--which focuses on practical self defense--for 6 years, although alas I've been lax the last two due to lack of time & money. I'm at the level of 3rd Rank Brown Belt, but basically I was in training for my black belt test when I had to drop, and I very very very much want to go back and get that damn black belt at some point. I was too close to not get it! I'm also a certified instructor.

I started because I wanted to do something active that was also going to continue to interest me. The gym just doesn't ever hold my interest for very long, and I'm much more sedentary by nature as well. A friend of mine was already attending the school where I trained, so I checked it out on that recommendation and loved it. The physical activity and people were great, and with the belt system, you're always aware that you are improving and learning more. And hey, IF I ever need it, I'm glad I've learned how to defend myself given that I will NEVER be the biggest or strongest. Our style, like I said, focuses on practical self defense--things that anyone can use, regardless of or strength, if an attacker came at them on the street. We cover everything from how to block a punch and properly throw one to non-damaging "bouncer" techniques (i.e., you want to get rid of this person, but you don't want to seriously hurt them, like a bouncer need to do) to some much more brutal life-or-death techniques like throat tears, eye gouges, etc. A lot of throws, joint locks, using another's momentum against them, things that work better if you're smaller vs. bigger and vice versa.

Basically, I loved the versatility of the style and doing something that no one would really think I'd do or be able to. And yes, I kinda loved feeling like a bad ass too.

Also, fun fact, I've been able to give insight and feedback on art or animations showing fighting in Cognition and Moebius both, which is also really cool!

Also also, I would love to know how to fence!

[stika]

Have you ever used it in a real life scenario? How did it go?


But for me? Yeah I just never felt the need, usually most people don't really try anything. I think I saved my dad one day just by being there.

We had a car crash (no injuries on either side, thankfully) my dad walked out, I couldn't open the door because the handle was stuck from the accident the other guy was so pissed he was physically threatning my dad, I crawled to the other door, walked out and when he looked at me he kind of stopped lol.

Eventually got in his car and left (it was a light accident)

[Delling]

I did some fencing for a while... I wanted to do sabre and the club I was in would only do foil... I grew fairly frustrated with it and quit after a while.

[Big C from Cauney island]

Cool thread.

  I am currently doing Yoshukai karate, which I have done for many years. My instructor also teaches self defense with a mixture of aikido and jiu jitsu. In other words, life or death stuff. In the past, I have done Judo, but also grappled with people who were wrestlers or brazilian jiu jitsu.

Capoeria looks real cool. In terms of effectiveness of a given style, I would say that it is about how much you practice and how realistic you can make your training.  For example, for those who study traditional martial arts, myself included, it would be hard to compare myself to a ninja, or a samurai, who trained for hours and hours a day for the real purpose of killing someone and preventing themselves from being killed. Because, essentially, they would be using their skills, no maybes there. So I think the focus and intensity were different, even if techniques handed down are the same.

I might train with a weapon, but back then they would train like their lives depended on it. Look at the spartans. All they did was train, that was their job. So, in short, make the best of what you have to be effective. There is good to be taken from most styles of fighting. I think it is more a question of training purpose and intensity.

[stika]

I did some fencing for a while... I wanted to do sabre and the club I was in would only do foil... I grew fairly frustrated with it and quit after a while.

Do they handle differently? How do they work? (I know absolutely nothing on the subject matter other than "swords are pointy")

[KatieHal]

Thankfully, no, I've never had to use it.

[Numbers]

I've never had any formal training in martial arts, just participation in school brawls. I don't pay much attention to how I'm fighting as I'm doing it, just recollections afterward. I'm about 6 feet tall, 210 lbs., and I use my size to my advantage in a brawl. I've decided I fight rather dirty. I slash, bite, use elbows and knees, headbutts, groin shots, and whatever I can find on the floor as a weapon. I'm sure it looks very graceful when viewed from another's perspective. Just like a scene from Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.

There, now you have another reason to not want to meet me in person.

[LadyTerra]

I've always wanted to learn some form of martial art, but due to transportation issues, I never got the chance.  I'm probably not fit enough to start now anyway.

I can shoot a gun competently.  I prefer pistols since they're easier to handle for me.  Rifles tend to be heavy, and the kick tends to bruise my shoulder.

[Blackthorne]

Fencing? The pointy end goes in the other man!

http://youtu.be/-mcUPY0RMdU

Bt

[stika]

Oh so THAT'S what I was doing wrong!

No wonder I kept ending up in the Hospital

[GrahamRocks!]

I've never had any formal training in martial arts, just participation in school brawls. I don't pay much attention to how I'm fighting as I'm doing it, just recollections afterward. I'm about 6 feet tall, 210 lbs., and I use my size to my advantage in a brawl. I've decided I fight rather dirty. I slash, bite, use elbows and knees, headbutts, groin shots, and whatever I can find on the floor as a weapon. I'm sure it looks very graceful when viewed from another's perspective. Just like a scene from Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.

There, now you have another reason to not want to meet me in person.

Okay, then. As if I wasn't already intimidated by you...

[KatieHal]

Terra--don't let your current fitness level stop you! Part of the bonus of martial arts is that you also get in shape while you train and learn the art.