Learn to fight like an Israeli Commando

[Purplehood]

I almost always choose running as my first option. It isn't as martial as I would like, but has worked exceedingly well for me in the past.

[frazzled]

I almost always choose running as my first option. It isn't as martial as I would like, but has worked exceedingly well for me in the past.

With my knees, I'd have to sic the wiener dogs on 'em. Everyone should live in terror of killler attack wiener dogs.

[Keith B]

I almost always choose running as my first option. It isn't as martial as I would like, but has worked exceedingly well for me in the past.

With my knees, I'd have to sic the wiener dogs on 'em. Everyone should live in terror of killler attack wiener dogs.

Yeah, those attack wiener dogs can be really vicious. If you fall down, they can chew on your neck for an hour or so and potentially hit your jugular!!

[frazzled]

Ah, clearly someone who has witnessed the terror of devil dachshundry first hand.

[Jeremae]

I almost always choose running as my first option. It isn't as martial as I would like, but has worked exceedingly well for me in the past.

I have always believed that running is the first and most important martial art.

[chabouk]

Ah, clearly someone who has witnessed the terror of devil dachshundry first hand.

They're fearless and ferocious. Anything that will go in a badger hole and drag the badger out against his will, is nothing I want to be on the wrong side of.

[Skiprr]

I almost always choose running as my first option. It isn't as martial as I would like, but has worked exceedingly well for me in the past.

I know we're trashing Paladin's original post with wild topic drift, but to sorta "topicize" this I'd say, with what experience I have and what I know today: for someone who has never had extensive empty-hand training, I'd suggest leaning toward Krav Maga, and it sounds like Haganah, also. I've trained in neither--so it goes against my background and I say this relatively uninformed--but I've read and observed a bit. As a practical approach to modern-day confrontations, the Israeli systems get my conditional nod.

Most schools let you watch classes. Do so; not just once, but a few times. If you get what you'd consider a hard sales pitch on the first visit, be very wary.

Selecting martial training isn't like selecting a new TV. The TV you can pretty much judge by a single visit to the store. But services, like instruction, are delivered real-time and you can't evaluate them by a product already on the shelf.

That includes trophies. Personally, I'm extremely suspicious of trophies displayed in a dojo or kwan. They result from organized competition, which implies sport. Not a bad thing, but I wouldn't be interested in sport, or its trappings, if I were looking for hand-to-hand training to support my handgun carry. (FWIW I did compete a bit in the '70s; had Joe Lewis give me an unconditional beat-down once where, if I'd been a middleweight rather than a heavyweight, I might have had Chuck Norris do the honors. )

Watch both beginner and advanced classes. Then, if you like what you see, ask to have a meeting with the owner or senior instructor.

Don't be shy about this. You're considering committing not just one month but many, perhaps years, to that instructor. Not just money but also many hours of sweat and effort. You gotta be sure he is as expert and accomplished as you think he is.

Ask about his qualifications; ask how he teaches, his philosophy and approach, his priorities.

Then ask about firearms.

In my experience, within the past five or so years many "dojos" have decided to incorporate firearms into their syllabus. The number of CHL holders grows, and your neighborhood dojo wants to capitalize. But few instructors have hands-on, practical knowledge. Most focus on disarms only; or on firearms retention. Very few understand your concealed handgun for the weapon it is.

Use your firearms knowledge. Grill that lead instructor. "Do you hold any recognized firearms certifications?" "What advanced firearms instruction have you had?" "Which firearms instructors have you trained under?" "What is your military experience?"

While living in Tokyo I briefly studied a Japanese art called Iaido. Essentially, this is drawing a sword and cutting your target in a single motion. This is the best metaphor I have for CHL holders.

Run if you can.

But if you can't run, be decisive and aggressive.

[Purplehood]

Skippr,

I tend to agree with your post regarding tournaments, trophies and the like in organized martial arts. In reality, the whole reason I took Kodokan Judo was that my Dad was tired of his sons being the smallest kids on the block and getting picked on all the time. After a while, that didn't really happen anymore. So the purpose of my training and perseverance was that I ended up with the self-confidence that I needed and desired. I didn't attend for trophies (though I did compete at the National and Jr. Olympic level - notice I didn't say I won).

[Abraham]

Skiprr,

That's excellent advice.

Many of the details you enumerate I wouldn't have considered - thanks, and I will take into consideration your advice when assessing the overall quality of training.

[Paladin]

But if you can't run, be decisive and aggressive.

Whatever you're fighting with...the three keys to winning a fight are:

Speed. Surprise. Momentum.

[karder]

I have been heavily involved in the martial arts for about 20 years and I am a huge proponent of martial arts training in general for fitness, discipline, and self defense. There are dozens of styles from Japanese, to Chinese, to Korean, to Russian, and so on, and I honestly do not believe that one style is "better" than another. I am often asked, "what's the best art, Karate? Aikido? Judo?". That is like asking, "what's better, a .45 or a .357"? It depends on who is pulling the trigger.

The problem that many Americans have is that we are way too impatient. We want to learn something in a few simple lessons, and it just does not work that way. Any fighting style take many years of dedicated practice if you want to learn it well enough to use on the streets with any degree of effectiveness. Hollywood has totally mucked up our perception of martial arts.

In a physical conflict, no one will remember what they learned in a few lessons. Everything happens too fast. You have to study your art long enough so that your body reacts with the defense, which takes a lot of boring, repetitive practice. Every once in awhile I get invited to teach a one-day ladies or teenager course. I never will do it. One day is just long enough to give everyone a complete sense of false confidence, which is the most dangerous thing of all. The only positive side of these classes is that they increase situational awareness for some people. I tell everyone I know, if you want to learn an art, that is great, but to learn is a very long term commitment. If you just want to take a few classes for fun, that is fine too, but you must recognize the difference.

Ok, I'll shut up now.

[Zero_G]

I know we're trashing Paladin's original post with wild topic drift, but to sorta "topicize" this I'd say, with what experience I have and what I know today: for someone who has never had extensive empty-hand training, I'd suggest leaning toward Krav Maga, and it sounds like Haganah, also. I've trained in neither--so it goes against my background and I say this relatively uninformed--but I've read and observed a bit. As a practical approach to modern-day confrontations, the Israeli systems get my conditional nod.

Most schools let you watch classes. Do so; not just once, but a few times. If you get what you'd consider a hard sales pitch on the first visit, be very wary.

John Peek with the Houston Haganah will let you attend 1-2 weeks for free before you sign on. When I started the Houston Krav Maga, it was the high-pressure sale routine - "if you sign up today you get the big discount, but once you walk out the door, the price goes up"

That includes trophies. Personally, I'm extremely suspicious of trophies displayed in a dojo or kwan. They result from organized competition, which implies sport. Not a bad thing, but I wouldn't be interested in sport, or its trappings, if I were looking for hand-to-hand training to support my handgun carry. (FWIW I did compete a bit in the '70s; had Joe Lewis give me an unconditional beat-down once where, if I'd been a middleweight rather than a heavyweight, I might have had Chuck Norris do the honors. )

This is one of the factors that drew me to Haganah (and Krav too) - it's not a sport. They both teach very practical, street-tested techniques. No katas, no forms, nothing showy, just quickly delivered deadly force.

Then ask about firearms.

Basic Haganah includes unarmed defense against an armed attacker (knife and gun). John teaches knife fighting. There is a firearm syllabus, but it's not taught in the Houston area to my knowledge.

Run if you can.

But if you can't run, be decisive and aggressive.

Very much the Haganah philosophy

Keith