It Doesn't Work!
- Thread starter MJS
- Start date
A nice article that which covers the truth at the heart of an all too familiar topic for those of us who have been in 'hard' or 'rough' company when it is discovered that we're "One of them chop suey fighters!" 
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Just say, "Oh; you mean it doesn't work for you."
Sean
Sean
SD techniques are not set-in-stone to be followed rigidly the way they are drilled. Everything must be modified to fit the situation at hand. When I hear "it doesn't work" I am likely to think that the defender didn't understand the principles behind the technique well enough to "tweak" it as needed.
bluewaveschool
2nd Black Belt
A lot of times SD techniques that 'don't work' also, I've found, have to be slightly modified for body type/size. One of my instructors is a small woman of 4'10, I'm 5'11. We can't do some of the same techs the same way.
I liked this article, because many times, especially when I'm debating with other Kenpo folks, many times they seem so bound by the techs. that they don't allow for anything that would be considered freestyling from the tech.
As for the link that Xue posted....well, he's certainly not the only one who does this, but IMO, I personally am not a fan of it. I wouldn't want to train under someone who attended a 6hr course, but thats another thread.
I've read alot of good things about Dave, and perhaps Tez knows of him better, so I'm not going to totally disregard his knowledge/skill, etc.
Of course Tez, if you do know more about him, I'd be interested in hearing your thoughts.
As for the link that Xue posted....well, he's certainly not the only one who does this, but IMO, I personally am not a fan of it. I wouldn't want to train under someone who attended a 6hr course, but thats another thread.
I've read alot of good things about Dave, and perhaps Tez knows of him better, so I'm not going to totally disregard his knowledge/skill, etc.
Of course Tez, if you do know more about him, I'd be interested in hearing your thoughts.
The people who go on the 6 hour course are actually people who have been training for a very long time under recognised intructors, it's not a case of turning up paying your money and getting a certificate to teach. It's a very well respected and honest organisation. My instructor is a BCA instructor as is Iain Abernethy. Other instructors and members are some of the most respected people in British martial arts and self defence. I'm hoping to be but am not there yet and I've been training self defence for over ten years but am not at a standard to teach yet. It's very hard.
Dave is honest, straight talking and approachable, one of the good guys depsite what some may read into his website.
I suggest emailing him with questions, comments etc. rather than jump to conclusions about his training.
Or have a read here and ask.
http://selfprotection.lightbb.com/q-a-with-dave-turton-f4/
Dave is honest, straight talking and approachable, one of the good guys depsite what some may read into his website.
I suggest emailing him with questions, comments etc. rather than jump to conclusions about his training.
Or have a read here and ask.
http://selfprotection.lightbb.com/q-a-with-dave-turton-f4/
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One thing I personally have found over time is that there are some things I could probably not make work in a violent confrontation. There are however a few things that I have made work that some other people might have a difficult time doing. There simply are no absolutes in what we do. We would all agree that trying to kick a knife out of some ones hand is a low percentage move. Yet in college I knew someone who did this! (yes it was witnessed) Certainly not some thing I would ever try but in that moment it worked for him. There are no absolutes! So be fluid in what you do and as Xue said relax and do not get caught up in rigid motions just train!
Langenschwert
Master Black Belt
Great article.
In KdF, the same kind of attitude is found in the period manuscripts. The design is such that if one technique fails, it will set you up to use another. I never expect to hit an opponent on my first strike. It doesn't mean I don't try to do so. But I know from typical engagement range in an encounter with long blades, the first strike has about an 80% failure rate in that the opponent will defend himself somehow. However, the 80% is what we train for in case the 20% doesn't work. However, if I can close from Zufechten (one step distance) to Krieg (where blades are crossed) without getting hit, then that's the next best thing... it means I'm one step closer to winning the fight.
The main thing is to never give up. One must be courageous, as all the refined technique in the world won't mean anything if you don't have the heart to get in there and risk injury... you are in a fight after all.
As Fiore dei Liberi said in 1409: "Audacity is the virtue that makes this art"
Best regards,
-Mark
In KdF, the same kind of attitude is found in the period manuscripts. The design is such that if one technique fails, it will set you up to use another. I never expect to hit an opponent on my first strike. It doesn't mean I don't try to do so. But I know from typical engagement range in an encounter with long blades, the first strike has about an 80% failure rate in that the opponent will defend himself somehow. However, the 80% is what we train for in case the 20% doesn't work. However, if I can close from Zufechten (one step distance) to Krieg (where blades are crossed) without getting hit, then that's the next best thing... it means I'm one step closer to winning the fight.
The main thing is to never give up. One must be courageous, as all the refined technique in the world won't mean anything if you don't have the heart to get in there and risk injury... you are in a fight after all.
As Fiore dei Liberi said in 1409: "Audacity is the virtue that makes this art"
Best regards,
-Mark
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