Strictly SELF-PROTECTION

Verbal Deescalation: Scenarios & Responses

Lito — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 20:06:28 GMT

Hi Everyone,

In this thread, I'll present typical real-world confrontational scenarios (posting and addressing them one at a time), then put up a good response followed by a not-so-good one. Afterwards, It would be cool to read others' good/bad responses to the given scenario and take it from there. Alright, with that said...

Scenario #1:

You're at a restaurant (or bar or night club; pick a place) and a guy (let's call him "Steve") notices/perceives you looking at his wife ...

visualisation

Alan Beckett — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 12:38:58 GMT

I work with this a lot, in it's simplest form one thing that I do repeatedly is walk around behind students when they are doing intense pad drills, just as they begin to tire I say in their ear " come on it's your front room, it's two in the morning if he gets past you your wife kids are next" this usaually results in a new surge of energy.

Recenctly i had some feedback from one of the newer students who came in and told us that he had being feeling a cold coming on for most of ...

Creatine?

Steve Tomkins — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 20:14:59 GMT

Just wondering ...

Has anybody used any creatine products - specifically with regards its use to aid explosive/dynamic responses in RBSD training and/or the real world environment?

I have not, but have heard of people that have used it - with mixed results.

Steve

Hi

Steve Tomkins — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 09:03:20 GMT

Hi All

I have done various fighting arts over the years - boxing, Judo, kyokushinkai karate, Lau Gar kung fu, a bit of Thai. I now train with Lee Morrison's Urban Combatives, attaining instructor status recently. I am also doing Kali, Silat & JKD.

Steve

Hi there

Alban Balliu — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 21:59:23 GMT

Hello to everyone, also good to be here.

My name is Alban Balliu, I'm 25 years old, living in London, UK. Originally from Albania.

I've always been intersted in the fighting arts and through a friend who worked at the door where i was working as a barman,i heard about Combatives, i went along with him to one of Lee Morrrison's classes some 4 and a half years ago and got hooked to his training and from there got to know and train with some of the best people in UK.

I have trained in ...

Unarmed Responses against Static Weapon Threats

Lito — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 19:53:26 GMT

Hi Everyone,

Alrighty, what are your preferred physical responses against a static weapon threat (be it edged weapon or firearm) after all other options are exhausted or are not viable? Do you advocate grabbing the weapon-bearing limb (and attacking)? If so, do you advocate grabbing the weapon itself or the weapon-bearing hand or some other part of the weapon-bearing arm? Furthermore, do you advocate grabbing it with one or both hands or trapping it in the crook of your elbow (when applicable ...

Hydration

Alan Beckett — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 07:42:54 GMT

Yesterday was one of the warmest days that we have enjoyed this summer and last night in training we drilled hand strikes and low kicks, drill after drill after drill, very intense sweaty and tiring.

I cannot emphasis enough how important it is too take plenty of water on board during session like this, as the instructor I take the responsibility and tell everyone in between drills to get some water done them but often when people are training alone or with a friend they wrapped up in what ...

Chomping at the bit

Paul J — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 13:46:02 GMT

Hi,

my old Goshinkwai club had to close a few weeks back as they were demolishing the leisure centre that it was held in. It has taken a while but the guys that run the club have got a new place sorted out, and we start again on Monday. I can't wait!

When the old club finished mid June I was full of thoughts of finding other clubs as a make do, doing fitness work etc. Little of that actually happened, not least because of increases in pressure at work, and trying to spend more time on ...

computer break

john skillen — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 14:46:21 GMT

As from wed I shall be away from the computer for a couple of weeks.

I will answer any questions when I get back on the pc.

take good care

John

Thanks John & Lito

john cmc — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 21:48:52 GMT

Hey John & Lito,

Just want to express my thanks publicly for the advice and encouragement in getting me back into martial arts, I have being away far too long for a couple of reasons. Anyway I have just joined an MMA club and I love it. Even though I�m the oldest by 15yrs (50) and my knees are grumbling, an old war wound but I don't care, I'm chomping at the bit waiting for next week, so roll on next Wednesday.

John cmc

Incredible Footage!

Lito — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 01:29:20 GMT

Hi Everyone,

I came across a biography of Dan Osman that I saved a few years ago and re-read it. Afterwards, I was inspired to watch the below clips again and link them here for all to enjoy as well. Man, Dan was an incredible free climber and base jumper. He lived fast and died young, but did so doing what he loved. However, he left behind a young daughter who was always worried that he was going to die doing the extreme things he did. She begged him to stop to no avail. Anyway...

Check ...

WAMMA

ttaplin — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 23:06:54 GMT

Hi Bas,

After the recent Affliction event and the crowning of Fedor under the 'WAMMA' banner, what is your opinion on WAMMA's attempt to legitimise the unification of title belts in MMA?

Good idea in theory, and it works in this first instance as Fedor is universally recognised as the #1 Heavyweight (and Affliction have a strong enough heavyweight roster to keep that division chugging along), but is it possible so long as the UFC dont allow there top fighters to fight for different ...

Left-Handedness in Hand-to-Hand Combat article

Lito — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 19:22:30 GMT

Hi Everyone,

Being a lefty, whenever I come across an article involving left-handedness, I read it. Well, I just came across this article while doing research on something else. Anyway, it's pretty interesting; check it out...

Take Care,

Lito

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Left-handers win in hand-to-hand combat

by Will Knight

* 13:37 08 December 2004

* NewScientist.com news service

Left-handed ...

COTTO vs MARGARITO

Lito — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 17:37:59 GMT

Hi Everyone,

If you recall, I wrote this on "The TOP 5 Heavyweight Boxing Champions" thread on July 9th:

Quote:Deviating yet again (but not too much this time Wink ), what do you guys think about the upcoming Cotto vs Margarito fight ? I'm really excited about this fight! Both are at the top of their game right now. Man, it's a hard one for me to call as I like 'em both. But if I had to put money down, I'd probably go with Margarito. Did you guys see his last two fights where he ...

Total Body Defence Goshinkwai - London Seminars

Alun Williams — Wed, 07 May 2008 14:20:09 GMT

Following the interest at Seni this year, the TBD Team and I will be performing seminars in the London area (probably central London) over the coming months.

If you are interested please call or drop me a line to register your interest

Many Thanks

Alun

e-mail: info@totalbodydefence.com

Mob:07948965526

London Seminar - TBD Goshinkwai

Alun Williams — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 13:33:43 GMT

The Next London date is confirmed as follows:

Date: Sunday 14th September 2008

venue: Meidokan, West Hampstead, Yoshinkan Aikido Dojo, London, Kilburn

Time: 11:00-3:00pm

Cost �30 in advance, �35 on the door

Please let me know if interested in attending

Reviews and pics from the last seminar available at www.totalbodydefence.com

Thanks

Alun

tel: 07948965526

One-Sided Mastery or Ambidexterity?

Lito — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 20:17:34 GMT

Hi Everyone,

For self-protection/street fighting purposes, is it better, more practical to be proficient just on one side (i.e. orthodox-right hand/side back or southpaw-left hand/side back) or should you strive to be ambidextrous (i.e. equal on both sides or almost so)?

To start things off, I am ambidextrous myself but through an interesting path, a fluke if you will. When I was younger up until 10th grade or so, I completely subscribed to Bruce Lee's dictum in keeping your strong side ...

Body Shots: Viewpoints and Real-World Applications

Lito — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 20:02:28 GMT

Hi Everyone,

Now, it's pretty much universally accepted that the head and neck are the best targets to attack in personal combat. However, some believe (such as Bas Rutten) that body shots are very potent as well. While I'm a full-fledged, card carrying member of the "Headhunters Club," there have been occasions where I've found utility in body shots during situations when it was not appropriate to attack the head; one reason I spend time honing them.

All who have read my posts ...

Hi all

Leigh — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 19:24:43 GMT

Hi my names Leigh, i come from sunny South Wales(well it was sunny yesterday), i train in a martial style called Goshinkwai Yawara with the Total Body Defence organisation under Alun Williams. I received my 1st Dan in May and have been training for about 13 years in all(not the fastest learner but got there in the end!!!). You can check out the style on www.totalbodydefence.com or there are many clips on youtube under the title wizzydoofer. The organisation is only small with 4 regular clubs ...

Solo Training

Lito — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 17:22:00 GMT

Hi John,

What skills and drills would you recommend for someone who trains alone for self-protection purposes? Thanks pal...

Take Care,

Lito

Baikel firearm

john skillen — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 19:25:54 GMT

If you go to this link http://women.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/women/the_way_we_live/article4359522.ece

There is a thought provoking article on the Baikel pistol converted to fire real ammunition these Russian made baby's have been blamed for some of the recent reprted shootings in the UK

THE ARTICLE ALSO INCLUDED THESE STATS : 130,000 VIOLENT OFFENCES INVOLVING KNIVES

21,700 VIOLENT OFFENCES INVOLVING FIREARMS , BRITISH CRIME SURVEY 2007/8

Take care

John

If You Had The chance

john cmc — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 13:17:56 GMT

Hi Bass,

I have just got back into training after a few yrs off, I'm 50 now. LOL.

My question is :

If you had the chance to train with anybody, who would they be and why?

My Choices Are :

Yourself: Because of what you've achieved in MMA and Real Self-Protection

John Skillen: Because of his vast experience in Self-Protection

Thank you

john cmc

Grounded in Reality - Black Belt Magazine, Sept 2008 Issue

John Conley — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 06:24:37 GMT

Interesting article - an attempt at statistically analyzing commonalities in real fights.

Lost weight then gained it whilst injured :-(

john cmc — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 11:58:24 GMT

Hey guys,

I have been on a very strict healthy eating regime, no dairy & no meat. Basically that leaves me with salad n veg, rice potatoes, pasta, and veggie burgers and variations of the above. Was doing really well lost 22lbs from January 1st. I aimed at 2000kcal a day.for my weight which was at worst 15st, down to 13st 6lb.

Now the sh*& hits the fan, and my back went (prolapsed disc). The worst it's ever been. Off work for 6weeks and the first time I've ever being put on Morphine! ...

Geoff Thompson's Masterclass 6 Dvd

dave newton — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 20:00:18 GMT

If forum readers are not already aware Geoff Thompson's 6 dvd Masterclass is available from his site for �100.I've just ordered my copy. This masterclass cost �1000 to attend once a month for 6 months, so for a fraction of the cost you get professionally shot 6 dvds of footage shot over that period. Geoff rates it as his best work yet and going by the trailers posted (see his website) it looks as though it is.Geoff is so confident about the 6 dvd set he is even offering a 30 day money back ...

Muay Thai Contender

john cmc — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 19:39:55 GMT

Hey Guys,

Not sure if you know, but Muay Thai Contender stars tommorrow ITV4 9.00pm-11.00pm.

john cmc

Pacifism

dennis_thompson — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 02:34:43 GMT

Does Pacifism lead to a less violent society, or does it lead to appeasement and hence to more violence?

Regards,

Den.

Advice on Combo/Barraging Principles

Lito — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 09:01:06 GMT

Hi Everyone,

A friend of mine called me up today and asked for my opinion on something he heard from another friend of his regarding combos. I thought this topic would be of some interest here...

Basically his friend told him that his boxing trainer advised him to always end a combination with a jab to the head. My buddy asked me what I thought of that. Well, my boxing coach gave me a similar but more open-ended piece of advice regarding that "rule." He generally advised/taught ...

The Pistol Punch

peter m — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 13:55:39 GMT

Hi John,

I read the thread about the pistol punch on your old Q&A on the SP Dot Com forum.

I've been practicing it from what I can figure out from the thread and I like it a lot, or maybe it likes me a lot. It seems really natural and powerful to me. I really like the fact that it comes up from under the eyeline and is a sneaky shot.

Did you ever use it on anyone taller than you and given the choice would you prefer the pistol punch or an upward rising palm heel shot ...

13-most-irresponsible-self-defense-gadgets-money-can-buy

john cmc — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 12:26:54 GMT

Hey John/Lito,

Take a look at this site, what do you reckon to some of this stuff.

http://www.cracked.com/article_16074_13-most-irresponsible-self-defense-gadgets-money-can-buy.html

john cmc

ps

Appologies if this is in the wrong section.

Anti-social behaviour

Alan Beckett — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 09:56:11 GMT

Could this be the root of the rise in youth crime ??

Today a many youngsters hang around in large groups which the media love to call gangs, personally I think many of them are just groups of youths, because it's a large group there is a lot of noise, youngsters like to show off for their mates so they do things that they would not do on their own or in smaller groups, we also find some stupid people buy drink for these kids who like to think that they are grown up enough to handle that, ...

Richard Ryan Audio Interview

Lito — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 17:25:27 GMT

Hi Everyone,

A month or two ago, I had the opportunity to spend some time with Richard Ryan (of Dynamic Combat renown) at Black Belt magazine's offices. During our time together, I had the chance to pick his brains a bit. Here's a link http://www.blackbeltmag.com/interactive that will take you to Black Belt's Interactive section where you can listen to four segments of my interview with him.

I was able to get some really salient viewpoints and advice out of Rich on the topics of fear, ...

knife culture scotland

john skillen — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 08:41:02 GMT

Hi Alan could you enlighten us the extent of the knife culture in your country. I do know of some serious knife and sword use over the years. Obviously you also have a serious football related violence between two top clubs. Do knives etc, figure greatly in this violence or is a lot of the knife crime exaggerated. I have seen some horrific footage recently featuring the accident and emergency dept of Glasgow.

Take care

John

street effective seminar

john skillen — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 15:42:15 GMT

Street effective Pure Punching- Learn the secret of how to generate real knockout power with single and accumlative knockout effects. Suitible for any style this informative and exciting four hour seminar will give you real skills and drills to enhance your ability in exacting your own self defence when confrontation rears its ugly head. Knockouts - body launguage - hidden stance - application.

This course will be taught by JOHN SKILLEN multifacted martial artist and reality instructor with ...

street effective seminar

john skillen — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 15:35:24 GMT

Terrorism

Alan Beckett — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 10:55:04 GMT

Obviously this is a very emotive subject I dont want anyone to jump on their soapbox but I have to say I'm surprised by the reaction that we get from some quarters when the subject is mentioned.

It has been announced that Scottish police forces are to recieve �4,000,000 over the next two years help combat the terrorist threat and almost immediately the Scottish-Islamic Foundation cautioned against creating a "terror industry" which would need to find work to justify its existence.

How ...

Death from punch

john skillen — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 18:15:48 GMT

A Leicestershire man was punched in the head and fell to the floor whilst on a night out, he was taken to hospital and put onto immediate life support machine, He died shortly after.

One punch ended a life, Whilst the governments in the uk argue over knife crime people are getting punch and kicked to death- glassed and bottled every weekend. I understand that knife crime is prevelent in our society but when are they going to realise that its not the knife or the gun or any other weapon ...

reading/watching sp

dennis_thompson — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 12:36:47 GMT

hi all,

wasn't sure where to post this so,

how much self protection/ma/reality fighting products should we read/watch/listen to.

Should that be our bulk reading/watching material if we are to be serious combatives or is it overkill and time wasteful to spend hours reading and watching tapes of different theories?

should we instead simply go to the club, train, go home and switch to something completely different for sake of balance?

do we really need to watch every new ...

Knife Culture

Chris — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 12:20:49 GMT

Hi all,

I've been thinking recently about edged weapons. In light of the media coverage that is prevelant in the UK at the moment the topic is one that seems to be at the forefront of everyones mind.

I remembered a comment I read some time ago in relation to training with edged weapons. It went something along the lines of

"Train the FMA approach to edged weapons because the material comes from a knife culture."

That seems logical and I can't disagree with the ...

Wisdom of Billy Robinson.

Chris — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 10:40:34 GMT

Hi Dave,

I thought you'd appreciate a taster of the Billy Robinson catch Wrestling DVD's.

All quotes below are direct from the horses mouth.

"Wrestling is a game of physical chess."

"You need as many sparring partners as possible. As many different reactions as possible then you work to beat those reactions."

"Wrestling is making him think you want something you don't."

"Tempt him with something. Never GIVE him anything. It's ...

Blank spots

Alan Beckett — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 10:20:10 GMT

I remember an incident I was in once when I still lived in Glasgow (long time ago), this guy was having a go at me, I remember he sort of barged me with his shoulder and my back hit the wall which was about a foot behind me, the next thing that I remember I was facing the wall having turned fully 180 degrees and he was lying on the floor between the wall and me holding his balls and groaning, another lad pulled me away.

Now it's not hard to geuss what had happened and others filled in the ...

Recovery time and aids

Paul Morton 'Jagunco — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 11:34:26 GMT

I was chatting to a guy the other day who obviously lifted weights. He did Capoeira down in London and so I posed the question: 'How do you fit your weights around your Capoeira?'

I have a lot of trouble fitting extra exercise in because of the exerting nature of capoeira, it makes if difficult to fit other exerting physical activities and still have proper rest periods.

The guy told me, 'Lots of protean and vitamin c supplements.' and when I told him I never take pills unless completely ...

The TOP 5 Heavyweight Boxing Champions

Lito — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 02:42:09 GMT

Hi Jeff, Rusty, and Vic,

Let's pick up where we left off...

To give others the context, here are the previous posts from the "Targets" thread on John's forum.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Lito

Hi Jeff,

I was a bit overzealous in my proclamation that Tyson could have been the best ever. I agree with you that a prime George Foreman and Larry Holmes would have beaten him. I disagree ...

Targets

Lito — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 22:52:04 GMT

Hi John,

What are your preferred targets in real-world engagements? I know your number one target is the head, specifically the jaw (as it is with almost all the street-experienced guys I know). But how about other targets? Which ones have you found the most potently effective AND realistic to attack starting from other targets on the head then working your way down?

Thank you my friend. Take care and God bless...

Best Regards,

Lito

SHOCKNIFE

John B — Sat, 23 Feb 2008 11:49:42 GMT

Hi Guys

Has anybody used one of these? It might also be better to ask if anybody has been able to actually obtain one to even try!

They are available only through Military or LEO suppliers. My armed response Police training partner believes they are licensed to firearm restrictions as if they are lclassed as Stun Guns etc. He's checking but it don't look good! He's a bit too responsable for my liking! Just enter your warrant number Dave!

His buddies say SHOCKNIFE is the slightly ...

Old School Training and Arts

DaveCollins — Tue, 13 May 2008 22:34:40 GMT

Dave, I am sure no one is as qualified to advise on these topics as you so here goes..

I have come across a few things lately which have really piqued my interest in old style pugilism (which I believe means 'bareknuckle') and the strongman training of people like Sandow.

As to Pugilism - can you give me a run down of what range of techniques was used as I understand they allowed elbows, hammerfists, butting, etc?

How effective a street art would pugilism be today compared to oriental ...

Right side, left side.

Alan Beckett — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 10:48:23 GMT

Hi John,

In the martial arts students are always told to train left and right sides equally to keep a balance etc, however in the few confrontations that I have had my main artillery has always been the right hand, I have never actually been in a position where I cant use it, so when I train, I train for the right hand strike, in pressure tests and scenario work the left hand comes into play but never as the big strike.

You have had a lot of real experience, in fights that you have ...

Overhand Right

Lito — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 00:49:42 GMT

Hi John,

On the "Targets" thread, I alluded to the overhand right as being one of the four core knockout punches in boxing. Just curious, what place did it have in your street fighting arsenal? Did you use it with any frequency? If so, was it as prolific a knockout shot for you on the street as say the powerslap?

Thanks pal. I hope all is well on your end...

Take Care,

Lito

Wansbeck Whippet Self Defence

Paul Morton 'Jagunco — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 20:38:22 GMT

Hi

It is with some trepidation that I'm putting my website on here recently started advertising Self defence lessons and hope to get some business soon

http://whippetselfdefencelive.co.uk/index.html

Thanks

Lessons Learned

Alun Williams — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 11:39:02 GMT

Just thought I�d summarise an incident that happened to one of my students recently. I�ll call him John, who is a strong, fit guy in his mid thirties. He has only been training with me for a couple of sessions, but has done some boxing training previously.

John was driving to work in his van and another van overtook him and clipped his wing mirror. The guy driving proceeded to give him some verbal and aggressive gesturing, before cutting John up trying to force him off the road. John ...