Everyone is more or less at risk of experiencing violence during their life. This is especially true for minorities, and as leftists in today’s political climate. The risk of violence will undoubtedly increase as political climates change, so we must be ready to defend ourselves, our comrades, our family and friends, and our communities.
I practise Krav Maga (I know) and have a limited background in wrestling, Karate, and Judo. It would be great to hear everyone’s thoughts on strategies and tactics for self-defence so we can help each other become more prepared to face violent situations.
If there’s enough interest in the topic I think it would be a good idea to start a community for self-defence.
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If I’m not mistaken, wasn’t taekwondo originally based on Korean martial arts that used the style as a meditation and artful form of fighting? So it was more for demonstration and show then actual combat, so I guess that makes sense that it wouldn’t hold up to well in a street brawl.
But I’m still in awe of people who can do taekwondo, my bulky body would never allow me the flexibility to do a single kick… without breaking 15 different bones lol
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Kicking is risky because it puts the kicker in a vulnerable unbalanced position while performing the kick. IMO kicking is best performed when the opponent doesn’t see it coming so it cannot be countered, such as part of a combination like throwing a high jab and then a round* kick when they block high. Groin strikes are also low risk and can potentially end a fight with one knee/kick.
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Absolutely. As a general rule it’s probably best not to kick I’m a street fight, especially when facing multiple opponents where falling to the ground would be a bad situation. I would never plan to kick and would only do it if it came out naturally.
Kicks are good however for forcing your opponent to hold their distance, or dealing a devastating blow to a fatigued enemy, like how the Side Kick in SAMBO operates. If that lands? Instant KO, and at the very least massive damage. Plus if it misses or doesn’t hit the perfect spot, the opponent is forced to retreat to avoid grappling.
However I agree that kicks are terrible opening moves (except some leg sweeps), and they open the user up to much to counterattacks, especially against an experienced opponent.
Absolutely, kicks are great! I love kicking, the better I get at it the more I do it 😄
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That’s a great mindset, exactly the one I have as well. I really like this quote: “It’s better to avoid than to run; better to run than to de-escalate; better to de-escalate than to fight; better to fight than to die. The very essence of self-defense is a thin list of things that might get you out alive when you are already screwed.”
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I absolutely agree, retreat is always the best form of defense 9 times out of 10. Fights usually happen because of petty or meaningless reasons, and the persecution and trauma that can arise from severally maiming or killing an opponent, even in self defense, is never worth it.
Plus, you never know who might pull out a knife or a gun, and no matter how skilled a fighter you are, that is an unwinnable situation without severe consequences for everyone involved, whether it be physical, mental, or legal.
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Absolutely, it’s not about ego or being a badass. Self-defense is about getting home safe and surviving.
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Cutting out Reddit and Twitter for me was like removing a giant leech so big I just thought it was my arm for the longest time…nope! Major kudos!!
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Wooooooooo! You’ve broken free! That’s really nice to hear!
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Also to answer your question, I would highly recommend Judo for a beginner. It is very easy to start with a very high skill ceiling. It is incredibly “easy” to preform the moves once you master them, as everything is based off of manipulating your opponent’s center of gravity, since kicks and punches are illegal. It is also a wonderful form of exercise, you won’t get bruised up badly like most other forms of martial arts, and it can be a great way to find friends through local gyms!
For the self defense aspect, while it is mainly about focus and concentration, it can be a deadly form of martial arts, as several of the throws that even beginners learn, can shatter spines, break femurs, and snap arms if used in an actual all-holds-off fight. (Though don’t worry, you have to be hellbent on hurting your opponent for that to happen, and the gear you use protects against any minor injuries)
I feel like this is a small cool introduction of some of the more interesting moves: https://youtu.be/4iPCLiYcEHY
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