I just wondered what actual fights people on this message board have gotten into. Did it end seriously? Could it have been avoided? What were you feeling during and after the incident?

I myself have narrowly avoided some potentially dangerous situations. But when i sleep at night, i think about these things and it gets me really angry! And then i think to myself, if something like this happens again, will i lose my sense of thought and get into a fight? I find the basis of this extremely frightening, and can't help but become more pessimistic towards society as a whole. As a child i use to get into fights all the time, and kind of know how bad it can sometimes get. Truthfully, i prefer to practice martial arts but never have to use it in a real life situation, ever.

I know exactly how you feel;

Today, infact, I had a group of guys try to intimidate me into giving them cigarettes, (I don't even smoke!), and they started to get in my face when I obviously ignored them.
It's weird, as this is the first confrontation that I've had sence I've started JKD;
Mentally, there was no way I was going to let any of them lay a finger on me, but I must admit, the suddeness of the situation left me a little physicall indeciseve.

I've come to the point in my life where there is no way in hell that I'm gonna be taken advantage of again, even when (as was the case today) there is a group of thugs there.

Cowardice is easily recognisable in its many guises, and you start to understant the motivation of bullies etc more when you tackle your own cowardice.

The frustration you feel really comes down to you;

When these things seem so unfair, and people seem like such bastards, youu must simply see the situation as it is;
Humans are a race of overpowerering cowards, doing anything to get one up on the next guy. This is how we got to the top of the food chain!
these incidents will always be happening, and getting worked up about them wil only give you a peptic alser!
The best you can hope to do is teach the next a-hole that confronts you a lesson, and just be the best person that you can be!

I used to actually lose hours of sleep stressing sbout how much crap I get on the streets etc, but when I understood the motivations of such people a little better, i just felt a little sad.

If you want to tackle some of the injustices of the world, maybe try what I do, and give to charity, and pretty soon I will be sponsoring a child, which helps a lot more than getting pissed off!

Hope this inspires some deep, contemplative Zen-like thought!

Jake P

jakep - You can go sponser a child. I'll keep sponsering condoms and birth control. There are way too many stupid people having kids.

Lan-di - I wouldn't worry about people off the streets, thugs, etc. Just leave people alone, mind your own business, try and become self dependant on as many things as possible including your own personal happiness. The less you NEED other people, the better. Learn to talk less and listen more, read A LOT....a little of everything, stay in and take school as far as you can afford financially. Be open-minded and go experience as much as life can offer you. Don't be bitter at society. Realize life is a game that you play. Don't take things too seriously; most things in life shouldn't be. Avoid places that attract trouble, violence, crime, drugs, etc. Exercise, eat healthy and in moderation, be nice to others and stress morality and common courtesy and you'll be alright.

Thanks fellas. Overall, I think I'm not too pessimistic towards life or people. It's just some times life just seems to deal you a muay thai knee to the balls! But seriously, you guys have re-awakened the tao-ist in me, thanks for the supportive words my friends.

Be pessimistic if u want to, if u choose, you can not let other people's beliefs and morals and views cloud ur own thought. if u wanna b pessimistic then be pessimistic, if u want to fight someone then fight someone, if u want, you could choose not to compete to become morally perfect, or physically able, or to get better than anyone else. get some pepperspray if u'd like. hey, but don't listen to me, i'm just saying my views. but maybe if u stop letting how u should feel and what u should do cloud ur mind, then u won't be the best, but u will feel the best emotion and experience in everything u do, and instead of trying toe exceed everything us ee, you will enjoy everything u see. even bullies tryingt to intimidate u.
but if inside u feel as though u should do something in a situation because u feel its wrong, not because uve been told its wrong but because it is, then do something about it. dont let it get to the stage where u get nervous because u have conflicting thoughts about whether to be angry, pasive, aggressive. do what u feel deep down. that's usually right. and if not, then oh well, atleast uve had the experience of it all, right?
im not saying be immoral or agressive, just do whatever the hell u like. thats the beauty u have the choice.
Jowan

I agree, the freedom of choice is one that we all have. Just remember that you must stand by your actions and your actions are what define you. It's easy to say you would have done something but its harder to do it.

Street fights can end badly. Just three weeks ago. I had a student who had left for some out of state work. He had not been gone but three days. I gat a call from his brother in law. He had been arrested for fighting.He had gone to a bar after work with a friend . They weere getting ready to leave. To people got up and said I am going to kick your Nazi ??? . The fight started. He kicked one in the chest with a side kick. The guy. Fell back and down He mounted and trapped both arms cross trap. Punched the guy 4 to five times got up fight was over he left. But then was arrested for assault . The guy had to have some surgury To his face. Perhaps the Nose. It cost him 6.000 dollars to bond out and get a lawer. The lawer thinks he may get off. But if not he can get 1 to 5 years. Its over a thousand miles from where he lives. So he will be going back and forth to court. The other people started the fight. He defended hiself. But he was the one to be sent to jail. Why. The other people lost the fight but the police was called. And charges went to him. So even if you fight because you may have to. You can still end up in jail. Then have to prove self defence. This costs money and time. And its not really worth it. So. Watching where you go. And try your best not to fight might be a good choice. Thers a good chance he will have the charges dropped. But still he had to pay some pretty good bucks. So in the end he still loses. And he is not a Nazi or even a young person. Hes over 40. Just had to fight at that time.

That is the catch. One thing that I believe should be also taught is what to do after a fight. Many people think that they can just get up and walk away after a fight. The best thing that should be done is to stay were the fight was, have the police called and wait. The goal in todays world is to see not only who wins the fight, but who gets to the police first. This will help in covering yourself. Think of it like this, you just got beat by someone and the police walk up and asks if you want to press any charges. Revenge is sweet.

I remeber feeling really pumped up and excited about a fight I was in. I was full of energy for a few seconds during the fight. But then all of a sudden, it felt like someone put a plastic bag over my head and started to cut off my breathing. It was a strange feeling, I don't think it was a lack of physical endurance. I felt scared, angry and nervous, almost felt sick to my stomach, like I had butterflys in my stomach. I'm lucky that I was a better fighter at the time, cause I was so drained, I had to relie on good techniques, not on brute force.

Phases ®

That's kind of the feeling I get when I'm caught off-guard by someone, and know that it could end up in violence.
Those few seconds of indecision,(are they going to hurt you/are you mistaken about their intent etc) are pretty crazy.

I am at a very ameture level, so my thoughts and movements are very crystallised in such situations.

Hopefully, through taking a few lumps and improving my technique and fitness, I won't have to think so much when the next crack-head tries it on...!

Jake, youre right... "Hopefully, through taking a few lumps and improving my technique and fitness, I won't have to think so much when the next crack-head tries it on...!"

From that last real fight I was in, I took a hard look at what techniques I used in the fight. I guess I wasnt thinking too clearly when It all happened, because I resorted to a Football style tackle, and grabbing and trying to throw the guy around. I never practice these types of tech's and I wonder why that was my first reactions. I'm lucky my opponent wasnt a Wrestler or Grappler, because thats what I was doing and it's for sure not my A-game. It wasnt untill I put my enemy in a standing Guiliteen choke hold that I realized that I'm not doing any damage and I'm just draining my energy from using brute force. So, I held him for what seemed like forever, I released my grip, pushed him back enough to elbow him in the jaw. The fight was over. I still think of that fight from time to time and think about how ineffient I was. I should of used the energy from that tackle and Straight Blasted him.

Oh well, I learned my lesson.



Phases ®

have you looked into BJJ?
I've taken a few classes now, and although it seems a little unnatural and technical at firts, (compared with stand-up), I can see how a basic knowledge of ground fighting would blow most people away.
Apart from being a novice, the only problem I find with it is that it helps if you have some weight on you to manipulate your opponent, which I have very little of!
I'm sure skill will overcome such limitations, but just imagining me trying to manhandle some huge guy is a funny image indeed!

Ive tried some BJJ thru some PFS JKD training, Catch Wrestling and Ive done lots of ground fighting with a Aikido Black Belt. There is no doubt in my mind that Grappling/Ground Fighting is an important thing to learn. That fight I was in would have been the perfect situation to use grappling because it was a one-on-one fight, in a hallway in a apartment building. I have some basic ground fighting concepts, but not enough skill to take out any Blue Belt BJJ guy, well, I won't win playing his game.

I think the best things to learn in BJJ or any Grappling/Ground fighting style is to be able to transition to any position, on the ground. Move from gaurd to mount, back to your feet. Gaining positions (on the ground) is like the Footwork to a boxer or a JFJKDer. Im not a professional fighter, but this makes sense to me. I also feel that small joint manipulations are safer to go for then Arm-Bars or Leg Locks... And a good Rear Choke is good stuff to learn too. And of course, the Ole' Ground-N'-Pound stuff is good to practice.

I think that natural movement is a real asset on the ground, or any place for that matter.
I've had a little light 'sparring' in a BJJ class, and found myself trying to remember all these moves, when really fluid movement and composure would have served me better.
Obviously these moves/positions etc will be absorbed with time, and I felt that if I could have remembered them at the time, I may have been more successful.

When you are grappling in training, where do your eyes go?
I find myself not actually staring straight at my opponent, more like the centre of the torso.
For some reason, this 'peripheral' way of watching just sort of happens for me, wether good or bad I don't know.

I suppose the bruised and painful joints will be the judge of that!

For grappling watching the chest is usually your best bet, but you cannot get tunnel vision with it. A basic understanding of grappling aids any fighter greatly in a fight. I'm not talking just about BJJ either, freesytle or roman greco wrestling is just as good to get you a basic understanding. I've seen a wrestler last longer in a fight than a BJJ practioner, and vice versa its all about situation they are in.

Some advantages are you will be able to control the speed of a fight. Grappling it the ying to the JKD yang. A JKD fighter is explosive attacks and it is about pressing the attack. Grapplers of any style bid their time and what for the proper moment of attack. If you are able to round yourself off with a little grappling you will be able to confuse most people. Also it is usually easier to find someone to grapple with you than spar.

Some disadvanges to grappling is that you can get tunnel vision in just one person, also you can get tied up in a postion that is a very bad spot to be in very easily.

One of my favorite things to do if I get into a fight is to lock up with someone and then step back quickly pulling there head down and bringing either my knee or elbow to there face. Lots of damage and if done right you can maintian control of the person.

I used to grapple with a guy that would sometimes keep his eyes closed, he beat me everytime! haha! That dude was unreal, and his physical endurance was awesome. I think he had a Black Belt in Judo and at the time, was training with a Frank Shamrock affiliate.

Phases ®

What would you say are the main diffirences between BJJ and Grecko-Roman?
I have always assumed that BJJ encorperated more leg movement.

greco is more of a standing grappling art, they spend alot time clinching and no leg takedowns are allowed.

In bjj there are judo throws, joint locks, chokes none of which greco has. But both are good.

how would you fight someone who is a monster compared to you (alot bigger stronger and more agressive). And lets say you can have the element of surprise and the first attack on him. What attack form would you choose? Lets say his arms are near his sides so you cant hit him in the ribs since itll just hit his arm and his gut is so tough and pumped up he wont feel andy punches there. Lets also say he has a great chin and a hit to the face wont do him much damage and hes so tall you would really have to egt close to him to even reach him there. ALso lifting him up wouldnt work well because his legs and body is massive and he would just drop his weight and manhandle you in the clinch by throwing you through a window. You could turn him around with one hand by grabbing his wrist and than put him in a neck hold or drop him from behind but once hes down than what? but often he can pull his hand back before you can even grab the wrise with the opposite hand and embarass you right there.

basically how would you confront a guy like that if he insulted you and your family. Or talked about your brother inf ront of you and isnulted him. Or spit on you ro threw something at you? What technique would you use.

FIghtingAce, Punt Kick him in the balls and run the other way! 50% chance the kick in the balls may not work, but atleast it's a distration for a second for you to run away and grab your baseball bat... If he still wants a piece of you, hit a homerun for your mom and your brother.

You should be practicing self-preservation and don't let your ego and pride get the better of you.

"The art of fighting, with out fighting"

Phases ®

Spit in his face/jab his eyes, quick palm smash to the groin, if he's still alive and kicking, you now have the option to walk (or run!) away, or finish him off.

When I am walking in ceratin areas, I always try to chew gum;
Not because my breath stinks, but because it seem like a very unpredictable distraction to spit gum at someones face, to then follow up with something like what I mentioned above.

It's similar to tossing a ball to someone and shouting 'catch', if they are caught unawares they instinctively react.

Think about the weakest points of the anatomy.

hi elite guard. There are 2 points I can see here. the first is the guy you describe does not exist, no ones chin is so strong a solid punch can not take out. also if you hit them in the bicep you will give them a dead arm especially if they are pumped up as the blood vessels will burst.



The second point would be that your punches are weak. As above, no one is so strong that a good punch can not KO. There is no such thing as an invincible chin. Yes you can hit them in the balls, but if your skill level means you have to strike the balls the eyes etc as the only way to take big strong guys out, I would suggest an re-evaluation of your techniques.

When a big guy comes at you its like a small guy too, you hit and continue hitting untill they stop wanting to hurt you or they can not hurt you. Hit them hard and fast. Of course hitting them in the groin etc is also good lol.

Question everything, Know nothing.

Hit them and run if you feel intimidated. It's a natural feeling, and if you feel that way, it will show in your performance. You can try and mask that feeling, but deep down, it will harm your reactions. Just be honest with yourself, in that moment. Fights are crazy and out of control, your perfect techniques become a little sloppier and wild, sometimes. If you feel confedent, then fight... if you are out numbered, or feel that your opponent will win, then leave the scene, if possible.

If you win, lose, or you ran... think about that situation. Ask yourself, why and how did I win/lose? Why did I run? Did I run because of a lack of confedence? How do I gain confedence, do I need to train smarter/harder to feel more confedent in a fight?

Live to fight another day.

Amen to that.

Phases, I almost always feel intimidated if I know someone wants to fight me or I have to meet someone in a fight. No atter who they are I always have bad thoughts and feel my techniques even though i use them in sparring will fail and I will be embarassed. My biggest fear is embarassment, and confrontation. I think its becasue I was bullied in high school (mentally or with words) and I never stood up for myself becasue I was a loner and dreaded embarassment. Another thing is I have some inferiority complexes and self esteem issues I sometimes feel like I got over but sometimes they come back to me. I feel like I will be knocked out with just one punch and I wont even have a chance to use my training or other bad things. People also sometimes stare me down or in subtle ways make me look bad. Like a waiter would throw a napkin at me, or rush me rudly, and walk away and in public places I wouldnt react. Or someone would make a comment about me and I would hear them but I wouldnt confront them unless they get physical. Or someone would cut in line right in front of me and I wouldnt react.

Its funny because when I'm sparring or someone hits me first and the fight is on I do very well. But I always lose mentally before the fight even begins and feel like a punk afterwards that I didnt stand up for myself.

The saying I know what I know. And I can do what I do. Trust your self. To over think of the what ifs brings defeat. To be humble. And not let just anything bring you to fight. That is a good way. But when training, sparring and fighting. See it as a game. have say fun doing it. Fighting is a skill game. You pit your skill aginst another. No more no less. To be better that day. Trust your mind. What it holds if let go to act is your knowledge. Train harder, be your best allways. And when you feel better about who you are. You will then not worry what others think. And will know what you do Though we can allways improve is what you do.

I know what you mean, but these things can be overcome with understanding of yourself;
I was always on my own socially, for various reasons, and I spent quite a few years pretty messed up, and not liking myself very much!

Thanks to the wise words of Bruce Lee, (I was recounting an interview I had just seen, whilst sitting on the bus), I came to realise that many of the problems I faced were simply down to myself;
negative thoughts are not 'forced into your head' by other people, there are creations of you own mind.

Basically, I had just been humilliated once again by some people who saw me as an easy target, etc etc, but truthfully, it was I who was fabricating this feeling of self-loathing;
I was simply allowing myself to take the easy route, and feel bad about my situation without really doing anything constructive about it.

About a year has passed since that fateful busride, (in which I also gave up smoking, and heavy drinking, havn't looked back since!), and I know for a fact that I have many more oppertunities and positive aspirations open to me nowdays;
It's my birthday today, and I was once again hassled by some people, (i'm pretty short and slim, so I like like a pushover), but, thanks to knowing myself a little better every day, even faced with a small group of a-holes, I wasn't too fussed.
I didn't over-think, panic, or avoid eyecontact etc, all sure signs of a person who is afraid, and I'm pretty sure that if any one of those drunks came at me agressively, there would be some people with a hangover and their nuts in a bucket of ice the next morning!!!

The idea of thinking of combat 'a bit like a game' is a good point, as this encorperates relaxation, alertness, and commitment in the moment, according to various JKD sources.
That doesn't mean bounce around all happy and shout "TAG!!!you're it!!!", it's just a good creative mindset, for a tough situation.

I reccomend a little research into your own self,Zen Bhuddism has inspired me greatly, and helped me to look from'ouside myself', so that I can better undertand my inner process.

This message will self destruct in 5 seconds........

the only time I feel confident is when I'm drunk or am around strong willed people (like criminals). I was always attracted to losers, outlaws, and criminals because they in my opinion were tough and would not give in to society and to bullies but would fight back right away using physical force and intimidation. And because I was a social outcast and felt hatred toward society. Everytime I started hanging around them I was influenced by them and I knew they were wrong but I felt and feel more powerful and important.

Elite said...

"Phases, I almost always feel intimidated if I know someone wants to fight me or I have to meet someone in a fight. No atter who they are I always have bad thoughts and feel my techniques even though i use them in sparring will fail and I will be embarassed. My biggest fear is embarassment, and confrontation. I think its becasue I was bullied in high school (mentally or with words) and I never stood up for myself becasue I was a loner and dreaded embarassment. Another thing is I have some inferiority complexes and self esteem issues I sometimes feel like I got over but sometimes they come back to me. I feel like I will be knocked out with just one punch and I wont even have a chance to use my training or other bad things. People also sometimes stare me down or in subtle ways make me look bad. Like a waiter would throw a napkin at me, or rush me rudly, and walk away and in public places I wouldnt react. Or someone would make a comment about me and I would hear them but I wouldnt confront them unless they get physical. Or someone would cut in line right in front of me and I wouldnt react.

Its funny because when I'm sparring or someone hits me first and the fight is on I do very well. But I always lose mentally before the fight even begins and feel like a punk afterwards that I didnt stand up for myself."

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

I guess I was on the opposite end, growing up. I was a bully for many years. You said that you had/have a low self-esteem, well, usually the person doing the bullying has a low self-esteem as well, its just that he/she is reacting to the feeling, differently. I found, from experience, the best way to over come bullying, is by confronting them. This reminds me of when I was in highschool, I was with my friends, smoking weed and just causing trouble around the area. I ghost ride my bike and it went down a hill and hit a parked car, I thought it was the funniest thing, untill the owner came out, slammed me up against a wall, slapped my glasses off and gave me the HARDEST right cross that I've ever experienced in my life! My left eye closed shut in a matter of seconds. That moment changed my life, I was finally confronted by someone, someone twice my size, and probally twice my age. I started to think about my so called friends that stood there watching, I thought about my bullying and how I try to get laughs from these so called friends. The main reason I probally bullied people around school was because I didnt want to be bullied myself, I wanted to show that I wasnt going to let people bully me around. Plus, I did it to fit in, my highschool was pretty rough, there was always fights going on and here was little old me, new to the area trying to fit in with these animals. Hahaha! To be an animal, you gotta act like one.

I dont want to bore you with stories, but just last week, at work, there is a guy about my size and every time he walks by, he will steal my baseball cap, or slap me on the arm. I was getting a bit annoyed by these actions and I wanted to stop being so passive, so he came up behind me to "sneak attack" me again, this time I turned around and gave him and quick jab to the stomach and he dropped his coffey cup and broke it. ha! It was a friendly punch, but enough power to let him know that I'm getting tired of his games. I just walked away and didnt say anything after I jabbed him. I think he was shocked that I stood up for myself and he said (in a nervous voice) that I owed him a new paper(?) coffey cup. At lunch time, we were talking like normal co-workers.

I think the best way to deal with a bully is by watching why he is bullying people (you) in the first place. Is he doing it to make his friends laugh? If so, then you gotta get this guy alone and talk to him in private, tell him you don't like the way he's treating you. If it continues, then you should defend yourself. If the bully is doing this to you just because he's testing you, then defend yourself. Use the same force that he applys to you.


Feels like I'm rambling... ha!


Peace!


Phases ®

It's not the best idea to confront a bully with his friends about, because chances are he will just feel pressured into proving himself by giving you a harder time.
Just say you want a word alone with him, no BS, and tell him straight that if he carries on, then you will be forced to take action,(whatever you think is appropriate).

I was getting a lot of grief right up until the last days of school, and I was getting so wound up about it that I literally wanted to jam a pen in this kids throat the next time he tried to intimidate me.
I'm naturally pretty good-natured, so lucky for him (and me!) That school ended before I snapped, and did something I would have regretted.

I hated school back then, but nowdays, I wouldn't mind it so much, because I have learned that it is far more worthwhile do develop inner strength and fight for yourself, than to get pushed around, and feel crappy.
Truthfully, the kid who was giving me isht was a year or so below me, and part of the reaso I didn't do anything was that I didn't want to lose face by hitting some punk kid.

The reality is, he was a threat, whichever way you look at it,(he had his brother try to swerve into me with his car, whilst I was on the pavement etc), and I there is NO SHAME in defendig yourself, except for that which you create inside your own head.

If you don't mind me asking, how often do you drink?
Do you smoke, smoke weed etc?
I found that these things can easily cloud you judgement after a certain ammount of useage,(I mean generally, not just when you're avtually taking them), and I feel that because of my detatched head-state, I could not calm of focus myself atall well.

Hope this is helpful.

Regards, J Pepworth

I agree with Mr. Pepworth... Get that bully alone, and away from his adoring fans. I found, that I got a rush from all the attention I would get from my friends when I would pick on people. Sounds kinda sick when I think of it, but I think it's true. If you try to confront a bully in front of his fans, he will feel pressure to do somthing about it, usually violence is on his mind. And you better believe he's gonna go nutz on your scared ass, cause he doesnt want to look like a loser in front of his peers. High school is a weird place, it's like prison. haha!!! Or atleast my high school was like that, we called it, "Da Rutland Zoo".

Phases ®

If you are sure that you could fight the bully and defend your self, the best way I´d say would to say the most stupid thing that comes to your mind, he says something to hurt your feelings then compliment him, he says something degrading, say something nice to him, but not in a way that can be misunderstood as an insult, "don´t look so tough, you are much cuter when you smile" , most of those people who feel the need to make people feel bad have problems of theyr own.
And if you reply in that way and just smile at him, he will either leave you alone or attack you either way a good reasult. :D

you could just take a dump in his gym bag when he's not looking.
I'd be scared if someone did that to Me!

Tell him you think he's cute when he gets mad. haha!

Phases ®

Hey i definitely agree what Ulfurinn (spelling?) said. I think sometimes it's best not to have a reason for them to start a fight with you and just say nice things! That way, he'll be confused.

Also i think it's true what Phases said about having to stick up for yourself. No one else is going to do it for you! I'll tell you about an incident that I witnessed in college about 2 years ago. In the canteen i always saw this kid (aged 17 perhaps?) get bullied by a group of trendy guys, simply because the kid was of sikh religion and wore a turban. They would occasionally tug on his turban! One day, i decided to go over and speak to the guy about these thugs who are bullying him. Unfortunately, he didn't seem to be very talkative (understandibly) and perhaps thought me approaching was slightly odd.

Later on in the year I was walking my missus to her car which was in the college car park, this was when i caught site of the asian kid sitting in his car by himself. He appeared to have a bleeding lip, probably had been in a fight moments before. He seemed to be crying, but had a real serious face, really determined. Suddenly, one of the guys who had been bullying him was walking through the car park too, that was when i realised that the asian kid was waiting for him. The Asian kid got out of his car, to my dismay, he had be roughed up pretty bad, his face was pretty bruised and had a lot of blood on his shirt. Furthermore, he was holding a cricket bat! ****, i thought. Instead of beating up the bully, they exchanged words, and then he threw the cricket bat to the bully. The bully picked it up but was unsure of what to do with it. Tha asian kid went to punch him, that was when the bully took swing. Fortunely, the kid ducked to the side and raised his arm in response to the attack. he got hit but continued to punch the bully in the face rapidly, almost like a straight blast (but arms were very awkward!) The fight ended with the asian kid kicking the bully whilst he was on the ground. The carpark security guy came and stopped the fight. In the end, i managed to see the asian kid throw the cricket bat into the trunk of his car before getting back in the seat to drive off.

My girlfriend was absolutely mortified and drove off hastily. i learnt a valueable lesson too. no matter who you are or where you're from, the world is full crazy bad-asses.

Yea, its true, you gotta stick up for yourself. I had friends in school that would get picked on a bit by older students and If I saw it, I would jump in to kick the bullys ass if it came to that. Even now, if a bully twice someones size started to pick fights with the small guys, I'll jump in. I think I do it cause I still got that bully in me and I feel it takes a bully to beat a bully. ha! If it's not a fair fight, I'll help the under dog or just take over the situation completely and start bullying the bully. Everyone should be like that, don't you think? This world would be a nicer place.

Phases ®

Talking of real street fights, one thing I'll say is, alchohol is bad!!!!!!!

Basically, after what hapened last night, if you could see my messed up face, you may reconsider getting drunk and visiting public places!

All I remember is falling down, and waking up in the emergency room!!!!!!

This also appears in a stand alone thread that I messed up and didn't post it here. But, oh well.

I got tackled from behind a while back, I had been training BJJ for about 3 months at the time. I won't go into details WHY I got tackled, but the gist of the action was, I was knocked to the ground, the guy was trying to grab ahold of me from behind and hit me - because of my (very little) training in BJJ I was able to get him off my back, roll him onto his back, secure him from hitting me more or doing any other damage to me, and then get up safely - this was on asphalt.

I got a roughed up knee (akin to rugburn), my hand got scraped a bit, but that's it.

I can say I'm glad of my BJJ training, I feel more confident that if something does happen and I do go to the ground, I'll have a much better chance of getting up without damage than if I had no training in it at all.

The arguments about multiple attackers, glass on the ground, etc all mean you are in even MORE trouble if you don't know what to do on the ground. Avoid it like the plague, but if you do go down, hope you know what you're doing so you can minimize the damage to your body and maximize your escape, that's my opinion about BJJ and the "street".

-Z

helo everyone:I'm new to this forum . I just wanted to add my few cents.. theguy nick named "anonymous" there is always to sids of the coin. with law issues. if you "overly" defend yourself and beat the grap out of the other people really bad then, in the laws eyes...YOU become the aggressor, espeacialy if your a martial artist from out of town. you can call thepolice your self and MAYBE beat them to the rap by telling your story first, but staying in the area is NOT a good idea, because other people may jump into thefight, and fighting multiple oponents is not that easy. where I live you better jump on a plane and leave town, because every who loses a fight, comes back for vengance with a weapon!