Oddly enough, I've been researching Krav Maga lately too, and may end up doing Jiu-Jitsu for the same reason. I did Judo for a couple years when I was a kid, and it was very practical stuff that I'm glad I got in my formative years. It didn't teach much about deflecting punches and kicks, but I can tell you it was emotionally satisfying one time when I got this kid who was bullying me (a black belt in Taekwondo) on the ground and in a choke hold.
For what it's worth, you did the smart thing when you were assaulted. And even though it may have seemed like you didn't do anything, it was probably the confidence that came from martial arts training that allowed you to remain calm and non-reactive to his provocation. If things had escalated, you no doubt would have been more aggressive.
The one thing that especially appeals to me about Krav Maga is that it emphasizes weapon disarming. I'm thinking about getting a concealed carry permit, but am more interested in knowing what to do if a gun or knife is ever pulled on me, without having to resort to lethal force (if it can be helped). Also, I would not want to carry all the time, and these things happen when you least expect them.
Oh man...even fifteen years after the fact, it thrills me to the bone to realize you did that to him. Yes, he always had something like that coming. Fucking bullies, man. *shaking head*
And by the way, whoever steered you towards Judo did you a real service, methinks. After seeing martial arts in movies, I thought (as every kid probably did) that being able to fight meant fancy high kicks that knocked the bad guys out with one blow, a la karate and taekwondo. So back in the middle school days, I had more respect (and fear) for the kids studying karate and taekwondo rather than something "weird" like Judo.
I've since had some exposure to taekwondo (mainly via a black belt who trained with our karate club for a while) and it seems to be mostly rubbish. And your run-in with the ever-feared, all-powerful black belt Dustin Catlett strongly suggests the same, and suggests the importance of knowing things like body control, submissions, takedowns, etc.
I'm really itching to learn some more of that. I just need to find a spot to do it in that's as cool as my old karate club (and let's optimistically assume that any good gym is like that.)
I found a gym here that looks really good. I would be able to do Krav Maga three times per week, kickboxing twice a week, and grappling (hybrid wrestling and BJJ) twice per week. They also have invitation-only Kali and Eskrima classes for more advanced students (weapons fighting and disarming).
I signed up for a one week trial, so I'll know a lot more soon. I'll let you know how it goes!
For what it's worth, you did the smart thing when you were assaulted. And even though it may have seemed like you didn't do anything, it was probably the confidence that came from martial arts training that allowed you to remain calm and non-reactive to his provocation. If things had escalated, you no doubt would have been more aggressive.
The one thing that especially appeals to me about Krav Maga is that it emphasizes weapon disarming. I'm thinking about getting a concealed carry permit, but am more interested in knowing what to do if a gun or knife is ever pulled on me, without having to resort to lethal force (if it can be helped). Also, I would not want to carry all the time, and these things happen when you least expect them.
Please update on what you end up doing!
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Whoever it was, it is 100% awesome that you put a kid in a choke hold. Lol! Well done.
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I've since had some exposure to taekwondo (mainly via a black belt who trained with our karate club for a while) and it seems to be mostly rubbish. And your run-in with the ever-feared, all-powerful black belt Dustin Catlett strongly suggests the same, and suggests the importance of knowing things like body control, submissions, takedowns, etc.
I'm really itching to learn some more of that. I just need to find a spot to do it in that's as cool as my old karate club (and let's optimistically assume that any good gym is like that.)
Reply
I signed up for a one week trial, so I'll know a lot more soon. I'll let you know how it goes!
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