Fighting

[xi_o_teaz]

As one who studies both the Runes of the Norse Be(a)rserkers (RAAAWR!!!) and the Eastern Philosophy of Martial Arts (ooohm...), I have to wonder which would be better in a struggle for survival

Comments

[werekat]

Staying calm works better in my practice. You get access to more resources. The best version, IMHO, is being able to access the resources of the rage *while* being calm. I have a rage-mode from childhood, when it was the only way to defend myself in school. Yet, back then, I wasn't able to control it - I just attacked wildly. It's still often beneath the skin when I'm out of balance. The only time I was assaulted in my adult life, I remember a very clear feeling that "You're allowed to hurt this person." It was like opening a floodgate - but I was able to surf on top of the flood. As a result, I fought my way past the assailant and was able to leave the scene with no damage whatsoever - not even a mark. Though I have to say this was against an opponent of about equal height and weight to my own, and one who thought that a girl would be an easy target. I have no idea what would happen were I in less favorable circumstances.

[tao_ov_dreaming]

Bezerker every time. The Eastern meditative stuff is all well in a quiet Japanese garden but I have yet to ever see them be effective in a real street situation. I've never seen any of the more meditative arts train in anything close to Emotional Climate Training, which means when the wired crack head with the blade, or the sucker punch from the scumbag in the bar, occurs physiology kicks in and the calm martial arts technique goes out of the window. Even those who regularly train in the most gross motor systems with plenty of ECT and scenario training, don't stay particularly "calm" they just utilise the chemical cocktail in a slightly more effective way.

I'd recommend the work of Tony Blauer or that of Jim Wagner for real world self defence.

[lupagreenwolf]

If you're pretty strong and can afford to get hit a few more times, berserker would work. Otherwise, if you can't afford it, calm and focused. Panicking or otherwise losing your cool is a great way to not pay enough attention to what's actually happening, and if you're up against anyone with any sort of skill whatsoever, the other person will be looking for careless openings. When I trained for a while in a hybrid form of Eastern martial arts mixed with dirty street fighting as a form of self defense, we did a lot of preparation for the untrained assailant who will most likely be emotionally charged but not well trained, and easy to maneuver around.

[heron61]

From what I've read and seen, berserker rage can be singularly effective, but only at destroying your opponent - it is far less good at protecting allies or yourself from harm. Given that those are goals that I regard as vastly more important than effective attack, I consider it a tool solely for the truly desperate and suicidal fanatics. I'll take focused calm any day.

[atlas_mason]

I would hope your brother satan knocks you down for this. You are, admittedly a berserker, but not a battle one. You personally would have a better time of the focus. Honestly, you would have a better time of seeing the tumultuous thing coming and evading....but that is you. Non confrontational in all physical ways. You as an individual are better with your mind. It is the fastest of your resources...the mind is the "fLight" mechanism....The body is the "fight" mechanism. Do not fool yourself, and spend time where you are best so you can escape the zombie attack better by seeing it coming as you will never be the guy fighting them back. Perhaps you should learn something like herbalist and track covering....those sound more up your alley. Not a pugilist, you..

[kaidevis]

Note to the Xi Monster: Yeah, what he said.

Well put, dear sir. And dear Atlas Mason (I can't help but always giggle at that name and its fit to you) I ask you to call me sometime. I lost all your data in the Mighty Lake Girard Cellphone Dip of December '07. Good to see your words en digita; we should trade some realtime. :-)

[atlas_mason]

Are your digits still the same.

[kaidevis]

Yes they are, dear sir. fyi my most current contact info is always here (linked from my userinfo), but Guido was kind enough to give me your number again last night, so I shall be calling you a bit later this evening (unless you decide to ring first.)