Practicing Martial Artists: What is your 1st line of defense?

I suppose odie-wan meant a situation that's already "going physical" and running is not possible before doing some damage.

My first line of defense is me, unarmed, using whatever I picked up at kung fu and jûjutsu classes. If I really needed to hurt someone I'd gravitate towards the kung fu techniques and take off ASAP, but if the situation wasn't "all that serious" I'd go for jûjutsu control holds.

Also, if things looked bad, I'd start using objects that happen to be around. I'd push the opponent into whatever is behind him, bash him with objects, etc.

If those wouldn't work I guess I'd be screwed then:D

- Gon
 
Ed T, As far as legality, Poboy is in Law Enforcement and would be a better source of interpreting that fine line. I think you have a good feel for the mindset of the school though.

I had a friend in the service who had trained in Jujitsu since he was a small boy. He described it by comparing it to a bulldog. If you punch it, it will grab your hand and break your wrist, then your elbow, then your shoulder etc. until you were done.

Kenpo is more like a Phalanx gun system onboard a Naval ship. Missiles flying toward the ship that are perceived as a threat are destroyed with thousands of high density projectiles. As the broken pieces fall toward the water, the largest pieces become the targets. Obviously there is room for restraint but...
 
Thanks for that Link and all the help Poboy & Odie-wan.

I have been fairly intrested in learning martial arts for most of my life but due to family I never really got involved. However very soon hopefully I will be getting involved but I am not sure which type I would like to join. At first I was leaning towards TKD but now after reading a bit about Kempo or Kenpo I am stuck between a rock and a hard place. Can I get some opinions from anyone on pros and cons of each???

thanks *_*
 
I don't think you'd do wrong with either style. Make sure you pick a good SCHOOL though.

IMHO,

If you find a style that matches your personality and beliefs that is taught by a knowledgeable, responsible instructor you should be perfectly happy with that style. If you meet a potential instructor and you think you would have a problem trusting him/her or you are rubbed the wrong way, walk away and find another place.

Individual "styles" simply describe the scope of the methods for dealing with different situations. To varying degrees, ALL styles have shortcomings. Learn what they are before you start so that you can decide if they are acceptable to you.

If the dojo/dojang feels like home and you enjoy going there, you'll do better than if you go to the most reputable school anywhere but don't like the instructor.

It's not the Art. It's the Artist.

(Sorry so long-winded. This is just my opinion but I hope it proves to be good advise. Good luck)
 
Ok, thats cool. Thanks for the advice I'll keep all that in mind.
Personally I don't mind long windedness haha as long as it has a point hehe. and even if it doesn't sometimes it's interesting *_*.
 
Originally posted by *Cho*
At first I was leaning towards TKD but now after reading a bit about Kempo or Kenpo I am stuck between a rock and a hard place. Can I get some opinions from anyone on pros and cons of each???
Click to expand...
You might want to tell what you want from your martial art.

Better health? Muscle performance? Aerobic performance?
Mental benefits? Meditation? "Chi" exercises? "Mindset"? Alertness? Psychology?
Self-protection? How soon do you want to be effective? Half a year, five years, ten years?
Legal aspects of self defense?
Fighting skills that are more suited for the battlefield and not necessarily for self defense?
Weapons? Firearms? Traditional as in swords, knives...?
Historical/cultural knowledge?
Medical knowledge - how to cure wounds, bruises, joint problems, etc.?
Competition (as in sport)?

I do not know a single art that has all of this, so I guess you'll have to prioritize a bit.

I have very little knowledge about Kempo.
So far I consider TKD mostly sport+fitness, with very little other factors. I've seen guys from maybe three, four different dojos (dojangs?) plus some guys from Han Moo Do (other Korean art, partly derived from TKD) to form this view. I sparred with a beginner (OK I'm a beginner myself too:)) and had no difficulty at all - there was nothing the TKD guy could do once I closed to middle distance. Also I saw a more skilled guy (who taught me at the time), who had about 3yrs experience in a single art by then, spar black & blue belt TKD and HMD guys. Again no competition. I know the difference would have grown greater if harder contact were used - the TKD guys' legs had a hard time as things were.
I hope people can distinguish this from malicious accusations. I'm just telling my personal experiences and do not claim these are applicable to all of TKD.

- Gon
 
Well I am going to be joining because 1) I want something that will push me very hard and improve my level of fitness and strength and 2)I just want to learn a useful means of self defence.
 
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