patrick_eudy
28-Sep-2004, 12:29 PM
ANATOMY OF A TRAINED STREET FIGHTER
By Patrick Eudy
I’ve understood for years that the flashy side of martial arts is not what street fighting is all about. It’s easy to see that fancy kicks and complex techniques are just not practical in a combat situation. Is it possible to knock someone out with a spinning kick to the head? Yes, it’s possible. But even with tons of practice, techniques like that don’t offer a high probability of success against an angry person who wants to do you harm. The techniques which make up the backbone of your training should be those most likely to succeed on the street.
This thought process forces me to constantly evaluate what I’m doing, why I’m doing it, and where I’m going. I know where I want to go. I want to be a skilled and competent martial artist. But what does that mean? Most importantly, what does that mean to me?
I believe a skilled martial artist will defend himself on the street in much the same manner as he would defend himself instinctively if he never had a day of training. There is no reason why the techniques used by a trained fighter need to be very different from instinctive combat methods. Of course, techniques will be refined with training. But what separates a trained fighter from the “average Joe” is not the number of techniques he can perform. The trained fighter is different because when he employs his instinctive fighting method, he does so with control, strategy, and composure.
I think it’s important not to venture too far from your instinctive methods. If your self-defense comes naturally, it’s more likely to flow freely under the stress of combat. Since you will be inclined to revert to what comes naturally in a fight, why not focus your training on tweaking what feels natural instead of devising a whole new way of defending yourself?
For example, before I ever received any training I felt the best thing to do in a standing fighting situation was to attack with multiple hard punches – preferably to the face, and preferably without warning. If a fight should go to the ground, I believed it was best if I could straddle my opponent so I could restrict his movement and fight with gravity in my favor.
Now that I’ve had some training and I’ve experienced heavier contact, I’ve realized my gut feelings about standup fighting were correct, at least for me. And the best ground fighters in the world strive to attain the mounted position, just as I would’ve when I was ten years old. I’ve spent a lot of time practicing kicks, but I still can’t really see myself kicking above the waste in a street fight. Even though my front kick is fairly quick and my side kick is pretty powerful, I’d rather rely on my hands. Kicking above the waste just feels too risky.
However, I don’t feel I’m wasting my time by practicing techniques I’m unlikely to use on the street. I don’t believe the techniques matter too much, as long as you have some you’re good at. And it doesn’t make sense to dismiss a technique altogether simply because it isn’t one of your “bread and butter” techniques. There’s always the possibility you will have the need and opportunity to pull something different out of your hat when you find yourself in a fight.
I think using a wide variety of training exercises helps build the elements that are essential – control, strategy, and composure. I am convinced of this because, even though I probably wouldn’t use many of my techniques on the street, I am confident I can now utilize my instinctive fighting method much more effectively than I could before I began my training. In order to understand how training hones your instinctive fighting method, it is necessary to define the three characteristics of a well-trained martial artist.
Control means being in command of what your whole body is doing, both offensively and defensively. It includes the ability to strike and kick what you aim at. It also means knowing how to apply a choke, lock, or any other technique you use correctly, and understanding the effects of that action on the human body. If you have control, your movements are not random. They are efficient and purpose-driven.
Strategy means having a plan for defeating your opponent. This doesn’t mean when you sense a fight coming you quickly devise a plan to win. Strategy is developed in training, and it is ingrained deep within. You don’t have to think about it in a fight, but it is there.
Composure is the ability to keep your wits about you in a fight. You don’t freeze when you feel fear or pain, or when something unexpected occurs. You don’t allow anger to overcome you to the point that you put yourself in an unfavorable position.
Possessing all three of these characteristics does not guarantee you a victory on the street, but it does give you a distinct advantage. If you have all three, you’re in elite company. Many people have some of these characteristics, but only well-trained fighters have them all. Let’s explore that idea further.
Person A has been in dozens of street fights. He learned to fight in bars and back alleys. He’s strong and mean, and he doesn’t mind imposing his will on anybody who crosses him. He has composure coming out his ears. Why shouldn’t he? He’s stopped people dead in their tracks many times. He’s also been the recipient of some pretty severe beatings – and he’s still here. So, of course he has a cool head. He also has a bit of strategy that he learned the hard way. But when a fight starts, he attacks wildly with everything he’s got. That’s the only way he knows to do it. Sometimes he hits and sometimes he misses. What he’s lacking is the control that comes with training.
Person B has been studying the martial arts for several years. He is graceful and he has beautiful technique. In fact, he knows hundreds of techniques. When point sparring, he wins far more often than he loses, even against other advanced students. He has control and strategy. But he hasn’t spent much time sparring with heavy contact. He is missing the composure that comes from being in situations where you experience pain and you can feel your opponent’s will to beat you.
Person C has never participated in any type of martial art or combative sport. He’s also never been in a fight, aside from a few scuffles on the playground as a kid. He’s just an average, easygoing guy with a fairly gentle disposition. But he’s a man, and if you threaten him or push him far enough, he will fight. If he is forced to fight, he will do so until his opponent is no longer a threat, or until he himself is physically unable to continue. His willpower and sense of pride give him composure. But he lacks the control and strategy of a well-trained fighter.
These examples illustrate the weaknesses of people who don’t possess the three essential characteristics of a trained street fighter. They also demonstrate why well-rounded martial arts training can provide the student with a huge advantage in a physical confrontation.
The ways in which training exercises can enhance your street effectiveness are endless. Kata improves control. Full-contact sparring increases your composure. Point sparring builds control and strategy. The list goes on and on. The important thing to remember is that none of the essential elements can be neglected in training. Many different training regimens can produce a competent fighter, but every good martial arts program has one thing in common. They all help the student develop control, strategy, and composure.
The theory that skilled fighters must possess these three essential characteristics goes hand-in-hand with traditional ideas about the unification of mind, body, and spirit. Strategy is a process of the mind. Control is a function of the body. Composure is dependent upon your spirit. If a fighter is lacking any of the three characteristics, then his mind, body, and spirit are not unified.
*Please feel free to contact the author by replying to this post
By Patrick Eudy
I’ve understood for years that the flashy side of martial arts is not what street fighting is all about. It’s easy to see that fancy kicks and complex techniques are just not practical in a combat situation. Is it possible to knock someone out with a spinning kick to the head? Yes, it’s possible. But even with tons of practice, techniques like that don’t offer a high probability of success against an angry person who wants to do you harm. The techniques which make up the backbone of your training should be those most likely to succeed on the street.
This thought process forces me to constantly evaluate what I’m doing, why I’m doing it, and where I’m going. I know where I want to go. I want to be a skilled and competent martial artist. But what does that mean? Most importantly, what does that mean to me?
I believe a skilled martial artist will defend himself on the street in much the same manner as he would defend himself instinctively if he never had a day of training. There is no reason why the techniques used by a trained fighter need to be very different from instinctive combat methods. Of course, techniques will be refined with training. But what separates a trained fighter from the “average Joe” is not the number of techniques he can perform. The trained fighter is different because when he employs his instinctive fighting method, he does so with control, strategy, and composure.
I think it’s important not to venture too far from your instinctive methods. If your self-defense comes naturally, it’s more likely to flow freely under the stress of combat. Since you will be inclined to revert to what comes naturally in a fight, why not focus your training on tweaking what feels natural instead of devising a whole new way of defending yourself?
For example, before I ever received any training I felt the best thing to do in a standing fighting situation was to attack with multiple hard punches – preferably to the face, and preferably without warning. If a fight should go to the ground, I believed it was best if I could straddle my opponent so I could restrict his movement and fight with gravity in my favor.
Now that I’ve had some training and I’ve experienced heavier contact, I’ve realized my gut feelings about standup fighting were correct, at least for me. And the best ground fighters in the world strive to attain the mounted position, just as I would’ve when I was ten years old. I’ve spent a lot of time practicing kicks, but I still can’t really see myself kicking above the waste in a street fight. Even though my front kick is fairly quick and my side kick is pretty powerful, I’d rather rely on my hands. Kicking above the waste just feels too risky.
However, I don’t feel I’m wasting my time by practicing techniques I’m unlikely to use on the street. I don’t believe the techniques matter too much, as long as you have some you’re good at. And it doesn’t make sense to dismiss a technique altogether simply because it isn’t one of your “bread and butter” techniques. There’s always the possibility you will have the need and opportunity to pull something different out of your hat when you find yourself in a fight.
I think using a wide variety of training exercises helps build the elements that are essential – control, strategy, and composure. I am convinced of this because, even though I probably wouldn’t use many of my techniques on the street, I am confident I can now utilize my instinctive fighting method much more effectively than I could before I began my training. In order to understand how training hones your instinctive fighting method, it is necessary to define the three characteristics of a well-trained martial artist.
Control means being in command of what your whole body is doing, both offensively and defensively. It includes the ability to strike and kick what you aim at. It also means knowing how to apply a choke, lock, or any other technique you use correctly, and understanding the effects of that action on the human body. If you have control, your movements are not random. They are efficient and purpose-driven.
Strategy means having a plan for defeating your opponent. This doesn’t mean when you sense a fight coming you quickly devise a plan to win. Strategy is developed in training, and it is ingrained deep within. You don’t have to think about it in a fight, but it is there.
Composure is the ability to keep your wits about you in a fight. You don’t freeze when you feel fear or pain, or when something unexpected occurs. You don’t allow anger to overcome you to the point that you put yourself in an unfavorable position.
Possessing all three of these characteristics does not guarantee you a victory on the street, but it does give you a distinct advantage. If you have all three, you’re in elite company. Many people have some of these characteristics, but only well-trained fighters have them all. Let’s explore that idea further.
Person A has been in dozens of street fights. He learned to fight in bars and back alleys. He’s strong and mean, and he doesn’t mind imposing his will on anybody who crosses him. He has composure coming out his ears. Why shouldn’t he? He’s stopped people dead in their tracks many times. He’s also been the recipient of some pretty severe beatings – and he’s still here. So, of course he has a cool head. He also has a bit of strategy that he learned the hard way. But when a fight starts, he attacks wildly with everything he’s got. That’s the only way he knows to do it. Sometimes he hits and sometimes he misses. What he’s lacking is the control that comes with training.
Person B has been studying the martial arts for several years. He is graceful and he has beautiful technique. In fact, he knows hundreds of techniques. When point sparring, he wins far more often than he loses, even against other advanced students. He has control and strategy. But he hasn’t spent much time sparring with heavy contact. He is missing the composure that comes from being in situations where you experience pain and you can feel your opponent’s will to beat you.
Person C has never participated in any type of martial art or combative sport. He’s also never been in a fight, aside from a few scuffles on the playground as a kid. He’s just an average, easygoing guy with a fairly gentle disposition. But he’s a man, and if you threaten him or push him far enough, he will fight. If he is forced to fight, he will do so until his opponent is no longer a threat, or until he himself is physically unable to continue. His willpower and sense of pride give him composure. But he lacks the control and strategy of a well-trained fighter.
These examples illustrate the weaknesses of people who don’t possess the three essential characteristics of a trained street fighter. They also demonstrate why well-rounded martial arts training can provide the student with a huge advantage in a physical confrontation.
The ways in which training exercises can enhance your street effectiveness are endless. Kata improves control. Full-contact sparring increases your composure. Point sparring builds control and strategy. The list goes on and on. The important thing to remember is that none of the essential elements can be neglected in training. Many different training regimens can produce a competent fighter, but every good martial arts program has one thing in common. They all help the student develop control, strategy, and composure.
The theory that skilled fighters must possess these three essential characteristics goes hand-in-hand with traditional ideas about the unification of mind, body, and spirit. Strategy is a process of the mind. Control is a function of the body. Composure is dependent upon your spirit. If a fighter is lacking any of the three characteristics, then his mind, body, and spirit are not unified.
*Please feel free to contact the author by replying to this post