of them [the instructors of the traditional martial arts approach] are so doggone stubborn. I mean, [their attitude is] “Well, two hundred hundred years ago it was taught like this— therefore . . .” you know? To [still] maintain that type of attitude, you’ve had it! I mean, you will never grow because learning is a discovering thing; it’s a constant discovery thing. Whereas if we follow the old method, it is a continuous repetition of what was being handed down several hundred years ago.
The traditional teacher says, “if your opponent does this, then you do this, and then you do this and then you do this.” And while you are remembering all the “and thens” the other guy is killing you.
On the limitations of wrestling and judo
1. A sport (no foul tactics)
2. Lacks long-range tactics (kicking, hair-pulling, butting, finger jab, kneeing, elbowing, stomping on shin or instep, grabbing groin, pinching skin, pulling ears, biting, etc.)
On the limitations of Thai boxing
1. A sport (no foul tactics)
2. No grappling
3. Lacks economy structure and scientific leads
4. Unaccustomed to advance targets attacks to eyes and groin—the delicate movements
On the limitations of street fighting
1. Lack of finesse in structure
2. Efficient sharpening of “tools” generally lacking
3. Correct mental attitude
How to deal with various arts
A question [to ask]: What are their most favorite techniques? (ease and safety and efficiency)
Western boxing
Thai boxing
karate
tae kwon do
wrestling
judo
• Attacking same • Countering same • When in doubt
Pros and cons
Western boxing
PRO 1. Efficient footwork
2. Variety of punches:
• Jab • Hook • Cross • Uppercut
3. Shoulder/chin in protection (plus all-purpose parry and block stance)
4. Conditioning
5. In-fighting
6. Head and body movements
CON An evaluation: It has its set of restrictions and is designed to defeat an adversary in a certain manner.
Wrestling
PRO 1. Leg tackle
2. Uncrispy, economy rush
3. Protective shell while moving in
4. Strangulation
5. Holds, locks
6. Ground fighting
CON Need to add: • Hair pulling • Groin grabbing • Eye poking (front) • Shin pinching (Study especially the old-time illegal holds.)
Karate
PRO Tool development:
• Balance • Form
CON Need to stress greater mobility and aliveness
PRO Front kick
• Snap • Thrust
CON Need to modify upward snap—compare with savate
Tae kwon do
PRO 1. Kicking flexibility
2. Turning heel kick 3. Head ram
CON 1. Lacks contact
2. Lacks broken rhythm and aliveness
3. Lacks variety
Judo
PRO 1. Balance
2. Osoto
3. Foot-sweeps
4. Mat work
• Locks • Chokes
CON Need to add:
• Hair pulling • Groin grabbing • Eye poking
• Shin pinching
Note: Study a few practical throws.
Thai boxing
PRO 1. Elbows
2. Knees
3. Actual combat
CON 1. The punching is not of a high caliber: the “left jab” is poor, the “uppercut” almost nonexistent, the “hook” is inadequate.
2. Gloves prevent the use of the finger jab and the palm smash.
3. Lead foot attacks lacking: no shin/knee lead attack and groin attack.
4. No grappling tactics.
5. No “under the belt” tactics.
6. Scientific economical structure is lacking. Plus lack of sophistication in cadence, timing, broken rhythm.
7. No hair pulling or scratching.
Specialized all-in fighting
PRO 1. Poking Eyes
• Long range jab • Close range poke
2. Pulling Hair
• As immobilization • As release • As assist
3. Biting
• As release • To disable • To attack in close
4. Practice forearm pinching to hurt
5. Grabbing groin
6. Specialize in under-the-belt attack with kicks, strikes, punches, and grappling
Gung Fu Styles—Wing Chun
PRO 1. Teaches the economy of straight line
2. Nucleus fighting
3. Chi sao—two halves of one whole
CON 1. Over simplification
2. Lacks variety
Gung fu styles—tai chi
PRO 1. Esoteric
2. The flow
Gung fu styles—northern styles
PRO 1. Palm strike
2. Variety to liberate
CON 1. Needs to add power
2. Needs to be more compact
Western fencing
PRO 1. Skillful use of front lead (study auxiliary supplemented guarding hand in each position)
2. Timing and cadence
3. Foil
4. Saber
5. Epee
Kendo
PRO 1. The Zen approach
2. The determined clash
3. The footwork
Aikido