The Popularity of Grappling

Over the weekend, I watched some mixed martial art's matches on Showtime.  Gosh, these athletes are really good.  I love it when the fighters break to the ground and work feverishly on submitting one another.

Because of the popularity of the UFC and other MMA groups, I do get students from time to time that want to do nothing but grapple.  And while grappling is an excellent way to get in shape and learn how to submit your attacker, I don't believe it is the <b>ONLY</b> way to learn how to defend yourself.

Take for example the video below.  <b>&nbsp;</b>

<b>Warning</b>, it is pretty graphic and the language is very offensive.  However, it offers a quick illustration of what <b>can</b> and typically does happen in an altercation:


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<a href="http://www.break.com/" target="_blank"></a></span>

Protecting yourself on the street involves more than just dropping to the ground and rolling with your attacker.  Having the ability to stand up and strike; or in this instance, even to block, is very important.

I love the Gracie family and what they have done for the martial arts, but I want to caution people who think that grappling is the best way to protect yourself on the street.  Instead, it should just be a strategy in your arsenal of techniques.

Sensei Chris Feldt
<a href="http://www.samuraikaratestudio.net/"><b>Samurai Karate Studio</b></a>
Columbia, SC 29229
803-462-9425

Domestic Violence: The Facts

According to Safe Horizon's website, the following are the latest facts on domestic violence:

 

Domestic violence (also known as intimate partner violence) can happen to anyone, regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, orientation, socio-economic status, or other factors.

The Victims

• One in 4 women will experience domestic violence during her lifetime. 
• Women experience more than 4 million physical assaults and rapes because of their partners, and men are victims of nearly 3 million physical assaults.
• Women are more likely to be killed by an intimate partner (30%) than men (5%).
• Women ages 20 to 24 are at greatest risk of becoming victims of domestic violence.
• Every year, 1 in 3 women who is a victim of homicide is murdered by her partner.

The Families

• Every year, more than 3 million children witness domestic violence in their homes.
• Children who live in homes where there is domestic violence are also victims of abuse or neglect in 30% of 60% of such cases.
• A 2005 Michigan study found that children exposed to domestic violence at home show greater symptoms of trauma, including becoming sick more often, complaining frequently of headaches or stomachaches, and being more tired and lethargic.
• A 2003 study found that children are more likely to intervene when they witness severe violence against a parent – which places the child at great risk for injury or even death.

You can find more information HERE.


Sensei Chris Feldt
Samurai Karate Studio
Columbia, SC 29229
803-462-9425

History of Karate

During today's class, students were asked to take a quiz on the general history of Karate.  Where did it originate?  Who were a couple of the key players?  What are some of the key characteristics of it?

Even though this is a beginner course in karate, I want my students to develop a sense of appreciation for this art and to hopefully understand its origins, and how the techniques were developed and how the early pioneers lived their life.  Yes, the martial arts is all about learning how to defend yourself on the street if you are being assaulted, however, it is really more than that.  To the serious practitioner, karate is a way of life!  Principles such as perseverance, courage, discipline, honor, integrity and respect; these are the character traits of a true black belt.  This is what I hope the students think of as they are taking their quiz.


Once the quiz was completed and turned in, a handful of students stayed after with me and asked some "what if" scenarios.  The first question was a good one, from one of my students who worked as a bouncer at a local bar in 5 Points.  He has worked there for several years now.  For those of you that might not be familiar with 5 Points, it is a popular spot located in downtown Columbia, with lots of bars and restaurants.  Its a local hangout for drinking and to get rowdy.



My student mentioned that it was very common to get 2-3 fights a night in their bar.  They instituted many changes to their rules, including dress policy, use of profanity, etc. and now they rarely have any more fights.

His question is he wanted to know what to do if you were trying to hold on to one patron and not get hit or jumped on by one of his friends.  Apparently, once a "fight" is occurring, the bouncers are instructed to "choke out" the unruly patron until unconsciouss.

I find it odd that they have this rule in place.  Truthfully, I am not sure it is even legal, but from a self defense perspective, they are attempting to choke someone out anywhere from 3-8 seconds, depending on the patron, which leaves them susceptible to other friends or attackers.

If they insist on choking, then the patron needs to be turned around, so that his or her body, is between the bouncer and the other potential attackers.  You never want to leave your back exposed, as you are inviting someone to hit you on the head from behind and it would be all over for you.  Use that patron as a shield and if the patron has been choked out, you can place them on the floor and prepare for the next attacker if there is one.