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I don’t think a lot of people realize just how fast you can “gas out” in a real fight. I was absolutely shocked at how quickly I ran out of energy when I got in my first really hard one. And for you guys who think, “I’ll be okay cuz I run marathons” be careful… a fight is a totally different energy balance than working out. At the time of mine, I was in so-called peak shape, right out of the police academy, and I could run a mile and a half virtually without breaking a sweat. But I don’t care how much cardio you do, it’s not the same. Will it help? Of course; that’s why we do it. But again, it’s not the same. For me, 45 minutes on a treadmill was roughly the equivalent to 45 SECONDS in a fight. It’s totally different animal!
So, keep working out (Mod 7 is amazing for that.) Build your cardio and your strength. But, more importantly, keep working on your SDTS Combatives and beating the hell out of BOB. This way you have a much better chance of ending the fight BEFORE you have time to “gas out”.
Stay safe.
There was a interesting documentary that I had to watch as part of a class called, The Other Side of Immigration. The film shows what is happening in Mexico that is causing all of these people to want to cross the border in the first place. And, you guys are pretty much correct, the Mexican government is a huge part of the problem and, I believe, more to blame that the poor souls trying to cross.
As Damian points out, the real challenge comes with processing and logistics. There is also the challenge of people crossing the border, not for a new start, but to smuggle drugs and other undesirables. Moreover, it is definitely a security risk. If an poor immigrant can make it through, who else? I could easily see another 9-11 style attack being related to our “leaky” borders.
As an anthropologist, I am compassionate and always try and put myself in someone else’s shoes. In this case, I honestly can’t say I wouldn’t be doing the same thing if I thought that was the only way my family could survive. It’s a catch-22… stay in Mexico and basically starve, or take your chances at crossing the border. I don’t think building a wall is the answer. The first rule of economics is that people respond to incentives. And the bottom line is until we reach a point where there is no incentive from the US to come, and no incentive from Mexico to leave, they will keep crossing.
That sounds incredible! I cannot wait to see the WWII stuff. Not that SDTS is bad, mind you — I’m sure you incorporated all the best “old school” stuff already anyway — I’m just a sucker for anything historical. I recently watched an old hand-to-hand video put out by the Navy back in the day. It was really cool seeing the old black and white footage (including the original scratch marks in the film! lol). I also was also impressed at how closely it resembled SDTS… man, you gotta love the old edge-of-hand; been a classic go-to technique for centuries! :-)
“The problem with current anti bullying and zero tolerance rules and regulations schools have is that bad kids don’t care if they break rules and to them the consequences of violating these rules…”
Dallas,
You make an excellent point. I would also add that it is much the same argument that is behind gun control. Not that I’m looking to go back to the “wild west” days, but the problem with gun control is that the only people affected by it are the law abiding citizens in the first place. The bad guys don’t give a rat’s behind what the law says because, well, they’re bad guys. That also why I find it absurd that a business or public area such as a mall would place the “no guns allowed” sticker on the door. Do they really think that a scumbag is going to see it and go, “Ok” and return his weapon to his car? It’s this kind of thinking that gets good people hurt.
Just my .02 cents.
J
That’s awesome! I can’t wait to see it. I’m still trying to get a feel for the new site, but I like what I’ve seen so far. You’re doing great work, my friend! :-)
Aldo,
You’re right, and perhaps I didn’t explain myself good enough… shit can and does happen. But I submit that if you maintain awareness you can avoid or at least prepare for 99% of it.
To use you examples, I could be in a jewelry store, a pawn shop, or in a wal-mart; it makes no difference to me. First of all, in a smaller setting like a jewelry store, I am aware of every single person that comes in and out of that place while I am present. And I make mental notes on what I see. Of course, in a larger setting such as a wal-mart, perhaps this is not possible, but I am certainly aware of anyone in my general vicinity. Also, regardless of where I am, I always plan multiple escape routes. If I am in a restaurant, for instance, I will request to sit near an exit, and I will sit with my back to the wall so I can focus on what’s in front of me. There are many more things, but this gives you an idea.
Does all of this mean I am out of the woods and don’t need to practice and prepare for the 1% when it does hit the fan? Of course not. That is why we have SDTS and, if you choose, Krav Maga, as well as other styles. But I think the point that I (and George) were making is that it shouldn’t get that far if you can at all help it. In order to get that close to you with a gun or knife as in the example videos you show, the bad guy has to, well, get that close. The point we are making is that you should be well aware that someone is within that zone before it comes to that. Does that mean every person who gets that close is going to put a knife to your throat. No. I can think of a ton of scenarios where they might; like at a concert or game, for example. But that doesn’t mean that you’re not aware that they’re there. The whole point is to keep your head on a swivel and be prepared mentally for what might occur.
I hope that explains it a little better.
Aldo,
Your instinct is correct on this one. In an armed situation like this, you must remember that the thing that is going to hurt you the most is the end of that barrel (or, technically, what is about to come out of it!)
So, in video A, you would certainly jam the gun first; ignore the push for now (as Damian points out in MOD 5, you can’t get something without giving up a little of something else.)
Same thing in video B. You are right that you should “attack the assailant”, but again you have to consider where the greatest danger is and contend with that first. Secure the weapon and then beat the hell out the guy.
Damian explains all of this extremely well in the weapons defense module, so review those and I think you’ll really see what I mean. Also, you should definitely read GRHutchings latest post about the differences between Krav Maga and SDTS; it’s very enlightening. As you will read, the real question is: what did you do to find yourself in either one of those scenarios above in the first place?
Stay safe.
George,
You’re right. I agree 100%. I, too, am a “Krav Guy”, though nowhere near the level you are, and everything you say is absolutely correct. KM is a terrific system for learning what to do in a given set of circumstances. Really, the only problem I have with it is that, like all other systems I’ve seen before SDTS, it is a specific defense for a specific attack set-up. (Interestingly enough, I had never even considered this fact as a “problem” until Damian pointed it out… now I see it everywhere and it drives me crazy!)
More importantly than technique, however, is the philosophy/concepts as you point out. I love your analogy of “what the hell did I do (or not do) to wind up in this mess in the first place?” It immediately reminded me of the point in Guardian DT when they were discussing how to “get out” of a rear naked choked. Damian’s response… “Ummm… don’t go there.” The point being that if you find yourself in that position, 1) you have totally fucked up, and 2) if it is against someone who is truly trained to use it, there is almost nothing you can do to stop it at that point… you’ll be unconscious in seconds. Hence, don’t go there in the first place. Maintain your awareness. I know, I know… easier said that done, but that’s the idea. As Damian says: No self defense system in the world can help you if you do not maintain awareness of your surroundings.
I recently turned 45, and have been in martial arts since I was 12. And I am a police officer and defensive tactics instructor for my department. So, much like yourself, I know a thing or two about what really works in a real fight. And like GBlues1 pointed out, SDTS not only works, but takes much less time to become proficient in and to maintain; that alone makes it the “best” in my book, even if other systems are technically just as efficient.
Krav Maga works — no doubt about it; but if one is using a SDTS mindset, it shouldn’t have to.
All I can say is… FREAKING AMAZING!
Damian, my friend, you have seriously outdone yourself this time around. Can’t wait to see the vault and “RossBook”
Keep up the good work, sir.
Gary,
I cannot speak for Damian, however I can speak from my own experience for what it’s worth. Pressure point “fighting” is utter nonsense. Due to the very nature of how the pressure points are located on the body, it requires accuracy that you’ll never achieve in a real fight. Moreover, again in my experience, the only time it really works even if you do get it is with a complaint partner, like in a training environment. When a person is jacked up on alcohol, drugs, or even a high level of adrenaline, they simply won’t feel it. And don’t get me started on trying to get a psyche patient under control with it; it just ain’t going to happen!
Stick to the basics. Even if pressure points worked the way they’re advertised, you’ll never remember all the locations, especially under stress. It is just better to remember Damian’s philosophy: Attack The Man! Just start hacking and chopping, biting and kicking, and you’ll get what you get. It’s not about specific targets. The whole point is to overwhelm your opponent and flip who is predator and who is prey as quickly as possible; get them on the defensive.
Be safe.
It’s interesting… we carry OC on our duty belts, but since I spend a good majority of the time in a hospital setting, they don’t really like us using it due to the contamination factor. And we’re not authorized to carry Taser’s either, so really our bread n’ butter is defensive tactics. That’s one of the reason’s I’m such a huge advocate of SDTS and GDT; it just plain works when I need it.
As far as OC goes, in my experience it works “most” of the time, but I have seen a few people just shake it off. That’s one of the reasons I’m not a big fan; that, and the fact that it’s affected by environmental factors such as wind and rain. I’m just normally not too keen on placing my trust in something that may or may not work when I need it most. I’d rather hit ’em with a good old fashioned chin jab or hand yoke and be done with it.
Agree 100%.
I’ve learned a tremendous amount from Damian’s Guardian Defensive Tactics program, but perhaps the MOST important lesson I took away is his discussion (note: philosophy, not technique) regarding Use of Force. As he states in the video, officers are taught to start off slow and work our way up the continuum, but this only applies to verbal de-escelation tactics. When the time comes to go “hands on”, you need to come in strong (“like a lion”) and get control of the situation immediately. Then you can de-escalate as the suspect begins to comply.
As Det. Kane so keenly points out, “If the Officer used more force, he would not have had to kill the suspect.” This incident could have potentially been avoided had the officer used a stunning technique such as a Hand Yoke to the back of the suspect’s neck while he was in the “turtle” position. As a defensive tactics instructor myself, I can honestly say that going to the ground or wrestling with a suspect is 99.9% of the time a bad idea.
@Damian Ross said:
This year!!!
I’m trying to find someplace really cool.How about at your house? From what I’ve heard from the weather man lately, there’s not too many places “cooler” than that right now! LOL
@Young Wang said:
Jack Lalanne was probably the last mainstream non-steroid using bodybuilder. Him and Charles Atlas.
It’s always been interesting to me that when you see the bodies of “confirmed” non-steroid users, they all have the Navy Seal/Crossfit/p90X/SDTS Combatives type bodies. You nailed it, Young; guys like Lalanne and Atlas seem to be about as big as one can get naturally. I have yet to see anyone that competes in Mr. Olympia and World’s Strongest Man type events that, eventually, maintains that their physique is achieved without the use of some form of “enhanced supplements”.
We had one fellow in our class at the police academy who was a body builder. He looked great, but was always dead last on the distance runs, and when we got to Defensive Tactics class he was practically worthless. He was so muscle-bound that he simply could not perform some of the techniques — his arms wouldn’t allow it. For me, I’m at the age that I could care less about how I look (even though, of course, a natural body looks great), but more about form and function. What good does it do to have, as Damian says, “pumped up beach muscles” if you can’t use them. I’d rather have hidden strength that can whip a bad guy’s arse if needed!
@Dallas Williams said:
There is really no difference between the defense against that hold and the defense against this one. They are both attacks from behind and the key point to remember when anybody attempts to grab or strangle you from behind is to immediately start changing direction and momentum on them. Start stomping the feet backhanding the groin rear elbow the face and when you get enough space and you get turned around on them finish them off just like you would any other attacker.
Archie & Dallas,
I agree. It’s pretty much the same “attack”, so I don’t see any reason to complicate things. The only thing that might make a difference is how fast or slow the chloroform might affect a person. Then again, a “proper” choke will render someone unconscious pretty quickly, too, so I suppose this really isn’t a factor. I would love to get [Damian Ross]’s input on it, but at first glance I would say we’re pretty well covered already.
