I have a theory that formal martial arts training (karate, judo, etc.) doesn't really teach practical fighting techniques. I think it teaches an exhibition sport. Thoughts?

I will say, though, that I once saw someone use a karate block (wax on, wax off) to deflect a punch.

I was provincial champion in judo a long time ago. A lot of what we practiced followed rules that don’t necessarily fit a self-defence scenario. Having said that, it did give me confidence when I had to defend myself. Also, I think every woman should learn how to fall safely. That alone has saved me many times, especially as I get older.

Oh, and in judo we don’t block; we get out of the way!

To some extent, some are, especially those geared toward kids. They teach many disciplines and forms. My friend Smokey Hondolero, though, taught actual ass-kicking techniques in addition to board-breaking and meditation type forms. He was incredible at it and had multiple black belts, gave demonstrations, and has also kicked much actual ass.

Sadly, he passed away last year. https://www.facebook.com/...

You might find some actual ass-kicking martial artists in his facebook friends. He was also one hell of a sax player, which is how I knew him. I ran lights for the band he was in.

So, in addition to teaching actual ass-kicking techniques, he was also named Smokey Hondolero?

And he was a Ph.D.?

Come on!

He's like Buckaroo Banzai!

I think he was what we like to call an overachiever.

He was f'real f'real

Supreme Grandmaster R.D. HondoleroPh.D./Ma.D.Sc. Ind...

Quietest, most unassuming dude you would ever meet.

DO NOT UNDERESTIMATE HIM. LOL

I was trying to find some of his demos.

Siniwali stick drill ; Grand Master Dr. R.D. Hondole...

Smokey's grin in that one cracks me up. He's going at like 1/16th of his potential speed.

I miss him. He was a realllly good dude.

Yes and no. Self defense courses and karate courses are different.

I thing Wing Chung and Krav Maga are proper self defense stuff.

Krav Maga is from israel.

I think it's for ending a fight really fast, which should always be the goal, cause every "thug" out there is probably stronger and more enduring and you will lose on the long term.

So a quick solution to disturb the attacker and then run away is probably the best.

MBMBaM - Tim McGraw's Krav Maga

starting about 6:45 if 8 minutes 20 is too long

Lechuga :

Part of my karate class was self-defense technique. You couldn't earn your first belt without it. After that, you just get really precise and fancy. I second Tillie about Wing Chung - I did it for a semester in college. The reasons behind the movements we learned were explained and basically it was also for doing enough damage quickly to get out, haha.