Subject: Let’s start with the definition of a “fight.”
Date: Wednesday October 20, 2004 12:13 PM
Hi
On my soon-to-be-released Self Defense DVD I try to clear up what I
think are
some misconceptions that can get you in some serious trouble.
Let’s start with the definition of a “fight.”
In the last decade or so “ground fighting” has become popular in
America as a
martial art, it’s claim to fame being that most “fights” end up on the
ground.
Before I get into this, let me say two things. First, I cross train,
and I
recommend cross-training. Secondly, I do agree with the notion that
most fights
go to the ground . . . especially if we allow tautologies – that is –
“if it
ended up on the ground, it was a fight!”
But more than how it ended, let’s consider how it started.
“Fights” start a certain way, and no doubt a lot of them end up as a
wrestling
match.
Now, to test the definition of what “fights” are and what exactly it is
that ends
up on the ground, let’s ask a simple question: have you ever heard
advocates of
ground fighting say something along the lines of:
“Most “Assualts” go to the ground.”
No? How about:
“Most “Violent Crimes” go to the ground.”
Going to the ground seems restricted to “fights,” so I guess if you
want to avoid
going to the ground . . . um . . . don’t get in fights?
But what if you’re assaulted? Does that end up on the ground? It
might. But if
you’re lucky, or skilled, or paying attention, it won’t end up on the
ground.
It’ll end up with you getting the heck out of there so you’re not shot
by the
buddy (who you didn’t see) of the guy you’re “fighting” or piled on by
his two
buddies (who you also didn’t see), or any number of other bad things
that can
happen when you stick around too long (I’m talking seconds, not
minutes).
But let’s say the fight, whatever that is, does go to the ground, and
you win,
whatever that is. Then what?
When’s it over? After someone’s knocked out or gives up? After the
police come?
After someone gets out of the hospital? After the loser wins an out of
court
settlement or a jury award? After the loser’s friends pay a visit to
the winner.
After the loser decides it’s a nice day for a drive by?
If you think I’m being alarmist, read the paper . . . or check the
docket of your
local court. This stuff happens all over the country everyday. People
tend to
seriously resent having their ass kicked, so if you do it to someone,
the term
LAST RESORT had best apply.
Starting a “fight” is easy, and so is going to the ground. What
follows is
trickier, to say the least.
Going to the ground can save you in some situations. Just make sure
that
situation is an assault, not a “fight” and that your goal is to escape,
not to
“win.”
Any style that teaches you to do X in order to “win” the “fight”
doesn’t just
fail as a martial art, it fails as an approach to living . . . which,
if I’m not
mistaken, is a big part of what martial arts is supposed to help us
with.
So what exactly do you need to know to defend yourself?
A lot.
First, you need to know and follow my 5 rules – stay tuned – second,
you need to
develop explosive aggressiveness (remember, the goal is to escape),
third, you
need to be versatile. That means you can fight on your feet, in a
clinch, or on
the ground (if you have to).
I cover all that in my upcoming Self Defense DVD “How to Defeat ANY
Attacker with
Mind-Setting, Attitude, and Fast Fists.”
Good news – it as been edited. In it, I cover everything from how to
stomp some
serious butt, to what to do in a home invasion or car jacking. The set
will be 2
DVDs and will include 2 bonus videos on Chin Na joint locks and breaks
(over 40
moves total in just the Chin Na tapes). It will cost $127.00 plus S&H.
Anyone who wants to pre-order can have the set for only $87.00, plus $6
S&H.
That’s 2 DVDs and 2 videos on everything you need to know to get
yourself out of
hot water, and deliver full-power strikes like a pro . . . and get
this, there
are 6 bonus sections: on everything to getting fighting fit beginning
on Day
One, to using “environmental weapons,” and improving your skills daily
– even
when you can’t workout, plus 3 more "surprise" bonuses.
If you want in on this pre-release special you can’t do it on my web
site – I
haven’t even offered this to the public yet. You need to call me at
1-800-920-9746 and mention the October 20th email. You can pay with
any major
credit card. Or simply send a money order made out to White Birch Kung
Fu for
$87.00 plus $6 S&H ($93.00) ($99.00 foreign), and write the words
“Defeat ANY
Attacker” on a piece of paper. My address is 2526 Columbia Pike,
Arlington,
Virginia 22204. All orders will be sent by 1st class mail within 24
hours.
This offer is only good until I post the product on my website so don’t
miss out
Once I get my copies from the reproduction service the price goes up to
$127.00.
To get in on this deal, call me now at 1-800-920-9746.
Until next time, train like you mean it.
Rob LaPointe
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