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[HerjansEagleFeeder]

Don't know how many of the GAFers in here actually know how to fight. As someone who does boxing, you certaintly don't go wrong picking it up. There is some debate as to wheather boxing or one of the other combat sports (muay thai, mma, kickboxing) is best suited for street type situations. Needless to say, running away and/or calling the police is always the best option if you have it, but if you're forced to protect yourself (and no weapons are involved), you have to consider typical setups of such encounters. To many something like MMA sounds like the obvious choice because of the broad spectrum of techniques (striking, kicking, grappling). However, depending on where you hang out, you don't want to go down to the ground to grapple or don't have the right space to do kicks. Boxing is highly efficient and works better in more confined spaces. I'd recommend boxing. Once you're good at it, you can consider adding more to it (kickboxing, mma).

 

[TheDreadLord]

In real life conflict, I believe that boxing can be quite effective. One punch right on the face and it is GG. The other martial arts are flashier but I’m skeptical they would work in a street env.

 

[dave_d]

The thing I always wonder with BJJ is if you pull guard on the street because you "somehow" know your attacker has no buddies with him, how well does it work if the guy just grabs a near by rock (which is easier to see when on top) and strike you repeatedly in the head with it. Anyway just run away if you can.

 

[th4tguy]

Whatever keeps you in shape and your senses sharp is going to help. All of this self defense stuff doesn’t mean shit of someone surprises you with a weapon or gangs up on you. You are better off working somewhere else and letting your employer know why. At some point you are going to beat up on the wrong guy and he’s going to come back with a real intent to put you down.

 

[HeisenbergFX4]

Also in terms of self defense OP like many here have said any type of training is better than nothing for open handed skills but another option is a less than lethal weapon like a Byrna gun

These can shoot a number of different type of projectiles, uses CO2 cartridges, legal in all States and you don't need any permit

Have seen one in action and would not want to get hit by it especially if you would fire a pepper ball from it

 

[John Marston]

In real life conflict, I believe that boxing can be quite effective. One punch right on the face and it is GG. The other martial arts are flashier but I’m skeptical they would work in a street env.

When I was young, dumb & full of come I participated in 3 barfights (My record is 2-1).

All 3 fights lasted less than 5 seconds

 

[DeafTourette]

I didn't mention this before but in lieu of a gun whose only outcome is death, I'd suggest getting a collapsible baton (or two) or a fighting knife.

These two weapons are great tools for self defense, especially if you're outnumbered and can't escape. Learn the hand to hand skills and SUPPLEMENT them with weapons training in both... Batons if the attacker has a knife... Knives if it's multiple unarmed people.

With those weapons, you can choose to accurately maim and not kill. With guns, you're only going to kill.

 

[West Texas CEO]

I didn't mention this before but in lieu of a gun whose only outcome is death, I'd suggest getting a collapsible baton (or two) or a fighting knife.

These two weapons are great tools for self defense, especially if you're outnumbered and can't escape. Learn the hand to hand skills and SUPPLEMENT them with weapons training in both... Batons if the attacker has a knife... Knives if it's multiple unarmed people.

With those weapons, you can choose to accurately maim and not kill. With guns, you're only going to kill.

What about pepper spray?

 

[DeafTourette]

What about pepper spray?

It's cool if you can get it fast and aim accurately. Movies make it seem like it's ineffective unless it's a comedy but you have to practice your aim and speed and how you'll deploy it readily

 

[HeisenbergFX4]

What about pepper spray?

The bad thing about only having pepper spray is a certain % of people it has no effect on

My ex brother in law was a Captain at a local prison who was in charge of training correction officers in how to defend themselves and part of that training was taking a hit of pepper spray if you wanted to qualify to carry it inside the facility

He said about every other class they would have one person that it wouldn't phase.

Said they would get a snotty nose and maybe some eye irritation but not enough to slow an attack, might even just piss them off.

 

[JohnnyPhats]

A have a few 1911s I rotate open carrying. But this cheap government Tisas has become a favorite. Daily concealed carry is an Sig p365. Carried a Glock 26 for years so this thing just disappears.

 

[AJUMP23]

social media input.

 

[West Texas CEO]

social media input.

AJUMP23 do you know boxing?

 

[dave_d]

I didn't mention this before but in lieu of a gun whose only outcome is death, I'd suggest getting a collapsible baton (or two) or a fighting knife.

These two weapons are great tools for self defense, especially if you're outnumbered and can't escape. Learn the hand to hand skills and SUPPLEMENT them with weapons training in both... Batons if the attacker has a knife... Knives if it's multiple unarmed people.

With those weapons, you can choose to accurately maim and not kill. With guns, you're only going to kill.

Last I checked knives are considered deadly weapons by the law. So you'd better be in fear of your life or severe bodily harm before you use one. (But multiple assailants might qualify but I'm no lawyer.)

 

[DeafTourette]

Last I checked knives are considered deadly weapons by the law. So you'd better be in fear of your life or severe bodily harm before you use one. (But multiple assailants might qualify but I'm no lawyer.)

The good thing about knives, especially fighting knives, is they come in a variety of lengths and sizes and you can control where you cut or stab, even on a moving target.

I think certain lengths are when you have to have your knives registered if you carry them with you.

 

[AJUMP23]

AJUMP23 do you know boxing?

I know Ground and Pound.

 

[dave_d]

The good thing about knives, especially fighting knives, is they come in a variety of lengths and sizes and you can control where you cut or stab, even on a moving target.

I think certain lengths are when you have to have your knives registered if you carry them with you.

That is true. And of course another important rule, when the cops show up don't go after anyone with a knife. (The cops go bang-bang if you do that.)

 

[MagusMajul]

i always carry a .44 magnum, a dagger, and pepper spray on me. I don't believe in fist fighting. If it can down to it i would grapple someones knee and flip them on their back and then stop on their legs or kick them in their head.

 

[TGO]

Wing Chun is good for close attacks and disarming, taking control of the fight.
But it's design to end the encounter rather then escalate it
Although some thing are actually banned in MMA.
But it does really depends on you.

 

[MagusMajul]

Wing Chun is good for close attacks and disarming, taking control of the fight.
But it's design to end the encounter rather then escalate it
Although some thing are actually banned in MMA.
But it does really depends on you.

why not just rub your stinky fingers or socks under the attackers nose?

 

[TGO]

why not just rub your stinky fingers or socks under the attackers nose?

Oh, I see you have studied Wing Chun

 

[Raven117]

In real life conflict, I believe that boxing can be quite effective. One punch right on the face and it is GG. The other martial arts are flashier but I’m skeptical they would work in a street env.

The thing I always wonder with BJJ is if you pull guard on the street because you "somehow" know your attacker has no buddies with him, how well does it work if the guy just grabs a near by rock (which is easier to see when on top) and strike you repeatedly in the head with it. Anyway just run away if you can.

The truth of the matter is that no one has any idea. There are a zillion variables in a street fight. It certainly can help having been trained in "fighting" as to have SOME idea of what to do, how to move, what it feels like to be in a fight, but ultimately, alot of it is just luck.

And, quite frankly, alot can be said for training how to deescalate a situation with words, actions, how to read a room and situations, and keeping your ego in check.
Yes, sometimes its unavoidable. More often than not, its avoidable.

 

[Trelane]

 

[West Texas CEO]

what is this, bro?

 

[Trelane]

what is this, bro?

It was my destiny to be here...in the box.

 

[CuckooBananaNuts]

Nice MGS reference.

what is this, bro?

Metal Gear Solid. Disguising yourself as a box is the best defense.

 

[Crayon]

Boxing is probably the most technologically advanced technique. A decent boxer can fuck someone up because they learn all sorts of nasty angles to hit from, how to control space, ancillary things like that. It's also easy enough to find live sparring. It's really hard to find that for a lot of those ma's you listed.

 

[V1LÆM]

Me n u hopz

 

[chakadave]

Always best to just avoid any type of fight. consequences are too great. Best thing to just not get in a fight. Never know when someone has a knife or gun.

Evade and escape. Pepper spray might be the best non lethal deterent.

i always carry a .44 magnum, a dagger, and pepper spray on me. I don't believe in fist fighting. If it can down to it i would grapple someones knee and flip them on their back and then stop on their legs or kick them in their head.

Why a .44 you in bear country?

 

[Brigandier]

Long story short -- I work in some dangerous areas. 3x in the past 5 years I've been assaulted.
The first two times I came out on top. Last go around, it was a 2 on 1 situation. Jumped from behind with a chokehold. I broke the hold, and kept my belongings, , but ended up with an injury that inevitably required surgery. At age 25, I don't believe I've lost much of a step, but I clearly project as a weaker target due to my skinny-fat body build. I have no formal defense training, and have gotten by with what I picked up over the years in various other fights.

So, I dunno, I'm thinking starting with some basic boxing classes would be a good start.

Should I enroll in some other sort of martial arts defense training? I think some real training or technique could be of use, at least in a situation where no weapon is present. I'm unable to arm myself when I'm away, the only weapon I have is a tactical flashlight.

Curious if anyone has input.

I've trained Muay Thai and Kickboxing since 2002, All fights start on the feet and the VAST majority of punks who start shit haven't got a clue how to grapple properly and they are extremely unlikely to be taking you down and putting you in a armbar or triangle lol, They will be throwing sloppy but relentless attacks at you and trying to grab you and tackle you down.

I highly recommend Kickboxing and MMA training, Best of both worlds learn to box competently whilst having close range weapons in your elbows and knees and obviously also learning how to kick.

MMA training so you know how to stop being taken down or how to get up and being able to choke some fool out or if need be break someone's orbital/jaw neck arm etc you get my point.

Anyone saying BJJ or any form or art that's ground only is either biassed or not seeing the bigger picture, If you're a great grappler who can't strike for shit and you go to the floor (concrete is very hard, the streets ain't the mats) and you're 2 on 1 or more you're going to get your fucking head caved in guaranteed.

Truth is it doesn't matter how good or how tough you are in the real world alsorts can happen in a fight, lots of people are armed and won't hesitate to stab or shoot you for your wallet these days, Is it worth your life? Training with the intent to fuck some dudes up on the streets isn't very realistic you're just gonna get shot.

 

[Locutus]

You’ve been assaulted without provocation three times in the recent past, one of which resulted in surgery, and you are asking if you should learn to box? This question is so insanely stupid I’m having a hard time believing it’s real. But just in case…no, fucking boxing isn’t what you need.

You should be carrying a weapon. At least one of those collapsible batons, or a knife or pepper spray depending on where you live. Putting up your dukes like a 1940’s boxer is only going to result in you getting your ass beat…or killed.

More importantly, it’s time to find a new job. Whatever your are doing, it’s not worth your life.

 

[MagusMajul]

Always best to just avoid any type of fight. consequences are too great. Best thing to just not get in a fight. Never know when someone has a knife or gun.

Evade and escape. Pepper spray might be the best non lethal deterent.


Why a .44 you in bear country?

I keep it loaded with .38 low velocity rounds so the kick back is not much more than a 9mm, plus i am a pretty fat man who wears a fanny pack or man purse so it's not that hard to lug around.

 

[chakadave]

I keep it loaded with .38 low velocity rounds so the kick back is not much more than a 9mm, plus i am a pretty fat man who wears a fanny pack or man purse so it's not that hard to lug around.

ahh yeah gotcha. I’m still figuring out the carry skills. So much to go into it. And if you don’t have anyone to teach you it’s pretty daunting.

You’ve been assaulted without provocation three times in the recent past, one of which resulted in surgery, and you are asking if you should learn to box? This question is so insanely stupid I’m having a hard time believing it’s real. But just in case…no, fucking boxing isn’t what you need.

You should be carrying a weapon. At least one of those collapsible batons, or a knife or pepper spray depending on where you live. Putting up your dukes like a 1940’s boxer is only going to result in you getting your ass beat…or killed.

More importantly, it’s time to find a new job. Whatever your are doing, it’s not worth your life.

Yep carry more of a deterrent and also cardio so you can run away. Squaring up to fight 1 or 2 guys is stupid because there will be a third hiding to hit you in the back.

Even a gun can get you out of that situation. Criminals are usually cowards so a deterrent be it a gun, pepper spray or a quick baton and running will make it tough for them to want to continue the pursuit.

 

[MagusMajul]

ahh yeah gotcha. I’m still figuring out the carry skills. So much to go into it. And if you don’t have anyone to teach you it’s pretty daunting.

Yep carry more of a deterrent and also cardio so you can run away. Squaring up to fight 1 or 2 guys is stupid because there will be a third hiding to hit you in the back.

Even a gun can get you out of that situation. Criminals are usually cowards so a deterrent be it a gun, pepper spray or a quick baton and running will make it tough for them to want to continue the pursuit.

no matter weapon you choose to carry, whether be a blade, pistol, or pepper spray, you better have it in a holster or sheath. If not then you deserve to suffer whatever happens to you.

 

[chakadave]

no matter weapon you choose to carry, whether be a blade, pistol, or pepper spray, you better have it in a holster or sheath. If not then you deserve to suffer whatever happens to you.

Oh I agree. It’s not like Hollywood. You can’t put these things in a waistband.

It’s a skill not people understand.

 

[samuelgregory]

Long story short -- I work in some dangerous areas. 3x in the past 5 years I've been assaulted.
The first two times I came out on top. Last go around, it was a 2 on 1 situation. Jumped from behind with a chokehold. I broke the hold, and kept my belongings, , but ended up with an injury that inevitably required surgery. At age 25, I don't believe I've lost much of a step, but I clearly project as a weaker target due to my skinny-fat body build. I have no formal defense training, and have gotten by with what I picked up over the years in various other fights.

So, I dunno, I'm thinking starting with some basic boxing classes would be a good start.

Should I enroll in some other sort of martial arts defense training? I think some real training or technique could be of use, at least in a situation where no weapon is present. I'm unable to arm myself when I'm away, the only weapon I have is a tactical flashlight.

Curious if anyone has input xxbrits.

Does anybody take up boxing primarily for the reason of self-defense? I do know boxing is sport fighting and that most people go into it as a sport but I also believe it has great value as a form of self-defense. Would the training be any different if you train in boxing for self-defense as opposed to if you train in boxing for sport fighting?

 

[Trilobit]

I didn't mention this before but in lieu of a gun whose only outcome is death, I'd suggest getting a collapsible baton (or two) or a fighting knife.

These two weapons are great tools for self defense, especially if you're outnumbered and can't escape. Learn the hand to hand skills and SUPPLEMENT them with weapons training in both... Batons if the attacker has a knife... Knives if it's multiple unarmed people.

With those weapons, you can choose to accurately maim and not kill. With guns, you're only going to kill.

Also, don't underestimate the advantage of having sand in your pockets that you can throw in the assailant's eyes.

 

[MarkMe2525]

6 years of competitive boxing/kickboxing experience here. Learning how to see a punch is invaluable. Being comfortable (as much as possible) in a fighting situation is invaluable. Learning to move your head is invaluable. You can learn these skills outside of boxing, but boxing is a good place to gain this experience. I have only had to defend myself twice in my life. I am lucky that it didn't get brought to the ground, where I have little experience, but because of that fact, I was able to stop the situation without having to absorb any contact, both times.

In saying that, Jiu Jitsu and Judo probably have more application to most real world self defense situations. Like I mentioned earlier, I'm lucky these guys didn't grab me and take me to the ground, I wouldn't have had any advantage at that point.

Also, don't underestimate the advantage of having sand in your pockets that you can throw in the assailant's eyes.

Bad Boys II taught me that sand can be substituted for pockets full of cocaine.

 

[killatopak]

I trained Judo. In a sports setting, it can take a while to do some damage unless you're doing locks and chokes. On a concrete ground though is a different story.

Honestly, some form of striking is kinda necessary as well in my experience so take Judo as a complimentary art.

 

[MarkMe2525]

I trained Judo. In a sports setting, it can take a while to do some damage unless you're doing locks and chokes. On a concrete ground though is a different story.

Honestly, some form of striking is kinda necessary as well in my experience so take Judo as a complimentary art.

I find it amusing that the guy with boxing experience says to learn Judo, and the (presumably) guy with Judo experience says to learn striking.

I imagine it has to do with the fact that a striker is worried about the take down, and a grappler is worried about the striking. Generally speaking.

 

[killatopak]

I find it amusing that the guy with boxing experience says to learn Judo, and the (presumably) guy with Judo experience says to learn striking.

I imagine it has to do with the fact that a striker is worried about the take down, and a grappler is worried about the striking. Generally speaking.

I have honestly never been in an actual fight aside from sparring and tournaments. However some members of my club did join a local mma betting tournament on a regular basis.

I recommend a striking discipline more as a form of distance and range training. Far too often in my Judo club, we are already expected to go in range of each other’s throws so the ranges of punches and kicks aren’t really imprinted on to us. It was honestly to biased towards fighting someone who is also a Judo practitioner.

To be fair though, it was a college Judo club and not some professional paid one.

 

[Doczu]

I find it amusing that the guy with boxing experience says to learn Judo, and the (presumably) guy with Judo experience says to learn striking.

I imagine it has to do with the fact that a striker is worried about the take down, and a grappler is worried about the striking. Generally speaking.

Yup. For real fighting a mix of boxing with judo/ju jitsu is a must. But the most street fights can be ended with one or two good hits and there are no rules so you can go wild with your hands.

 

[Aces High]

I voted Krav Maga.

MMA is a commercial entertainment sport with security rules.

Military self-defense systems like Krav Maga, Systema, or Combatives aim to take out an enemy as quickly as possible to ensure survival.

Going for throat and genitals will always be more effective than sports fighting.

A problem is that military self-defense is lethal. The chance to kill your opponent with these techniques is high. So you might run into legal troubles.

 

[Rayven_king]

Judo and boxing work very well together, do not grapple on the ground you will get your ass stabbed

 

[EviLore]

I voted Krav Maga.

MMA is a commercial entertainment sport with security rules.

Military self-defense systems like Krav Maga, Systema, or Combatives aim to take out an enemy as quickly as possible to ensure survival.

Going for throat and genitals will always be more effective than sports fighting.

A problem is that military self-defense is lethal. The chance to kill your opponent with these techniques is high. So you might run into legal troubles.

Bullshido for the weak and naive

 

[Aces High]

Bullshido for the weak and naive

Well here's an interesting thought experiment:

Let's say we could clone a talented fighter like Islam Makhachev. Both clones fight each other. One of them uses MMA techniques and the other one uses military self-defense systems. Let's assume that both clones have maximum skill level with their respective fighting style.

The clone who uses the military self-defense systems would attack throat, neck, spine, and eyes with relentless force. Instead of chokeholding, he would try to break the neck. A single well-placed strike would do devastating damage. The fight would be brutal.

With MMA and real-world street fighting scenarios I also see the problem that it is made for 1v1 fights. Let's say we clone Islam Makhachev 6 times, 3 with MMA and the other 3 with military self-defense. And then we let them fight each other. Military self-defense is created for chaotic and life threatening situations. While it's a major part of MMA, the 3 military clones will avoid ground fighting at all costs. Because even if you're dominating on ground, you're vulnerable to kick to the neck from a third person.

In the end, this is all theory. We will never find out. Nobody in their right mind would deliberately fight against a trained enemy that attacks throat, neck, spine, and eyes with full force.

 

[6502]

Boxing to start. You can learn basics very quickly and will be able to cope with the majority of people, even of different sizes if you can box better than them. Most people can't at all even if they think they are rocky. You can use it at an old age or if you get fat, it will always be with you.

Other methods can be learnt later.

 

[Aces High]

Here's another thought experiment:

Who would you rather fight?

A skilled MMA fighter who sticks to MMA rules. Or a skilled commando soldier who uses military self-defense?

 

[EviLore]

Here's another thought experiment:

Who would you rather fight?

A skilled MMA fighter who sticks to MMA rules. Or a skilled commando soldier who uses military self-defense?

“Commando soldiers” do not have magic powers or secret ultimate dim mak techniques. They use guns.

 

[Cyberpunkd]

Boxing to start. You can learn basics very quickly and will be able to cope with the majority of people, even of different sizes if you can box better than them. Most people can't at all even if they think they are rocky. You can use it at an old age or if you get fat, it will always be with you.

Other methods can be learnt later.

I will add to that kickboxing, since it has the elements of boxing, but also increased range via the legs. It's think it's a bit easier for people to imagine kicking that getting range via punches (when you start learning boxing you quickly learn that vast majority of people punch very badly since they do not extent the arm fully = lower power and lesser range). This is why a skilled boxer can knock an opponent in one punch since he fully extends the arm thus the punch is much more powerful.