Well, Vince Phillips, the guy in the clip, was a former WBC light welterweight champion. They didn't show the first rounds but he got absolutely pounded with painful low kicks (they really hurt) for the first round of that match and was dropped by that one kick in the 2nd. He just didn't know what to do to adapt. ALthough to be fair, he was old and washed up at the time and his opponent, Masato, is among the best in the world at his weight class. K-1 is famous for bringing in washed up boxers and letting them get their asses kicked by younger MT trained fighters and then proclaiming MT or Kickboxing superior to boxing. But anyway, I do agree that, if any top notch pro boxer in his prime trained to avoid low kicks and was able to throw punches, his hands alone would devestate most K-1 and MT fighters. Edit Here's another washed up boxer, Franz Botha, learning a hard lesson about defending kicks http://207.44.200.49/k1/k103final/k103final_abidi_vs_botha.zip
That's my opinion too. Boxers might not be the best fighters, but a punch from a good pro boxer would most likely sit down most other combatants.
but boxing doesn't really exist in life situations. Grappling does though... I need Something realistic so i can beat down karl malone in real life, of course breakin stockton's fingers
Good post Sam. In a street fight, I will take the average boxer over the average MT fighter. In the ring, if you can kick and punch while your opponent can only punch, I think the advantage goes to the one that can kick also.
In real life situations (aside from being able to run or not fight at all which is the best option - always!) the fight is usually over in 30 seconds or less, so being able to get in one or two big shots is key. Also in real life, it's often said that one of the last things you want to do is go to the ground on the street. That's the perfect invitation for your opponents buddies to kick you in the head/ribs, etc. Jiu-jitsu doesnt help too much with that
Yes, like I posted above, a streetfight is over in thirty seconds, so you don't have 3 minutes to work on somebody's leg with low kicks (unless you land a perfect shot right on the side of the knee -- trouble!) so punching/dirty boxing is key I would imagine.
I guess going back to the original question. I really enjoy all forms of martial arts. At this point, I don't plan on fighting and my body started breaking down in Wu Shu. So, Kung Fu is the way to go if you're looking for exercise. It is really beautiful when done right.
if you're interested in kung fu both choy lee fut and wing chun are really cool looking and REALLY effective. if you're in houston this guy is an excellent teacher and there's some video on the website: http://www.chuskungfu.org
The two most promiment is Kendo and Iaido, the two i practice now but it can be quite costly For kendo you would need to buy all the protective body armor the Bogu (chest plate), the booken sword (wood sparring sword) etc.. the overall cost could run as high as $3000 to $4000 (new) not counting dojo and membership fees. And the sensei would not let you use a real sword (Samurai Katana) until you progressed very far in your Katas. You can cheat of course by buying a real forged sword Katana (Henwei) > $ 1 grand and using at home but forget about it at the dojo in the beginning. All in all though Iaido and Kendo can give you alot of exercise and body control especially Iaido (performing the Katas). Also a deep spiritual bondage with your sword more than any other MA out there. Another alternative is Tai chi or Wushu Kung Fu which also provides opportunities for Sword play martial arts. The Katana's BTW are probably the most aesthetically pleasing of any swords out there. I myself own a Bushido Kat (hand forged folded) and Tokugawa Kat. I wondor if any of the other forum members own and collect Katanas out there?
I have a first degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do. In fact, I'm looking at it right now. Unfortunately, my baby sister is a second degree black belt. Let's just say when we were teenagers, our fights would get downright vicious.
I am biased because it is the only one I have done, but aiki-do is the way to go. It pretty much can trump all other martial arts (although kuk sool won is superior in general). When Ueshiba was alive he and his students would get challenged by other practicioners and the only time they didn't win was when the opponent didn't attack (aikido is not an aggressive art and requires the other person to initiate movement in order to get the optimum effect. True, you can force the movement, but it is not as good). Of course, this has been mythologized a bit, but it makes sense. Aikido is very much based on physics, biology, and an odd kind of mental dominance. I have seen a man throw another to the ground without touching him. He just mentally "tricked" him into submission.
It depends on why you want to learn. I have taken Kung-Fu once for a 2 1/2 year stretch, and then later of 1/2 a year. If you want it for purely self defense, One of my Kung-Fu teachers suggested to take Boxing, with some type of grappling style(Aekido, Chi-Na, etc.) If you want it to do flashy kicks, take Tae Kwon Do. If you want it for exercise, health, self-disciplinewith a little of everything then take Kung-Fu. You learn some self defense, some grappling, weapons, and develop flexibility, agility, and conditioning. Many Kung Fu schools also teach Tai Chi. For those that want one that teaches you to use a sword I would say Tai Chi is best for that, Kung-Fu is a close second. I've had two great teachers and one decent teacher. If you are in NY go to Sifu Shi Yan Ming. He is a Shao-Lin Monk who defected from China. There is some controversey involved with him, because he is pushing for some changes in the life of a Monk. Since coming here, he eats meat occasionally, has married, and has at least one child. But the man is serious about what he does, and is incredible. In Houston there are two or three genuine Shao lin Monks from China. Or there were 2 years ago. I don't know anything about them except that if they are at all like Shi Yan Ming it would be great to start learning from them ASAP. Also in Houston Master Maen Yul Jung, is great. He teaches Kung-Fu Tai Chi, a variety of weapons, has been the coach of the U.S. Kung-Fu team, as well as a referee. He's great. Whatever you do visit several different schools. Find which one best suits what you are looking for. When looking for a school in NY I found this one place that reminded very much of the evil Karate instructor in the first Karate Kid movie. Watch one or more classes to see how much stretching, and felxibility training they do vs. how much forms practice, vs. how much sparring, and how much self defense. Find the place that focuses on what you want the most, and how the class is run. No matter what I would suggest stretching at home in addition to other training you do. If I had any time at all I would start going to Kung-Fu again here in Los Angeles. I don't know of any outstanding instructors, but I love it very much.
