While I was shooting my new videos with Paladin Press, I had a chance to meet up with Mr. Bill Kipp, the founder of Fast Defense and play around with the brand new Gladiator Suit.
First, let me say that Bill is a great guy all around. I had a blast talking with him about self-defense, martial arts and a bunch of other topics. He explained to me how his Fast Defense program works and it’s a great way to train. I’ve done scenario training with the Red Man and other suits in the past but this Gladiator suit is the first one that really let me cut loose. Here’s a sample of what it looks like:
My first couple of shots were tentative but in the last few ones, I put a bit more power. Now I do indeed manage to strike Bill down with the left elbows but that’s mainly due to the angle of the technique, his stance and me outweighing him a bit. He did not fall because he was dazed by my elbow strike.
As you can see when we turn the tables, I take a couple of good elbows too. The result: zip. Nada. Nothing. It feels like you’re hit by a huge pillow. Or like somebody shoves you. But that’s about it. No pain, no “flash” as the impact lands, no grogginess, none of that. [Read more…]