I wrote about MMA against multiple opponents in detail in the past, but this fifth part sums it all up so well. Take a look at this video of a street fight that goes to the ground..

 

Here’s the full fight:

 

Now you can give me a load of excuses why this isn’t “real MMA” and how much these guys suck at it and why I’m wrong. I’ll even help you get started:

• Their technique sucked.
• They weren’t in shape.
• They should have done technique X instead of Y.
• GSP would kick your ass!
• You just suck man, WTF are you doing undermining my self-esteem!
• And so on ad nauseam.

I’m sure you can come up with a bunch more “arguments” but that’s not really the issue. Anyway you slice it, the young man was doing MMA when he hit the ground: he got side control, guard, tried chokes, ground and pound, the works. Granted, he didn’t do a good job of it but you didn’t see him try strategies from traditional arts.

The real issue is that this video illustrates what I’ve been saying for so long: [Read more…]

Before I talk about why your MMA or muay Thai might get you killed in a self-defense situation, go read this excellent blog post by Kasey Keckeisen.The man is a SWAT team leader and instructor; he knows what he’s talking about.

 

Can my MMA or muay Thai get me killed in the street?

Yes it can. Not necessarily, but it can. Before you start writing flaming comments, read this:

• I train in and teach combat sports and absolutely love it. I’ve done so for the last 20 years, I’m not bashing them at all.  Here’s a clip form my Sanshou class if you don’t believe me.

• Nor am I saying that traditional arts or H2H systems are the best thing since sliced bread. Yes, I do train in and teach these too. I believe they’re just as valuable as the full contact sports.
• The most important thing: there are no guarantees in a fight, regardless of which style or art you practice, so in a way, the point is moot.

That said, if you’re interested in using MMA, muay Thai, kickboxing or sports karate not only to stay in shape or to compete but also to defend yourself in the street, then I’m going to assume you’re interested in learning the differences between the ring/cage and the street. Because that’s what’ll determine if you make it out alive or not.  If you’re not interested in those, then you’re a fool. Not because you aren’t intelligent but because you refuse to accept these differences out of pride. I’m sorry if that offends you but I believe it is true.

I’ve written about the differences between sports fighting and MMA before, so I won’t go over it again. If you want to read my reasoning, go here first: [Read more…]