It's NOT a matter of who is "right", only of who is "left"! - Carl Cestari

[** Serge **]

It's Not a Matter of Who is Right.....

by Carl Cestari



"People here may belittle sports arts...."

Who?

Almost EVERY "combatives" man of any note CAME from a combative sports background. Boxing, wrestling, judo. WEF and O'Neill (SIXTH DAN-Kodokan Judo-personal student of Uchijima Sensei, a NEWAZA LEGEND) are PRIME examples of this.


I'll SAY it AGAIN. What a 20 or 25 year old young buck and what a middle aged businessman seek to get out of their training are TWO DIFFERENT THINGS.

As far as the "effectiveness" of ANY technique, well a FIGHT is a FIGHT. I know a guy who got his head split open from a blow with a lead pipe. Know what? HE STILL beat the shit out of the TWO assholes. SO WHAT?

You FIGHT like hell until either YOU'RE DONE or HE'S DONE.

AND why is it so hard to "get" that "close combat" is far MORE than "ax hands" and "tiger's claws". It's ANYTHING THAT WORKS. Cracking someones "egg" with a blackjack is close combat. "Kneecapping" some asshole with a bat or ax-handle is close combat. Working some street punk over with "knucks" or "sap" gloves is close combat. Using a shiv, push dagger, or a friggin' ball point pen is close combat. A steaming hot cup of coffee right in the mug is CLOSE COMBAT.

I "know" guys who have DECADES of training in sporting combatives. YEARS of competitive experience and TONS of knowledge. KNOW WHAT? Screw with them and the LAST thing they are gonna think about is ANY "unarmed" mano a mano response.

As far as "building" attributes? OF COURSE! Athletics in GENERAL build many fine and useful attributes. BUT....I know of MANY instances were individulas with NO athletic background AT ALL have overcome TREMENDOUS odds. I have also witnessed "champions" who were hell on wheels in the ring, and on the mat FOLD like the proverbial "cheap suit" when the rubber met the road for real. SO WHAT?

But here's the REAL issue at the bottom of this ongoing debate.

Someone who has spent years training in "karate" has invested time, money, and maybe blood sweat and tears in his pursuit. He WANTS to believe that what he has invested so much in will WORK. Same for Kung Fu. Same for Aikido. Same for BJJ. Same for Boxing. Same for Wrestling. Same for Judo. Same for Savate. Same for FMA. SAME FOR ANY ENDEAVOR.

But that ONLY makes sense in the PARAMETERS of that SPECIFIC endeavor. Competitive Judoka expect to compete within the well defined "rules" of THAT endeavor. They DO NOT expect to enter a shiai and be knifed in the guts by the other competitor. A boxer enters the ring and expects to fight under the agreed rules of the boxing commission. He DOES NOT expect to be shot dead from across the ring by his opponent.

Let's say you're a top level collegiate wrestler. By circumstances beyond your control(real life does that) you have to face several desperate well armed foes. You're given a "choice". Attempt to use your wrestling skills at which you are VERY GOOD, or grab a 12gauge riot shotgun.

Now let's say you're at a relatives wedding. The booze is flowing pretty good and Uncle Vinny gets a little out of control. Same choice as above. Use your wrestling skills to restrain old Uncle Vinny or grab the riot gun?

I DON'T GIVE A RAT'S ASS about "style", "system", or any of that CRAP. WHY? Because ALL I AM INTERESTED IN is what will SAVE MY ASS in the real world, when it's for all the marbles. I have spent YEARS in Judo, I get attacked for REAL and I grab a brick and pound the skel into mush. DAMN! I didn't get to use my Judo! OR....I get grabbed from behind and manage to toss the skel to the ground with O-Goshi, THEN I finish him with the brick. SO WHAT?

If a "tiger's claw" works GREAT! If "hadaka jime" works GREAT! If a kick to the balls works GREAT! If a takedown works GREAT! If running the bastards down with my car works GREAT!

Anyone out there "getting" this! IT AIN'T ABOUT what is or isn't "BETTER" or more "EFFECTIVE". ANYTHING THAT SAVES YOUR ASS IS GOOD!

It's NOT a matter of who is "right", only of who is "left"!


© - http://www.CarlCestari.com

[** Serge **]

"Catholic" Close Combat
by Carl Cestari



Got anyone's interest?

Catholic in definition as universal or "broad minded".

I could pull out STACKS of manuals, syllabuses, films, and related reserach material that cover an ENTIRE range of unarmed combat.

Some methods advocate wrestling as their base, others use boxing and/or savate, some jujutsu and judo, others call their systems "rough and tumble" or "all in", and there is even a system based on American SPORTS. I have an old manual on YOGA for self defense. The material ranges from current to OLD, some very old.

These varied systems have everything! Striking and kicking methods drawn from EVERY method and "nationality", GRAPPLING methods from Lutte to Judo, from Sombo to All-In Wrestling. From standing to the ground, all aspects, all methods.

The guys in our crew have trained in an impressive array of systems and methods. They have a fantastic "pool" of knowledge, SKILL, and TRAINING to draw from.

OKAY, so WHAT?

See if this makes sense............

Clint, and I worked out a comprehensive syllabus of instruction. It is based on a catholic approach to combatives. We drew these methods from a number of varied sources and training. The problem as we saw it was in the PROGRESSION of instruction. Here's how we attempted to solve this fundamental problem:

Very few individuals will start so-called "martial arts" instruction or training and stay with it for any real length of time. Many combative skills are JUST that, SKILLS! They require dedicated time and training to inculcate to the extent that they will be "useful" in a REAL fight or even in a controlled "free sparring" environmet.

Japanese Judoka have a saying - "One year for Newaza, TEN years for Tachiwaza". In other words, proficiency in groundwork can be gained in a year, standing techniques require ten. So, here we see an acknowledgement that "different" SKILLS require varied amounts of TIME, TRAINING, and DEDICATION.

So that was our problem. MOST people will simply NOT invest the time and effort to "master" MANY of the skills involved. MOST people will "train" for a limited amount of time and then move on to the next "thing" that catches their interest.

What then is OUR responsibility as "instructors"? What we did is set a curriculum that takes this into account. The syllabus, for the first three to six months, includes NOTHING but the most BASIC, easily UNDERSTOOD, SIMPLEST METHODS of EFFECTIVE PERSONAL PROTECTION. Someone can train for a limited time AND still get something USEFUL in terms of "SKILL".

Our basis on selection of "method"?

"Hence the reason for a simple type of instrcution with a great deal of emphasis on the FEW elementary methods which can be easily and instinctively used in combat after practice."

"Basis of selection was the theory of what the smallest man can do to the largest."

I'm quoting Applegate from the 1943 edition of KOGK(This DOES NOT, I hope, portray me as a zealot).

Continued training and "dedication" will result in learning more and more "complex" skills. However, if an individual ceases practice after a "limited" amount of time, we feel that we have at LEAST given something of VALUE in terms of personal survival.

Damian is a highly skilled grappler in any venue, i.e., wrestling, judo, and submission. Clint is a walking encyclopedia of "waza", Ralph is amazing in his knowledge of close combat and weapons. Each of these men could teach to a high level of SKILL and COMPLEXITY. With NO PROBLEM. However, they fully understand that you must "walk before you run". So, they are strong advocates of BASICS. First!

Judokas(like any other combative athletes) have a term called "Tokuiwaza" or "favored" technique. It is that one method that it is worked on incessantly, continually for YEARS in search of "perfection". Whether it be "Judo" Kimura, Gerry Conney, "Strangler" Lewis, or Georges Carpentier, this approach holds true. So, realistically, does this apply to MOST PEOPLE? NO. That's why "champions" are revered. They are the EXCEPTIONS.

Why would anyone "teach" a middle aged businessman, or a small petite housewife a technique or method that requies complex skills developed over YEARS and that requires a "set" of physical adjuncts in order to be even somewhat effective?

Well, you wouldn't, at least NOT initially. Like building a house, you start with a SOLID foundation, and then BUILD from there. So the simplest approach in regards to personal protection is to start with techniques based on what the "smallest can do to the largest". Is that a guarantee of SUCCESS? NO, that's not how life works. Is it a LOGICAL place to "start"? I believe so.

Clint or I could teach DOZENS of different chokeholds and strangleholds. Ralph could teach DOZENS of highly complex drills and methods of stick and knife work. DOZENS! So what! Without the time, training and dedication to master these techniques they are WORSE than useless. The same goes for any "class" of techniques. Training and the DEVELOPMENT of skill is what makes ANYTHING "WORK".

So ALL we advocate is that simple common sense basic approach. Start with the SIMPLEST methods and build from there.

It has NOTHING to do with "blind" allegiance to any one method or man. It has NOTHING to do with being a "zealot". It has NOTHING to do with following any "gospel" in ignorance.

It has EVERYTHING to do with a sincere dedication to seeking the best, most rational, and logical "solutions" to the multitude of complex problems inherent in real world survival.

This is why ongoing dedicated research is SO CRUCIAL. Some question that "validity" of certain methods. DO NOT assume that these "questions" have NOT been asked and answered by others. Only a fool would blindly follow any "doctrine" without questioning and validating the information presented.

Can a skilled grappler apply his craft? Of course. Could a skilled boxer or muay thai fighter ply his trade with success? Of course. That's NOT the question. The question is "what can YOU do?" What one can do at twenty is different than what one can do at fifty. What one can do after several years of training is different than what one can do after several months of training. What one can do against an opponet of equal strength and weight is different than what one can do against a much larger, stronger adversary, or for that matter, a much smaller, lighter one.

So what's the point to all of this? Simple. Know who you are. What YOU are capable of. What YOUR abilities are. YOUR strengths, YOUR weaknesses, YOUR goals. Take a hard long realistic appraisal and find the answer to that question.

And then work from there.

© - http://www.CarlCestari.com

[** Serge **]

SHORT and TO THE POINT
by Carl Cestari

The same round and round debates that take place here, have all happened before, many many times over.

All the questions have been asked and already been answered. One may NOT like the answer, but it's the answer nonetheless.

The material is out there for those who want it. That's the TRUTH! Mankind has been around for thousands upon thousands of years, it's all been done before. The tools of civilization evolve and advance, but the most important element, the human being, remains constant.

NO technique or method is 100%, never has been, never will be. That's not the point.

It's NOT technique, method, system or ryu.

The goal is finding and understanding that common thread, that base denominator. Study 1000 scenarios(whatever they may be), experienced by a 1000 different individuals, see that a positive resolution was achieved 998 times. NOW, find out why! What was the common base denominator that achieved success. NOT the "individual" how of what worked, BUT the cumulative WHY it worked. Get that and you get GOLD. This applies to any aspect of life.

This is a point few understand.

Don't miss the forest for the trees.

© - http://www.CarlCestari.com

[** Serge **]

BY-ROTE COMBINATIONS
By Carl Cestari

I do not believe that practicing "by rote" 1-2-3,etc. type "responses" to street attacks is a viable or particularly useful training exercise.

Realize that in a street fight there are far too many variables, too many contingencies. Uncle Murphy rules the roost.

Terrain, weather, injuries, any number of unforeseen deficits is one major concern.

The variety of assailants (size, weight, height, mental state, tolerance to pain, clothing) is another major stumbling block.

Train your "tools", study your "targets" and master your "opening gambit", anything "rehearsed" past that point, that initial sudden and explosive action is unrealistic.

ANYONE with real experience knows this. Whatever can go wrong.......WILL! So your training must emphasize instinctive and spontaneous "reactions" as opposed to attempted by rote "responses". You "take" whatever the attacker gives you, or make whatever opening you need, but there is NO way to know this before hand!

Many so-called "combative" systems miss the most fundamental principle of training........K.I.S.S.!

A padded syllabus may "look" impressive and "complete" but in light of the stark realities of survival, they are counter-productive.


© - http://www.CarlCestari.com

[** Serge **]

I'M SOOO CONFUSED.......

I was going to write about the BASICS of "practical unarmed combat". Things like a solid and productive core of strength training, development of real speed and power. Body conditioning and toughening, Stamina. A "never say die" iron will. You know "esoteric" stuff like that.

But here are something's you SHOULD do before any of THAT.

Get your ass into a REAL Judo Dojo or REAL Sombo academy. Get on that tatami and do randori with some REAL Judoka or Sombo men.

Get your ass into a REAL wrestling club. Get on the mat with some REAL wrestlers (old time catch hookers and rippers especially).

Get your ass into a REAL boxing/kickboxing/muay thai gym. Get in the ring with some REAL hard and fast hitters.

Invest some dough and get any of a number of "real" street-fight videos or even some good boxing/thai boxing/NHB matches. This in lieu of going out and insulting a group of inner-city gang-bangers, some "real" Mafioso, or some Eastern Block gangsters.

At this point you should be fairly black and blue, mauled a bit, and generally "worked" over. Unless you are an absolute numbnuts you should have a fairly good idea of what it takes to EVEN SURVIVE a REAL fight against a resisting and determined opponent.

The foregoing should give you at least an "inkling" of what you'll need for REAL "practical unarmed combat" training.

If the "light bulb" doesn't flash in your noggin'...well maybe you deserve to get your ass tromped.

© - http://www.CarlCestari.com

[Tenaka]

Ca en fait des prérequis 

[Solstice]

la phrase la plus importante (selon moi) de ces 3 textes : Uncle Murphy rules the roost. On est jamais assez préparé, et en même temps on ne peut jamais assez se préparer. Dans la vraie vie il faut savoir improviser, car il y aura toujours un truc qui merdera. Le simple fait de se retrouver dans une situation "délicate" en est le parfait exemple.

[sharky]

Serge,

Pour être sûr, WEF, c'est bien Fairbairn?

[Gros Calou]

William Ewart de son petit nom 

[** Serge **]

Il n'y a aucune raison que Penn & Teller ne se privent 

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/v/5Pow3uYnNyc?" target=_blank class=new_win>http://www.youtube.com/v/5Pow3uYnNyc?</a>

[Merlin06]

KISS, cf dernier article du manitou, encore merci Serge. 

[sharky]

Il n'y a aucune raison que Penn & Teller ne se privent  

L'épisode en entier :

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wcbe3Ao0ThU

Un petit retour sur Damian Ross, C.e.o of Self Defense Compagny ?

[** Serge **]

Un petit retour sur Damian Ross, C.e.o of Self Defense Compagny ?

You wish 

[Eric Lem]

You wish  

Damian à déjà mis le fil sur écoute...
Ses avocats font déjà chauffer l'imprimante à plaintes  

We gonna think twice before calling him an asshole... and then, we will!