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.

Copyright 2003 http://www.thetruthaboutselfdefense.com ?

Carl Cestari began his study of the martial arts with judo at the age of 7 under the direction of Yoshisada Yonezuka. During the past forty plus years Carl has dedicated his life to studying the martial arts, hand to hand combat systems, history and religion. What makes Carl unique is his combination of martial arts, law enforcement, military and real world experience. Carl has been exposed to a multitude of people with a wide variety experience. The following is a list of some of Carl's ranks and honors.

Shinan (Founder) Tekkenryu jujutsu Ryokudan (6th degree) Koshinkai Karate under John Burrelle Godan (5th degree) Jujutsu under Clarke of the World Jujutsu Fedaration (now defunct) Sandan (3rd degree) Nippon Kempo under Narabu Sada Nidan (2nd degree) Judo under Masafumi Suzuki Shodan (1st degree) Judo under Yoshisada Yonezuka Shodan (1st degree) Shukokai Karate under Kimura, Kadachi and Yonezuka Shodan (1st degree) Daitoryu Aikijujutsu Instructors Certificate- Charles Nelson System of Self Defense under Charlie Nelson

http://www.thetruthaboutselfdefense.com