A
analyst
Guest
Hey guys, was lurking for a bit but decided what the hey.
I took TKD for 2 years in early grade school. I don't really count that, I didn't enjoy it too much and didn't really learn anything useful. So after that I pretty much forgot about martial arts.
Then this winter I was in Israel. I learned a great deal about the country's history, especially its military history and the armed forces. Later I had an opportunity to hang out with some Israeli soldiers. I asked one of them "so, do you guys learn self-defense and stuff?" She says sure, takes my hand, and in the span of 3 seconds applies some 5 different wristlocks.
I was floored. I asked what else they do, and it all sounded pretty awesome. So when I returned to the states I was determined to take Krav Maga.
However it was not to be. Logistically, the only krav gyms were 45+ minutes away, and I don't have a car.
Disappointed, I looked for an alternative, something to tide me over until the summer, when I can train at the national krav institute in LA. I kept seeing older eastern-style schools, which I don't really want.
Finally I got lucky. I found a little hole-in-the-wall gym that teaches straight-up, competition-geared MMA. And so far I've been loving it. They teach a combination of kickboxing, BJJ, and takedowns with takedown defense.
I also wrestled for 2 years in high-school, which I didn't count as martial arts training until I started doing MMA. Now I cannot overstate the importance of taking wrestling. With only two years of basic highschool wrestling, I can basically dictate where the fight goes down -- standing or ground. Additionally, when there is any scrambling or jockeying for position, I instinctually come out on top. I've just drilled and wrestled so much that I understand position and leverage on the ground.
Oh, and I'm the "analyst" because back when I wrestled I was so lanky I couldn't rely on strength to win, instead I had to use finesse and my move repertoire. Now weight training has somewhat nullified my lankiness, but I'm still very technical and always thinking strategically. Now i just need to learn some moves
I took TKD for 2 years in early grade school. I don't really count that, I didn't enjoy it too much and didn't really learn anything useful. So after that I pretty much forgot about martial arts.
Then this winter I was in Israel. I learned a great deal about the country's history, especially its military history and the armed forces. Later I had an opportunity to hang out with some Israeli soldiers. I asked one of them "so, do you guys learn self-defense and stuff?" She says sure, takes my hand, and in the span of 3 seconds applies some 5 different wristlocks.
I was floored. I asked what else they do, and it all sounded pretty awesome. So when I returned to the states I was determined to take Krav Maga.
However it was not to be. Logistically, the only krav gyms were 45+ minutes away, and I don't have a car.
Disappointed, I looked for an alternative, something to tide me over until the summer, when I can train at the national krav institute in LA. I kept seeing older eastern-style schools, which I don't really want.
Finally I got lucky. I found a little hole-in-the-wall gym that teaches straight-up, competition-geared MMA. And so far I've been loving it. They teach a combination of kickboxing, BJJ, and takedowns with takedown defense.
I also wrestled for 2 years in high-school, which I didn't count as martial arts training until I started doing MMA. Now I cannot overstate the importance of taking wrestling. With only two years of basic highschool wrestling, I can basically dictate where the fight goes down -- standing or ground. Additionally, when there is any scrambling or jockeying for position, I instinctually come out on top. I've just drilled and wrestled so much that I understand position and leverage on the ground.
Oh, and I'm the "analyst" because back when I wrestled I was so lanky I couldn't rely on strength to win, instead I had to use finesse and my move repertoire. Now weight training has somewhat nullified my lankiness, but I'm still very technical and always thinking strategically. Now i just need to learn some moves
