What do you think of this?
I agree with much he said.
I don't entirely agree with some of it.
I disagree with a portion of it.
So, firstly - closing the distance.
SD situation, someone pulls a knife (or there's a chance they have one) then I want away - second choice is keeping distance - absolute last choice is closing the distance.
He said the only defence against grappling is grappling - for one I don't think that's entirely correct (although recognising a grappling entry is a good plan) and for two what are the chances of having to "self defend" against a grappler anyway? More likely you'll be defending against a "street boxer".
Any situation - he appears to be talking close range striking, punches and knees. That's not my distance. Closing that distance is a matter of leaning forward. My distance is over double that, you'll need to be stepping to close that - which gives me chance to avoid and/or counter because I'm going to be that little bit more likely to see you coming.
Don't get me wrong, against a good (or better) grappler I'll likely have issues, but against one that is comparable in ability to my striking? No. Do not agree.
He also said about striking arts training "your reverse punch, your jab/cross/knee, your elbows" - that's not my style of striking. My offensive hand techniques are crap and I know it. That's why my hands get used for defence and distraction.
Really, if your idea of a striking art is punches and knees (which is what his seems to be) then yeah, I agree - against a grappler you'll be playing right into their court.
I like range, I like proper kicks, I don't always need a foot on the floor and if it happens and I'm on the ground I can kick from there too.