Sweet! Call me stupid, but I had no idea. Brown Kendo 2012: Harvard Individual Tournament - Nick, Round 1 - YouTube Abner :smile:
Abner - I love the idea of kendo and other similar arts like eskrima but for me it is a self-defence strategy more than an art form. The problem is that you can't carry around those stupid sticks. For a time I carried an expandable baton but even that became a problem. Advice?
Your comments above are correct. Somebody can't go around carrying wooden swords or escrimas. However, there is a perfectly "legal" weapon, a combat cane. I was skeptical at first, until I met the cane master, Mark Shuey. These canes are not your average canes. They have carved in notches, and the handle is a perfect size to rap around an attackers neck. Anyway, Master Mark Shuey demonstrated some techniques on me, and I became a believer. He wrapped up my neck within a few seconds. Also, a light brush against the skin causes extreme pain due to the special notches carved in the "combat cane" (hurts like a mofo). Here is an intermediate level video. I would post a beginners level, but I could not find one. Cane Masters - Intermediate Techniques and Drills - YouTube This can work for a beginner because it is easy to use. A whack to the knees or head are not hard techniques. On that note. Here is what I tell women in martial arts classes I teach. I know, I know, you have probably heard this before. ***be aware of your surroundings at all times. When you approach your vehicle, look underneath to make sure an attacker is not lying in wait under there. ***Walk with conviction and confidence. Always glance "behind" you as well so you are not surprised from behind. ***Keep yourself out of situations that can be dangerous as much as possible. ***If you park way out in a mall parking lot after dark, ask any vendor for security, and a guard will escort you to your car. ***DO NOT go jogging alone after dark unless you have some friends with you. You would be surprised how many times I have been told about rapes occuring in these remote areas. They provide perfect cover for attackers. ***An expert (experienced) male rapist/attacker/robber will usually try to knock the women out, or grab her hair from behind and slam her head against a wall or the pavement. Once she is knocked out or dazed, she is at his mercy. ***If your are attacked from behind (no cane or anything else), say in a bear hug or choke hold, reach back for any hair you can grab. A backwards scrap along the shins with shoes will cause the attacker great pain, giving you a chance to escape. A hard stomp the toes hurts like hell as well. Also, bite, scratch, eye gouge, twist/pinch skin, etc. Once a again, so you can at least stun the attacker and run like hell. I know you are an avid runner, so that is good. Now of course, the naysayers will most likely start up with "oh that won't, this won't work, blah, blah, blah." No one technique is a sure thing. That is why you want to have at least a few alternate techniques in your bag of tricks. So, don't listen to the back seat criticizers. Also, for the record I don't go around wearing tap out shirts (not directed at you) :smile: Lol. Gotta go know. Let me know if you have any questions. Have a good weekend! Abner
