What do you train for? For fun, maybe? For fitness? For that just-in-case scenario? There are a multitude of reasons to train in martial arts, just as there are a multitude of settings where the skills and attributes developed can come in handy. We learn best from experience, and sharing both those experiences and the lessons learned is important- important for developing a sense of context, for reminding us why we do what we do.
The following was sent by an anonymous Maelstrom student, a record of their personal experience that they have graciously chosen to share-
“I just want to share a personal experience. What happened to me could happen to anyone.
As I was driving to work, I saw a young guy who was jaywalking. He could have been on drugs given his aggressive air, walking right down the middle of the road, not letting traffic by. I went carefully around him in close proximity in order to get by. He was not very happy. He started swearing and cursing at me. I was only 50m from my destination so I parked nearby and was getting out when I realized that the guy was chasing me on foot.
As I turned to face him, here comes a sucker punch! He knocked me off my feet and onto the ground. He started kicking at me sadistically, aiming for my face and head. I took a couple of kicks to the legs and shoulder but managed to get back on my feet.
Where is a stick when you need one? You might think that you can defend yourself. Maybe. When the guy is bigger and stronger than you and wants to put his fighting skills to the test, you had better be ready. A fist fight. Yeah…. by the way, panantukan and JKD suddenly look like my favorite classes now.
We have heard so many times that foot work is our bread and butter — indeed! Polish that skill to perfection.
Perfect technique, any technique, until it can be called an instinct (in my opinion). If you do not have the instinct and are left thinking through what to do next, it is lack of training.
You are a target. Be a moving one. Do not stay still waiting for the punch to come. Your opponent could be faster than you think.
Rolling hands – always! Learn how to evade – duck, duck, duck. A valuable skill to have.
And last but hardly least – kicking keeps your opponent at a distance. Try not to hit shin to shin – that hurts a lot. Use a foot trap maybe. Do not be slow or merciful because it could be a matter of life – your life.
Train well, be safe and if you cannot avoid confrontation, make sure that your opponent looks unhappy and maybe even prefers to run.”