Self-defence training?

[Broletariat]

Does anyone have any links or suggestions for teaching yourself some basic self-defence? Some general things like that that involve physically combatting facism would be nice too, thanks.

[JAH23]

Self defense is not something you should teach yourself. While it may seem you can just copy the techniques you are watching, it is really not a good idea. You could really get hurt in a combat situation. If you are really interested, find a good martial art that fits you and join a dojo. Practicing martial arts is one of the best choices I have made in my life, and would recommend to anyone to practice in order to defend against any force that tries to harm you.

Also, you should learn techniques relatively fast. I have been doing Kenpo for a year and a half, and am already advanced.

[Hostage]

Whats your opinion on Shotokan karate? (Its the only well-organized, not too expensive self-defence school I can find down here..)

[Invincible Summer]

I've *heard* (no experience) that Karate is pretty cut and dry, boring, repetitive stuff, and Shotokan in particular; you'll mainly be learning kata than stuff that you'll more be able to use.

I've been looking into Sanda (Sanshou... Chinese kickboxing basically) and it seems the most useful for "real world" situations. Nothing too fancy, just powerful kicks and punches while learning to intercept punches & kicks to turn them into take-downs.

Taijutsu seems pretty cool. It's what some people refer to as "ninja arts." It involves disarming weapons, choke holds, joint locks, etc and it *appears* more defensive, but I'm no expert. Better ask Dr Mindbender more about it, since I know he's practicing it.

Krav Maga is also usually promoted as the "ultimate self defense" since it's pretty much no-holds-barred attacking someone, but you'll have to get over the politics of it being used to "protect the Israeli people" implied Zionism sort of thing. Its origins were to combat fascism though, so take it as you will. I've heard from a friend that lots of places that purport to train in KM just do a watered-down version though.

[JAH23]

I don't know that much about other styles of martial arts, as I've only done Kenpo- which is basically a mixture of Karate, Jiu Jitsu, and Kung Fu. It's a very direct, offensive, and applicable style, definitely not boring as many people have said about Karate.

[Sasha]

since the content of this thread belongs more in "sports and health" than in antifascism i'm clossing this and direct you to the apropiate sub-forum: http://www.revleft.com/vb/sports-health-f229/index.html

[Honggweilo]

time for a little chauvinism;

Portuguese "Jogo de Pau" (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jogo_do_Pau)(game of the stick, ironically its also a sexual inuendo for "jerking off" in portuguese XD) is a defensive martial arts developed by partisan peasants in defense of portugal against the napoleonic invasion. The benefits of this form of martial arts is thats its especially usefull in fighting with a long stick, which are overly presents as flagpoles during demonstrations and such :D

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gSDSsereOdg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b8LfjTLoFrU&feature=related

[Sasha]

please dont post in closed threads ;)