mikemurphy wrote:
Joe,
I respect what you train for and the venue you compete in (I assume you are speaking about the NHB competition you do), but you are speaking of an activity that has rules no matter what they call it. Even with your comment about someone trying to take your head off, no one is really trying to kill someone in the ring, are they? You definately look comfortable with what you do, but when the day is done, and the match is over, you are still going to get back in your car, head home, and fall asleep on your nice, soft bed, because in the end you are still competing for something, and you and your competition can call it quits anytime they want. So, it's my belief we are talking about two different things hear (both of which I have no personal experience in mind you).
Mike, excuse me for commenting here, but I've been listening with great interest. Like you, I have been very impressed with Rory, but it is based on his posts on this board over the last 2 years, and not (unfortunately) on face to face experience at camp.
I really enjoy hearing about your admiration of Rory's abilities and experience, but what he can do has nothing to do with what someone else can or cannot do. Everyone stands on their own, regarding their abilities. I know you're just expressing your enthusiasm, but your comments above could seem a bit condescending.
I have also been watching with great admiration the work of Joe P. and Joe L., and in particular, I think the tape they made "RSD Two Person Kata" (aka "Groundfighting for the Stand Up Martial Artist") is the best I've seen. I was able to immediately view it and take these "kata" into class and teach it to my kids. (Among other things they immediately loved the kimura!)
Obviously they can handle various different types of street confrontations too, indeed Joe P.'s school is RSD, "Reality Self-Defense." They don't know me and don't need my recommendation, but I would gladly have either one of them watching my back anytime.
Excuse me for saying this, but your conclusion:
"So, it's my belief we are talking about two different things hear (both of which I have no personal experience in mind you)."
referring back to your original:
"What it comes down to is that we really don't have anything unless we use it for real. The sports judo, NHB, Sports Jujitsu, etc. are just activities to bide time. And this is NO knock on anyone, but let's be honest with ourselves, how many of us really use what we do? "
seems to assume and conclude too much about the admittedly unknown abilities of others ("both of which I have no personal experience").
A more accurate and friendly way to say this is something like:
"What it comes down to is that I feel that I really don't have anything unless I use it for real. For me the sports judo, NHB, Sports Jujitsu, etc. are just activities to bide my time. If I'm being honest with myself, I really don't use what I do. "
I find that if I just relativize things to me personally, then I don't have to worry about offending anyone and they still get the point.
John