*raises hand* i dont got a problem with it. as long as i got time, i'll read it all, no matter how big.
spacing does help though.
but its not very helpful right now.
see?
anyways, i think self defense, at least what was said, it quite valid. lets keep in mind though, that people wont win every fight, even you (yes, you)! i'd say this thread ties in what was said in "the ground is the last place you want to be in a real fight!" but with a twist; in a self defense situation you are losing, last chance could be going to the ground (unless it is a multi-man rumble on yo ass, that is
).
lets all remember our pressure points though, as well as hitting the neck, ect. if your in trouble on the street, practicing self defense techniques -until they become automatic- can be just as important as going in the ring. now, you dont see kickboxers throwing knife edges to the throaght, do ya?
sure, some martial-sports do incorporate that, but if your training is solely for sport, you're going to be missing the instinctive (and nonsportlike) techniques which'll save your ass alot faster then that vale tudo you've been doing on the matt, or those punches in the ring.
guess the key here, guys, is to balence martial art and martial "sport".