dbp

Just curious from you more experienced folks out there how helpful is being a black belt or what have you in an all out street fight?

Before I sound like someone who just wants to get into fights, let me explain myself...I am taking tang soo do because i want to stay in shape and the gym isn't something I can get *into* like a martial art. I am really getting into it as I've only been through 3 private classes so far and was just wondering like if you and your girl (or girls, you and your man) got attacked or something by an average guy in a parking lot sometime, what would your chances of winning be?

I know there's more to it than just being able to beat people up...just wondering...thanks in advance, dave.

if you have some stories of actual occurences, I'd love to hear them as well :-)

Tom Yum

Tang Soo Do is like a street fighting version of Taekwondo. They practice kicks at all ranges (but usually spar above the waist). TSD fighters throw low kicks but lightly, depending on your school. They also throw punches better than TKD IMO and use elbows for self-defense. Most TKD practices kicks for scoring pts, wheras TSD focuses on what target. They also have decent empty hand, non-glove techniques.

Tang Soo Do means "way of the Tang hand" in reference to cultural exchanges with China during China's Tang dynasty. The Tang dynasty spread its cultural influence into Korea, Japan and North Vietnam. The Geisha style of dress that you see in Japan came from Tang.

I think its a good art to get started in. It'll get you in good shape, good discipline and pretty good self-defense if you're trying to ease your way into the martial arts.

Stick with it. You won't regret it.

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Spookey

Dear Sir,

Fighting is not only a physical ability but a mental mindset! Warrior Spirit!!!
In regards to your MA question...TSD,TKD, and the vast majority of TMA's are very effective in most situations, but only if you train to fight! Physically, psycologically, spiritually! Defense requires a very high level of aggression! You cant buy that in a dojang, but is the "animal instinct hidden in all human beings"....

Pil Sung/ TAEKWON!
Spookey

MichiganTKD

The benefits offered by TSD, traditional TKD, and other martial arts are many:

1. Physical conditioning. It is awfully hard to defend yourself if you are out of shape (inflexible, no balance, no speed, no physical strength etc). As a result, I highly recommend complementing martial arts practice with conditioning (weight lifting to keep muscles toned, running or cardio activity for stamina).

2. Self confidence/warrior spirit. As stated before, this not something that happens overnight. This is something that develops gradually as you practice, become aware of your technique, and realize what you are capable of.

3. Distance. Continued practice will give you a sense of knowing how far away your opponent is, and knowing whether or not he could probably contact you and with what. This takes practice

4. Knowing vital spots. it is impossible to execute effective self defense without knowing exactly what targets to aim for, what techniques to use, and your own weaknesses. After enough practice, you will automatically start to keep in mind what targets on a person are exposed at any given time and what techniques are most likely to be effective in any given scenario. You will also take into consideration your own strengths and weaknesses: if you are not flexible, how would you effectively execute a middle technique or low kick and what targets are available.

Hope this helps.

Tom Yum

I think a well trained TSD blackbelt would hold up well in self defense. Every martial art style has its limitations, but I think TSD training is more effective than sport TKD.

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dbp

wow thanks for the responses...now comes the time that I have to decide to join up for a year or just say screw it. my first 4 classes were a flat fee and came iwth the uniform. One thing that stands out that people keep saying is "stick with it" and it's worth it or you wont regret it. I look forward to the discussions here...thanks again.

dave

kengar

It is good to question what you do and if it would be effective as self defense. But no style can win a fight. You must have that will to survive and want it badly. If you can logically look at your style and the reality of what happens in a violent street fight then you will learn to apply yourself in that manner.
There are aspects of all arts that you woundn't want to try in the streets, and that is what you have to analyze and figure out. All training will aid you in one way or another. So don't mold yourself around the style, mold it to you.



Ken

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