Most Common Punch, Anyone?

[mushinmaster]

Does anyone know of any studies performed that indicate what is the most commons style of punching in an ordinary street fight?

Is it the old haymaker, or a boxing style punch, or worse yet, and old karate thrust - hiyaaaaa?

Or something else I haven't thougth of?

[GregG]

Official Answer # 1

It depends.

It depends on where you get into fights, I suppose. On military installations, I tended to see more attempts at a trained attack style, with varying degrees of success. In more relaxed recreational environments the haymaker was more common, but every now and then you would see someone who was good. Sometimes really, really good.

[mushinmaster]

Can you describe the "trained attack style?"

And what did the "good, really good" fighter use??

What do you believe is the most common attack used - punch, stick swing, knife "psyco stab"......?

I have never been in a fight, and hopefully I never will be in one, but I think this is good to know to train for. Thanks for the answers!

[GregG]

More details

"More trained" generally means (at least here) a more direct punch, with less telegraphing of intent. Whether it was a boxers punch delivered with the head tucked or a vertical punch delivered with the head up the common characteristic was a minimum of wasted motion. Which one was used depends on what the fighter was used to. (Hence: It depends)

The less skilled fighters (sometimes just drunker) are prone to exaggerated motions and guilty of a cardinal sin: talking when they should be fighting or shutting up. Like any other public performance you have to know your audience to know how to reach them.

The guys I knew who were really, really good mostly spoke very softly and the person antagonizing them hadn't realized it was going to be a fight until after he was thoroughly whipped. Of course, there are exceptions to that. Sometimes I have seen guys who are very good, but have nothing but that skill and an ego to keep them upright. Depending on the antagonst first attacks went from a simple sweep to a low kick followed by arm bar face to bar.

There really is no one way to trin for a real fight. The best is epitomized by Bruce Lee (of course ) in Enter the Dragon: the Art of fighting without fighting. Situational Awareness should save your ass many times more than your fighting skills. You just need your fighting skills to be top notch for when you can't dodge.

[mushinmaster]

yeah. word. That's always been my philosophy, and its worked pretty well - almost 18 years and running

Was that list of first attacks by the really good guys, or just in general?

Do you believe the punch is the most common attack?

[mushinmaster]

itinerant?? - I had to look that one up in the dictionary, lol

Did I read somewhere that you went to the lovely Paris Island for a 13-week getaway to paradise?

[GregG]

attack

Yes, I did in fact start my military service with a fun filled vacation in lovely Parris Island, South Carolina. If they had let me stay a sniper in the reserves I probably never would have been waylaid into the Army.

If I had to pick the most *common* first attack I would say it was pushing. Moderately trained people were more likely to start off with a punch. Really well trained people were likely to do something unexpected. Sometimes a punch but usually not. Keep in mind though that this is a really broad generalization. It is important not too get too caught up in what is "most likely" to happen and be where you are.

Sorry about the "itinerant" thing. I really use words like that. It used to cause me problems writing reports for desk sergeants with a more pedestrian vocabulary.

[mushinmaster]

I took an SAT course which hammered that use of pedestrian, so I didn't have to look that one up

I forgot all about pushing - are you still in the army?

[GregG]

Current duty position

No. I got out in 96. Now I teach software.

[GregG]

The Point

Have fun at the Point. It can be good or bad for you, just stick with what you know to be true.

I should have gone to Annapolis like my brother, but then I would not have met my wife. I am out of the military, but still married. A good result, I would say.

[Rob B]

Usually a bad version of a right cross. I've seen alot of hockey style fights recently too.

[mushinmaster]

that's okay - you wouldn't have wanted to be a semen anyway

Yeah i am a little worried about coming away brainwashed or becoming one of those asshole officers, but time will tell, i guess.

I think when the time comes I'll choose marriage over the military too...but i don't even wanna think about that
I young, single, and lovin' it


Peace out!

[GregG]

Youth

For a large part of the time I was young, single and loving it I was a policeman in New Orleans. A good town for all those things.

[Szczepankiewicz]

Mushi, you're already brainwashed AND an asshole, now go get your commission and complete the circle!

SZ

[mushinmaster]

Well, i gotta make it through beats barracks first.

Training tips anyone???

I'm doing a 3 mi run every morning, push-ups, pull-ups, dips, plyometrics in the evening, and starting boxing and kickboxing classes as soon as the season ends.

Does any one know of any push-up, pull-up programs, stuff like that?? or anything else that will get me in military training shape??