Your looks

[Tom Yum]

I've been told that I look like I weigh about 165 and that I look like I can max bench about 225.

The first number is a little shy, the second number is considerably off in the neighborhood of about 40%. Still these numbers say absolutely nothing in terms of power, speed or stamina.

Can you accurately size up one's athletic abilities on quick judgement?

[Sensei Saki]

"Tell me again what is going on" if you know what you are looking for you can get a general idea of somebody's physical condition ?
Makes sense to me.Socrates was the smartest man, because he knew what he did not know.

[Garland]

It's easy...not only misjudge somebodies physical attributes, but also their tenacity, training, experience, aggressiveness, level of intoxication, and willingness to hurt you...and also whether or not they're armed.
(although putting a lit smoke out on your palm and putting your hand on your belt might be a good indication of being willing to hurt and being armed.)

Simple mistakes that could lead people to death...
but...hey sometimes people get lucky on both sides and somebody comes in and breaks it up, before somebody starts to get stabby on three potential assailants.

Fuckers would have had it coming.

[gregimotis]

It's easy...not only misjudge somebodies physical attributes, but also their tenacity, training, experience, aggressiveness, level of intoxication, and willingness to hurt you...and also whether or not they're armed.
(although putting a lit smoke out on your palm and putting your hand on your belt might be a good indication of being willing to hurt and being armed.)

Simple mistakes that could lead people to death...
but...hey sometimes people get lucky on both sides and somebody comes in and breaks it up, before somebody starts to get stabby on three potential assailants.

Fuckers would have had it coming.

Umkay - Garland no longer allowed to post after third cup of coffee.....

[HtTKar]

"Never judge a book by its cover"

Now if your judging them while actually doing something physical; like playing football or basketball, you could have an idea of their abilities. But I bet that less than 1% of the population could judge someones athletic abilities soley on looks alone.
Most people think I weigh 15-20lbs less than I actually do.
Some of the best scrappers I've known were tiny little guys with attitude. And some of the biggest guys I know are really just too nice to ever fight.

[BoarSpear]

true most people cant spot trouble until its too late...One thing i have noticed...when trouble starts the guys to watch get shorter...the idiots puff up. Predators are usually aware and smooth...and they rely on suprise (sneaky).....prey dont pay attention until the herd alerts, then they stand up straight to find the problem... Startle a pro he will attack you with his startle reflex, like a cat springing on a mouse...the average person moves up and away from whatever startles them... just like a rabbit.

Most untrained people also dont look up... look at thier shoes and their watches...pros dont skimp on these two items. sunglasses (the right ones) are also a dead giveaway...wanna know what a pro looks like? watch diplomatic transfers in this country...MSD

if you realize the military only hones a warriors inate abilities...then you can realize not all warriors join the military (they need US not the other way around)
IE you can be a warrior without being in the military, but a military without warriors is well...look at the FRENCH . my point being many unfound warriors dont fit in society,and they dont know why...and some get into trouble...JAIL or dead...those are the idiots who you have to watch on the streets...I AM NOT SAYING EVERY PUNK ASSHOLE WITH A GUN AND A CRIMINAL RECORD IS A LOST WARRIOR...THEYRE FUCKIN CRIMINALS ......NO HONOR, NO WARRIOR... PERIOD.

[Bjjexpertise@be]

People think I weigh more than I do because my chest is wide, they usually guess I weigh 160-ish(i weigh 144). When I tell them my actual weight they usually guess my max bench is 170, which is 80 pounds off. I dunno, people are crazy.

[Hardball]

I've been told that I look like I weigh about 165 and that I look like I can max bench about 225.

The first number is a little shy, the second number is considerably off in the neighborhood of about 40%. Still these numbers say absolutely nothing in terms of power, speed or stamina.

Can you accurately size up one's athletic abilities on quick judgement?

I don't think it would matter with you since you are unlikely to initiate an attack. Most martial artist are defensive minded-- outside of competition. You have no time to size someone up once a confrontation starts. If you are properly trained it should not matter. Speed, skills and guts will get you through; not power and size.. By the way, some of the toughest people I have ever met were skinny and boney whimp looking guys. You are not going to go out and pick a fight with anyone, especially someone the size of a Bob Sapp. But, you would go on defense with someone that size, right?

I'm starting to babble so I'm shutting the F up now. LOL

[HtTKar]

H2H, I wasnt remarking on your thread. It was just a statement. Sorry if it came out that way. Really I agree with you.

I don't think it would matter with you since you are unlikely to initiate an attack. Most martial artist are defensive minded-- outside of competition. You have no time to size someone up once a confrontation starts. If you are properly trained it should not matter.

Is it wrong to size someone up the second you see them? You dont have to stare, but you should notice everyone around you and be prepared. Personally I feel an offensive mindset is better. I dont mean people should start trouble, but they should be prepared. If someone starts with me verbally, I don't get defensive, I try to laugh it off, talk, slow down on the drinking, and outwit them. If I get a chance after that, I'll leave. But if someone trys to grab me, or touch me I dont think there's another option but to go on the offense. I think that not sizing up the situation is like underestimating your opponent. I dont know, really. I'd be interested to know what others think.

[BoarSpear]

Scan the room and every one in it when you enter, note its exits, sit with your back to the main entrance observe the new patrons as they enter...after awhile it becomes habit you shouldnt notice you are doing it unless something is wrong.
IE: your BS alarm goes off when things dont "fit" then you figure out why they stood out and carry on as usual or deal with it if its really a threat...

usually the biggest indicator of trouble is people who are paying attention...very few people in this day and age are aware of thier enviroment, those paying attention are either paying attention like you out of habit (note 'em) or "working" IE: undercover/ off duty cops or they are predators of some sort...either way watch 'em

[Tom Yum]

eg I bench 185 ten times and most people don't believe it because I've still got body fat left from when I was a pudgy bastard and am still working on posture.

I agree. You can be solid with some body fat and be strong. Its even more of a toss up with people who are solid and not ripped; just shows that the average person expects someone with a bodybuilder's physique as the example of strength.

One of my favorite shows is the strongman; these guys are usually huge though so they look as strong as they are, but not as eye catching as bodybuilders... anyhow, favorite events - the fire truck pull and the telephone pole toss.

[Tom Yum]

Speed, skills and guts will get you through; not power and size.. By the way, some of the toughest people I have ever met were skinny and boney whimp looking guys. You are not going to go out and pick a fight with anyone, especially someone the size of a Bob Sapp. But, you would go on defense with someone that size, right?

I'm starting to babble so I'm shutting the F up now. LOL

No, I agree.

When I started the thread, I was talking about athletics, not combat. Looks like the thread evolved to combat though, so I'll go with it.

Definintely agree that speed, skill and heart make a good fighter. And you can't judge a fighter by looks alone; there are some guys that are thin/small framed and awesome fighters with knockout power and determination.

Size definitely plays a role in intimidation and strength. Strength matters too. Its good to watch fights with considerable size difference or to spar against bigger or smaller fighters; When a bigger guy hits a smaller one, the momentum sends the little guy flying around. When the little guy hits the bigger one, it takes about a second to find out how hard he hit him. He might be hurt, but momentum doesn't favor the little guy.

[Tom Yum]

As far as reading people and picking up on vibes; some people don't send them out for any number of reasons while others can be spotted from a mile away. Some don't like to be thought of as bad people so they dress nice but the inner thug still shines through. It’s an art not a science.

I'm not one to judge a book by its cover, but you can get vibes from people.

There's only One who is in the right position to judge us all.

[Tom Yum]

What I was getting at is that a well dressed criminal is just that, a well dressed criminal. Some of them dress well because part of them would prefer to not be a criminal and regret going that way, while others are just trying to fool people.

Gotcha. White collar vs. Blue collar.

You can't judge a book by its cover.

BTK was an ordinary looking fellow. Its been reported that he was also one heckuva control freak. He would scrutinize the hell out of his inferiors at work and it gave him great pride. I heard that he also had an intense fear of flying on airplanes. That's an odd combination I guess it makes sense.

[Tom Yum]

He was also "a quiet man".

Are you a quiet man, H2H? Do you posess control freak tendencies?

Well you're not the only poster who resembles an infamous character from the news...


there's still Spankmeister