Originally Posted by
Zen Archer
One that really made me laugh (search realfighting on yahoo) rated shaolin last in a list of ten martial arts as being effective for defense. All you fellow Shaolin: these "experts" ranked us below karate, judo, muay thai, jujitsu, & boxing in effectiveness for self defense.
Haha....yeah. I love those comparisons. As if there weren't variations in karate, judo, muay thai, jujitsu, or boxing. I disregard those rankings as soon as I see 'em. Lumps everything into a convenient package.....little regard to internal variation. Hell, I know a lifetime TKD'er who can kick a little ass now and again:D . And I still don't know of anyone, in any martial art, who would have wanted to face Tyson in his prime.
Ti or kicking, Da or punching, Shuai or wrestling, & Na or Qin Na also known as to seize and to hold. This would also encompass jujitsu etc. A complete fighter must posess ability in all areas for street defense or the ancient art of Lei Tai ( real no holds barred fighting).
If there's one gripe I have with SD, it's that chin-na are often taught as escape maneuvers, rather than offensive maneuvers. Yeah, they might be elementary at first (a la the 30 that newbies learn).....but even those can get something going and throw off the pace of a fight. CMA guys seem to shun excessive grabbing--for a reason, true. But sometimes it can be your best friend...depending on the scenario. And if you know how to grab, you often learn how to defend against a grab twice as effectively...not to mention that if you don't practice it, you'll be all the more susceptible to it......ah....a lesson for push hands....;)my weakest skill
And for the last one that is sure to get some egotistical response from Gracie fighters and other jujitsu fans: Kicking and punching is the best defense against Qin Na or Jujitsu.