The best training for self-defense

So, I was sat in my friends house, there were 6 of us there, and it dawned on us that we've all had/do some kind of martial arts training. Between us we had trained in aikido, karate, tae kwondo and tai chi.

We had a few little fights, but we were always too scared of the pain without any sparring equipment. Anyway, one of them told me something his instructor had told him: "when you're in a street fight, become someone else." In other words, lose every part of you that isn't a fighter, that doesn't like violence or pain. Go insane, but don't lose composure.

And.. well, let's say since we started having full contact fights without any sparring equipment I've felt a lot more confident in the street. The only way to train for real fights is to have real fights, otherwise you're training for something that isn't going to happen.

True Solus. although using grappling gloves and shin-bone pads is good for fullcontact. Otherwise you're going to get really really hurt if someone lands a good punch/kick. And stay away from hard kidney punches since it hurts like hell and if you're unlucky you'll start pissing blood.

Good thread.

You guys are retarded,

I f i practiced Krav Maga with my buddies full contact one of them would probably die.

get some gloves at least or go make a back yard wrestling video.

If you think this is a good idea let us know when your heads cracked open, I would love to hear about it.

idiots, absolute immaturity.

lol....sounds like you learned something many long time martial artists never do, sparring and real fighting are NOT the same. I would suggest though a mouth gaurd,cup,light gloves(10oz) and maybe shin pads. Then you can really go at it with a lot less risk, have a spotter and a stop word as well. Don`t hit each others backs hard, and be carefull with neck throws(ie:muay thai type) If you really want to learn what a real fight feels like, find an amatuer muay thai event and enter it.

Yer right Pitbull....some things you can`t practice, and the style you mention is full of them. The difference between a tap and a snap when going full out is not something to be learned in the backyard.