Versus a 'regular joe'? Is it something to even-up the playing field or should you be able to bury all comers?

Vote and explain. Remember that we are taking about non-martial arts trained opponents.

Man!

I really wanted to vote #5...Such an awesome answer.
But I did't.

I am a big fan of number 5 too, but I need at least some credibility.

My one condition for voting 4, is it is against people about your size, I say that because size and strength do matter and I don't want people thinking a 135lb guy is whooping up on Warren Sapp just cause he took some Karate Classes at the YMCA.

My vote is about dedicated well trained BB level (my definition of BB) vrs people about their own size and weight, and below.

This also doesn't mean there are not some little guys that can lay down a beatin on a big guy, just means in general.

HiYa!

I voted some advantage because no matter how long and hard you train there is always someone out there that never learned a technique or picked up a weight in his life that would crush me. On the other hand those who train with the upmost intensity will fair better some of the time against someone who will not be able to handle a perfectly place side kick to the ribs.

#3 I don't train to win fights survive in one piece is my goal Never have to use my training at all,would be great

#3 - Some

You win some you lose some; you can't win them all.

I would have to say 3. I guess for me its knowing that should the need arise, I hopefully have a better chance than the average joe, but also that I know when to extricate myself from a situation with speed and run like hell!

As much as I talk about how much I respect human beings and their capacity for violence and mayhem (regardless of training), I still believe that skill matters. Not just skill mind you, but GREAT skill. The further the distance you can separate yourself from the rest of the pack, the better.

But yes, skill does matter. I say this because of what I have observed from owning and running a gym over the past five years.

The beginners who have come in over that period of time have for the most part, demonstrated NO ability to offer any credible game against those with training. I guess that's not really who you want to compare yourself to, but that is essentially the gist of this topic.

The difference in skill and ability is like night and day, regardless of size and level of strength, and this is particularly true in the grappling realm. That has at least been MY observation.

ANYONE can get lucky when you're "trading". But you do NOT luck into an armbar, etc. That requires training, experience and timing. You cannot "luck into" those things, in the way you can hit that "lucky punch".

Where skill matters even MORE is IN that striking/free movement range. To offset strength and aggression, you have to be far and away better than your opposition. The same is NOT as true in the clinch and ground ranges (where a little skill can go a LONG way). Again, this has just been my observations and points of view.


-John

So John, what one did you pick? #4. A lot. This ain't no Tupperware party, pal. OR #5. Total. I should kick my own ass for even asking this pansy question.

I would probably go with #3, because I know that ANYONE can get their ass kicked. At least in terms of attitude and philosophy that is a safe road to take. That way your EGO doesn't overly inflated and you begin walking around with an exaggerated sense of your own "deadliness".

I've seen overly confident people have their asses handed to them too many times and I just know better all too well.

This attitude makes me a nice guy to be around, which of course goes a long way toward keeping me out of any possible trouble that might be avoided to begin with.




-John