Would Historical Martial Arts be Useful in Modern Self-Defense?

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  • Опубликовано: 8 сен 2024
  • To answer a frequently asked viewer question here are some thoughts on whether practicing HEMA (Historical European Martial Arts) might have some benefits in self-defense situations on the street nowadays.
    Thanks to Erik Bailey, the head instructor at Blood & Iron Victoria, for helping out with this video!
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Комментарии • 1,7 тыс.

  • @TheTOXICpineapple
    @TheTOXICpineapple 6 лет назад +1028

    There's a guy where I live who walks around with a staff. My friends and I have affectionately nick named him Gandalf, and believe he is the divine protector of the village.

    • @aldor9357
      @aldor9357 6 лет назад +180

      I just assume that you and your friends are all hobbits

    • @TheTOXICpineapple
      @TheTOXICpineapple 6 лет назад +129

      maybe one day he'll take me on an adventure and see dragons and orcs and dwarves

    • @mrmoth26
      @mrmoth26 5 лет назад +24

      I do that too (serious).

    • @trentneel5829
      @trentneel5829 5 лет назад +94

      Support your local druids

    • @xernax1841
      @xernax1841 4 года назад +13

      I would like to be such a man once.

  • @Kragatar
    @Kragatar 6 лет назад +1726

    My karate teacher used to say... If you're in a knife fight, you *will* get cut. Your training just determines how badly.

    • @cvbpo
      @cvbpo 6 лет назад +55

      Kragatar this is true all blade fight end up in u getting cut in same or another

    • @Bloodless101
      @Bloodless101 6 лет назад +344

      I learned it as "You will get cut. Don't get stabbed."

    • @six2make4
      @six2make4 6 лет назад +23

      Wise man...

    • @frigglebiscuit7484
      @frigglebiscuit7484 6 лет назад +48

      if i ever get into a knife fight, my jacket is coming off and being used as a protection cover/something to wrap around the blade.

    • @darkestkhan
      @darkestkhan 6 лет назад +59

      Keyword here is untrained - as long as individual is untrained you can deal with him. But if he has even the most basic training then you most likely will get some sort of cut.

  • @Dragnfly_mynamewastaken
    @Dragnfly_mynamewastaken 6 лет назад +1097

    A stranger was walking past me one day and just grabbed my shoulder out of nowhere. I kind of shoulder-shoved him away and that's when I noticed he had a knife out. I'm disabled so running away wasn't going to work. Luckily, it was raining earlier so I had a folded umbrella and he happened to have totally messed up threat sense. I hit the button, my umbrella extended... and he ran. My mind was in chaos after that but when I calmed down I just thanked my lucky stars that my not-planned-at-all plan worked. He was likely just as scared as I was and wasn't thinking clearly.
    The umbrella is power.

    • @Edgewalker001
      @Edgewalker001 6 лет назад +198

      He probably assumed it was loaded with poison gas, Batman always does. =p

    • @nickkiller-0710
      @nickkiller-0710 6 лет назад +300

      he feared you would unscrew the umbrellas pommel, and we know how lethal that is

    • @thelegendaryklobb2879
      @thelegendaryklobb2879 6 лет назад +64

      Indiana Jones's father would agree

    • @JohnDoe-on6ru
      @JohnDoe-on6ru 6 лет назад +52

      Put a pommel on the umbrella handle.

    • @MeatPlanet
      @MeatPlanet 6 лет назад +64

      glad you're ok.

  • @GophersVids
    @GophersVids 6 лет назад +895

    Those sort of questions always annoy me to be honest. Any activity that trains your body would be useful in modern self defence. Bloody tap dancing twice a week would make you a better fighter than if you never got off the sofa :)

    • @spencerburkhart555
      @spencerburkhart555 6 лет назад +19

      This better be the the real gopher

    • @nyesis4287
      @nyesis4287 6 лет назад +8

      Spencer BURKHART He's got the check thing, its him.

    • @xDizzyBx
      @xDizzyBx 6 лет назад +6

      Hello Mr. Gopher, didn't expect to see you here :)

    • @mr.pissshivers
      @mr.pissshivers 6 лет назад +4

      People love to aspire to be something, but always hesitate in achieving it

    • @SaftonYT
      @SaftonYT 6 лет назад +8

      I mean that's sort of a given, no? But there are varying degrees of usefulness and most people who ask this question are interested in specific information and scenarios, such as what's featured in this video.

  • @ABaumstumpf
    @ABaumstumpf 6 лет назад +435

    Short answer:
    Yes.
    Long answers:
    Yes, to varying degrees.

  • @viorp6982
    @viorp6982 6 лет назад +537

    any martialart > no martialart
    Something is always better than nothing.

    • @jort93z
      @jort93z 6 лет назад +106

      Wouldn't say that. It could give you a false sense of security. If you feel like you are prepared, but you are not, you might make the wrong decision.

    • @JonatasAdoM
      @JonatasAdoM 6 лет назад +29

      If you think you cannot outmatch your opponent that might save your life.

    • @jort93z
      @jort93z 6 лет назад +5

      exactly jonatas.

    • @InSanic13
      @InSanic13 6 лет назад +46

      +Joe Morrell What, are you saying that the Kamehameha wave isn't practical for self-defense?

    • @tracywu5702
      @tracywu5702 6 лет назад +8

      Karate yes safe. Karate no safe. Karate so-so squish like grape. Mr. Miagi

  • @diggernick901
    @diggernick901 6 лет назад +66

    *Life experience about knife "fighting" here*
    I saw a very disgusting example of using knives in a street fight. There were two guys arguing outside a bar. One of them put his hand behind his back and opened a folder there. Once their argument really heated up, he began to stab the other dude. He just pulled his arm from behind very quickly, stabbed his opponent in some random place and hid it again. So he repeated over and over, stabbed the poor fool about 10 times in several seconds. Since the victim couldn't see the arm moves, he was pretty helpless, threw a couple of punches, tried to grapple, but that was it. He soon fell over and the stabber just ran away. From what I've learned, the stabbed guy bled out in the ambulance and died, not sure if the cops ever managed to find the stabber. The whole fight (or murder) took mere moments. Moral of the story: if you can run away from a fight, do. If you can talk yourself out of a fight, do it please. You never know what does your opponent have in their pockets, what's going on in their heads and what are their abilities. Several seconds and you are dead, no questions asked. And if you cannot avoid the fight, then don't scruple when fighting, your life is very likely to be at risk. It's not DEFINITELY at risk, but I'd rather not take the chances.

    • @enigma9971
      @enigma9971 5 месяцев назад +1

      Evidently the guy with the knife thought the same. That being said, if I'm arguing with a man and he reaches behind his back I'm going to be instantly wary.

  • @CazadorSlayer
    @CazadorSlayer 6 лет назад +159

    Guys, I have the ultimate Self-Defense Technique to avoid these dangerous situations on the street...
    *Never Go Outside.*

    • @TheKiroshi
      @TheKiroshi 6 лет назад +19

      *attacker comes to your home*
      *and patiently knocks on your door for a duel.*

    • @CazadorSlayer
      @CazadorSlayer 6 лет назад +18

      *Stop living with Serial Killers.*

    • @vgman94
      @vgman94 6 лет назад +4

      Jolly Jester Been practicing this technique for over 20 years (I’m 23) and it works 100%. It’s also ridiculously boring and isolating...

    • @claromujitahid7373
      @claromujitahid7373 6 лет назад +3

      TheKiroshi patiently knocks? Is the attacker British or Canadian? LOL

    • @jobdylan5782
      @jobdylan5782 5 лет назад +3

      @@vgman94 That's why pornography and psychotropic drugs exist.

  • @Jrlomay
    @Jrlomay 6 лет назад +115

    When I'm in a self defence situation
    Me: "Desperate times call for desperate measures, POCKET P O M M E L"
    *proceeds to throw pocket pommel at the attackers face/nose

    • @ajusino2324
      @ajusino2324 3 года назад +5

      they explode into viscera and gore

    • @SaiTaX_the_Chile_boi
      @SaiTaX_the_Chile_boi 3 года назад +2

      Dude, that’s just lethal weaponry, the army is now looking for you

  • @scholagladiatoria
    @scholagladiatoria 6 лет назад +704

    I get asked this a lot as well and I think you covered a lot of the main points really well :-)

    • @aldor9357
      @aldor9357 6 лет назад +29

      Hi Matt

    • @scholagladiatoria
      @scholagladiatoria 6 лет назад +45

      Hey

    • @facina3390
      @facina3390 6 лет назад +8

      Hi Matt! I wish I had the opportunity to participate in your HEMA classes. I live in Alaska and HEMA hasn't made its way here yet. Any thoughts to moving to the other side of the world and opening a class here?☺

    • @gerrystreet1745
      @gerrystreet1745 6 лет назад +20

      HI FOLKS, MATT EASTON HERE

    • @kevinlobos5519
      @kevinlobos5519 6 лет назад +14

      scholagladiatoria if you made a video about this your short answer would be "context" right?

  • @Edgewalker001
    @Edgewalker001 6 лет назад +93

    The way I've understood it, most modern knife combat essentially revolves around "Get close to opponent when his guard is down, stab lots until movement stops." =p

    • @radmanpedram3214
      @radmanpedram3214 6 лет назад +1

      Edgewalker001 unless the oponant is strong and pushes you away and stabs you or doesn’t know what it is doing.

    • @punchdrunkatheist
      @punchdrunkatheist 6 лет назад +6

      That's pretty much how it actually goes. If you watch real training videos, that's basically what the knife fight is about. A real instructor will admit to you that in a knife fight, you're both going to get hurt, you just want to hurt them first.

    • @zaodedong9935
      @zaodedong9935 5 лет назад

      That is an attack, not combat.

    • @renookami4651
      @renookami4651 4 года назад +8

      @@zaodedong9935 Muggers arn't here to "combat" you, yes.

  • @RayRaven
    @RayRaven 6 лет назад +342

    The one thing a lot of people forget is that most self defense classes/manuals teach you as if you're fighting someone using a technique that has its own holes. The problem is, if someone is going to mug you on the street, they aren't going to use a technique. They'll do whatever they have to no matter how absurd it may seem.

    • @glens2019
      @glens2019 6 лет назад +53

      Thus, in certain cases, assuming the mugger is untrained, has way more holes in comparison.

    • @RayRaven
      @RayRaven 6 лет назад +64

      True, there's positives and negatives. There's also the fact that he would be unpredictable.

    • @ravoln2457
      @ravoln2457 6 лет назад +28

      Personally, I think more people forget the fact that just being healthy is the most important thing when it comes to any of these situation. Every defensive technique and every weapons besides a gun have certain fitness requirements.

    • @Odood19
      @Odood19 6 лет назад +16

      If you are fighting your friends at practice, then all you know is how those specific people fight in a controlled setting. There is familiarity, and that makes skill, hopefully, a better determinant of wins/losses than chance. You can never defend against an ambush. The finest Japanese swordsmen were trained to take this knowledge to heart before they could pick up their first sword. React fast, plan ahead, lose sleep contemplating your counter attacks, it doesn't matter to the ambush attacker. Hell, they could throw sand at your face and take your shoes, and no technique or schtyle would help you.

    • @baronvonbeans9887
      @baronvonbeans9887 6 лет назад

      LaHeretic I remember seeing video of an attempted store robbery like that, mighta been Britain or Australia

  • @Billie_The_Trash_Witch
    @Billie_The_Trash_Witch 6 лет назад +393

    Well in Texas you can now open carry blades of any size. So I believe that HEMA would be very useful in self defense.

    • @forgottenredemption4970
      @forgottenredemption4970 6 лет назад +28

      The Pissed off Marshmellow You can't carry ANY blade. There are still restrictions. A switchblade is still illegal for example. Just a thing I felt worth mentioning.

    • @MarginalSC
      @MarginalSC 6 лет назад +81

      How about a Switchsword?

    • @AaronMinerRunicfire
      @AaronMinerRunicfire 6 лет назад +71

      Alas, I also hear that in Texas you can open carry guns of any size, thus rendering the whole point moot.

    • @CreeperKiller666
      @CreeperKiller666 6 лет назад +69

      Carry both. If you are rushed by someone who is closer than 20 feet, you are better off drawing the blade than the gun, because they will get into stabbing range before you had a chance to aim and shoot with any degree of accuracy.... also, most people aren't going to attack you if you have a pistol on one hip and a machete on the other. There are easier targets, and most criminals aren't suicidal.

    • @Mortablunt
      @Mortablunt 6 лет назад +12

      Can't wait to jsut see people walking around with tulwars! ROFL!

  • @rushyahr7767
    @rushyahr7767 6 лет назад +175

    I would think that someone involved in HEMA would be exceptional with improvised weapons, like chairs or pool sticks, or maybe even a trash can lid. Thats also not something most grapplers and boxers expect or train to deal with. A HEMA practitioner would have the advantage so long as they could find a stick or something to use as a weapon.

    • @duchessskye4072
      @duchessskye4072 6 лет назад +14

      To be fair anyone that can would grab something long to use as a weapon, however practitioners would have an advantage in that department yes.

    • @nicholaslornadek8234
      @nicholaslornadek8234 6 лет назад +5

      i doubt that even an expert hema pratictioner could outgrapple a collegiate wrestler or even a blue belt in bjj, to be fair, just because those two arts practice only that, especially bjj

    • @sweetrumman6496
      @sweetrumman6496 5 лет назад +6

      @@nicholaslornadek8234 It depends on strength and how much they grappling they have practiced in HEMA school. Grappling was pretty common in the old days and often people's lives depended on those techniques. Also bjj , krav maga etc are a set of older techniques.
      If you don't practice grappling enough and lose to a blue belt, it's your fault for not being capable enough not HEMA's.

    • @NDOhioan
      @NDOhioan 5 лет назад +4

      @@nicholaslornadek8234 Not disagreeing with you, but I think you misinterpreted what the OP said.
      He was saying that a HEMA practitioner *with some form of improvised weapon* would have an advantage over a grappler in a fight. Like a solid hickory cane or a lead pipe or something.

    • @IIDASHII
      @IIDASHII 5 лет назад +6

      @@sweetrumman6496 A beginner in BJJ, maybe. A collegiate wrestler. NO. They are some of the most dangerous unarmed people there are. Not only have they spent their life learning how to grapple, they've also spent it getting ridiculously strong to tangle with others of the same bent. They eat, live, and breath unarmed combat. I was a collegiate defender in lacrosse (so on par with a wrestler in terms of strength and fitness, and very good with a pole-arm ;) ) with martial arts experience. I generally steered clear of fights, but when it came to wrestlers, I avoided them at all cost. I find it incredibly unlikely that any HEMA practioner, save for MAYBE a master who does it as a job, would have a chance against a run-of-the-mill collegiate wrestler, on even ground, with no weapons involved.
      I once watched a guy I knew who basically had his way with people in fights get absolutely humiliated by my friend, who was a college wrestler. He didn't even land a hit. It was over before it began. Just messing around with my wrestler friend made me nervous, and I was in incredible shape, with martial arts training of my own. The things that they do to each other on a daily basis in practice would break anyone who doesn't lift weights routinely in half. That is not hyperbole. Spine = broken.

  • @GREGORGE0US
    @GREGORGE0US 6 лет назад +23

    a rule i've been thought since i was a child is "you never pull out a gun, knife or weapon if you are not going to use it"
    so i think that the answer for the question "would HEMA work?" would be:
    yes it would work if you are willing to kill the threat with the weapon you have expertise with.

  • @ViroVV
    @ViroVV 6 лет назад +134

    The ancient art of gunkata, of course.

    • @neutralfellow9736
      @neutralfellow9736 6 лет назад +5

      Not.
      Without.
      Incident.

    • @TheHornedOne81
      @TheHornedOne81 6 лет назад +5

      Gun Fu. Rule 1, keep one in the chamber. Rule 2, if it's a SA pistol, keep it cocked while carrying. Seen So many people that believe that they will have time to react, rack the slide on draw, and still have time to shoot. Having done simunition training while in LE, you ain't got time to do anything but draw and pew pew. Practice it.

    • @Hsaelt
      @Hsaelt 6 лет назад +4

      Having a cocked sa revolver may end up in you shooting your stupid ass or hurting somebody else... this isn't wild west, lol, this is against any rules. Your main resposibility is to assure the safety of those around you. In a lot of situation even simply drawing a gun is enough to scare off an attacker = gives you more time to react. And if its a sudden melee ambush you will not be able to react *ANYWAY* be it with cocked sa gun or with "uncocked" one. Peace.

    • @strikesubmit
      @strikesubmit 6 лет назад +4

      agreed 100% with the comments above. there are lots of videos on here illustrating the Teuller Drill, or the 21 foot rule. its really important to know, especially if you think simply carrying a sidearm will work all the time.

    • @TheHornedOne81
      @TheHornedOne81 6 лет назад +1

      It's called training and drills. You're as likely to "shoot your stupid ass" with a striker fired pistol as with a cocked SA pistol. So, should I not carry my Glock with a round chambered? Same situation. No, it isn't the Wild West. They carried revolvers, on empty chambers, but they also didn't have anything like the issues with crime that we do. Mostly because the majority of those who traveled were armed, usually with at least one pistol and a rifle, and those walking around towns were carrying pistols. Not everyone, mind you, but more than enough. If you have a mechanically functional weapon, that doesn't have overly worn parts, the potential for the weapon to fire without the trigger being pulled is extremely low. Again, Training and Drill will reduce the chances of you being your own worst enemy. I carried a gun professionally for a decade, so I have some small amount of experience, training, and understanding of what is involved.

  • @CDKohmy
    @CDKohmy 6 лет назад +92

    Scottish fencing master Archibald McGregor says to use anything like a broadsword whether it’s a cane, umbrella, unarmed, etc.

    • @extreme_bruh5956
      @extreme_bruh5956 6 лет назад +42

      how do u use unarmed as a broadsword

    • @CDKohmy
      @CDKohmy 6 лет назад +7

      Matěj Crowe
      Punches, footwork, grapples

    • @techpriest8965
      @techpriest8965 6 лет назад +14

      Matěj Crowe That is only for the manliest of men.

    • @baronvonbeans9887
      @baronvonbeans9887 6 лет назад +21

      If you pretend to swing a broadsword for long enough, it becomes real

    • @bastiaan0741
      @bastiaan0741 6 лет назад +3

      Pretend you're the Green Lantern :p

  • @hellequingentlemanbastard9497
    @hellequingentlemanbastard9497 6 лет назад +33

    Having learned to fight with blades did actually safe my Life.22 years ago.
    One of my 2 opponents even had a pistol, luckily for me not cocked and far to close.

    • @13buthead
      @13buthead 6 лет назад +2

      so you just walk everyday with blades with you?

    • @hellequingentlemanbastard9497
      @hellequingentlemanbastard9497 6 лет назад +11

      Yes, especially when I walk my Dogs through the Orchards, Mountains or Bush, or walk a Female friend home at Night.
      I carry my old Hunting knife and depending on where we wander a Tomahawk or Cane-sword.
      Getting a Firearm license has gotten very difficult and a carrying license almost impossible.
      I live in South Africa by the way.

    • @13buthead
      @13buthead 6 лет назад +3

      South Africa. Yea i guess there are zones where that makes sense. You got training with the blades?

    • @hellequingentlemanbastard9497
      @hellequingentlemanbastard9497 6 лет назад +3

      Started as a Child like we all did at playing Knight, Viking, Musketeer, Pirate and Zorro. Got into Reenactment through a Uncle at 10 and started to learn to use different kind of Blades for real so that you don't injure yourself or opponent.

    • @hellequingentlemanbastard9497
      @hellequingentlemanbastard9497 6 лет назад +6

      I trained with European Swords, Rapier, Saber, Axe and Dagger. All "Bladed" Weapons, but in that case I had only my my Hunting-knife with me and that is also a "Bladed" Weapon.

  • @crucifyrobinhood
    @crucifyrobinhood 6 лет назад +57

    I owe my life to a Schrade Sharpfinger. Nobody intentionally brings a knife to a gunfight but I'm damned glad I had one.

    • @mr.kittysavestheworld695
      @mr.kittysavestheworld695 6 лет назад +8

      That's a story I'd like to hear.

    • @Edgewalker001
      @Edgewalker001 6 лет назад +4

      And yet the knife is supposed to win as long as you can negate distance advantage.

    • @crucifyrobinhood
      @crucifyrobinhood 6 лет назад +38

      Short version: Working security for legal cannabis grow. Walking patrol with my rifle slung. Suddenly face to muzzle w/revolver and screaming man. Instinctively jump left and hear a gunshot. -I go completely "black out" blank-. "Come to" kneeling over man punching his head w/knife in hand and counting 7,8,9,10...then snap fully back to reality and stop punching. Man's gun hand thumb nearly severed, pistol nowhere in sight, rifle still on my back, powder burns on my neck. Cops show up, find the pistol, take my knife for evidence and arrest the dude in the hospital.

    • @SonsOfLorgar
      @SonsOfLorgar 6 лет назад +7

      CrucifyRobinHood now that's what I call an awesome story

    • @alteye1
      @alteye1 6 лет назад

      Were you on acid or why did you black out completely?

  • @F_lippy
    @F_lippy 6 лет назад +561

    Pocket Sand.

    • @leterrierdinari2861
      @leterrierdinari2861 6 лет назад +30

      Pip IV well, most of the time you want to distract or stun the threat and run away quickly so it would be a legit technique (if you have enough pocket sand though), but most people prefer pepper spray.

    • @jiabaixiong
      @jiabaixiong 6 лет назад +3

      Pip IV LMAO! Love it!

    • @olivermorin3303
      @olivermorin3303 6 лет назад +30

      Sunflower seeds.
      No, seriously. Chew some sunflower seed shells long enough, they become splinters. Then you can spit them in somebody's eyes. Plus, sunflower seeds are high in protein.

    • @subatomiccc300
      @subatomiccc300 6 лет назад +26

      that's pussy shit, pocket anthrax or nothing

    • @szabolcskis9812
      @szabolcskis9812 6 лет назад +6

      Even if the enemy is Anakin Skywalker.

  • @onurc.3150
    @onurc.3150 6 лет назад +247

    3:28 learn study and..... results 0:01

    • @efraim3364
      @efraim3364 6 лет назад +53

      if someone gets a pool cue up the ass is that a sports related injury?

    • @onurc.3150
      @onurc.3150 6 лет назад +39

      Yes..
      and no
      it depends ;)

    • @efraim3364
      @efraim3364 6 лет назад +22

      yeh i guess context might be at play there

    • @onurc.3150
      @onurc.3150 6 лет назад +16

      You guess?
      I bet ;)

    • @efraim3364
      @efraim3364 6 лет назад +11

      hehe

  • @sergeanttibs6345
    @sergeanttibs6345 3 года назад +6

    Reach really counts. When we were kids a bunch of us got accosted by guys with machetes while we were playing ball hockey. They regretted it immediately.

  • @michaelzajicek3194
    @michaelzajicek3194 6 лет назад +16

    "Hey Eric"
    "What?"
    *slam*
    Best way to show people how to fuck up other people, 10/10

  • @JohnDoe-on6ru
    @JohnDoe-on6ru 6 лет назад +32

    Also, carry a super bright pocket flashlight.
    And a Messer.

  • @cbr600rrturbo
    @cbr600rrturbo 6 лет назад +106

    after all these years your one of the few channels I still like, high 5 playa

  • @counterblast3885
    @counterblast3885 6 лет назад +127

    You can apply this stuff in texas since they legalized open sword carrying

    • @christopheresquire947
      @christopheresquire947 6 лет назад +3

      Counter Blast Really? Is it just a sort of loophole in the laws?

    • @gracebrooks31
      @gracebrooks31 6 лет назад

      Counter Blast what

    • @CyranofromBergerac
      @CyranofromBergerac 6 лет назад +19

      Edward of Wales it was made to allow carry of machetes, but it applies for swords as well. I don't know if it's all of Texas or just one area.

    • @rolandmalone5431
      @rolandmalone5431 6 лет назад +9

      Yes, i carry a 15 inch bowie knife on my hip

    • @counterblast3885
      @counterblast3885 6 лет назад

      No joke

  • @hariwulf3003
    @hariwulf3003 6 лет назад +13

    I have the feeling that often, with HEMA people tend to become so "nerdy"and over-cynical that discussions have the tendency to lose common sense. Take Ringen: We learn to disarm, to wrestle, lock joints and break bones. Unarmed HEMA is not that different from other unarmed arts, simply because there are only so many ways to manipulate effectively a human body.
    And even if many martial arts focus on punches, HEMA still teaches you how to lock the incoming punch, break the elbow and ground the opponent keeping an advantageous position; which in my opinion is just as effective as any other technique. That said, in a real-life scenario, I still think that the best defense is to keep your eyes and ears open in way to increases your chances of avoiding perilous situations altogether. If forced to defend yourself, run away as soon as possible. We live only once.

  • @HugoOfAstora
    @HugoOfAstora 6 лет назад +47

    "HEY ERIK! What!?"

  • @MultiMediaXL
    @MultiMediaXL 6 лет назад +251

    The best self defense ever is not be there.
    the second is to run away.

    • @MultiMediaXL
      @MultiMediaXL 6 лет назад +46

      +Tane Sorby If running away is not available, but the perpetrator just want's your wallet, give him your wallet.
      If he want's your life, I recommend you don't listen to what I'm saying.

    • @SonsOfLorgar
      @SonsOfLorgar 6 лет назад +8

      MultiMedia XL but before that, there's the precautionary nuclear bombardment from low orbit ;)

    • @MultiMediaXL
      @MultiMediaXL 6 лет назад +8

      +SonsOfLorgar glass the planets surface. let new life develop, then nuke it.
      better be safe then sorry ;)

    • @SonsOfLorgar
      @SonsOfLorgar 6 лет назад +14

      Minetoutong If you carry a firearm for self defence you carry it loaded, cocked and with a round in the chamber ready to fire with no more than two finger movements after draw to flip the safety off and pulling the trigger.

    • @Peagaporto
      @Peagaporto 6 лет назад +9

      That's a big assumption to bet your life on, where I live muggers actually prefer to kill than leave a witness. I agree that avoiding conflict is always best but don't think it's a blanket solution

  • @TheAtomicCross
    @TheAtomicCross 5 лет назад +4

    When someone tried to stab me with a sharpened screwdriver, the only thing I had handy was a large, heavy door. Extremely handy, I recommend carrying a solid wall or building with a sturdy door with you at all times.

  • @aneesh2115
    @aneesh2115 6 лет назад +386

    The HEMA of pommel quick draw is very essential in modern self defence
    End them rightly

    • @pictishwarrior1055
      @pictishwarrior1055 6 лет назад

      Jason Rasmussen or go godfather on them and send bombs in the casket to finish the rest of his family off.

  • @alexsanti2153
    @alexsanti2153 6 лет назад +52

    That intro was so sick

  • @AFCAWorldBodybuildingArchive
    @AFCAWorldBodybuildingArchive 6 лет назад +24

    1:05 damn, those guys are quite jacked! :D

    • @blasttyrant3228
      @blasttyrant3228 5 лет назад

      AFCA - World Bodybuilding Archive
      Username checks out

  • @DeathssynProductions
    @DeathssynProductions 5 лет назад +2

    Can I say as life long martial artist and watcher of your channel for 5+ years, I greatly appreciate the improvements in your technique. You look so fluid and comfortable and graceful compared to when I first started watching you. Well done overcoming your shoulder separation for the most part and well done for ameliorated constantly as one must. Keep on swinging, Skallagrim.

  • @42astrutsen
    @42astrutsen 6 лет назад +5

    I've actually used HEMA-techniques in my former work as a security guard. The grappling techniques for fighting in armour are really good for less lethal takedowns and control. :)
    I've studied the unarmed techniques of Filippo Vadi, I-66, Gladiatoria among others.
    The rondel-dagger teqniques has been useful for some uses of the baton, when it comes to using it as a lever etc.

  • @gallendugall8913
    @gallendugall8913 6 лет назад +40

    "Would Historical Martial Arts be Useful in Futuristic Self-Defense?"
    No because your opponent would just activate their personal self-destruct nuke; Predator style.

    • @renookami4651
      @renookami4651 4 года назад +1

      "No because they'll use a gun-carrying drone out of your range"

  • @h3llisr3al
    @h3llisr3al 6 лет назад +53

    Nice Mortal Kombat on thumbnail

    • @CienCarasWC3
      @CienCarasWC3 6 лет назад

      Clicked on this vid just fer it!

  • @curtislevey7639
    @curtislevey7639 2 года назад +2

    I trained to be a police office (Special) in the UK and was reminded of a couple things this video, the first is that in a knife fight you WILL get cut. Most stabbings are a series of quick and short stabs rather than deep/precise cuts. Secondly, I really liked that you mentioned everyone's reaction to be different. I saw a video of one of the local officers trying to subdue a man with a knife. He struck his wrist with a baton and actually broke it but the man held onto the knife and kept fighting. So be wary of self defense instructors who say you can easily disarm someone by striking at the wrist! Best advice we got is if your life is at stake then (get away if it's an option) pull no punches. They literally said if you have a car, use that.

    • @curtislevey7639
      @curtislevey7639 2 года назад +2

      Adding more to this, at the end Skal mentions how you're likely to be jumped rather than it be a movie style confrontation. In most cases an attacker will keep their knife hidden until they're in striking distance. So you likely won't know they have a knife until they're trying to stab you with it. Yes, you might see them with their hand in their pocket, but it's a lot to assume. The motto in my training for every scenario was "time and distance are your friend", unfortunately, we can't always be afforded them.

  • @aldor9357
    @aldor9357 6 лет назад +150

    Sure they're useful. I wouldn't be carrying the whole sack of unscrewed pommels otherwise.
    Right?

  • @airtylerb
    @airtylerb 4 года назад +2

    Best advice in self defense; the best way to protect yourself is to avoid the dangerous situation to begin with. With that said grapple training works wonders, I’ve studied muy thai, wrestling, ju jitsu, some judo, and taekwondo. Personally in any fight that I can’t run from, I don’t like to play the striking game, I prefer to close the gap and go straight into a grappling situation. Most of the time in that situation I can land a choke or a joint lock and use choking or starting to break their bones to end the fight quickly without someone getting seriously hurt. Word of the wise, if you have to use striking, use your knees, elbows, and don’t throw punches. Your hand has a bunch of tiny bones that can break easily, use your palm. Hold your hand out palm forward, curl your fingers in with the palm still opened, and you will throw it like a punch, but you want the strike to land on the base of your palm. When you do that your striking with a solid bone, your hits will deal more damage, and you’ll spare yourself from a broken fist.

  • @shibe5198
    @shibe5198 6 лет назад +285

    Moral of story: Just don't get in a fight.

    • @r.huffman1091
      @r.huffman1091 6 лет назад +11

      If you are lucky enough to be in the States at least ^^^^ but good advice. Run if you can, shoot if you can't and absolutely have to. And if you do shoot, shoot to end the threat!

    • @r.huffman1091
      @r.huffman1091 6 лет назад +14

      Unfortunately too true. Train, train, train, and hope to God you never need to use those skills.

    • @isaacrushing8007
      @isaacrushing8007 6 лет назад

      Grammar Nazi Definitely the best option. Lol

    • @NMahon
      @NMahon 6 лет назад +4

      Henrique well yes actually, 9/10 times most fights can be avoided by just keeping your head down and not saying anything and running if you need to

    • @meatsweatmundungus6415
      @meatsweatmundungus6415 6 лет назад +9

      If you shoot to kill someone who starts on you you're going to prison 4 times out of 5 sorry gun nuts

  • @eliasbischoff176
    @eliasbischoff176 6 лет назад +1

    I agree that sparring is very important. I train Jiu Jitsu (which I have already said in this channel, I know) and one of our trainers allows us to sparr if we feel like it and he doesn't have something especially important to teach us. I only did this twice because I only recently found two training partners who I trusted enough and who were up for it. If you know the person well enough and you respect each other, the risk of getting Hurt is pretty small. I mean in my last match I was taken down with a neck lever by my training partner and was completely fine. This also ties into your point about people saying their martial arts are too deadly for sparring. Yeah if you fight dirty to win, they are, but if you fight to learn, watch out for one another and know, how much you can take, you should be fine. Also having a fight supervisor is an extra precausion I would encourage you to take.
    So in short
    -know and trust your Partner,
    -know what they can take,
    -know what you can take,
    -fight fair,
    -have a fight supervisor,
    Then you should be fine

  • @patheddles4004
    @patheddles4004 5 лет назад +4

    On the question of dealing with a knife-wielding opponent:
    Back in college I was friends with a guy who had a black belt in taekwondo (though at the time his focus was more on wing chun kung fu). He showed me a front kick that's designed for if someone's standing in front of you with a knife or similar, but he also told me the real way to deal with that sort of situation: hands up, slow movements, and just give them your damn wallet.
    He was a huge fighting nerd, he knew a lot, he absolutely would have kicked my arse in a fight despite being like half my size, and yet he was very clear that he would never go up against a knife.

    • @LoveofTech
      @LoveofTech 2 года назад +1

      If they want your money, give it to them. If they want you to go somewhere, die before you do

  • @nikkothegoblin
    @nikkothegoblin 6 лет назад +238

    I carry a pommel on me at all times. I’m set my dude

    • @reggieazem4143
      @reggieazem4143 6 лет назад +3

      oooh shit... neever mind then

    • @Zurgo-fl1kx
      @Zurgo-fl1kx 4 года назад +2

      END HIM RIGHTLY

    • @renookami4651
      @renookami4651 4 года назад +2

      "If you can't afford a pommel, a rock is fine too" -A wise peasant

    • @lv26Phoenix
      @lv26Phoenix 4 года назад +2

      If you wrap that in a monkey's fist with some slack to swing it, that becomes a slungshot - an improvised flail (which is illegal in some US states).

    • @nikkothegoblin
      @nikkothegoblin 4 года назад +1

      @@lv26Phoenix I'd like to see those pommel-less police fools try and stop me

  • @spatzsturm2375
    @spatzsturm2375 6 лет назад +18

    the 4 rules for "dificil situaciones" of my martial arts trainer:
    1. Run
    2. Cant run? are you stupid? find a hole and run!
    3. Cant find a hole? yes. you are stupid! look again. and Run
    4. make a hole and run

    • @Eebens
      @Eebens 6 лет назад +3

      best advice^^
      some people need to learn the difference between self defence and fighting with rules.

  • @lukediehl1210
    @lukediehl1210 6 лет назад +1

    Best point I heard, "Not everyone reacts the same way." You can't rely on injury or intimidation to deter an attacker. The human body is surprisingly resilient, and adrenaline is a hell of a thing. That's how I was able to walk into an ER on a broken leg once. I had so much adrenaline in my system that I barely noticed it. You add other drugs into the mix, and you could basically be fighting the Hulk. If your life is on the line, you HAVE to go for all out incapacitation.

  • @jannevellamo
    @jannevellamo 6 лет назад +3

    I actually routed a home invader with my antique Swedish backsword. When he saw me coming at him with a sword, he turned around and ran so fast his shoes literally fell off. I have no idea why some people think it looks tough to walk around with untied shoelaces.

    • @stg-tf4ns
      @stg-tf4ns 5 месяцев назад +1

      I think sometimes the sheer intimidation of a blade so much bigger is enough to scare a lot of them

  • @magnum567134
    @magnum567134 6 лет назад +1

    Interesting topic. My boxing/Muay Thai instructor tends to include a lot of footwork from his Kali background into our training. Martial Arts tend to have a lot of crossection in the mechanics

  • @glenndiddy
    @glenndiddy 6 лет назад +4

    My Taekwondo instructor was always intent on having us practice grappling/takedowns in addition to the regular Taekwondo stuff. We had several sparring sessions in which you were allowed to take down your opponent and force them to the ground. It was not unlike a less intense version of MMA.

  • @iraqigamer2407
    @iraqigamer2407 6 лет назад +25

    The knife Kano has in the thumbnail has a strange pommel.

  • @Viech54
    @Viech54 6 лет назад +15

    For the actual fighting, it'd be illegal in many regions of the planet to actually carry Hema weapons (doing that where I live would be begging others to call the cops) and it'd be much better to run away and then sue the attackers. You are absolutely right, avoiding these kinds of situations should be the preferred way of handling things. If someone really wants to use Hema/medieval equipment for self-defense in this day and age, then consider a gambeson or other defensive equipment combined with the respective fighting techniques.
    Still, Hema is not useless. It gives people physical fitness and experience in combat.

    • @Kamamura2
      @Kamamura2 3 года назад +1

      You would be surprised, but here in Czech Republic, you can carry HEMA weapons all you want. When I was still practicing in the 90s, we walking around the city with sword hung across the back (I had a small backpack, so I just hung it between the straps). I was arrested only once, in the city of Ostrava, where I was visiting a HEMA friend and we went sparring to a park, but they released us once they found out we are not members of local skinhead group. Hell, you can even concealed-carry two firearms, if you have permit for them. It's a crazy country.

  • @10moonj
    @10moonj 6 лет назад

    Over all I agree with this video with one addition. Although hema may not prepair you perfectly for an unarmed fight it does give you this. The ability to stay calm and calculating in a physical confrentaion.

  • @TheBreuster
    @TheBreuster 6 лет назад +79

    Now I want a walking stick.

    • @rockyblacksmith
      @rockyblacksmith 6 лет назад +20

      Why did those fall out of fashion anyways? They're cool!

    • @SonsOfLorgar
      @SonsOfLorgar 6 лет назад +9

      I got the hat, I got the trench coat, as soon as I get hold of an anvil I'm forging myself an iron walking stick and electro-coating the grip with brass.

    • @gryphonsong4082
      @gryphonsong4082 6 лет назад +1

      Ditto

    • @Skiamakhos
      @Skiamakhos 6 лет назад +2

      I have a couple of red Japanese oak jo staves which I've converted to walking canes. Rubber ferrule on one end, paracord wrap on the "handle" end, good to go.

    • @runefaustblack
      @runefaustblack 6 лет назад +2

      TheBreuster: With a removable pommel.

  • @handmade3681
    @handmade3681 5 лет назад +3

    As a teen, if I went out, I took s staff that was about armpit height. I learned some great-sword techniques that involved keeping the weapon moving to keep the opponent at a distance, as well as some spear bassed techniques for confined spaces, and then a bit of Normal staff. As luck would have it, nobody tries to attack the guy who always has a weapon.

  • @TheLiamis
    @TheLiamis 6 лет назад +45

    That's why I study ameridote "restomp the groin" it's the most efficient martial art on earth.

    • @Sage_Lucas
      @Sage_Lucas 6 лет назад +4

      TheLiamis This is sadly one of the easiest attacks to protect against. I would literally step back half a meter and u miss, and u are left in a horrible defending position if u just randomly try to kick someone in the groin.

    • @waaagh3203
      @waaagh3203 6 лет назад +9

      +Lucas
      Yeah, but you couldn't avoid the killface or hurticane.
      By the way, we're referencing Ameridote, a fictional martial art on Enter the Dojo, a satircal web show about mcdojos :P It's a joke. Check it out, really hilarious.

    • @radmanpedram3214
      @radmanpedram3214 6 лет назад

      TheLiamis or snap the oponants neck. Or give them brain damage to feel less guilty and for them not to call their friends and to attack you.

    • @TheLiamis
      @TheLiamis 6 лет назад

      Radman Pedram nahh m8 watch macgruber man that's how you do it. Ripping throats.

    • @renookami4651
      @renookami4651 4 года назад +1

      @@Sage_Lucas That is why a knee to the belly is more effective, and leave you in a slighly better defensive position if you know what you're doing. (and you actively deent your upper body, not just throw a kick bieng idle in all other departments xD)

  • @oldmangerhard
    @oldmangerhard 6 лет назад

    Towards the end is where he really gets into it. My concealed carry permit instructor stressed the same thing, "Tactical Awareness"! It's something I've kind of done since I was a kid because I didn't like being in crowds, but being aware of exits, keeping track of people near you. If you're leaving work late at night, being aware of where people might be and where your vehicle or safety spots are. Behind a building near a dumpster with little light is not as safe as say the bus stop on the corner of the road where cars will be driving by.

  • @TrueMentorGuidingMoonlight
    @TrueMentorGuidingMoonlight 6 лет назад +41

    I wonder how life would be like if we all went back to the old days of bladed weapons for self defense. It would be pretty neat if we all carried swords for protection, since you require a fair amount of skill to properly wield one against someone else. And unlike with guns, there's arguably less collateral damage with a sword because it's easier to accidentally shoot a bystander who's standing a block away than it is to strike that same bystander at the same distance away.

    • @baronvonbeans9887
      @baronvonbeans9887 6 лет назад +10

      Colin Velius I don't know if you should get a melee weapon, particularly a knife or sword, there's alotta STDs in the world and getting blood everywhere's one way to get em

    • @TheHornedOne81
      @TheHornedOne81 6 лет назад +5

      On collateral damage. Practice practice practice. Range time somewhere that allows you to practice movement and coming out of the holster. Work on your point blank double taps center mass from the hip. The majority of self defense gun use that involves actual shots fired is at

    • @jlogan2228
      @jlogan2228 6 лет назад +4

      The point of firearms is that you dont need to be exceptionally skilled or capable to use them. Its what allows a 70 year old man to defend himself against a 20 year old twice his size and vastly stronger. Likewise it doesnt matter how skilled with a knife or sword or your hands you are if i have my gun chances are im going to win barring any sneak attacks which lets be honest NOBODY is going to walk away from.

    • @Blitz1Blacktail1
      @Blitz1Blacktail1 6 лет назад +2

      +Jacob Logan
      That's a matter of circumstances though. A gun is vastly inferior to a knife in every way when the knife wieldier is in close. 3 meters is already dangerous for the gun user vs a knife user. Closer than that and the knife is vastly superior based on how easy it is to defend yourself against a close-range gun, sneak attack or not.
      Then again, currently most people aren't really keen on having strangers or random people close to them, so in most situations, the gun reigns supreme, though there's a lot to consider. Afterall, trained people use both the gun and knife for a reason.

    • @TrueMentorGuidingMoonlight
      @TrueMentorGuidingMoonlight 6 лет назад +3

      +Blitz1Blacktail1
      *[holds pistol and knife]*
      "Snake, try to remember the basics of CQC."

  • @PinkMawile
    @PinkMawile 6 лет назад

    You situational awareness comment is super true about any sort of self-defense. A gun is worthless for self-defense if you don't even know you're being attacked.

  • @elserpo6167
    @elserpo6167 4 года назад +4

    "this is the ultimate knife defense skill, we put our hands like this, we are gonna use our own legs, and then...
    WE HOTFOOT IT OUT OF HERE, SMOKEY!"

  • @leohorishny9561
    @leohorishny9561 2 года назад

    Nice summary. Looking at your carrying a quarterstaff it struck[sic] me that, if one did walk around in a modern setting with one and were considering it to be a self defense tool, something like that draws attention to yourself, more so than a cane likely does, so that if you think of it as a self defense weapon, you’d better be VERY proficient at using it irl because it’s an advertisement that you are expecting to need to use it and the wrong sorts of people will see it and consider you a challenge to face. I understand that the first rule in self defense was to avoid needing to be in a self defense situation.🤷🏼‍♂️

  • @The1Helleri
    @The1Helleri 6 лет назад +14

    I've never liked the term "Self-Defense". I think it's too evocative of an unrealistic and impractical ideal. That being the supposed ability for someone who is skilled enough to only defend themselves and allow an opponent to fail in a fight by way of merely turning against them their own aggression or tiring them out. The idea that at some point in one's progression they will be able to somehow win without really fighting. Seems like something a person can spend a life time in pursuit of and never achieve.
    I much prefer to substitute the term for "Self-Preservation". Because what one must do to preserve themselves... To keep themselves from harm (lasting or fleeting) may go far beyond just defense. It allows at least conceptually for the possibility of more proactive measures and going as far as one needs to (and hopefully no further) to stay safe. Not meaning to nitpick on your choice of words. Just something tangential yet pertinent that comes to mind watching this video... Mind set really. I think it matters a lot. And it may very well start with how we frame it with things like the terms we use to describe what we are preparing for.

    • @Wavemaninawe
      @Wavemaninawe 6 лет назад +5

      Seconded.
      Also, its quite presumptious to think that you will necessarily be by yourSELF in a shit-hit-fan predicament.

    • @The1Helleri
      @The1Helleri 6 лет назад +1

      Yeah, and preservation can be vicarious. As in protecting your offspring or mate. Even your friends. As it would be in your interest to preserve your way of life to do so.

    • @Wavemaninawe
      @Wavemaninawe 6 лет назад +1

      Tane Sorby
      Highly questionable since they never adress the issues of weapons or multiple people.
      You can certainly get a lot of useful mileage and necessary out of studying them, considering how much more consistent they are about pressure testing than either (most) traditional martial arts, or (many) so called modern combatives.
      But the idea that a cage match accurately represents the reality of a live threat situation, is just as misguided as the idea that whatever Self Defense style is "too lethal" for the arena.
      IMO, its better to approach all of those fields with an open mind and try to pick up whatever seems useful along the way.

    • @Wavemaninawe
      @Wavemaninawe 6 лет назад

      Tane Sorby
      This is a topic that can never be fully concluded since there are so many variables in live combat that its impossible to cover all of them.
      The reason why i dont believe MMA is the end-all-be-all, is that for all the pressure testing that style does (and it is a front runner in that aspect), it is still developed and intended for contact sports. Lots of those variables do not exist in a cage match and for very good reasons.
      If you step into that arena you know for certain that; you will only face one opponent, that (s)he is unarmed, that both of you are roughly the same size, that there wont be any uneven terrain to trip you up, you clothes will be comfortably non-obstructive or non-existent, the opponent wont be on drugs, you will both have the option to surrender, you will be rested and mentally prepared for the confrontation, you will know in advance what fighting style you will be facing and it will most likely be quite similar to your own... heck, nowadays you can even pre-watch recordings of the opponent and study their strategy.
      Not quite the same as having to throw hands at a moments notice against a complete unknown.
      You claim that the best solution against a knife is to throw a cross punch. I wouldnt favor it, but fair enough... if it works, then it works. But what if it doesnt work and you have never worked on a Plan B? Or if you do tag the knifer and get tagged in return? He might drop and wake up some minutes later to a painful concussion and missing teeth. You ”won” but, still bleed out and die on the way to the hospital. That is what my teacher refers to as a ”really bad trade”.
      I figure that if MMA was the final answer to hand-to-hand combat, then military forces would have developed it several millenia ago, when it was still the norm to kill each other with heavy or pointy objects, or with your bare hands. Except they didnt... they developed fighting styles that focused on weapons. Because humans are a race of tool using animals.
      I have yet to hear about any historical pitched battle of triangle chokes.
      That being said, i still think that MMA is a great addition to the skill tree, if you want to train for survival purposes. Its merely crucial to acknowledge its limitations, like with everything else.

    • @Wavemaninawe
      @Wavemaninawe 6 лет назад

      My bad. You did say ”overhand right”, not ”cross”.
      I stick by my point though.

  • @bigdrippa6945
    @bigdrippa6945 6 лет назад +1

    On the “basics of footwork” thing, I mostly agree. I started wrestling in high school this year, and my HEMA background definitely made it easier, except two main things: in wrestling your stance is much lower, and you have the other foot forward generally.
    I know that freestyle wrestling isn’t a perfect martial art, and is very “sportified”, but this is something I noticed. I personally think that wrestling carries over to martial arts a lot better than sport fencing, now that I have tried both along with HEMA.

  • @jackkniphe
    @jackkniphe 6 лет назад +23

    I always hate when people say "you can't defend yourself against the knife!" I hate this because I've defended against a knife twice. I am a master by no means, but I am a very large man, I have trained some so I know what I'm doing in a fight.
    I understand the sentiment, but it's just inaccurate.

    • @RandomAllen
      @RandomAllen 6 лет назад +3

      I think that's pretty silly too. My main thought if I couldn't run away from the attacker is pick up a heavier longer object and defend myself at range.

    • @Erowens98
      @Erowens98 6 лет назад +15

      I believe these people say you can't do it so the people who seriously can't don't try and lose their lives. More of a warning against deciding not to run when you can.

    • @volkerschmitz6623
      @volkerschmitz6623 6 лет назад +3

      you can defend yourself , but you should expect to get cut , avoid getting stabbed , as some other ppl already said , coming out totaly fine out such a situation means either you are pretty good or your robber should´ve stayed at home in the first place if he can´t even handle a normal person while beeing armed , now imagine he had a gun , the situation changes no matter how wimpy and weak he is , let that sink in for a second .

    • @ironhelix306
      @ironhelix306 6 лет назад +1

      Volker Schmitz
      Guns go both ways. Allows the untrained and/or weaker old/woman/man defend themselves against a younger and stronger and/or multiple attackers/intruder. Where in if everyone just had a knife and/or sword. They are screwed. They are an equalizer.

    • @mysticonthehill
      @mysticonthehill 6 лет назад

      Not at all true. Any one familiar with history knows that random people carrying weapons were no match for professionals. And when they were its a case of the professionals weren't really professionals.

  • @mattr2238
    @mattr2238 2 года назад

    +1 for the quarterstaff. The ideal tool for supporting yourself walking and self defense.

  • @cruelbanana441
    @cruelbanana441 6 лет назад +8

    Simply carrying around a blunt blade would do a lot. Most attackers would freak out and run away.

    • @makruldur
      @makruldur 6 лет назад +8

      Aldor that's scary and visually disturbing

    • @Gege547
      @Gege547 6 лет назад

      And you will be arrested for violating public peace.

    • @cruelbanana441
      @cruelbanana441 6 лет назад +1

      And why? I'm not even carrying around a gun. More than that, it is purposely blunt, so practicaly it is not even a weapon.

    • @cruelbanana441
      @cruelbanana441 6 лет назад +1

      Wouldn't have the same effect, if guns aren't outlaweed in the country. In that case guns are typical, but a guy carrying a sword around would look like psycho.

    • @cruelbanana441
      @cruelbanana441 6 лет назад +2

      30 inch dildos always work.

  • @ClipsFromMaine
    @ClipsFromMaine 3 года назад +1

    I study Brazilian jiu jitsu and Thai boxing, both of which, grappling in particular, have been around for centuries.
    And Eric’s knife defense was almost flawless, as long as you can run faster for longer than your attacker...

  • @ghiron781
    @ghiron781 6 лет назад +5

    I've a question that's been giving me headaches for quite some time and I know it's not related to the topic, but how exactly would you defend from a peasant rushing you with a pitchfork? Considering that you've mastered for example the longsword and you have years upon years of training and discipline, is there a technique that is meant for defense against a crazed peasant with a pitchfork rushing you screaming "DIEEEEEEEEEEE"?
    I dunno, in my opinion it'd be kinda' hard to just move out of the way...

    • @darkmantlestudios
      @darkmantlestudios 6 лет назад +2

      Gandalf's cousin Ghiron
      Same as fighting a spear wielding opponent

    • @renanleandro5914
      @renanleandro5914 3 года назад +2

      Geralt Of Rivia would like to know

  • @amorfati4559
    @amorfati4559 5 лет назад +2

    I remember watching a Blood & Iron video about grappling with swords where they said something like: "you're not sword-fighting, you are fighting, with a sword" meaning of course that none of the punching, slamming, kicking, wrestling, etc. is somehow illegal. So there is probably a lot of truth in saying there is an unarmed aspect to HEMA.

  • @avery-quinnmaddox5985
    @avery-quinnmaddox5985 6 лет назад +6

    One can easily defend themselves against a knife if the attacker is merely threatening them with the knife and not immediately striking at them. Speed, daft hands, and proper training and knowledge will partially determine whether or not you survive.
    When someone approaches you suddenly and attacks you outright without telegraphing their techniques, the only sane response is to escape the immediate area if you can and reassess your situation to see if you should defend yourself or just escape. You are not likely to survive against a knife attack like THAT if you don't keep away from the blade.

    • @gordonlawrence4749
      @gordonlawrence4749 6 лет назад +1

      Or just kick them in the nads and run away.

    • @avery-quinnmaddox5985
      @avery-quinnmaddox5985 6 лет назад +2

      Gordon Lawrence
      May work, but you risk a leg grapple. Also, if your assailant doesn't have testicles, that'll be less effective.

  • @ShagShaggio
    @ShagShaggio 6 лет назад +2

    I think it would be awesome if you could do some cane/walking stick tests in the future!
    I'm honestly considering getting a cane/walking stick to carry around for self defense. Seems like beside carrying a gun it would be the most practical self defense option with a good range and power advantage over a knife. And its always accessible as its always in your hands or in the open close by and I am not aware of many places with laws against them.
    People really underestimate how useful a cane can be in a last case self defense scenario. They are way too often overlooked for "tacticool" knives that you would never be able to draw in time and fancy hand to hand techniques that would never be viable for a average person that doesn't train them on an obsessive level.

  • @azuredominion837
    @azuredominion837 6 лет назад +8

    Can you tell next exactly how realistic the fighting styles used in Warframe are

    • @SplitWasTaken
      @SplitWasTaken 6 лет назад +3

      Chris Dyer not realistic in any manner whatsoever?

    • @azuredominion837
      @azuredominion837 6 лет назад

      Split Was Taken I was just wondering considering some of the weapons fighting styles use an actual martial art to an extent like the nikanas

    • @SplitWasTaken
      @SplitWasTaken 6 лет назад +2

      Chris Dyer yeah maybe the nikanas. Still, there are no actual complex melee mechanics

    • @HexCypherr
      @HexCypherr 6 лет назад +2

      If you could slide on the ground 20 feet and then jump in to a 10 yard flying jump kick sure they would be effective

    • @SomeRandomDude821
      @SomeRandomDude821 6 лет назад

      Watch his skyrim video but replace "Daedric Battle Axe" with "Scindo"

  • @justmikec1327
    @justmikec1327 6 лет назад

    Great video. I teach an unarmed striking class. I tell my students that I’m showing them techniques for sport combat. Kickboxing, point sparring and sanda (kickboxing with clinches and throws). With regards to self defense, the best thing that they learn from my class is that they are more comfortable with hitting others and won’t panic when getting hit. Simply put, they have greater confidence in a violent situation, and will hopefully not panic and make the smart decision to disengage and flee. There are always questions, like what do I do if someone has a weapon..etc. well the scenarios for a self defense situation are literally too many to try and prepare for. Also the likelihood of getting attacked in public is slim...hopefully. So training martial arts is good for fitness, and conditioning which helps in fights...but also teaches you to appreciate and respect violence and work to avoid it

  • @jort93z
    @jort93z 6 лет назад +5

    I am of the opinion that you can defend yourself against a knife unarmed if you have the courage(not many people do) and the attacker is not trained. otherwise you are likely gonna get stabbed.

    • @MFenix206
      @MFenix206 6 лет назад

      the key, is to get stabbed and cut in/on the extremities, and stab/cut them in the vitals.

    • @jort93z
      @jort93z 6 лет назад

      Well, i think you can avoid a stab. You might get cut but there is a good chance a cut won't penetrate your clothes. And in that situation you might be able to grab the knife.

    • @metayerman
      @metayerman 6 лет назад

      jort93z that’s all well and good in theory, but I encourage you to test it.
      Give someone with some basic physical ability a marker. Tell them to try as hard as they can to mark you. Try as hard as you can to avoid getting marked.
      In all likelihood you’ll get “stabbed” and “cut” a whole lot more than you expect. And it’s a whole lot harder to fight when you’re bleeding profusely.

    • @jort93z
      @jort93z 6 лет назад

      well, actually its not harder to fight when you bleed. If you are pumped with adrenaline you won't even feel when you've been cut, or stabbed or shot in a lot of the cases. You see that all the time. in gunfights for example the bad guys(or good guys) have no problem shooting back until they've been shot *multiple* times. And in knife fights they cuts generally don't stop either of the two fighting. its the stabs in the center of mass that end those fights.
      And as i added, you probably can't avoid a cut but you can surely avoid a stab. and a cut likely won't even penetrate your clothes and if it does it probably won't kill you. and that gets you in a better position to disarm someone.

    • @metayerman
      @metayerman 6 лет назад +1

      jort93z you’ve got to be kidding. You know you need blood to live right? If you lose a significant amount of blood no amount of adrenaline will help you.
      And what do you wear anyway? I know my knives are sharp enough to go through the average shirt without noticing.
      And you’re way too confident in your ability to avoid stabs. Way easier said than done.

  • @i_love_crpg
    @i_love_crpg 6 лет назад

    The only real way to know the answer to this question is to really know what violence people can be capable of, and technique can actually be a way to outmove your opponent. Techniques arent 100 percent gurantee, so the ultimate weapon is really your awareness, reflex, and fighting ability. Weapons can be the tools to our advantage. Skall you dont seem like the violent type and im actually glad you arent. The fact that you know all this is actually really fucking impressive considering you seem like the type thats never been in a fight. Keep up the work skall!

  • @Mr_Maiq_The_Liar
    @Mr_Maiq_The_Liar 6 лет назад +3

    The old manuscripts thought of everything
    Even the future

  • @fallonfireblade4404
    @fallonfireblade4404 6 лет назад

    Just wanted to quickly say thanks, Skall! Your videos are helping me so much with the research I'm doing right now.

  • @lerui2820
    @lerui2820 6 лет назад +3

    If I ever get into a fight, I want to have a fight with umbrellas

  • @judgesfiveeight
    @judgesfiveeight 4 года назад

    Looks like I'm a couple years too late to the party... but I have to say, nice to see an intelligent and responsible perspective on this. So to sum it up... footwork, spacial recognition/distance, reaction time, perhaps the opportunity to use improvised weapons... and lastly, as you were careful to drive home, NOT overestimating the effectiveness of these basic skills ALONE in a real world modern self defense situation.

  • @PDeRop
    @PDeRop 6 лет назад +131

    The real question imho, is how much of this is going to remain entertaining to people as we alienate ourselves more from violence. I learned martial arts.. but kung fu films are just silly these days.. Steven Pinker is right, violence is decreasing fast. I needed my martial arts training 0 (zero) times.. it's fun, it's a good workout, but for me, that's where it ends.

    • @TheLiamis
      @TheLiamis 6 лет назад +55

      GBatT big problem.is if people are becoming domesticated cattle that means they are being prepared for the slaughter. People need to be ready for violence and ready to be violent.

    • @thomas.cloutier-guay
      @thomas.cloutier-guay 6 лет назад +5

      if i remember correctly there was a "kung fu" style invented to look good on screen. wich works in my opinion, kung fu movie looks good with people flying and evrything.

    • @Cin9999
      @Cin9999 6 лет назад +16

      GBatT
      Its actually quite the opposite ...kung fu movies are trash because they are NOT as real and violent as MMA or combat/war movies nowadays

    • @billyoldman9209
      @billyoldman9209 6 лет назад +18

      GBatT is onto something. Destructive urges are becoming more internalized and privatized, turned against the self or close relatives, or vented in virtual spaces like the internet or identity politics. The ubiquitous sense of futility and depression are a clear sign of this repressed agression.

    • @Cin9999
      @Cin9999 6 лет назад +13

      Billy OldMan
      Then why is extremly violent bulling and gang crimes on a all time high in the US and UK? Sorry but it REALLY depends on culture
      MMA, +18 video games/ splatter movies are also more extreme & popular every day
      War is actually also MUCH less protested or even mentioned in the news even tho civillian deaths are 80%+

  • @thomasbrown8917
    @thomasbrown8917 6 лет назад

    Good video. One input: You are quite right about how different people might react differently to being struck. This is why both COL Monstery and Hutton emphasize where to strike when discussing cane and baton. "Mind over matter" is only a figure of speech. If you shatter someone's wrist, the hand is mechanically disabled and cannot hold a weapon no matter how determined they are.

  • @Nazgul094
    @Nazgul094 6 лет назад +13

    This is just my own opinion, but I get the feeling people who really want to fight against an attacker have the thought "How dare this fucker mug me and try to steal the money earned through hard work?!", they get pissed off and insist on fighting aka. defending themselves against the mugger, instead of giving up their valuables and running away. They don't want to feel weak/impotent.
    Maybe I'll get a lot of backlash because of this, but it's what I honestly think.

    • @ZackofSpades
      @ZackofSpades 6 лет назад +6

      Nah, you got kind of a point. But, in the heat of the moment, the first response is always fear. Then adrenaline. Once fight or flight switches on, your brain isn't gonna be thinking about much else.
      What you're talking about, indignance, takes place after a fight is won, and it's usually what turns self-defense into manslaughter. Beating someone or killing them after you've subdued them, just out of sheer hatred for them having put your mind through that.
      Being confident in your ability to defend yourself is one thing, but putting yourself in risky spots with the mentality of "I wish someone would fuck with me" is psychotic. Those kind of people... honestly belong with the muggers. They're basically the same.

    • @johngault7329
      @johngault7329 6 лет назад +3

      LastNazgul666 ..... I saw two guys get into it. Than the smaller guy went to his car, they were arguing right by it. When the smaller guy stepped back, he thrust a rifle into the bigger guys face. The bigger guy got so pissed that he grabbed the barrel, wrestled the rifle away, and was fixing to beat dude with it. The crowd took that opportunity to stop the situation..
      The point is. Instead of being scared, dude got really mad that an actual gun was pulled on him that he snapped....
      So yes, I agree with you...

    • @Nazgul094
      @Nazgul094 6 лет назад +1

      I mean, it's cool if you can defend yourself and have good reflexes and whatnot to do so. But please, just run away, suck up your pride and stay cool and don't turn it into something worse.

    • @Soldierboy54b
      @Soldierboy54b 6 лет назад +2

      +LastNazgul....Maybe so. But I fail to see the problem with that line of thinking.
      Some might say, as you suggest, "How dare this POS try to steal my hard earned cash."
      Others might find Biblical precedent (e.g., Psalm 97, "Ye that love the Lord, hate evil: He preserveth the souls of his saints; He delivereth them out of the hand of the wicked").
      And yet others might come to the same righteous indignation via alternate reasoning still.
      But in the end, who cares? As long as the badguy gets it in the ass, I'm happy with the result. Aren't you?

    • @st.magnic8592
      @st.magnic8592 6 лет назад +1

      LastNazgul666 Then same thing should apply to the robbers/muggers, why can't they just work their ass off instead of stealing someone's money?

  • @typhoonic
    @typhoonic 6 лет назад

    11:00 This hits the nail on the head about realistic self-defense practice just in general. You HAVE to spar! In fact, I recommend sparring be at least a bare minimum of 50% of the training. I can't tell you how many times I've walked into some kinda martial arts school and I immediately ask "when is sparring?" only to get a response like "at the end of class" or "we only do that on Tuesdays" or "it's too dangerous (so we don't -- at all)" .... and I just walk out once I hear that.
    If the martial art you're learning is nonsense, it'll show in sparring too. What people call their martial art doesn't really matter. It's what you do that matters. I mean, let's be real. There's only so many different ways someone can attack or counter an attack anyway. We all have only two legs, two arms, a body, and a head.

  • @LochNessHamster
    @LochNessHamster 6 лет назад +27

    5:15
    Tell me that wasn't your bad arm D:

  • @bretpetersen4942
    @bretpetersen4942 6 лет назад

    found this channel by accident and now I'm hooked. Interesting and well presented.

  • @Murtage33e
    @Murtage33e 6 лет назад +6

    This reminds me, Metatron has a really excellent video on knife defense (or rather the lack thereof) ruclips.net/video/XwXpXg78VQA/видео.html were he actually recommends wearing mail (something he does on a regular basis).

    • @NMahon
      @NMahon 6 лет назад

      sharpieboss what a fuckin loser

    • @alicestiener556
      @alicestiener556 6 лет назад +1

      +Niall Mahon my stepfather wears brigandine, my big brother wears aluminium lamellar (aluminium catches) i personally haven't worn armour in public often. But living in east nowra is a bit of a bitchface. (Australias worst shit hole)

    • @moritamikamikara3879
      @moritamikamikara3879 3 года назад

      If I could afford to, I would wear armour around in the city.
      Although right now I am temporarily out of the city and don't need to wear ANY armour because not the city is actually safe.
      When I go back though... think im just not fixing to go out that much man...

  • @WildBillCox13
    @WildBillCox13 6 лет назад

    A fun video and thanks for posting. Musashi said it best, though I am paraphrasing here: "it's not the weapon that counts. It's the warrior." The reflexes, the muscle memory, the strength and coordination, the tactical terrain sense, and, best of all, the confidence, transfer very well, thank you. He also said: "choose a weapon that fits the space" . . . I've often considered that. Lately, I have come to the conclusion that he might've meant "there is only one weapon appropriate to any situation: the Mind."

  • @nickhutchinson8789
    @nickhutchinson8789 6 лет назад +27

    hi skall & everyone

  • @Beowulf_DW
    @Beowulf_DW 6 лет назад +1

    You remind me of my Aikido instructor, "Running away is a very effective means of self-defense."

  • @benedekkiss4571
    @benedekkiss4571 6 лет назад +8

    Wil you ever do a video about bajonetts, and their usage?

    • @aldor9357
      @aldor9357 6 лет назад +4

      Just stab a lot and use the butt when needed

  • @kuribo1
    @kuribo1 6 лет назад +2

    Not sure if true or not but the story went there was a SCA event in New York some time in the 90s and a woman was walking home in her garb and she had a wooden waster on her hip. She was assaulted by three guys trying to mug her they all had knives. She used her waster and what she knew from fighting in the SCA to defend herself. Did not hurt that in the story she had light armor as well as bracers on.

  • @CuriousKey
    @CuriousKey 6 лет назад +5

    In most self defense situations neither party has a weapon, therefore unarmed martial arts of any kind are going to be more useful in most situations.
    I'd tend towards an art that has grappling mechanics, because most street fights happen at extreme close quarters and being able to control your opponent is useful.
    That said, if you have even a small stick to hand, something like HEMA or fencing will certainly be quite useful.
    But yeah, if you want something that covers the largest amount of self defense situations you actually might find yourself in, do an unarmed martial art with a mix of striking and grappling. (Krav Maga is good for having both, Judo is good if you can combine it with Kickboxing)
    Also as said in the video, whatever martial art you train, you want it to be one where you are able to spar at full or close to full force. This will give you the muscle memory needed to use those techniques full force.

    • @Eebens
      @Eebens 6 лет назад

      One thing you want to make sure when you start grappling is to make sure that there's only one attacker. Otherwise the attackers friends will probably kill you when you are busy grappling.

    • @CuriousKey
      @CuriousKey 6 лет назад +1

      Oh yes, absolutely any martial art will help to a degree.
      And being trained in grappling doesn't mean you *have* to grapple. It means you can be sure of being able to disengage if grappling is a bad idea (like in your group scenario) and someone tries to control you. So in a sense when you really don't want to grapple having grappling skills is still important, because you can use those skills to disengage.

  • @othelloperrello6604
    @othelloperrello6604 2 года назад

    This is great. I agree practical training is absolutely key. Even when practicing, one can imagine a rival doing specific counters, I used to do this practicing basketball all of the time, it is the next best thing to sparring.

  • @usquanigo
    @usquanigo 6 лет назад +2

    "There's no way you can defend yourself against a knife unarmed. They've got a point"
    Yes, and a blade too. It's a knife.
    :-p ;-)

  • @TheNetsrac
    @TheNetsrac 6 лет назад +1

    Thank you for this. Your videos are always great infotainment. Having Erik in them is always a nice bonus though.
    He is awesome :-)
    Cheers

  • @efraim3364
    @efraim3364 6 лет назад +36

    in the Mad Max world of tomorrow having some H2H skills would be quite handy, i practice Archery so there will be food on the table at least

    • @munky342
      @munky342 6 лет назад +6

      Bow hunting and target shooting are very different.
      But being accurate with a bow is a start.

    • @gordonlawrence4749
      @gordonlawrence4749 6 лет назад +4

      Snares are illegal in many countries now but are far more effective for small animals like rabbits and squirrels. You don't need to actually set any to know how to do it. That said nothing wrong with archery, it's just more effort.

    • @danilooliveira6580
      @danilooliveira6580 6 лет назад +3

      the idea is that you will be ready, lets say that in the process of setting up traps you spot a animal... if you are not armed and don't know how to use it, he will just flee and you will stay hungry. the best you can do is try to scare it to your trap.

    • @gordonlawrence4749
      @gordonlawrence4749 6 лет назад +1

      If you are only going out when you are hungry you will not survive anyway. You should set and check traps twice a day, and not just one but many. That way you have a far higher chance of getting food than you ever will with a bow.

    • @sasquatchycowboy5585
      @sasquatchycowboy5585 6 лет назад +3

      Gordon Lawrence Do both. Have the bow for defence, and opportunist hunting, but use it to supplement your traps. One dose not replace the other.

  • @christopherh4692
    @christopherh4692 5 лет назад +1

    According to my brother who is a second degree black belt in Taekwando, it's all about muscle memory. There's a reason why he can't enter any jump scare haunted houses; he'd seriously injure someone before he even realized what he was doing. If you have to THINK about what you are going to do in a fight, you will lose. Each move has to be practiced thousands of times, ESPECIALLY if it has to do with knife self-defense.

  • @JohnDoe-on6ru
    @JohnDoe-on6ru 6 лет назад +3

    I'm a skinny dude with no formal fight training, so my theory is to just destroy the testicles like a savage, would that work? Kicks, grabs if they are too close, etc. Serious.

    • @Itwalksinthesoup
      @Itwalksinthesoup 6 лет назад +1

      That would definetly take me out

    • @JohnDoe-on6ru
      @JohnDoe-on6ru 6 лет назад +1

      Brb wearing a cup everywhere I go

    • @SrGundisalvus
      @SrGundisalvus 6 лет назад +1

      Be careful, the adrenaline in the person may make them stand easily the pain, it hapened to me in a fight where the guy kicked me and i just keep on going without much pain, (it hurts a lot after a few minutes jajajaja)

    • @JohnDoe-on6ru
      @JohnDoe-on6ru 6 лет назад +1

      Lol, yeah I guess, also the eyes I suppose. I always carry a spare house key in my pocket, not on a ring, but by itself. If I see a threat before it happens, I can get that...Imagine getting stabbed in the balls with a key. I'm pretty sure it wouldn't penetrate, but I imagine the pain would be ridiculous.

    • @Itwalksinthesoup
      @Itwalksinthesoup 6 лет назад +1

      John Doe or just carry a nutcracker with you

  • @PsychicAlchemy
    @PsychicAlchemy 6 лет назад

    My dojo frequently practiced against common attacks like haymakers and tackles. They were always the most fun, because you get to do so much with so little movement.

  • @marebbpc
    @marebbpc 6 лет назад +25

    short answer, random thug attacks you you got your sword/dagger/spear/axe with you and use it on him, so YES hema can be used for self defence today

    • @lalinowl
      @lalinowl 6 лет назад +5

      marebbpc Does wearing maille under your shirt counts as HEMA, would be pretty useful when they try to stab you in the back

    • @Sage_Lucas
      @Sage_Lucas 6 лет назад +6

      That's still a problem. The law in some parts of the world says that you can only use enough force on your attacker to defend yourself and it also has other specifics if you know martial arts and he doesnt. Short example of a true case of a friend. He was in a club, someone comes up to him because he thinks he was eyeing his gf, he shoves him and then my friend punches him and knocks him out. Police comes and my friend geta into trouble and taken to the station. The logic behind is that if you know a martial art and the other person doesnt u should be able to defend yourself without harming the attacker unnecessarily. If you take someones dagger/knife or use it in any way against them, YOU will be in more problems than your attacker, especially if you know martial arts. They will say u should know how to protect urself without harming the other person as in just disarming them.

    • @frigglebiscuit7484
      @frigglebiscuit7484 6 лет назад +12

      those parts of the world are known as shitholes.

    • @Sage_Lucas
      @Sage_Lucas 6 лет назад +5

      If you consider the UK and other countries which have this law shitholes, I guess so. *shrug*

    • @freshcomic2006
      @freshcomic2006 6 лет назад

      maybe not UK. or some others, but the US has those and I would consider it a shithole now

  • @Sombrecoeur...
    @Sombrecoeur... 5 лет назад

    Recently round tour Channel. Very interresting and you explain things on a clear and understeable way, no fancy or tactical wannabe BS. Thanks for ur work. A fan from France