That Stuff Doesn’t Work in The Street!

More tales from the dojo and the street? Yup, I’m going to talk about martial arts again! The dojo is where we are instructed in the mechanics of martial arts techniques and mentored in the self defense applications of these techniques. During this time, most of the obvious strengths and weaknesses are distinctly showcased. Our precious time that we’ve spent in the dojo, training any number of defensive and offensive techniques, ends up at some time in the laboratory of the real world!

I recall many, many years ago, as we white and low color belts would talk before and after class. We would discuss such concepts as Bruce Lee’s renowned “three inch” and “one inch punch”, and such notions as the “Iron Palm” or the dreaded “Dim Mak” – the death touch! Every nuance and every “nook and cranny” of a technique or strategy, would be probed, using stringent criteria. Was the notion valid? Does it conform with the laws of physics? Can it be done easily, or is it worth the time devoted, to become proficient? Is it applicable to a wide range of opportunities or just another useless tool to hang in the growing attic of our martial arts knowledge.

Many years ago there was a time before foam safety gear & various “pull-on” protective pads. It’s easy to look back now and chuckle about things. Precision strikes were the way to go in “kumite” (sparring with opponents). The slightest miscalculation often ended in a badly bruised leg or foot, sprained toes, and a loose finger habit would leave fingers crooked and in need of medical attention. Kicks and punches were never lazy, but retracted as crisply as they were thrown, to avoid vicious elbow blocks (dropping the point of the leading arm’s elbow, on the offending leg or foot), and getting dropped to the hardwood floor. Gosh, I’m glad they discovered foam protective gear!

One technique that never went forgotten was the “back fist”, “back knuckle”, or whatever you know it by. There were of course, no scoffers in pre-padding days, as we all knew the lethality of a properly delivered backfist and had all gone home with what we like to call “speed knots” on our heads, eyebrows and lips. In “reality MMA” cage matches, you might see it held out as a lazy jab or a measuring stick. Bear in mind, these are highly trained fighters, used to getting hit and wearing protective hand gear. This is not the cobra-fast backfist as known in the street.

For those who have ever had a “field sobriety test”, the backfist is kind of like the reverse of the test that the cops give. The leading hand (back hand, more rarely) simply unwinds from it’s closed, or at the “ready position”, like a coiled watchspring. There is no muscling or pushing of the blow, it must snap out with the authority of a whip cracking. This is achieved by proper mechanics, and no other way.

Anyone who has seen the video clip that aired around the world for many years, would never doubt the lethality of the back fist. In this “Real Video” clip, a young black belt is walking across a city street. For some reason a pimp, according to the clip, becomes enraged at him, posturing and screaming only who knows what at the young man. The pimp, seeing the man trying to avoid him, becomes encouraged and steps up his verbal assault and physical posturing. At this point the pimp’s employee and his male friend are restraining him to the point of his shirt ripping off of his back. Finally the pimp breaks loose and sprints up to the younger (larger) man, who suddenly and almost invisibly, explodes a back knuckle strike, flush into the temple of the attacking pimp. The next 60 seconds or so, were spent filming the pimp collapsing as if hit by a lighting bolt, and various weird gestures, as he groped on the street, falling over and over, rolling around in vain attempts to right himself. The cherry on the sundae is when the pimp’s girl and friend try to pick him up like a drunk (one under each arm). They manage to get him to his feet but when they start for the curb, it becomes obvious that the pimp’s legs are not where they ought to be, and the whole trio collapses to the street all in a heap! What a wonderful glimpse into the real world karateka! How fitting that it would be the much maligned back fist to open your eyes! This stuff does work in the street!

The Fighting Knife

I was in an Army Surplus store earlier this week and thoroughly enjoying all the cool stuff they carried. After about 30 minutes of browsing through the clothes, footwear, camping gear, fishing tackle and other goodies. I made my way toward the door. Right next to the doors is a small room that leads you off of the main floor and into a treasure trove of lethal and no lethal weapons. The firearms are rifles and of a surplus vintage and condition. We aren’t here today to look at old military rifles but knives, “cold steel” of a low to medium range in quality. Prices from about $10 to $100 bucks, so in no way top shelf gear but attractive and sharp enough to get most jobs one quite well.

I always start with a quick look at the tactical folders and their nice selection of butterfly knives as well. Ever so slowly, I move down the line, after selecting a cheerful counterman, (if one can be located). I love to take interesting blades out, heft them and give them the once over in detail, before passing it back for the next one I have in mind, for another close inspection. I admit to having a special fondness for “well made” tactical folders although it is very rare that these two descriptions can be made concerning too many of the TAC knives out there, and available easily to the public today. In knives, like guns or coins, you definitely get what you pay for, so beware of the quality, under adverse conditions that your new $15 tactical folder affords you, no matter how cool that skeleton head on the pommel may look.

I then work my way down to the fixed blade knives, you know, the ones that don’t fold and are carried in a sheath. These knives, in even their cheapest offerings can be quite lethal, due to the huge increase in blade length and width. First we look at a “Rambo” knock off or two and snigger under our breath, as we imagine it exploding into a half-dozen pieces, the first time it encountered point blank resistance or had to be used in a “prying” fashion. You’re a bad dude Rambo but your “no tang”, “compass topped”, “fishing line in the handle” all purpose piece of shit knives are just that. I’d rather carry a solid construction spy blade like a pen knife, with the knowledge that it’s going to penetrate what I choose without breaking. Now these places don’t have any real “eye candy”, with top of the line being Buck, Schrades and Gerber occasionally.

If you are purchasing a “fixed blade” knife for self defense, you’ll want to heft the knife you finally purchase for a good little while, before you toss those hard earned dollars on the counter. The real fancy stuff like a Randall (name your price starting at about $450+++) or an Applegate-Fairbairn (some nice knives at blue collar prices) aren’t sitting on the shelves of too many shops. Remember you’ll be together a long time and your life may even depend on it some day. Try and pick up a knife with full tang construction. Look for high quality steel. Generally, harder steel is more difficult to sharpen but will hold it’s edge longer whereas a softer steel holds an edge easier and maybe a bit sharper, but this edge diminishes rapidly, and requires much more attention. The harder steel is usually available in stainless, who’s super-tough alloy makes it a very hard and rugged blade media. Choose one that feels natural in your hand and reacts swiftly and easily as you move it about. If you’re not 100% sure, then come back next week, or stop at some other shops. For me, I can’t over emphasize the factors of fit, feel and quality, that I desire in a fighting knife, and I never feel bad saying “no” and waiting for that “special” knife to rest in my hand. I highly recommend the knife as a self defense alternative, in the hands of a trained fighter, they are very deadly at close range and you never have to reload one!

Fraud Against the Elderly

The elderly are the fastest expanding portion of our society and are an important part of our economy. We are living longer and our society may not pay strong enough attention to the vulnerability of our elderly. Crimes of a financial nature are focusing on our senior citizens in particular with alarming frequency, and are very often successful.

It is very easy to see that the elderly would be a great target for many financial scammers. They are generally financially solvent (homeless elderly don’t have credit cards, phones. or TV sets). I endure the daily barrage of telemarketers that begin calling my home around 10 am. all day long and beating the bell out of my phone particularly through the dinner and family hours until between 930 pm. and 10, when they finally stop. My wife like some others can’t say no to these people (the bane of the telephone system) and listens to the whole pitch, whereas I politely tell them I’m not interested, take me off your call list, and hang up. Less than 5 seconds. The telemarketers that I find mesmerizing are the late night, higher end operations, I won’t mention names, but they make me want to buy “get rich tapes and cd’s for only 3 easy payments of $39.95″…..YOUR RESULTS MAY VARY! I mention this since I am a very hard sell, to the point of throwing obnoxious sales people off of my outside balcony. It really happened! So, deduce how kindly the elderly folks that we make contact with usually are, and many seem overly trusting too. Couple that, with a sales pitch that is tailored to deliver whatever an elderly person might want (extra income, unnecessary insurance, folding beds, scooters, extra long gripping tools, health supplements) and the opportunity for fraud exists.

It’s hard to determine how bad the problem really is. States vary in definitions of ‘elderly’, there isn’t a national database of criminal statistics such as kept by the F.B.I. keeps that are specific to this area of crime. It is felt that crimes of fraud go very much under reported as well. In 1998, the National Center on Elder Abuse estimated that nearly one third of all elderly abuse cases involved financial exploitation of some type. In 2000, the US Senate Special Committee on Aging reported $40 billion in losses to telemarketing fraud. (this figure was found without any mention of age groups or any demographic information).

Over the past year, The COPS Office has invested nearly $2 million nationwide to address this major crime problem. The COPS Office is expanding its support of the National Sheriffs Association for the national Triad program. The Triad program partners law enforcement and senior citizens together to reduce crime and the fear of crime. See full COPS coverage!

When You Won’t Carry a Firearm

Pepper spray is great for distracting an attacker, giving you time to get away. Thousands of police officers use pepper spray as a control tool. Made from oleoresin capsicum, (”OC” from chili peppers), it must be used at close range and sprayed directly in the eyes or face to be most effective. Direct facial contact and inhalation of the spray will induce coughing, choking, and nausea, as well as swelling in the eyes, resulting in temporary blindness. A one second burst can disable an attacker for up to an hour without permanent damage being done. Most pepper spray victims will fall immediately to their knees and start rubbing their eyes, while desperately trying to take a breath.

Personal Alarms

Personal alarms use sound and light to draw attention to yourself and the problem you are experiencing. Criminals don’t want to draw attention to themselves and witnesses to their criminal acts.

Personal alarms offer additional protection for outdoor activities at night such as walking, jogging, or cycling. Keep the alarm in your hand or clip to your pants for immediate access. These alarms are able to produce piercing, high-pitched, extremely loud noises. They come in battery or aerosol powered, and are activated by buttons, switches or pull pins. Personal alarms are safe to keep in your home. No need to worry as they are safe, and won’t harm children and the elderly.

Stun Guns

Stun guns are non lethal weapons that use high voltage shocks to stop an attacker. Stun guns are designed to affect the nervous system. Touching an attacker with the two metal prongs on the stun gun quickly causes temporary loss of balance and mental confusion. Bursts of 1-2 seconds will cause muscle spasms and confusion. For 3-5 seconds expect; loss of equilibrium and muscle control, confusion, and a disoriented attacker. To be most effective, the stun gun must “make contact” with the skin or body.

If your circumstances are such that you shy away from using pepper sprays or stun guns, you’ve always got personal alarms (light and “lots” of noise), or you might consider getting a dog. They are extremely vigilant, they make lots of noise upon sensing an intruder, and most come equipped with very sharp teeth.

U.S. Intentionally Destroyed Iraq’s Water Supply

The Secret Behind the Sanctions by Thomas J. Nagy

I felt my readers should get the opportunity to see a sample, or all of this information (through links provided).

“Over the last two years, I’ve discovered documents of the Defense Intelligence Agency proving beyond a doubt, that contrary to the Geneva Convention, the U.S. government intentionally used sanctions against Iraq to degrade the country’s water supply after the Gulf War. The primary document, “Iraq Water Treatment Vulnerabilities,” is dated January 22, 1991. It spells out how sanctions will prevent Iraq from supplying clean water to its citizens.

“Iraq depends on importing specialized equipment and some chemicals to purify its water supply, most of which is heavily mineralized and frequently brackish to saline,” the document states. “With no domestic sources of both water treatment replacement parts and some essential chemicals, Iraq will continue attempts to circumvent United Nations Sanctions to import these vital commodities. Failing to secure supplies will result in a shortage of pure drinking water for much of the population. This could lead to increased incidences, if not epidemics, of disease.”

The document goes into great technical detail about the sources and quality of Iraq’s water supply. The quality of untreated water “generally is poor”, and drinking such water “could result in diarrhea”, the document says. It also notes that Iraq’s rivers “contain biological materials, pollutants, and are laden with bacteria. Unless the water is purified with chlorine, epidemics of such diseases as cholera, hepatitis, and typhoid could occur. “The document notes that the importation of chlorine “has been embargoed” by sanctions. “Recent reports indicate the chlorine supply is critically low.”

Food and medicine will also be affected, the document states. “Food processing, electronic, and particularly pharmaceutical plants, require extremely pure water that is free from biological contaminants,” it says.

The document spells out what is in store: “Iraq will suffer increasing shortages of purified water because of the lack of required chemicals and desalination membranes. Incidences of disease, including possible epidemics, will become probable unless the population were careful to boil water.”

The document gives a timetable for the destruction of Iraq’s water supplies. “Iraq’s overall water treatment capability will suffer a slow decline, rather than a precipitous halt”, it says. “Although Iraq is already experiencing a loss of water treatment capability, it will probably take at least six months before the system is fully degraded.”

This document, which was partially declassified but unpublished in 1995, supposedly can be found on the Pentagon’s website (I couldn’t find it).

More recently, documentation has become available via other DIA papers that confirm the Pentagon’s monitoring of the degradation of Iraq’s water supply. These documents have not been publicized until now.

There are 5 documents listed by Mr. Nagy which are definitely an eye opening read, they list the systematic destruction of the Iraqi water supply through the result of war, the lack of chemicals for water treatment, and how the “embargos” placed on Iraq were in place to expedite this objective.

If you read his entire report, you will see how this was carried out thoughtfully, and systematically. You’ll read about dozens of “life threatening” diseases that either have, or will crop up as a result. The projections of diseases, deaths and the target groups make for a chilling look at the effects our Alliances, the embargos, the agenda toward Iraq, and the strategic planning that had to take place to set all this suffering in motion.

The Knife as a Self Defense Weapon

I have always been a “knife lover”. Like a pistol, the sight of over 5″ of razor sharp steel speaks a language all of it’s own. Unlike the days of the settlers of our great country, the sight of a knife worn in public, is extremely rare. That most people comprehend the lethality of a knife is understood, but the abandonment of the knife as a weapon of self defense seems to have pretty much arrived.

Case in point, we gave some beginning martial arts students rubber training knives, paired them off and asked them to take turns attacking & defending against knives, and at first they acted as if they had no clue what to do with them (a sign of unfamiliarity), and then they finally went after each other using karate techniques mixed with a couple of stabs or hacking motions for the finish. Needless to say it was a pathetic showing for the knife. Hopping side kicks, and round kicks to the body of a knife wielding adversary will lead to loss of life, limb or both, against anyone at least “somewhat familiar” with the combat use of a knife.

Sensei Will Duncan on the Bowie – A Classic American Fighting Art:

“I thought it would be interesting to research it’s development (the Bowie style knife), after I read that schools existed in the Mississippi River towns of the 1830’s – 1850’s which taught its use. People in Natchez, Vicksburg, New Orleans and so on, started carrying these things around and using them after Jim Bowie prevailed in a fight against multiple opponents in 1827 (he barely survived) using a large hunting knife.

In more recent times, American martial artists such as James Keating and Dwight McLemore were researching the history and tactics, and now teach usage (fighting applications). Knifemaker Bill Bagwell of Louisiana has actually taught Bowie techniques to Army Special Forces units at Fort Bragg. It’s an awesome weapon with a lot of subtle features that combine to make it particularly effective. Bagwell, Keating and McLemore sort of consider it the .44 Magnum of fighting knives.

I think it’s cool because it’s a native American weapon and, actually, a native American martial art! Bowie knives were routinely carried throughout the South and Southwest by civilians and used regularly, even after revolvers were being widely used. Early revolvers were, of course, percussion firearms and slow to reload. Early cartridge revolvers were mostly .32 caliber and smaller, so Bowies didn’t really start to go out of fashion until the 1870’s, when heavy caliber cartridge revolvers came into use. Apparently they saw very widespread use in the first half of the Civil War. The Bowie style fighting knife enjoys a rich and interesting social and martial history.”

When people connect the terms “martial arts” with “knives”, they are usually going to refer to the classic butterfly knife, a legendary knife with it’s roots in the Philippines. The word “balisong” was originally thought to be synonymous with butterfly knife but there is evidence that this knife (personally, my second choice of combat blade) carries that name because of the town they were made in, rather than other material circulating, which would suggest that balisong means “sharp knife” or “broken horn”.

According to The Balisong Collector:

Sources have reported that balisong is just a name and has no meaning.

“Recently a Filipino-American knife maker who grew up in the Philippines and speaks Tagalog as his first language, who was trained in knife making in the Philippines and who has studied the origins of these unique knives was a guest lecturer here at The Institute for Advanced Balisong Studies. Our distinguished lecturer explained that here in The United States of America, the country is divided up into states and within those states are cities. The nation of the Philippines is similar. In it, there is a province (like a State) called Batangas. And in Batangas there is a barrio (like a city) called Balisong. This city is famous for making knives much as, for example, the cities of Sheffield, England and Soligen, Germany are. It’s much like the American city of Detroit, Michigan is famous for making automobiles.”

So, the butterfly knife has a checkered combat history of it’s own, and is a viable candidate for a self defense “carry”. However from my chair, looking at the pro’s and con’s, I must agree with Sensei Duncan, that the Bowie is uniquely American, it can be called an ‘American’ fighting art and that the Bowie style knife is at least (but probably more) lethal in the hands of anyone with some knowledge of employing it for self defense use. My $.02!