I'll do Stick and Knife Quiet Dog

In regards to Mongolian Dogs wound, it wasn't from an unsuitable blade, bur, edge or any other matter, it was simply from force on force (with momentum) going into a hollow cavity such as the Armpit, where there is no structural rienforcement such as muscle fat or bone.
As a knife fight, it was more of how a prison fight would be, Mongolian was going for a clinch, Beowolf was thrusting to prevent it.

as the dates get closer, you will find that most travellers stay around the same area, there will be rental cars for carpooling( granted, they are not your chauffer) but most fighters are very helpful and friendly. You should have any difficulty getting around.  Look for other travellers and ask where they are staying. I belive that even though the Gathering is in North Hollywood, people still stay near Hermosa Beach or the LAX airport.

One should note that this is a Real Contact Stick Fighting event, no empty hand fighting permitted (unless you loose your weapon of course)

@ Saint Miki, don't worry about not having a challenging fight with the ladies. Between the 4 women who have already fought in at least 1 Gathering previously, I believe they are training very hard for this up-coming fight day since they've been through it before. One is trained by me, one trained by Salty Dog, and the other trained by Crafty on occassion. So no worries...

You, Sinatra Dog and ?. I heard that Cross Over wasn't coming. Who is the third?...fresh meat?...they grow'em big in Germantown!

Will be there for some fun times!

Woof Baltic Dog, thanks for the advice. In stick fighting, I have little difficulty fighting a larger fighter...never has been an issue or "intimidation" factor with me. In fact, I plan on fighting Jason Jones's brother in the next Open...he is 6'8".
The thing I have to continue working on is maintaining a proper "fighting measure" and not let it close due to my speed (which I end up doing myself) then I end up in Clinch Range (not good against someone who's 100+ pounds heavier).
This thread was MMA specific and John Jones specific...not Stick fighting. So my comment was gear towards one who is talented, fast and diversed as he is.
One would think that a smaller fighter can negate the reach advantage by kicking. But the pucher is faster, more mobile and more efficient. You can only maintain the kicking game so long. It just takes one time to jam and close the gap. Great example is the same happens with Stick vs unarmed fighter.
Since this post was MMA and John Jones specific...I answered as such. At 5'2" 135, I've fought taller fighters all my life, but not one who was quicker then me (which Jones is)

When you figure that out, please let me know. I'm running out of 6 graders and midgets to fight

I will be shackin' up with Howling Dog for this Camp. Should make for some interesting night of conversations. 

oh yeah! , been a fan since 2009...The Temptations are playing in Ontario on the 15th!

I heard of a "repeat Attendee" discount , I suggest a "short man's" discount, an "immigrant discount", an "old man" discount, a "Survived a Akbars Meal" discount!!!!

I plan on being there, with or without the discounts.

Oh, I forgot the "have to deal with Howling Dog" discount!

Pete, Californians are scared of people without all their teeth, so make sure you put them in before coming out here. Dang! Between you and Dog Terry, it's like bringing refugees from another country and teaching manners! 
Oh...Don't bite your toe nails when your in the Hotel Lobby...also a no no..

  Touche' brother!

I actually liked my experience at the Quality Inn. The price is fairly standard for a "Beach City" location. The front staff was very nice and the room is VERY big. Now, remember, I come from a third world country so my expectations are fairly low. Maybe Dog Terry was wearing his Overall, and carrying his Banjo...this could have marked him for an Outsider . I even had an opportunity to run down the hall mostly naked (maybe that's what Terry didn't like)hahaha!
I remember that Dog Terry let me shower in his room at the Tribal,...maybe me using his only towel was an issue.
Was it the Weight-Watcher convention or the Pig Farming rally that struck a nerve.

I'm just happy you're coming bro. Whether you're Quality or Comfort Inn, just remember that not all the ladies in California look like those on Baywatch. And I'll wear the Thong if you need to see someone in one 

Woof!

Thanks for posting these Pretty Kitty! Thanks Baltic Dog for the time it took to filter through the thousand pics. AND there were a few of me! Much appreciated!!!!

I changed my Kilt for the workout segment and put it back on to go to the BBQ (Couldn't have my "gibblies" flying around)  . They stated that they are not sure when it will be on the INTERNET. They stated that they get way more hits that route then the "airing". They will inform us by way of Crafty when it is posted.

LMAO!!!

I believe that article with be in this months Playboy...not that I would know..I just read the articles 

looking for training partners in San Bernardino, CA or nearby (Other then Fu Dog and Beowolf...have to fight them one day)

I'm grateful that my shoulder didn't hurt...well only one time, but I survived. Today, I'm not fighting and my shoulder is locking and catching all the time. Need to find someone to fight.

Woof C-Mongolian Dog, jk...if I didn't give you a hard time, I don't like you. Only so many letters in the alphabet 

How does one actually spelled that on computer...

the other C-MD...stole my initials...  

the current list needs some serious "overhaulin". Howling Dog is on there as both C and full, Dirty,Growling, Sinatra,Crossover are still C level. I figured I and Thomas (C-Gong fu) be on there someday...no worries. There are 2 claiming the name "Devil Dog"...Milt and Jerimiah...its a mess

C-"Mongolian Dog" Cchi Med Kintang
C-"Quiet Dog" Maguel Decoste
C- "Cholo Dog" Andrew Flores
C- "Yo Dog" Ryan Ackenbach

Dog Rick Laue
Dog Ryoga Vee
  

Thank you once again for a great Forum for us "less then normal" folk to get together and scare the neighborhood! It is also a pleasure to fight and meet so many great individuals. Until the Tribal! Woof!!!

 

C-Gong Fu Dog, I love it brother! One day, you and I will have a Speedo match!

 

I am grateful....tearfully grateful that my wife understands and supports my crazy need to be a man. I am also grateful that she expects me to take a good nap after a training session or a hard day at work.
After all my injuries, she will never ask me to stop, but rather fill the ice pack, help with my shoulder sling and do range of motion when I need it. I am truly blessed!

3 more weeks until the Gathering. 2 more weeks of training in the blistering heat with my NOHO brothers (today we almost passed out). 2 more weeks of running 100 yard dashes in the dark until your hamstrings can't take anymore and you want to spit blood. 2 more weeks of swinging a stick for an hour on each arm everyday. 3 more weeks..., I get to gather and see my brothers again. We will fight each other and some new fighters. Battle scars will be our trophies, and friendships will be our reward...not to mention a nice cold Beer!

3 more weeks!
I big Howl and tail wags!

C-Mighty Dog

NOHO will be represented by 11 fighters..Poi Dog, Seeing Eye Dog, Tennessee Dog, Junk yard Dog,C- Ferox Dog,C- Mighty Dog, Dog Roy, Louie, HM, Joe and a sarrogote ..female Lynn. Pappy Dog and Boo Dog will be missed.

Yes Jamie, the after Gathering-Gathering is open to everybody and is a very important part of the bonding period in my oppinion. It allows you to "connect" in a different way with other fighters on a social level.

More then half of the fighters usually take off right after and miss this experience. Stick around, help clean up and we all coordinate where to go at that time. We also eat dinner there. I'll buy you a pint.

Ummm.....you guys in Europe look Crazy!  Stay on the other side of the pond

Loney Dog has only gotten faster and better with age, it's awesome to see his composure and what he'll pull out of his "Bag-o-Tricks"

 

Howling Dog and his stray pup has nothing to worry about. Mighty Dog's Kennel is beding a few dogs this year. The tribe takes care of their own.


Woof!

Hey bro, you're coming in from that International flight late in the afternoon, just hook up at the nearest hotel to LAX and drive up the next day. If you crash in Hermosa Beach, you might want to call Crafty for a carpool to and from the Gathering.

See you there!

C-Mighty Dog, your explanation about your motivation was amongst my favorite memories of the Training Camp.  I thought you discussed the sense of remaing true to self and to your fellow warriors in a way that really connected with me, and I suspect many others who sat at the table with you.
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Thanks Tobias,

I often don't give unsolicited advice, I usually just share my experience. As I don't know how the information will be perceived. I am glad that my comments were of value to you and others who might be intimidated from the upcoming event. You and people like you, who are involved in the Dog Brothers through the discussion page, seminars and Facebook will get to know and FULLY understand to transformation that happens to oneself and the connection and friendship that you develop through this "unique" fight experience. It is easy to get thrust into the excitement by watching the videos of the "smash and pound" that happens during the fight. It's what happens after that you carry with you... the respect for yourself and most importantly the friendship with the other fighter. I am glad that you will get to complete this relationship fully with the Dog Brothers. I don't believe that Crafty Dog knew exactly what was going to happen to people and how it would change them we He, Top, and Salty started this more then 20 years ago other than scare the neighbors  . It is rather a unique platform for growth.

Woof!!

The video and fights are awesome! I only had a chance to see it on the smartphone. The computer shows it much better. Great job everyone! You to Gong fu Dog! I like the spinning hit, that was fast!

A Shared Reflection of a newbee.

Up until my first Gathering, I had trained for nearly 35 years in the Martial Arts. I had fought in Kickboxing and Full Contact Karate for many of those years. Was this enough training? Well, Kickboxing, Full Contact Karate, and dare I say... MMA, although considered "fighting" is really high intensity sparring. Ask any Boxer what happens if he goes ALL OUT in the first round to get the knock-out, he will quickly burn-out. There is a pacing required to last the necessary rounds,  not to mention weight classes and rules.

I had trained 1 full year with the famed NoHo Clan before attempting to fight. Much was needed to learn regarding the weapon and how to use it, along with the footwork necessary in the full adrenal state. As, I WATCHED my first Gathering, which was a Tribal, I was amazed, and frightened at the same time. I had pushed Pappy Dog to let me fight in the Tribal, but after consulting with Crafty Dog, they thought it best that I attended an Open Gathering before stepping forward with the Dog Brothers. This was a wise decision, as I grew so much in the coming month in regards to skill.

As the weeks approached before my first Open Gathering, I started to train as I did when I previously competed..lots of road work, 15 miles a week, stairs, and swinging a stick. Then for the frightening part, sparring with bare sticks. They were the pencil thin type that was "whippy" and would cut into you when struck. These hurt ALOT! I remember thinking..what can I wear underneath my shorts in regards to padding that no one would know..the football padded spandex shorts? How could I protect in fingers from getting injured and/or broken...can I put plastic inside my gloves?  

How many layers of shirts can I wear to absorb the impact without looking like the kid on "Christmas Story"? Panic and concern hit me. What I realized was that I was NOT going in to Spar but rather a Scrap..a Fight. I had 2 minutes to hit the guy as hard as I could and put him down before he did the same to me.

The night before the Gathering, my heart raced as I visualized the fights...this was NOT good for the rest that I needed.  I showed up early to help with setup. I was trying to calm my nerves. Had I trained enough? Will I fight and represent NOHO well? Will I get knocked out? I ended the day with 2 knife fights and 2 stick fights...I was Transformed. I didn't require to be dressed up like a Hockey player, I didn't need "special" protection. I just needed the balls to do it. What I've learn AFTER that was how to relax and enjoy the experience. Once I was able to do that, the years of previous training became easier for me to access, as I was no longer in the "reactive" state of mind.

During dinner one night at Dog Brothers camp, a guy asked about injuries and how we rebound from them and why we fight. Crafty turned towards me and said "ask Toki, he is healing from an injury, he Never turns down a fight and will fight men a foot taller and 100 lbs heavier..ask him why he fights". As I started to explain and somewhat intellectually ramble..what I should have said is that ..I couldn't imagine the pain of simply watching my fellow Dog Brothers fight without me. I think that pain is deeper then any physical pain that I endure. It is also the motivation to heal for the next Gathering.

Woof!!! See you on the mat! C-"Mighty Dog"

Great Challenge HD! However, please don't do what happened in the current Euro Gathering, where 60 some fighters registered and only 45 showed. This is a reflection of your characture. If you are on the fence, register and do a knife fight, you will find the courage later to do a stick fight. But don't register just to see your name on the "marquee", then bail. Many "newbees" are looking for like-minded individuals to share in the first time experience. Others, like the current Dogs, C-Dog, and Full Dogs are reserving 1 dance to help the others through this rather "transformational" experience. I see many registered "bloggers" here on the forum, and a couple thousand on Facebook, I can't see why we couldn't have one of the largest attended Gatherings ever. So... put on a fresh pair of panties, hike up your trousers, and slap on so Old Spice and man-up!

LMAO! , I didn't realize how I stated that! 

I sent you a personal email @ Dogbrothers.com

PS. My wife said.."small dog , big balls? ..shouldn't be something like big heart?" ..I said "this is Dog Brothers dear, Crafty will appreciate the Big Balls!"
Woof

It was a great time Crafty! Thanks for the guidance and new material for me to add into my fight game. I bet you've forgotten more then we'll ever learn, but I'll take what you can remember!

oh boy....

on Oct 15th, NoHo and K.I.L are sponsoring the 2nd Annual Beat the Crap Out of Cancer Event. We are donating all proceeds to www.kidskickcancer.org

If you have ever wanted to fight with sticks or other weapons but were too scared to fight in the Gathering, this may be a good stepping stone for you. You can wear as much or as little protective gear as you feel comfortable with. It is an opportunity for us fighters to step forward and do something for a great cause. Each fighter will get "sponsors" such as the days when you did the M.S. walks.  The sponsors will donate $5 per fight or $25 per day towards to you. We are hoping that each fighter gets at least 10 sponsors or sponsors that pay more then $25.
Lets face it, each of us have known someone that's died, or fought a great fight against cancer, and may still be doing it. Do what you love, for those that you love.
Contact me if you have any questions as I am the "lead" in the U.S.
Woof!

I had to copy it. That was EPIC, I am giving full credit for this perspective of course. Thanks again GD

Damn! Guide Dog, that was about the funniest thing I've read in a long time! Thanks for the laughs!

Crafty,
I'm coming on Saturday, are you guys doing doing the rendevous thingy on Saturday too. Can you email your thoughts on a location so I don't wonder around looking for people swinging sticks?

Woof C-Mighty Dog

find someone who will fight with the knife as if it were a "real" knife. Most Dog Brothers are good at this, but some "newbies" might also. I was "new" and still am in comparison. But have always "respected" the blade. Simply start conversation about it, you can also set "rules" such as ....no going to the ground on a knife fight. Many new fights tend to Crash and then it becomes a wrestling match with whatever weapon they're fighting with, rather then test the weapon itself.
Tried sending you a PM but your email is full.

That's GREAT Dog Terry. I will match you up with one our guys, You'll be a great experience for them. I will take the staff fight with you. It will be awesome to fight you again.

well, I love to Fight and Play at the same time and hope to get much better at it. Thanks Crafty Dog.

Poi Dog- Thanks for the Humbling reminder of bringing the "new" into the fold. It is easy to think of yourself and how to further your progression through selected opponents.
NoHo has 5 "cherry" fighters too, and it woud be good that they got as much out of this experience as possible (other then survival of course). So, I have an opening for additional fights if my body holds up. Here's my agenda:
1) I have a difficult knife rematch with Growling Dog (last year, he managed to puncture my chest with a good stab, I grew a 3rd boob)
2) I have a Double Stick with Dr. Doom
3) Lefty stick fight with Howling Dog
4) Cane verses weapon of choice (no fighter yet)
5) Single stick with "newbie"

The motorcycle gloves are ok, but if the Full Guantlet has Plastic or Carbon Fiber on the knuckles or near to it, it's a no go.