Dog Brothers Public Forum

DBMA Martial Arts Forum => Martial Arts Topics => Topic started by: Crafty_Dog on January 11, 2008, 09:53:29 AM

Title: The Nat Geo Documentary on the Dog Brothers: Fight Club
Post by: Crafty_Dog on January 11, 2008, 09:53:29 AM
Woof All:

I've decided to establish a thread dedicated to National Geographic's "Fight Club" documentary on the Dog Brothers.  Duplicating the info already posted on the thread "Spike TV etc"

This link is for Eastern Time (ET in the link)
http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/channel/ET/daily/20080123.html

This link is for Pacific Time (PT in the link)
http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/channel/PT/daily/20080123.html

Wednesday January 23   6 pm & 9 pm PST (9 pm & 12 am EST)
Saturday     January 26   7pm  and 10pm PST (10 pm and 1 am EST)
Monday      January 28   10am PST (1 pm EST)
Wednesday January 30   2 pm (5 pm EST)

A few words on the name "Fight Club".

Frankly, I spoke against the “Fight Club” name of the piece when it was first proposed.  To me it not only resonated of the Brad Pitt movie of that night—an interesting movie no doubt, but possessing a , , , vibration that might interfere with viewer’s “empty cup” towards the “Dog Brothers Experience”.  For me the name itself apart from the associations that come with the movie, ran the risk of triggering viewer assumptions about us being of thuggish values. 

On the other hand, Nat Geo wanted something that would not only fit on the spine of a DVD box, but could provide an easy handle that would “bring people in” and thought my suggestions such as “Tao of the Dog- Higher Consciousness through Harder Contact” to be both “too heady” and too long to fit in program listings and unlikely to communicate to viewers what the hell the program was about-- reasonable points all!  :lol:  The point about "bringing people in" I think is key because what is really important is the substance of the show that people see once they tune in.

Returning to the subject at hand, Nat Geo tells me it will be establishing a blog to help build buzz for the show.  To help I would like to ask any and everyone who participated in the documentary itself, who fought in that Gathering, who fought in any Dog Brother Gathering, anyone who considers themselves part of the extended Dog Brothers tribe, to post here in this thread about what it all means to you, to share stories and so forth.  Dog Tom's post in the August 2008 Gathering thread http://dogbrothers.com/phpBB2/index.php?topic=1484.0 would be a good example of the sort of thing we are looking for.

The Adventure continues!!!
Crafty Dog
Guiding Force
Title: Re: The Nat Geo Documentary on the Dog Brothers: Fight Club
Post by: sting on January 11, 2008, 12:22:32 PM
Great !  I'll spread the word by posting to other martial fora and maintaining those posts with any updates.  I haven't seen any trailers posted, so let us know if one exists.

Also, Fight Club is a fine name even though the producers didn't show respect for your efforts.  Having been through that process myself ("Geek Fight Club" comes to mind), I think Nat Geo made the right choice in your case.  Stick Fight Club might have been better.  Just imagine scanning through the channel guide on your TV or programming your show selector to search for key words.  Fight fans would be looking for the word Fight.  With the current title, they will find your show and hear your message.

As for association with the "Fight Club" movie, I think that is great.  A poll of Gathering fighters would probably reveal a 100% acceptance of the movie.  A negative perception would be that life is imitating art instead of art imitating life.  The Gathering existed *before* the movie though it would be inaccurate to assume that Gathering attendance has not been influenced by fans of the movie.  I started my own garage club in the late 90's, but it is obvious that immediately after the debut of the FC movie in 1999, those without martial arts training thought they could fight as well.  The same applies to my group for fighting with rattan sticks after watching one of the Gathering tapes made available in the first DB series.  Before then, we used softer weapons and aluminum knives as an extension of FMA training.  The tapes taught us that everyone didn't die from one stick strike.  What a life changer.

I posted the announcement to the Kajukenbo cafe, Inayan Eskrima, Damag Kali Yahoo group, Stick & Knife forum.  Spread the word to your friends and family.





Title: Re: The Nat Geo Documentary on the Dog Brothers: Fight Club
Post by: Scotty Dog on January 12, 2008, 03:50:17 AM
I've posted it on martial arts planet & sent it around Myspace as well

 :-D
Title: Re: The Nat Geo Documentary on the Dog Brothers: Fight Club
Post by: Crafty_Dog on January 14, 2008, 02:57:27 PM
http://channel.nationalgeographic.com:80/channel/ET/popup/200801232100.html
Title: Re: The Nat Geo Documentary on the Dog Brothers: Fight Club
Post by: sting on January 15, 2008, 01:25:37 AM
http://channel.nationalgeographic.com:80/channel/ET/popup/200801232100.html

That's the Eastern Time (ET in the link above)
Here's the Pacific Time (PT in the link below)
http://channel.nationalgeographic.com:80/channel/PT/popup/200801232100.html

Wow, they are just showing this every night , unless I'm viewing this while they're tweaking the schedule.
I'll fill this in tomorrow as some of the time slots don't have titles even though they're referenced by
earlier schedule slots.

Wednesday January 23    6 pm and   9 pm PT (9 pm and 12 am ET)
Saturday     January 26    7 pm  and 10 pm PT (10 pm and 1 am ET)
Monday      January 28   10 am PT    (1 pm ET)
Wednesday January 30    2 pm PT    (5 pm ET)



Title: Nat Geo's blog
Post by: Crafty_Dog on January 17, 2008, 02:01:38 PM
This from Peter Bouchard, who heads up the blog for Nat Geo on the show:

===============

Greetings from the National Geographic Channel!  We want to hear from you about your experiences with Dog Brothers Inc.

What we are looking for is to hear about your experiences in this group and why you decided to join.  It doesn't have to be anything long, a short paragraph will do.  We'll pick the best ones and publish them on our channel's blog in a post leading up to the show and possibly as the show re-runs later through the year.

What we will need from you:

  - The short paragraph that was mentioned above

  - Your first name (We want to respect your privacy)

  - Your professional occupation

We can’t promise much, except an additional story that you will be able to brag to your friends about. We bet you all have some!

We look forward to hearing from you.

Peter Bouchard
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC CHANNEL
NGC Blog

Title: Re: The Nat Geo Documentary on the Dog Brothers: Fight Club
Post by: Crafty_Dog on January 18, 2008, 03:48:57 AM
Here's Poi Dog's contribution:


It all started innocently enough.  One fine day in April 1995, a friend and training partner told me about a tape he'd just rented called 'Real Contact Stickfighting - Power'.  "Check it out, man, they fight for real," he said.

There's no way they were actually fighting, I thought.  They can't be.  I mean, I had already been training for several years in the Filipino martial arts and I knew how dangerous a stick strike could be.  A single stick hit to the wrist would break bones.  A hit to the knee would cripple.  A hit to the head would kill.  There's no way they were fighting for real.  I rented the tape, threw it in the VCR and hit play.

They were fighting for real.

The next day, I found an ad for the video series in a magazine and ordered the full set.  I immediately incorporated the drills into my training.  I nearly beat a palm tree to death in my backyard practicing full power strikes.  I told all my other training partners about these crazy guys who fought for real.  I tried to lend them the tapes.

I wanted to fight for real.

Problem was, no one else did.  I left Hawaii for college in New Mexico 2 years later.  In the summer of 2000, I found myself in Santa Fe, at the home of Arlan "Salty Dog" Sanford, one of the founding members of the Dog Brothers.  At a small park (one I recognized from the tape!), I stepped out for the first time against an actual Dog Brother.  I was sore for the next 3 days.  The welts disappeared after a week or so.  I couldn't wait to go back.

I was fighting for real.

I fought at my first Gathering in July 2002.  I've fought in 6 Gatherings so far.  I've trained with four of the clans - Santa Fe, Hawaii (I was there for the founding), North Hollywood and Hermosa Beach.  I made full Dog Brother July 2007.  I've been dropped from shots to the temple (through the mask) and to the back of the head (without the mask).  I've tapped to omoplatas and elbows to the face.  I was hit across the kidneys once so hard I had blood in my urine for a couple of days.  I have scars on my arms, thighs and shoulders from some of the stick hits I've taken.

Why the hell am I fighting for real?

It's not for the money, because we don't get paid.  It's not for the adulation from the legions of adoring fans, because there aren't any.  It's not for the crazy sex from hot anonymous groupies because there are none (I'm REALLY hoping this one will change).  There are no extrinsic rewards for doing this and I don't imagine that changing anytime soon.  I don't want it to change, ever (except for that groupie thing).

I fight for real because it grounds me in the essential qualities of being human.  I know great triumph and joy in successfully defending myself from a truly committed opponent.  I know the tragedy and pain of failing to do the same.  I know the fear and doubt that comes from standing alone against a man much bigger and stronger than I who is determined to test my courage and resolve.  I know the camaraderie and bond of the tribe, and know I will never actually have to stand alone.  In the chaos of struggle, I can give form to my inner demons, and exorcise them through the physical ritual of the fight.

Besides, it's fun as hell.
Title: Re: The Nat Geo Documentary on the Dog Brothers: Fight Club
Post by: Scotty Dog on January 18, 2008, 05:00:54 AM
I second the request for groupies

(Don't tell Mrs C-Scotty )
Title: Re: The Nat Geo Documentary on the Dog Brothers: Fight Club
Post by: Scotty Dog on January 18, 2008, 05:12:24 AM
I know OP had this before the gathering, but maybe Nat Geo can use it as well

In the time I’ve been training in DBMA, the question I’ve been asked more than any other has to “Why do you want to fight at the Gathering?”

It’s a question that’s been asked of me by everyone, family, friends, students, people I meet at seminars, someone even asked me it just before the last Gathering in Bern. The reason for them asking the question changes from person to person, some are asking because they want to try it but want to make sure it’s a sane thing to do first. Others just don’t get it, they see the risk but not the reward.
This article is more for the latter.

The first time I saw the Dog Brothers on tape, I had conflicting emotions.
My first feeling was confusion, why would they do this???
I’d been told by my first instructors that the weapons side of the art was so effective, you could never test it. They said to do so would leave both parties badly injured and there was too much risk. Besides everything we were training had already been battle tested by those who had gone before us. There was no need to put ourselves at risk.
Yet there it was on film, a bunch of guys using their skill to defend themselves and putting their health on the line.
My second feeling was anticipation, because I wanted to do it as well.

The path to my first Gathering took me a few years, but looking back on it, the main thing that stopped me going sooner was me. That wasn’t a bad thing, for all the good I have to say about a Gathering, it’s a dangerous thing to do & you need to be doing it for the right reasons. To paraphrase Crafty “Sometimes, especially the first time, you should just watch”

When I got to Switzerland that first time, the fear running through me was immense. On more than one occasion I thought of backing out & had conversations with Guro Crafty & Guro Lonely about the emotions I was feeling. The openness with which they discussed their own pre-fight emotions will always amaze me. It all boiled down to one thing, if you weren’t scared, there was something wrong. It reassured me to realize that despite all their skill and successful experience, the fear was still there and they did it anyway. My own fear, while still a powerful force, started to seem a little less dominating.

The moment of truth came quickly, the fighters had assembled & Crafty said the Magic words “"No judges, no referees, no trophies. One rule only: Be friends at the end of the day. Our goal is that everyone leaves with the IQ with which he came and our goal is that no one spends the night in the hospital. However, only you are responsible for you, so protect yourself at all times. No suing no one for no reason for nothing, no how, no way."”
Guro Lonely got up and put on his mask for the first fight of the day. If I didn’t do it now, I’d never do it. I felt a moment of detachment as I put on my mask and walked to the centre. The Drummers started, we tapped in & the two most spiritual minutes of my life started.

For the two minutes that we fought, nothing else outside existed, my job, my credit card bills, and the fact that my car needed new brakes….
For the fist time that I can remember, I existed only in the moment. Every second that passed was the only second that mattered. Everything except what was in front of me faded in perspective. A man who is extremely skilled in what he does, pushing me to the limit of what he feels I can take (at one point, I could have sworn that Lonely smiled at me through his mask after setting me up beautifully. He swears he didn’t). The only thing to protect me is the stick in my hand, the light gloves & the thin mask on my face. In those two minutes I experienced a feeling of responsibility and self awareness that had been missing in my life till that point.
In day to day life it’s easy to pass responsibility for everything onto everyone else. You trip in the street, someone should have fixed the paving. You crash your car, the other guy should have watched where he was going. You get knocked out or hurt, your corner or the ref should have stopped the fight earlier.

Here was a place where only I was responsible for my actions, I made the choice to come, I did the extra hours at work to buy my plane ticket, I stood up, I put on my mask and if I got hurt, it was due to the choices I alone had made.
If however I grew in some way, regardless of the outcomes of any of my fights, learned a little, matured a little, moved a little bit closer to being the type of man I want be. Then this would be down to how I dealt with the path I’d chosen.
This was and is a very powerful realisation.

The realisation that I solely was responsible for the direction of those two minutes,  and how I chose to deal with any consequences, has passed through to the rest of my life & I hope it will be with me for a long time to come.

There are a hundred other reasons to fight at a Gathering, for one thing you’ll never meet more honest or friendly people. For me though, it’ll always be to again experience those two minutes and rediscover the awareness they teach. That only I am responsible for my course in this life, and anything else is just excuses or fear.

To remind myself, that when it comes down to it, “Only you are responsible for you”

Title: Re: The Nat Geo Documentary on the Dog Brothers: Fight Club
Post by: Scotty Dog on January 18, 2008, 05:36:15 AM
Also heres a modified versions of my feelings on my 1st Gathering in Switzerland

Early in 2006 I fought in my 1st Gathering of the Pack & just wanted to share my thoughts on the experience. I’d been talking about doing this for years but always managed to find a "reason" not to, this time however I wasn’t going to let myself out of it.

For a couple of years before I’d sparred minimal armour, with my students & my 1st instructor (Dave "Yoda" Green of England) so when I e-mailed Benjamin I felt confident. How could this be that different?

I arrived on the Friday & met up with Guro Crafty & Lonely, this was when it started. Here were two guys who I’d been watching on tape for years, the nerves set in.

It got worse at 2 am on Saturday morning. A group from Hungary arrived late, half asleep, I wandered upstairs to let them into the Dojo some of the fighters were sleeping in.
The 1st person through the door was Attila, his name is apt. This guy was HUGE, what if everyone there was this big?
The nerves I was feeling before now kicked up a notch when I realised he was fighting and as I tried to get back to sleep I began to seriously consider backing out. Lonely Dog hadn’t mentioned me fighting since my initial e-mail, for all I knew he had forgotten. It was not a good night’s sleep.

Next morning as we were all getting ready for a day’s training, Benjamin put an X by my name for the seminar but not for the gathering. The little voice inside my head started again "he’s forgotten that you mentioned it, you can back out, no one would blame you, most people at home think your nuts anyway”. I walked back to my kit bag with this in my head, but feeling uneasy. When I got to my bag I turned round, went back to Lonely Dog & asked if I could fight, he said "of course" with a big friendly smile on his face.

The final moment came in the hour before the 1st fight. I was in another hall with some of the other fighters, trying to get some last minute sleep before it was time to warm up. Lying there with my MP3 player on & my hood pulled over my eye’s to block out the light, the little voice started again. Everything that it was saying to me was reasonable & true, this was dangerous, I could get hurt, there was no reason for me to be here, no one would judge me if I didn’t do this, I could still walk away. I lay there & a calm came over me, I was here for a reason. The reason was to see if I could do this; the reason was to find out if I was the person I thought I was, to find out if I could shut out that little voice.

To cut a long story short, I fought and I’ve never looked back since.
Title: Re: The Nat Geo Documentary on the Dog Brothers: Fight Club
Post by: Crafty_Dog on January 18, 2008, 09:18:22 AM
Posted on behalf of C-Scurvy Dog

============

I began my journey into martial arts in 1994 after watching a skinny Brazilian named Royce Gracie decimate his much larger opponents by using technique and leverage in what would later be called the start of the MMA movement that has since swept the country.  I was so impressed with this “new style” that I rushed down and began training with him the very next week.  After about a year of training in GJJ I also found my way into a school that taught muay thai kickboxing, JKD, shoot wrestling, freestyle BJJ and the Filipino martial arts as instructed by Dan Inosanto and his contemporaries. I was immediately drawn to incorporating these new techniques into my style which would later be the building blocks of many great mixed martial artists.

 

The only style I couldn’t seem to wrap my hands around at the time was the Filipino martial arts. I just didn’t see the practicality of the techniques being used in a real life environment. Enter the Dog Brothers. I witnessed my first Gathering of the Pack in 1996 when one of my training partners went down to test his skills against other like minded opponents. To say I was shocked by what I saw was an understatement. Here were guys fighting full contact just like I was used to watching yet they were doing it not only with various weapons but in a spirit of camaraderie that I had only previously witnessed with my time in the Army Scouts/Snipers. These guys were putting themselves on the line to see if their skills and techniques really worked under pressure and pulling it off with nothing but mutual respect and handshakes at the end of each fight regardless of the outcome. I had nothing but admiration for these guys but after watching several such events I thought to myself that I would never have the nerve to put myself into such a potentially dangerous environment even though I recognized the learning potential it entailed.

 

Ten years later and past what I considered to be my fighting prime due to age and a number of accumulative fighting injuries I again attended several more Gatherings of the Pack. This time I noticed that the fighters were not a bunch of young bucks in their primes but a broad range of guys who were actually from all walks of life and many of whom were not only my age but in many cases much older. Of course, this had always been the case but I had never been cognoscente of this fact. It was then that the realization of the Dog Brothers credo to “walk as a warrior for all your days” really sunk in. The next thing I know I found myself training with the North Hollywood Clan of Dog Brothers and three months later feeling the first solid strike to my body by a 1 ¼” rattan stick in a Gathering that instead of crippling me actually invigorated me and sent me into that adrenal state that I had previously only heard about. I have been hooked ever since and now as a candidate Dog Brother I have a different view on life and what it means to me to walk as a warrior for all of your days.

 

I know that I am by far not the toughest, youngest or strongest guy on the block. However I am fully aware of what I am and am not capable of through the intense testing and self enlightenment that the Gatherings provide. This gives me something that the tougher, younger and stronger guys may not necessarily have. Mind, Heart and Balls and the willingness to fight if need be regardless of the odds. I will carry this warrior mentality with me as I continue my journey through life and apply it not only to fighting but to any challenge that puts itself in my path. I have effectively found a higher consciousness through harder contact!

 
Woof!
Tim “C-Scurvy Dog”
Landscape Architect
Title: Re: The Nat Geo Documentary on the Dog Brothers: Fight Club
Post by: Guard Dog on January 18, 2008, 02:02:56 PM
I guess a paragraph translates different to some people  :lol:

Here is mine:

The first time I fought in a Dog Brothers ~ Gathering of the Park I was 23 years old.  I went out to Los Angeles alone without knowing anybody within Dog Brothers other than Marc “Crafty Dog” Denny.  No coaches with me, no friends to back me up and I had no clue who I was going to be fighting the day of the Gathering.  What seemed to be an unsettling situation turned into a day which I will never forget.  Every person I met, and fought that day had something to offer me.  Whether it was just a simple pat on the back after a fight, some encouraging words, a technical aspect or the greatest honor; an actual fight.  I can’t think of a better way I could have spent that late November day.  Crafty Dog always points out before the gatherings “No judges, no referees, no trophies. . .one rule only; be friends at the end of the day.”  He then states that there is no winning or losing in Dog Brothers and that “if you have gained a friend or learned something, you have won.”  That day I gained a tribe full of friends, all of which seemed to be willing to take the shirt of their back to help me, and it was one of the best learning experiences of my life.  I owe a lot to Dog Brothers for being such a big part of my life and inspiration.  The least I could do is fight with my Brothers once or twice a year to help them better themselves and allow them to help me.

Woof!

“Dog Ryan” Gruhn
Title: Re: The Nat Geo Documentary on the Dog Brothers: Fight Club
Post by: Perrodefantazma on January 18, 2008, 04:57:14 PM
2 some it up in a few words. It's da best High. Better than MMA,kickboxing,submission grappling ,and yet i do all that 2 crosstrain 4 dis. The days spent in da Park are da Best. laying on da couch @ night . With the wounds from the training & sparring. Are still worth it 2 me. I spent 13 straight years with Craft B-4 coming 2 Hawaii. It was a rush . @ 1st I was lost ,then I found my Way.
 It has been a bumpyroad. Full of ass whoppings & injuries. Yet the benefits out weight the setbacks. & I found out that I am a Man.
Who can persevere thru all the tests life has throw my Way. A very dominate reason 4 this is my experience in Dog Brothers Martial Arts. Now I have my own 'Clan & have had good people come thru Our Work Shop. Some come & go like the Wind.
 Others have stayed 4 awhile & ended up in another Clan.  Yet the training ,sparring & fights live with me day 2 day.
 It's not an experience that gives me remorse @ all. What scare's me is that One Day I wont B young enough 2 Fight.
 Right now I dream of August. It has been some years since my last MainLand Gathering. The lucky thing is that I had good Fights & training in Hawaii.  Although I miss Crafty's Clan & instruction.The Dog Brothers Dvd's have helped tremendously.
 If it wasn't 4  the tool's I Gathered from the Dog Brother's . I wound not be Alive 2 Day.
  Michael Wayne Tibbitts = USMC; Dept of Justice Federal Bureau of Prisons. Enhanced Disturbance Control Team Member.
 Federal Law Enforcement Officer 4 the past 22 1/2 years. Who met Crafty @ 26 years old & is now 44.
   "Hot -Dog said I had a Monster in me & named me DOGZILLA. & Surf -Dog trained me like Dat.
 It's time 2 let another Brother write. Aloha...
 
Title: Re: The Nat Geo Documentary on the Dog Brothers: Fight Club
Post by: Crafty_Dog on January 18, 2008, 05:06:55 PM
Poi Dog:  http://youtube.com/watch?v=SbgbQuXhJ0U&feature=related
Title: Re: The Nat Geo Documentary on the Dog Brothers: Fight Club
Post by: Crafty_Dog on January 18, 2008, 06:34:09 PM
This email was sent to us and because it leaves me unsure as to the appropriateness of including the author's name here, I leave it out.  I do post it because I think it quite worthy of being included here.

------------------------------------------

Dear Dog Brothers,

Thanks for the message and the invite regarding the NatGeo blog. I feel
particularly unqualified to participate in this thing for NatGeo,
inasmuch as I want to. I have never been able to clear the time or money
to make a gathering or do any training aside from keeping what (few)
skills I have sharp on my own. My canine side is taken care of  in the
time I carve out for it, usually odd hours, and usually solo. I read
voraciously, I try out new things, and I have even been making some
sticks and practicing with improvised impact weapons or sharp pointed
things not normally considered for self-defense, but as far as formal or
organized, I am neither.

In pack terms, I am at best, a transient, and more than likely, an
outrider, or maybe even a fleacatcher. Definitely a mutt, with all the
best qualities of the breed.

If there was a qualification for being a "Spirit Dog," then I am there.
I get what you're all about and I applaud it. I refer friends and anyone
else who's interested not only to your site, but to dig deeper into what
you're doing and why. "Higher Consciousness Through Harder Contact" is
more than a motto on a T-shirt or sticker. It is an ethos, not so much
of overcoming fear or pain or anything as ephemeral as all that as it is
in becoming a better person by embracing those things and learning from
the experience. You sure as hell don't get that from movies or games or
TV. But physically? I am so far away from even what anyone might
consider proficient in sticks it is not funny. But that doesn't keep me
from wanting to come someday and join you all. I don't think we were put
on this planet to be spectators. I'll probably go to a nursing home
years from now going, "One of these days,....WOOF!"

People can take away your fun, your money, your job and your stuff. But
they can't take away the stuff that's packed between your ears and the
things that make your heart beat with purpose, and that is what I think
you folks are all about.

I'll be watching when this show comes on, or at least recording it for
when I get home.

Keep up the faith, keep up the great work.

Best regards,
Title: Re: The Nat Geo Documentary on the Dog Brothers: Fight Club
Post by: Crafty_Dog on January 18, 2008, 07:26:10 PM
The shame! The Shame! 

We have been mentioned in the NY Times http://www.nytimes.com/ref/arts/television/whatson-thisweek.html
(towards the bottom)
Title: Re: The Nat Geo Documentary on the Dog Brothers: Fight Club
Post by: prentice crawford on January 18, 2008, 07:43:10 PM
Woof,
 Well that does it, :-o I'm not speaking to you anymore! :-D
                            P.C.
Title: Re: The Nat Geo Documentary on the Dog Brothers: Fight Club
Post by: sting on January 19, 2008, 02:56:30 PM
Update on times. 

Wednesday January 23    6 pm and   9 pm PT (9 pm and 12 am ET)
Saturday     January 26    7 pm  and 10 pm PT (10 pm and 1 am ET)
Monday      January 28   10 am PT    (1 pm ET)
Wednesday January 30    2 pm PT    (5 pm ET)


Title: Re: The Nat Geo Documentary on the Dog Brothers: Fight Club
Post by: maija on January 19, 2008, 05:27:04 PM
I developed an interest in swords and started foil fencing at the age of 9, perhaps not the obvious choice of a female, only child, but go figure :-) and this interest in martial arts in general, and weapons in particular has stayed with me since then. I have trained for most of my adult life and am now 44 years old.
I connected with the Dog Brothers through my FMA teacher Maestro Sonny Umpad during the filming of the "Grandfathers Speak" DVD series and was very impressed with their respect for the "old knowledge" of generations past and how they connected it to practical, modern day material.
I joined the DBMA Martial Arts Forum soon after and started checking out what they were about. One thing led to another and last summer I attended my first Gathering and fought 2 blade fights with the "shock knives". It was just a small taste of what the rest of the tribe do and with far less risk of injury than the stick fighters accept as the cost of stepping on to the mat (I left with only a few bruised ribs), and I thoroughly enjoyed myself!
There is no faking when faced with the strong emotions that a fight brings up, before, during and after. And everything you learn from those few minutes, whether you hit or take hits, whether you lose focus, freeze, forget everything you thought you knew, or find hidden strengths inside you never knew you had, you now have something to take home and work on. From real, personal experience.
I believe we all have an obligation to engage and participate in our lives to the fullest, and to take responsibility for ourselves and what we care about. Fear, aggression, anger, powerlessness, are all parts of the human experience are just as worthy of exploration and understanding as some of the "easier" stuff, not just in the context of fighting, but for living life in general.
Most people never have to find out what they are capable of under a fight/flight/freeze situation, but honestly I feel the need to know this about myself, and would hope that I would be standing next to someone else who knows too, if the sh#t ever hit the fan.
All in all, this is the most respectful, knowledgeable, interesting and polite group of martial artists I have ever met."Higher consciousness through harder contact" ? They could be onto something ..

Maija
House Painter
Title: Re: The Nat Geo Documentary on the Dog Brothers: Fight Club
Post by: Crafty_Dog on January 19, 2008, 06:02:29 PM
From Joe Cary-- I love that "Dog Quixote"  8-):
==============

I've trained one-on-one with Guro Crafty Dog for two years. I first came to him as an informal student seeking to build my knowledge base for a character I was creating in a novel. I quickly recognized that DMBA was, in my opinion, the most efficient and effective martial art I had practiced or studied.  I thus continued my training to build on the character of me in real life. My early training mixed intensity and fascination with a dash of disturbing. Some things I learned I was hesitant to know, others I embraced with an artist's passion. As my training progressed, I came to respect and value what had first disturbed me, partially through recognition of the inherent value of survival skills, but primarily through the relationship that developed between Guro Crafty and me. My training went beyond the physical, and our conversations and shared stories offered constant insight into the "Tao of the Dog". The multi-disciplined way of DBMA renewed my atrophied instincts in many areas, the primary of which was a deeper sense of what it is to “Walk as a Warrior for all your Days”.
I've never participated in a Gathering of the Pack and don’t yet imagine I will (I've joked of lobbying for the Candidate-Dog name "Dog Quixote", as my eagerness often surpasses my skill). That said, my knowledge of, and respect for basic, primitive weapons (empty hand, sticks, knives and staff) has increased to a level I never imagined possible.  This comes in part from a newfound awareness and quiet confidence in the adrenal state, and an ability to recruit my entire body into action when push comes to shove, smack or slash. My time with Guro Crafty is an asset I will carry with me for all my days.

Title: Re: The Nat Geo Documentary on the Dog Brothers: Fight Club
Post by: Crafty_Dog on January 19, 2008, 09:28:52 PM
http://mma.fighttube.tv/?p=111
Title: Re: The Nat Geo Documentary on the Dog Brothers: Fight Club
Post by: sting on January 20, 2008, 01:21:30 AM
Hello.  I'm Gints, bestowed with the honor of being a member in the tribe with the name: Baltic Dog, credit to my Latvian heritage. 

My first Gathering was July 2002.  Rog, Milt and I had been training in Go Shin Jutsu Kenpo with Prof. Richard Lewis for years and fighting with magazine clubs, aluminum knives and soft training sticks in a small garage club.  I had done Eskrima training in 1995 with Guro Vince Uttley, then trained more seriously with the Inayan Family in 1999-2000.  Sometime in 2001, the Dog Brother instruction video tapes entered our lives.  One tape started with a breath-stopping footwork drill by 6'4"+ Top Dog in white sneakers.  In an earlier era, he would have been clearing battlefields as Achilles.  Another tape included some Gathering footage.  We watched the tapes, and cringed thinking everyone would die. They were hitting and dropping each other with wooden sticks.  After a few replays, we noticed the young first-timer in the baggy pants hadn't dead. Nobody died.  We can do this, too.  I bought the baggy pants.

For two months before the event, Rog, Milt and I trained in a secluded area in Golden Gate Park in San Francisco  with rattan sticks, helmets, body padding and a video camera.  We thought the police would drag us away.  No one noticed us in the land of Flower Power. Even with the body
pads, the sticks hurt. Everything hurt.  We all made the trip down to Marc's Dog Brother training camp.  In the first session, one fellow took a stick shot in the mouth and lost a tooth.  Every one in the camp looked fierce.  On the last day of the camp, most of these tough guys said they
weren't fighting in the Gathering.  Too dangerous.  Perhaps, we can't do this. We should just watch.

The day before the Gathering, Top Dog invited us to a Kajukenbo dojo in Long Beach to practice spar.  We rationalized that even if we were maimed then, it would be the same as a Gathering.  Target practice with the new guys. A few minutes after we arrived, Salty Dog took a shot on his hand from Top Dog and spurted  blood all over the mat.  His reaction was non-existant.  "Oh my, I hurt my hand, again."   We froze.  Top Dog and Lonely Dog played with us a bit, though at the time, we thought we were in a death match.  They let us walk away.  We drove back to the El Segundo hotel as giddy as school girls.  That is how I spent my 32nd birthday.  Do you remember yours?

The Gathering starts with knife fights to shake out the butterflies.  Then out come the big sticks.  We fought.  We bled.  We shook hands.  That is the way of the Dog.

Eternal thanks to you, Marc.  May the world see your Tao of the Dog on this show.





Title: Re: The Nat Geo Documentary on the Dog Brothers: Fight Club
Post by: Sheep Dog on January 20, 2008, 01:58:44 AM
Greetings,

My name is Marc, but at least twice a year I go by the name Sheep Dog. For the past five years I have been a part of the Dog Brothers Pack. For each of us the reason we fight is different and I can only talk about my feelings and motivation. Fighting at a gathering is the physical manifestation of a mental process. For me that mental process is about overcoming seemingly impossible obstacles. There is an amazing liberation in combat  that can only come when you face the real chance of injury. All other things happening in your life take a back seat, for that moment there are no distractions, no concerns, or worries. There is only you and another person, and for two minutes you and he will fight.

When you fight at a gathering the idea of no winners, no losers, no judges or rules allows total freedom from ego. You only fight yourself, if you get hit it is because you were in the wrong place at the wrong time. If you are overwhelmed by your opponent it is because you failed to train as hard as they did. It is a place where you take sole responsibility for yourself.

Everything I do at a gathering is a learning experience, and of all the experiences, learning how to fight is the one I value least.
Title: Re: The Nat Geo Documentary on the Dog Brothers: Fight Club
Post by: Guard Dog on January 20, 2008, 02:33:58 AM
Clip is up! http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/channel/videos/player.html?channel=1805
Title: Re: The Nat Geo Documentary on the Dog Brothers: Fight Club
Post by: Scotty Dog on January 20, 2008, 05:00:30 AM
Yay   :-D
Title: Re: The Nat Geo Documentary on the Dog Brothers: Fight Club
Post by: Guard Dog on January 20, 2008, 05:11:31 AM
Try this: http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/channel/videos/player.html?channel=1805&category=4488&title=05016_00

Title: Re: The Nat Geo Documentary on the Dog Brothers: Fight Club
Post by: Howling Dog on January 20, 2008, 05:31:16 AM
Woof C-Dp Davis, Nice job! I thought you did fight really well last June! Congrats, on a well done piece. You represent well!
See you in August. 8-)
                                                                 
                                                                     Dog SB/TG
Title: Re: The Nat Geo Documentary on the Dog Brothers: Fight Club
Post by: SB_Mig on January 20, 2008, 09:08:03 AM
Name: Miguel
Occupation: Public Events Manager

Curiousity. Fear. Aggression. Transformation. Brotherhood. You’ve heard of the Five Stages of Grief? Well, I consider these my Five Stages of The Gathering.

I heard about the Gathering and went to watch. Thought to myself, “These guys are insane.” Then thought to myself, “I wonder if I could survive that?’ Damn Curiousity….

I fought in my first Gathering 6 years ago. My hands shook as I put on my fencing mask. I thought to myself, “Now you are one of the insane guys and you are going to get yourself killed.” Damn Fear…

I swung a stick. I got hit many times. I got angry. I connected a couple more times. I got hit again. I was pissed and I swung wildly. I got hit back…harder. Damn Aggression…

Then, something clicked. My opponent was not out to kill me. He was out to test me. He was going to pull from me whatever he thought I could muster…and give it right back. He grinned. I grinned back. Damn Transformation…

I have fought in several Gatherings, each time learning more about myself. Learning my limits, testing my limits, pushing past my limits. I’ve gotten in my hits and taken my fair share. And at the end of each fight I have smiled, hugged my opponent, and thanked him, knowing that he has shared in the experience and grown with me. Damn Brotherhood…

I remember hearing someone shout this out at my first Gathering:

"No one hits you as hard as your brother."

Amen to that...
Title: Re: The Nat Geo Documentary on the Dog Brothers: Fight Club
Post by: pretty_kitty on January 20, 2008, 10:47:02 AM
Clip is up! http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/channel/videos/player.html?channel=1805
This link took me to "Catholic Nudists".  Scared the h*ll outa me!   :-o


Try THIS link:
http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/channel/videos/player.html?channel=1805&category=4488&title=05016_00
Title: Re: The Nat Geo Documentary on the Dog Brothers: Fight Club
Post by: Poidog on January 20, 2008, 11:04:42 AM
Woof C-Dog Pound,

Looking and sounding very cool, brother.

Aloha, Poi
Title: Re: The Nat Geo Documentary on the Dog Brothers: Fight Club
Post by: akela on January 20, 2008, 11:17:36 AM
I think of my initial experience Dog Brother Gathering in three parts.  The first is "the process", the time, money and effort to train and ready oneself to fight at the Gathering.  But I suppose the most critical factor is "the why?".  Lacking any tangible rewards or incentives versus the real possibility of injury,  why do it?  Maybe it's an atavistic pull as when we crane our necks skyward to watch the geese pass in autumn or how the howl of the wolf in the wild stiffens us.  It could be the longing to return to a time when to stand as a man of charactor was the mean and sum of all things good.  I saw those traits in the eyes of those whom I was to cross arms with at the Gathering.  As for my own reasons, upon seeing video tape of the Gathering I somehow just "got it".  I left the drugs and drink to do this thing, to get there and stand with others of like mind, to fight and to heal myself.   The second part is the fight itself.  To stand upon that stage, alone, unalloyed and close with another without anger or hatred for those two minutes of terrible beauty unencumbered by the excesses and prevarications of modernity is to look, really look, into ones' soul and find the true meaning of "sinn fein".  Some have spoken of facing their fears, I have never been that wise.  For me it was like the conclusion of a long and bitter journey and the joy of the return to home.  Maybe the return of the broken vessel who finds redemption and is made whole again.  The third part is usually left unsaid but perhaps most poignant.  We return to our homes, changed, renewed and try to live as examples to those around us.  Maybe we show that to live as good and honorable men we need not abandon our manhood, by honoring and acknowledging the spirit of our past we provide a window that the young men of today may glimpse that what once was can indeed provide a way to reconcile our world and live in peace within it.    Maybe it's just what Poi Dog laughingly once said to me,  "I don't try to explain anymore,  I just tell'em I like to hit people".  Randall Gregory  Chef/Prodigal Son
Title: Re: The Nat Geo Documentary on the Dog Brothers: Fight Club
Post by: 5thprofession47 on January 20, 2008, 03:45:40 PM
Not sure if anyone has seen this? If not, enjoy!

http://www.monstergarage.com/search-results.php?search=UNDERGROUND# (http://www.monstergarage.com/search-results.php?search=UNDERGROUND#)
Title: Monster Garage
Post by: Crafty_Dog on January 20, 2008, 04:04:59 PM
Good find!

For those who don't know, the past two Gatherings were held in the warehouse that was the set for the show "Monster Garage"

http://www.monstergarage.com/search-results.php
Title: Re: The Nat Geo Documentary on the Dog Brothers: Fight Club
Post by: Ratlee on January 21, 2008, 09:06:40 AM
I am not a dog brother, i am, in my heart,  a puppy cousin.  I have used some of the excellent video tape material, but most of all, i have tried to imbibe the spirit of this unique pack of individuals.  Inspired by their ethos, i have fought bare stick in a hockey helmet, street hockey gloves and elbow pads. I have fought with a friend, numerous times, i still have the scars, the knowledge, and the friendship, along with the few brain cells i brought to the encounters.  In my understanding of the Filipino arts, this is what it is about, hard training in a tribal atmosphere, where smart impact, trust, and fellowship walk hand in hand, or paw in paw. Lew, 54 years young , 2nd degree lakan, Modern Arnis, Library Assistant (25 years).
Title: Re: The Nat Geo Documentary on the Dog Brothers: Fight Club
Post by: Crafty_Dog on January 21, 2008, 02:58:16 PM
Guro Crafty -

I couldn't post to the "open" forum - probably need to set up a separate user name or something... Pls forgive laziness, but feel free to post this if you think it's useful...

Name: John
Occupation: Enterprise IT Management Consultant
Age: 45

"Higher Conciousness through Harder Contact"...(c)

I found the DogBrothers online a few days after my first serious fencing bout.  I lost the bout on points (I was a beginner) but an amazing thing happened in my mind as I got hit again and again...  And I was amazed and excited to find a group that had already discovered the magic I'd felt in that bout.  It didn't matter that I'd lost - the explosion in my mind at the moment of hard contact was the real win.

When I saw the reality in the Dog Brothers apprach, I focused on real contact fighting.  I've never looked back.  I've been studying seriously for about a year now -- which brings me to the second credo...

"Walk as a Warrior for All Your Days"

I'm no longer a young buck, and have family and professional obligations.  Dog Brothers give me a chance to keep on the Warrior path anyway.  The comradirie I experienced at the '06 gathering - as well as the EXCELLENCE of the training videos produced by Guro Crafty Dog give me the resources I need to continue on a Warrior's path.  I train for a gathering, not to win, but to face my own fears, give myself a target and a way to judge my progress.  Knowing the intensity I will face at a gathering motivates my training and changes how I train.

I train a number of "styles" because they suit my psychology, physiology, and geography.  To borrow a line from a Dog Brother shown in one of the training videos - "You have to train yourself".  This leads to the next Dog Brother credo:

"Smuggling Concepts Across the Frontiers of Style" (c)

The thing that excited me most about the Dog Brothers was that "anything goes".  If it's a good idea that really works in a fight - bring it to a gathering and try it out.  Don't say what "should" work in a fight unless you're willing to show up and bring your skills to a full-out trial against determined resistance.  Then we can talk about what does and doesn't work in a fight.

Dog Brothers is about "truth in combat" - not what looks good in a kata.  Distilled experience from hard-fought combat - as close to the edge as we can go...  That's my idea of reality.

...Of the Same Tribe...

Finally, the idea that our purpose is to support each other in being prepared to protect our partners, our children and even our country - is a goal that gives meaning to the quest.  To test each other without breaking each other - so that each member of the "tribe" can reach their potential - that's my idea of true brotherhood.

Even if I "lose" to younger stronger members of the tribe, I will have tested myself and know my abilities far better than I could by any other means.
Title: Re: The Nat Geo Documentary on the Dog Brothers: Fight Club
Post by: Crafty_Dog on January 22, 2008, 11:04:24 AM
http://ngcblog.nationalgeographic.com/ngcblog/2008/01/fight_club_confessionals.html
Title: Re: The Nat Geo Documentary on the Dog Brothers: Fight Club
Post by: Crafty_Dog on January 22, 2008, 11:33:43 AM

I am a Martialist Christian.
 
My understanding of what Christ expects of me as a Christian is found in
His words to love God with my whole being and love others as I love
myself.  There is nothing passive or small about practicing this kind of
love.

I practice martial arts for many of the same reasons as other people - to
stay in shape and to hang out with friends.  However, I ride with a
bicycle club for those reasons.  If exercise and friends was all I am
after, I would stick to riding (less bruises).  I practice martial arts to
learn how to hurt people.  And yet I am unconflicted.

The Christian Warrior is not only allowed in my ethic, but it thrives.
What if I were being hurt?  What if it was my wife or my kid who was in
trouble?  I would want someone to help - to fight - and not just standby
and watch.  Christian love requires us to imagine ourselves in another's
place and to act.  On the other hand, bystanders keep their hands in their
pockets because they live in a fantasy where trouble always happens to
someone else.  In the New Testament parable of the Good Samaritan, the
Samaritan was good because upon finding the man after he was beaten and
robbed, he cared for him.  Would he have still been the hero of the story,
if he had stood by and watched while the man was beat down and then care
for him?  No!

Happily my life is not filled with bad guys who are constantly attacking
my family and friends.  However, it is satisfying to know that I can do a
lot as a Christian to help the people around me - including defend them.

Title: Re: The Nat Geo Documentary on the Dog Brothers: Fight Club
Post by: Crafty_Dog on January 22, 2008, 02:46:50 PM
Peter

Here's another blog post.

Corey "C-Dog Pound" Davis

***************************************

I keep getting older!  As a child, I looked forward to every birthday.
About the time I hit 40, I started fighting it every step of the way.  At
45, I decided I wanted to be stronger with every successive year.  That
goal was severely interrupted in 2005, when I blow a disc in my neck and
underwent spinal fusion (C5-C7).

Today, I?m a cheeseburger away from 300 lbs and my 50th year is getting
close, but I am stronger today than I was before my injury.  Last year, I
rode a bicycle 360 miles in six days.  Last October, I rode a century (100
miles in one day) and I am training for another century this May.  I've
had eight Dog Fights at the Gatherings last year.  I can hit harder, lift
more weight, and my cardio is better than a lot of younger (and lighter)
men.

Am I bragging?  Sure, but I'm also very grateful.  I was blessed with a
supportive wife and kids, and some very good physical therapists and
conditioning coaches who have helped me met my goals.
Title: Re: The Nat Geo Documentary on the Dog Brothers: Fight Club
Post by: Poidog on January 22, 2008, 10:33:40 PM
Just saw the commercial on NatGeo tonight.  Commercial was a great teaser for the show.

Aloha, Poi
Title: Re: The Nat Geo Documentary on the Dog Brothers: Fight Club
Post by: Crafty_Dog on January 23, 2008, 10:01:27 AM
After serving as a platoon commander in close urban combat, I understand the severity of a fight to the death - in which life or death of you and the ones you love are on the line. But still, I never had to use any of my hand to hand skills specifically. Full contact is good, but I needed some answers about full contact against another weapon with me using my secondary/tertiary weapon. The sensation at the beginning of the fight at Dog Brothers was very much like the sensation before advancing into the face of the enemy with tracers coming back at you. The key is in the possibility of actual bodily harm. Obviously there is control - which makes it what it is. I trust the man in front of me to take it to the limit but no farther; he trusts the same of me. I regret that I cannot do it more, but my priority is on leading our young war fighters in battle and bringing them home.

- Bryan, Infantry Officer, United States Marine Corps

 
Two fighters grapple for position. 
When I first heard about Dog brothers full contact stick fighting, I thought they were just some no name guys trying to get attention. I bought some of their tapes and found out that they really deserved some attention. As I learned their techniques and philosophy I started seeing my previous martial skills in a new light. The experience of fighting all out with a weapon and not stopping even when taken down to the ground, added a realism that caused everything that I had learned in the past to take on a practical, real world dimension. This made all my past training ten times more valuable because now I truly understood how to apply the techniques more effectively and to recognized the situations when certain fighting methods could or would not work. There are many aspects of Dog Brothers that brings one to this understanding but the Dog brothers motto sums it all up, "Higher Consciousness, Through Harder Contact."

- P.C., Line Supervisor
Title: Re: The Nat Geo Documentary on the Dog Brothers: Fight Club
Post by: Crafty_Dog on January 23, 2008, 10:44:32 AM
Some comments from the Nat Geo blog  :-D
============

Permalink
Comments (6)
aardvark:
Nice article and looking forward to the program.

Posted by aardvark | January 19, 2008 2:08 PM

PizDoff:
Sounds like a bunch of fun, great stuff!

Posted by PizDoff | January 19, 2008 4:14 PM

Tiffini:
Hey- I'm a hot (not so anonymous) groupie!

Posted by Tiffini | January 20, 2008 7:00 PM

Beth:
OMG this sounds horrible. I can't believe National Geographic feels the need to promote such brutality! I'm very disappointed.

Posted by Beth | January 21, 2008 4:01 AM

Vanessa:
A ritual of severe consequence, but one that seems to have enlighted you. Can't wait to watch.

Posted by Vanessa | January 21, 2008 12:27 PM

Angie:
You're crazy for real!! But I guess us girls will NEVER understand!
Title: Re: The Nat Geo Documentary on the Dog Brothers: Fight Club
Post by: WARDOG on January 23, 2008, 11:41:30 AM
Name: Mike
Occupation: Law Enforcement
Dog Brother Name: WAR DOG

BACK THEN:
When I first started martial arts the Dog Brothers were a myth, an urban legend, something that was talked about amongst the other guys before, during and after class.  How a bunch of guys from class would meet up on Sundays at their local park and train at full speed, full contact, with minimum protection.  With injuries compiling of broken fingers, fractured forearms, popped eardrums, and contusions to the head.  How these guys (Original Dog Brothers - Founding Members) were willingly participating in self-punishment for whatever reason (to be explained).  They were "Ultimate Fighting" before Ultimate Fighting was on television. When BJJ (Brazilian Jiu Jitsu) was being taught out of a garage and not yet mainstream.

NOW:
What led me to participate in one of many Gatherings from the time I started may have been divine intervention or chance.  Then again it may have been Crafty Dog's way (Jedi Mind Trick) of asking me to come by and watch one of the Gatherings, which actually led me to participate in.  Even though those may have been contributing factors, the reasons for me participating were to test myself and to be honest with myself as an Instructor.  To be able to teach someone and explain why certain techniques work under certain conditions and why they may not under others.  I didn't want to be a paper tiger, someone who can tell you how to climb a mountain but has never done it themselves.

For me the Gathering is an enlightening on whatever I may be thinking or going through during that point in my life.  Those 2-3 minutes of what may appear to be total chaos to someone watching, is when I find a deeper understanding of life and martial arts in general.  Just as a big wave surfer is in the barrel of a wave and may wipe out or a fireman running back into a burning building to double-check and make sure no ones inside, its just because.

"Higher Consciousness Through Harder Contact" pretty much sums it up.
Title: Re: The Nat Geo Documentary on the Dog Brothers: Fight Club
Post by: sting on January 23, 2008, 12:41:19 PM
I hope there are a few more negative "too much brutality" comments.  As I like to say, if my Aunt approves, it's not brutal enough.

Title: Re: The Nat Geo Documentary on the Dog Brothers: Fight Club
Post by: Guard Dog on January 23, 2008, 01:17:33 PM
It's funny how the uniformed assume fighting means brutality, violence, etc.  In my eyes it is the motives behind the actions that make it brutal or not.

Gruhn
Title: Re: The Nat Geo Documentary on the Dog Brothers: Fight Club
Post by: Dog Pound on January 23, 2008, 02:13:31 PM
ryangruhn

un-informed or uniformed?
Title: Re: The Nat Geo Documentary on the Dog Brothers: Fight Club
Post by: Guard Dog on January 23, 2008, 02:16:21 PM
oops,
  Uninformed.
Title: Re: The Nat Geo Documentary on the Dog Brothers: Fight Club
Post by: rio on January 23, 2008, 09:29:31 PM
just watched the episode in full . . . mixed feelings here

one side thinks "Totally f@!3?*g AWESOME!" i've either met, fought or know every single focused on by the show.

and the other side, . . .  how come you can only see a part of my shorts in most clips. (just joking) and the women fighters fought just as hard.(for those who were there that day) i was proud of my wife having stepped up and competed.

Wardog looked awesome, thanx for the chance to have rolled with C-Scotty Dog . . .

the attention is good but will it draw a different crowd now with the new found exposure? what's the ultimate goal of this documentary for DBMA and the tribe?
Title: Re: The Nat Geo Documentary on the Dog Brothers: Fight Club
Post by: foxmarten on January 23, 2008, 09:56:17 PM

the attention is good but will it draw a different crowd now with the new found exposure?
I worry more about less honorable fighters showing up.  Watching Lonely dog tap from that arm bar, which resulted only from his refusal to strike an opponent's bare face, underscores the need for restraint and a tribal brotherhood.
Title: Re: The Nat Geo Documentary on the Dog Brothers: Fight Club
Post by: C-Kumu Dog on January 23, 2008, 10:59:25 PM
Well I think Guro Crafty mentioned in the episode and made it clear there are people that will put you in check should you act like a butt.
Title: Re: The Nat Geo Documentary on the Dog Brothers: Fight Club
Post by: Dog Pound on January 23, 2008, 11:02:48 PM
Various folk have been calling in.  Everyone had nice things to say, but what I have been listening for is who GETS IT.  I haven't been disappointed in my guesses of does and doesn't get it.  

My theory is that the people who don’t get it, don't have an internal vocabulary that connects the ideas to there own lives.  My son Caleb was at a friend's house and had this experience.  Afterwards he realized he should have compared it to competing at tennis as a way of translating some of the ideas.

Another friend who I have talked to often about my Dog Fighting experiences was very excited by the show.  It gave a context to our conversations and he really got it - Dog Dan's experience was particularly meaningful to him because my friend has wrestled with the same feelings.  He got the importance of facing to resolution the thing he has feared.

Everyone in the tribe did a get job.  It was a great show.  Dog Dan and Frankfurter's transparency was very powerful and probably resonated with a lot of people who are not martialists (a tough thing to do).
Title: Re: The Nat Geo Documentary on the Dog Brothers: Fight Club
Post by: Scotty Dog on January 23, 2008, 11:51:54 PM

thanx for the chance to have rolled with C-Scotty Dog . . .



The honour was mine bro  :mrgreen:

So for us non US people, can we have a run down of who/what was on the show?

(Did the Kilt Make the cut  :wink: )
Title: Re: The Nat Geo Documentary on the Dog Brothers: Fight Club
Post by: rickn on January 24, 2008, 02:22:25 AM
You guys looked great in high definition!  The big difference in HD was seeing real blood versus Hollywood blood in the movies.  I noticed that the two anti-pack shrinks were from northeastern universities.

Since I do not participate in martial arts, I saw the program as a non-interested party.  I thought that it portrayed Dog Brothers in a very positive light.  The last two segments really pulled together the theme of the pack helping each other to progress in the discipline in order to be ready to defend land, food, family etc.  That theme made the eastern shrinks' criticism irrelevant since they seemed to be criticizing their own preconceptions of what they think you are rather than who you are.

However, the induction ceremony looked a little bit like the final scene in the original Star Wars movie without light sabers and without the princess in the low cut dress.    :-D

The show is another good reason for the pack to be proud.
Title: Re: The Nat Geo Documentary on the Dog Brothers: Fight Club
Post by: Mad Scientist on January 24, 2008, 07:11:58 AM
Dude that was totally awesome!  Everything about it was awesome... production, fights, well-spoken interviews.  Hats off to a job well done. 
Title: Re: The Nat Geo Documentary on the Dog Brothers: Fight Club
Post by: Crafty_Dog on January 24, 2008, 11:48:43 AM
Tail wags for the kind words everyone. 

Here's this on Dr. Addis :lol: :roll: :lol:
===================



http://www.clarku.edu/academiccatalo...ybio.cfm?id=92


Quote:
Dr. Addis is currently interested in theory and research related to men's mental health. His recent work is focused on links between masculine gender socialization and responses to problems in living, including help-seeking behavior, substance abuse, and variations in the ways mental health problems are perceived and characterized. ....Dr. Addis teaches courses in the psychology of learning, men and masculinity, psychological ethics, and assessment. 

He has his own webpage
http://michaeladdisphd.com/


Quote:
Cultural expectations for men

Our society creates expectations for men and women that affect how we think, feel, and behave. These expectations can have a powerful effect on how we experience, express, and respond to problems in life. For many men, the expectation that they be strong, stoic, successful, and self-reliant influences the way they cope with problems in life. This can also make it difficult for professionals and close others to recognize in men such problems as depression, anxiety, grief, substance abuse, and other significant life stresses.

Some common cultural expectations for men in the U.S. include:

- Not taking emotional problems too seriously
- Being financially successful
- Handling problems on your own
- Being physically strong
- Keeping control of emotions
-"Performing" sexually

Recent research indicates that:

Men who adhere more closely to these expectations may be at greater risk for substance abuse, depression, marital difficulties, and a range of other problems.  Men who adhere more closely to these expectations may be less likely to seek help for a range of mental health problems when they experience them.
Title: Re: The Nat Geo Documentary on the Dog Brothers: Fight Club
Post by: sting on January 24, 2008, 01:00:16 PM
Interesting read.  I agree.  Men that don't adhere to that list won't have marital problems.

Title: Re: The Nat Geo Documentary on the Dog Brothers: Fight Club
Post by: PhilipG on January 24, 2008, 07:00:28 PM
I really wish that I had been able to make it. Looks like it was a lot of fun. Boy, has it evolved since the early days!

I didn't get to see the show yet but the promos looked great.

Maybe next time, creak creak.

Title: Re: The Nat Geo Documentary on the Dog Brothers: Fight Club
Post by: prentice crawford on January 24, 2008, 08:15:15 PM
Woof,
 I know this show will bring a new surge of interest and attention to Dogbrothers.com, the first set of Real Contact Stickfighting tapes and hopefully this forum. I would reccomend that anyone new to the site, consider joining the DBMMA and take advantage of the discounts that are offered on equipment and tapes as well as having access to the members only vid lessons and the members only forum. It will really give you a jumpstart into the world of Dogbrothers. 8-)
                           P.C.
Title: Re: The Nat Geo Documentary on the Dog Brothers: Fight Club
Post by: Crafty_Dog on January 24, 2008, 10:38:12 PM
Sled Dog!

Awesome to have you with us Brother!

The Adventure continues!
CD
Title: Re: The Nat Geo Documentary on the Dog Brothers: Fight Club
Post by: PhilipG on January 25, 2008, 05:44:51 AM
Thanks for the welcome Crafty Dog,

Lost my login info and had to do it again.
Title: Re: The Nat Geo Documentary on the Dog Brothers: Fight Club
Post by: Dog Pound on January 25, 2008, 08:54:43 PM
A friend of mine (a young wife and mother who does not practice martial arts) wrote the following about her impression of the show.  I thought it worth sharing:

I thought they portrayed the Dog Brothers very and only positively. 

First, I give them kudos for featuring a topic/culture that few people outside of this group probably know about (until now, anyway). 
 
I would loosely typify this group as something between a quasi martial arts alternative and a "no holds barred" therapy session.  As I think about it -- it's very hard to define this group b/c it is many different things to its participants. For some, edgy exercise.  For some, rituals.  For some, self-accomplishment.  "Dog Fighters" is a slight misnomer.  It's the invitation, not the party.

It was good that the editors focused in early on the honor code during fights, as if to influence the viewer in a direction of thinking "these are not your father's rough-edged barfighing misfits".

The entire group structure & culture seems VERY well honed & thought out.  I got the sense that the friendships & culture in this group runs very, very deep.  Almost as if men come to this group to exorcise a very large life demon that only their fighter brethren can help them achieve.

I finished the show with a true sense of what this group is about: a cross-cut of men who chose a very alternative but noble competition.  Modern day, sanitized gladiators.

There also will be a part of society that sees this just for what it is: a refined, millienium-esque fighting group -- nothing more, nothing less. 

I really appreciated that they portrayed  "thinking" men, professional men, emerging men, developed men & vulnerable men.  The "everyman".  There was no hint at cro-magnon or dumb street fighter, although some of the guys dabbled with a need for something "more" in an age of rule-heavy, clean sports.  The balance of participants was enlightening - both in age & life experience.

Of course, leave it to a science channel to insert needless psycho babble!

Why DO producers feel the need to qualify EVERYTHING with humanists itching to equate this to....I don't even know WHAT they were trying to equate it to b/c their "specialists" were really grabbing at dead air the entire show.  They sounded so unsure of what they were trying to define.  I kept thinking, "SHUT UP & get back to the show." 

Finally, I suspect interest in this group will skyrocket & that National Geo will do a follow-on to this piece in the next year or 2.  I could see a WHOLE season or series on this.  Very timely.

As you can see, I was very intrigued by the show (I'm re-viewing it on Sat. night & insisting Erik watch it, too).   But, beyond that...it was really good to see you grabbing life, firmly. 

Stay safe, warrior.

Shelly
Title: Re: The Nat Geo Documentary on the Dog Brothers: Fight Club
Post by: prentice crawford on January 26, 2008, 12:02:38 AM
Woof,
 Now, that's a review! 8-) :-D :-D
            P.C.
Title: Re: The Nat Geo Documentary on the Dog Brothers: Fight Club
Post by: Crafty_Dog on January 26, 2008, 08:14:09 AM
C-DP:

I like your friend.

CD
Title: Re: The Nat Geo Documentary on the Dog Brothers: Fight Club
Post by: PhilipG on January 26, 2008, 09:17:10 AM
As things happen, we don't get the same National Geographic programming in Canada as you do there. I have been looking for a site that I could down load it from but have come up empty in  my search.

Can anyone guide me to an available source?

Thank You

Sled Dog
Title: Re: The Nat Geo Documentary on the Dog Brothers: Fight Club
Post by: sting on January 26, 2008, 02:39:24 PM
If you don't get the National Geographic channel, consider upgrading your package for one month.  Then, the cost of seeing the show is something like $5-10.  Some providers can make the switch in minutes (DISH satellite).  Comcast seems to need a few days.
Title: Re: The Nat Geo Documentary on the Dog Brothers: Fight Club
Post by: PhilipG on January 26, 2008, 03:59:51 PM
Thats just it, I do get the National Geographic Channel, only they don't have the same schedule here as the US version.

I have emailed the channel here to inquire if they would be airing at any time soon.

Thanks for the suggestion, though.

Title: Re: The Nat Geo Documentary on the Dog Brothers: Fight Club
Post by: Howling Dog on January 26, 2008, 04:02:18 PM
Woof Sled dog, I live in Ohio and its being replayed here tonite at 10pm ET
Does that help?
                                          TG
Title: Re: The Nat Geo Documentary on the Dog Brothers: Fight Club
Post by: MikeDKrabiKrabong on January 26, 2008, 11:48:51 PM
Just finished watching the special, and it put a smile on my face.  Great to see the exposure to the art, sport, and the Dog Brothers.  Was watching with some friends, and we all disagreed a bit with the "psychologist's", and as always- were happy to hear the EXACT thoughts and words of Marc Crafy Dog. He is truly an ambassador of the sport and the arts.  For me, I found them when I went to the other side of the world and met a guy named "Salty Dog" (Arlan) while I was training in a temple in Thailand, who told me of "the gathering". A full contact stick fight - with punching, kicking, and whatever - near my home town,  I knew then that it was for me.  I have attended some years, and some not - on occasion  life overwhelms us with injuries, children, family problems, or duty - but I tell you this, I wake thinking of the fight, and I go to sleeping thinking of the fight - It is amazing how such a small few minutes can live on your mind and soul forever.

For me, it is a chess game filled with adrenaline, challenge, and a clarity of focus that I just do not find in my day to day battle of life. At that moment, so much and so little goes through my head - but all only about that moment. The drive and the body, and the stick just take over.

Some of us have trained very hard at an art or skill, and for a long time.  This is really the only way to truly test "this thing" we have, with conviction - and WITHOUT having to go to jail or actually take a life.

Injuries, insurance bills, breaks, tears, bumps and bruises - are not what I seek, but it is a sometimes small cost of doing this game. My mother always asked me "Michael - why do you like to try hurt people so much or risk getting hurt yourself, and I tell her;  it is not the hurting I like, it is the surviving and wining that drive me.  When the fight is done - we dont need anyone to raise a hand or give a trophy....It is an HONOR and the love of the BROTHERHOOD and doing "this thing" with the man in front of you that we seek. We all know how we did, where we were were perfect, and where we "got caught".  It is a give and take business. Some days you give, and some days you take.  But I always learn, appreciate, and gain another brother in this path I walk.  I have never had so many strangers - as brothers - until this thing.  It is good that people like us meet on paths like this. From the first time of raising a stick to accept in the park, to a warehouse in El Segundo - hobbling out the door - I hold these moments as some of my most alive in this journey.

Marc, Eric, Arlan - the boyz - THANK YOU .........and look foreward to seeing you all soon

WOOF

MIKE DELIO - SCRAPPY DOG   
Title: Re: The Nat Geo Documentary on the Dog Brothers: Fight Club
Post by: Maxx on January 27, 2008, 06:48:04 PM
Tomarrow I have the day off so I am gonna watch it!
Title: Re: The Nat Geo Documentary on the Dog Brothers: Fight Club
Post by: Dog Pound on January 27, 2008, 10:10:45 PM
We had a pot luck at my house today mostly for friends who don't get the Nat Geo.  About 25 friends from various circles showed up.  We projected the show on a wall (the picture was maybe 10' x 6') a great way to watch it.  It was an enlightening event for all.  Most of them had never seen anything like it and even though I have told them about it, they apparently didn't have a clue until that moment.

A lot of conversation was generated.  I had a good cross-breeding discussion with one of my Doce Pares sparring partners about our differences and how sparring each other has benefited both of us in our respective venues.  A pastor/artist friend of mine talked about the phenomena of the tribe's self policing of the philosophical under-pinning.

Most everyone understood it - that is most of them understood most of it (and mainly that you have to be little crazy to do this).  No one really understood Sisco.  There was a lot of head scratching and things said like, "If he doesn't like to ... then why ... but he's a good fighter so ... then why doesn't he ... ???"  My answer to all such questions is (in my friend Shelly's words), it is "as if men come to this group to exorcise a very large life demon that only their fighter brethren can help them achieve."  yea, that's why.

Title: Re: The Nat Geo Documentary on the Dog Brothers: Fight Club
Post by: Scotty Dog on January 27, 2008, 10:59:16 PM
Finally got to see it over the weekend.

Props to everyone interviewed on the show, you did the tribe proud.

It was great to see all the fights, and it has really got me excited about going back over again this year.

(I can't believe they left out the "swish of the Kilt" though  :cry: :-( :cry:  :-P )
Title: Re: The Nat Geo Documentary on the Dog Brothers: Fight Club
Post by: PhilipG on January 28, 2008, 09:01:57 AM
Found a download site. Doing it now.

Thanks
Title: Re: The Nat Geo Documentary on the Dog Brothers: Fight Club
Post by: Crafty_Dog on January 28, 2008, 11:39:24 AM
URL?
Title: Re: The Nat Geo Documentary on the Dog Brothers: Fight Club
Post by: Maxx on January 28, 2008, 02:04:20 PM
Just saw it a couple hours ago and that was pretty damn cool! Great stuff!
I would like to download it as well.
Title: Re: The Nat Geo Documentary on the Dog Brothers: Fight Club
Post by: sting on January 28, 2008, 02:09:20 PM
I get a lot of "ripped" shows (mostly from Satellite boxes using PVRExplorer) using a combination of binsearch.info and Newsleecher software.  Couldn't be easier.   The problem is that most of the premium content is encrypted, so most HD shows and Nat Geo aren't made available. 

I was the DB documentary on one of the bit torrent sites, but I wasn't able to access the torrent even after registering.  Hmmm.  Prof G, what's your source ?
Title: Re: The Nat Geo Documentary on the Dog Brothers: Fight Club
Post by: PhilipG on January 28, 2008, 03:53:21 PM
I downloaded from the "MMA Tracker" site.

It was through an invitation that I got on.

Actually the initial avi file was corrupted or something (I just got a pixilated window and a subsequent player crash) but I put it through a file format changer (ffmpegX) and it cleaned up enough so I could watch it.
Title: Re: The Nat Geo Documentary on the Dog Brothers: Fight Club
Post by: Sheep Dog on January 29, 2008, 01:39:57 PM
Sled Dog,

Was it from mma-tracker.net? If so what is the direct link to the tracker, I have an account. Thx.

Sheep Dog
Title: Re: The Nat Geo Documentary on the Dog Brothers: Fight Club
Post by: Matt Tucker on January 30, 2008, 08:48:37 AM

Finally got to see it over the weekend.

(I can't believe they left out the "swish of the Kilt" though  :cry: :-( :cry:  :-P )

Ho did you see it pray tell....... :?
Title: Re: The Nat Geo Documentary on the Dog Brothers: Fight Club
Post by: Scotty Dog on January 30, 2008, 09:25:12 AM
I have my ways  :wink:
Title: Re: The Nat Geo Documentary on the Dog Brothers: Fight Club
Post by: Scurvy Dog on January 30, 2008, 09:44:29 AM

Ho did you see it pray tell....... :?

He showed what was under his kilt and apparently it was enough to see the show.   :-o
Title: Re: The Nat Geo Documentary on the Dog Brothers: Fight Club
Post by: PhilipG on January 30, 2008, 12:07:59 PM
Sheep Dog,

Yes it was MMA Tracker.net.

I don't know how to give the direct link but to find it I went to the "Browse" section, highlighted "other" under sport, and "TV Show" under type. Was directed to the list.

It was under this title: Fight.Club.No.Limits.01.26.2008.XviD

Title: Re: The Nat Geo Documentary on the Dog Brothers: Fight Club
Post by: Scotty Dog on January 30, 2008, 01:08:56 PM

Ho did you see it pray tell....... :?

He showed what was under his kilt and apparently it was enough to see the show.   :-o

Dude, in those spandex shorts, what was under the kilt, felt Like the show  :oops:
Title: Re: The Nat Geo Documentary on the Dog Brothers: Fight Club
Post by: Crafty_Dog on January 30, 2008, 10:12:44 PM
http://boards.historychannel.com:80/thread.jspa?threadID=700025864
Title: Re: The Nat Geo Documentary on the Dog Brothers: Fight Club
Post by: Maxx on January 31, 2008, 10:29:35 AM
http://boards.historychannel.com:80/thread.jspa?threadID=700025864

This guy "HipTosser" made me laugh at his final comment.

"NO Im just saying this is a cry baby board full of martial artist who watch a show called human weapon but only want slap and tickle and bitch about everything " - Hiptosser
Title: Re: The Nat Geo Documentary on the Dog Brothers: Fight Club
Post by: C-Kumu Dog on January 31, 2008, 11:28:41 AM
Ive checked out some of the other Martial Art forums and well most of the stuff they complain about is silly. I think they need to watch Poi Dog's youtube clip.
Title: Re: The Nat Geo Documentary on the Dog Brothers: Fight Club
Post by: Scurvy Dog on January 31, 2008, 11:49:52 AM
Can you provide links to these boards? I find these comments amusing. Thanks!  :evil:
Title: Re: The Nat Geo Documentary on the Dog Brothers: Fight Club
Post by: C-Kumu Dog on January 31, 2008, 12:14:00 PM
This link will take you to other topics

"http://boards.historychannel.com/forum.jspa?forumID=800000065 (http://boards.historychannel.com/forum.jspa?forumID=800000065)"

I started to read the topic "I've got to say I don't like Fight Quest" and people complained about how physical the shows were and blah blah blah... well I dunno.

To each their own... there are some decent threads but you have to dig for them...
Title: Re: The Nat Geo Documentary on the Dog Brothers: Fight Club
Post by: sting on January 31, 2008, 12:52:32 PM
Hey guys,

Thanks for posting the comments.  The controversy is excellent publicity for Marc, so let's help him out.  99.9% of the comments posted on the public boards will be derisive, mostly because those willing to post do so for the pleasure of the taunt.  I think it would be a great idea for anyone that has fought at a Gathering to refrain from countering these taunts.  First and foremost, more controversy = more publicity for Marc.  When the comments are generated by outsiders,  media producers take note.   Second, it's both fascinating and leveling to read what the general public thinks of the Gathering.  In the end, fighting martialists know the truth.  The rest will never understand.  As Marc says, they should just watch.

Gints
Title: Re: The Nat Geo Documentary on the Dog Brothers: Fight Club
Post by: Maxx on January 31, 2008, 01:06:05 PM
Hey guys,

Thanks for posting the comments.  The controversy is excellent publicity for Marc, so let's help him out.  99.9% of the comments posted on the public boards will be derisive, mostly because those willing to post do so for the pleasure of the taunt.  I think it would be a great idea for anyone that has fought at a Gathering to refrain from countering these taunts.  First and foremost, more controversy = more publicity for Marc.  When the comments are generated by outsiders,  media producers take note.   Second, it's both fascinating and leveling to read what the general public thinks of the Gathering.  In the end, fighting martialists know the truth.  The rest will never understand.  As Marc says, they should just watch.

Gints


Gints..Half of that show on Nat Geo was you smashing though people. It should have been called "Gints and the men he crushes." lol  :-D   The last guy you fought had some real heart..He looked scared but he pulled though. Good show!
Title: Re: The Nat Geo Documentary on the Dog Brothers: Fight Club
Post by: sting on January 31, 2008, 04:02:50 PM
The show was on the phenomenon of the Gathering.  The documentary was awesome, but, in complete agreement of Marc's description of the editing stage, I do wish they included longer fight clips. A "behind the scenes" segment would also be cool to watch.   
Title: Re: The Nat Geo Documentary on the Dog Brothers: Fight Club
Post by: Maxx on January 31, 2008, 07:07:21 PM
Behind the scenes would have been cool or even a "Getting to Know the Brothers" I thought it was awesome none the less. Can you buy it on Dvd?
Title: Re: The Nat Geo Documentary on the Dog Brothers: Fight Club
Post by: Crafty_Dog on February 07, 2008, 10:40:10 PM
The Nat Geo piece is now up on youtube!

http://youtube.com/watch?v=qRCO9ZsYGDA&feature=user
Title: Re: The Nat Geo Documentary on the Dog Brothers: Fight Club
Post by: michael on February 15, 2008, 09:38:34 AM
The Nat Geo piece is now up on youtube!

http://youtube.com/watch?v=qRCO9ZsYGDA&feature=user

That's awesome! I've been wanting to watch it again. It was very well done, except for the sissy psycho-babble from the talking heads.
Title: Re: The Nat Geo Documentary on the Dog Brothers: Fight Club
Post by: sting on February 15, 2008, 03:28:45 PM
That's awesome! I've been wanting to watch it again. It was very well done, except for the sissy psycho-babble from the talking heads.

I think that the words of the academics are important.  They stimulate controversy by presenting another opinion.  Yes, they are guilty of syllable inflation, but otherwise, I enjoyed hearing their remarks.  They offer the perspective of the ivory towers that shape the academic minds of tomorrow, like it or not.  Should we expect them to completely understand our motivations?  Did any of us understand the Gathering before we fought?  I didn't.
Title: Re: The Nat Geo Documentary on the Dog Brothers: Fight Club
Post by: unstpabl1 on February 23, 2008, 08:06:34 PM
http://boards.historychannel.com:80/thread.jspa?threadID=700025864

Marc,

Thanks for posting it on youtube. I posted links to it on WT and the Krav forum  :evil: The more I listen to you talk. the more sense you make. You outreasoned the talking heads
Title: Re: The Nat Geo Documentary on the Dog Brothers: Fight Club
Post by: Crafty_Dog on February 23, 2008, 09:14:37 PM
Thank you.

What is the URL for the discussion on the Krav forum?
Title: Re: The Nat Geo Documentary on the Dog Brothers: Fight Club
Post by: C-Kumu Dog on April 02, 2008, 11:47:48 AM
While checking my google mail, this message popped up in the sponsered links section.

Dog Brothers Martial Arts - www.dogbrothers.com - As seen on National Geographic Fight Club: No Limits