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Messages - Michael Brown

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1
Martial Arts Topics / Re: Are there Knights?
« on: February 16, 2007, 10:28:24 PM »
Quote from: Karsk on February 16, 2007, 05:19:19 PM
It's a quality of our present culture to express cynicism over anyone or any group who might endeavor to live according to values.   I think this hurts us and I think it especially hurts young men.   

So when I see evidence that there may be people who in some way , means, shape or form who are trying to study and practice character in real ways I want to get to know them and acknowledge it.

Let me preface this response with the disclaimer that while I am a serious student of combat, I am not a Dog Brother nor a DBMA member.

However I have had opportunity to train and converse with Guro Crafty a fair amount and can say confidently that one of the most significant things I've taken from him was the concept of "belonging to the same tribe".

How to train realistically must always be balanced with the need to keep our warriors able to stand up and fight for our way of life, but after several dinner conversations with Guro Crafty, I believe there is more to the tribal concept that simply keeping everyone ready to fight.

It is my opinion that the tribe also exists to maintain and enforce the cultural ethos.  Warriors maintain some semblence of power in American society because we hold ourselves accountable for our deeds and misdeeds and hold ourselves responsible to the non-warrior tribal members. 

A much smarter person than me once told me that power and repsonsibility must be commensurate, otherwise there must be injustice.  This is really at the heart of the tribal concept and hopefully is consistent with Guro Crafty's philosophy.

I believe that a hard contact training method is a natural assistance in this process because there will inevitably be someone bigger, faster, stronger or better than you to make you consider how you interact with others.

I hope this offers some food for thought.

Michael Brown 

2
Martial Arts Topics / Re: FMA Footwork for Context-Based Gunfighting
« on: October 03, 2006, 06:25:14 PM »
Looking forward to Memphis in January and EXTREMELY disappointed that Tulsa did not work out this year.

I look forward to your opinion of our simplified clinch program we will be presenting at WTS3.

Michael Brown

3
Martial Arts Topics / Tito Ortiz uses FMA
« on: June 04, 2006, 08:28:46 PM »
Quote from: Crafty_Dog
I think Randy Couture was exposed to this idea in training for his first fight with Vitor Belfort.  Anybody out there remember this?


I believe he got the structure from Erik Paulson.  His clinch was so strong that he trained with Paulson a bunch to develop some clinch entries.

Michael Brown

4
Martial Arts Topics / Zacarias Moussaoui is guilty!
« on: April 15, 2006, 03:40:08 PM »
Quote from: rogt
This idea that Moussaoui's failure to spill what he knew about 9/11 to the FBI makes him an accessory seems pretty flimsy as a legal argument.  Did he not have "the right to remain silent" once he was arrested?


This is an example of a complete misunderstanding of a legal concept.

The 5th amendment applies to custodial situations related to crimes for which you are being detained.

A prosecution of the same type was used against Michael Fortier in the OKC bombing.  

It is a commonly used legal practice and is the foundation for numerous organized crime/gang-related prosecutions so the notion that the government is breaking out some new fangled toy to oppress Islam and placate the bloodthirsty is merely uninformed banter.

Michael Brown

5
Martial Arts Topics / Knife vs. Gun
« on: March 28, 2006, 01:04:30 PM »
Quote from: xtremekali
Woof,

Two 1911's a little overkill don't you think.

 :D

Myke


Not if you believe in the mission down to your very bones.

Michael Brown

6
Martial Arts Topics / Re: Knife vs Gun
« on: March 25, 2006, 02:57:50 PM »
Quote from: Irishtiger
A Friend that I train with had a student question him on this very thing the student always said durring lessons ya but if i had my gun this wouldn't work. One day My friend we'll call him pirate told the student to bring his gun into class (unloaded) Pirate brought his 8" folder that he always carries and told his student to holster his wepon any way he saw fit for a fight. Pirate told the student to draw three times. at any speed the faster the better. Now they we're not ten feet away more like five but you will see what I;m trying to say. the first draw pirate had the knife out and up against the students neck. the gun was still holsterd at the tip of the barrle
the second try Pirate had the knife to the students eye resting the blade on his cheak and he also had the students had locked so he could not draw his gun. the student did not continue with the demo he stated that he got the point.. no pun intended..So I say the Knife has it till someone shows me differnt..


If an expert with a knife confronts an incompetent person with a firearm, the knife will obviously win.

Another key issue is lethality.  A four inch Spyderco has the POTENTIAL to do tremendous damage in skilled hands.  Knives' lethality (particularly small blades) depend greatly upon the skill of the user even when they make contact.  Firearms, if they make contact, do not depend on anything except the destructive capacity of the projectile.

The fact that no knife culture rules the world, nor has for the last 300 years, should give us some clues as to why people believe in guns.

Even a true blade expert like Tuhon Chris Sayoc carries a pair of 1911's despite his obvious expertise with a blade.  

If one does not train with firearms in a live, martial fashion they will indeed be less than useful.  The same is true of the blade.  I deal with far more fatal shootings than fatal stabbings and I see quite a few.

The FBI's UCR indicates that about 13% of homicides are committed with knives.  Since knives are waaaaay more prevelent than guns, this seems to indicate their lethality in untrained hands is far lower.

We regularly work the counter knife drill full contact in my training group and success is completely related to individual attributes rather than any particular weapon.

Michael Brown

7
Martial Arts Topics / Knife vs. Gun
« on: March 24, 2006, 07:00:42 PM »
The Tueller drill is done at sevn yards and is typically an equal initiative exercise which is what I believe the weakness of the research is.

Dennis Tueller conducted the research simply because back in the 70's juries believed that in order to justify the use of lethal force against a suspect with an edged weapon, the suspect had to be touching you to be dangerous.

This research exposed the fallacy in that line of thought.

Unfortunately we've now gone too far in the other direction believing that we can handle any type of problem inside of 21 feet with our trusty spyderco.

But these types of things are cyclical.

Michael Brown

8
Martial Arts Topics / Knife vs. Gun
« on: March 23, 2006, 10:21:42 PM »
Quote from: carlo
The demonstration in the google video was more about the effect of the reactionary gap, where there is an unsuspecting man with a gun.  In that context it is not ludicrous.  The point is by the time you recognize that an attack is taking place and you have formulated and executed a response, the attacker has closed the gap.


I think that the context the video is ludicrous since it dealt so much with the condition of the holstered handgun and ignored issues like movement, pre-assault cues, positioning, etc.

It has been common knowledge in the law enforcement profession that you can't outdraw a suspect within a few paces.  That's a well-documented issue and very well known.

Hopefully the art has moved past such a basic issue but apparently not.

It also doesn't really deal with the issue postulated in the begnning of this thread which implies some sort of "agreed to" combat not a situation where one party is caught unaware.

If one side is unaware that an attack is impending it is inconsequential what weapon the other party has if it is remotely lethal.

Thus I think the video is not very useful or informative.

Michael Brown

9
Martial Arts Topics / Re: Knife vs. Gun
« on: March 23, 2006, 07:57:03 PM »
Quote from: LazMartinez
Well, since the knife vs. bat thread was so popular, how about knife vs. gun?  Let's say the scenario is:
Two men, standing ten feet apart, one man has a pistol tucked into his strong side rear hip waistband, so no holsters or straps.  He' s wearing a T-Shirt.  The other man has a tactical folder, closed, clipped inside his strongside pocket.  Just for fun, we'll say it's two gangbangers, so one has to die.  Wounded doesn't really count.  They each have decent knowledge of how to use their weapons, and of fighting, so no "Gangsta style" shooting (horizontal pistol)  or West Side story (big slashing arcs)  knife fighting.  
Laz


This was the situation postulated.

Anything else is a tactical issue.

Michael Brown

10
Martial Arts Topics / Knife vs. Gun
« on: March 23, 2006, 03:24:03 PM »
I think the google video is ludicrous.

It presumes that standing and shooting is the only option.

I also think it should be considered that a pocket-knife as opposed to a Bowie or Kukri or some other large fighting blade is a time killer.  It doesn't have much shock effect.  Armed with a machete or blade than is more sword than knife is a different issue.  IF we are talking about a folder as postulated I think folks are overestimating its ability to immediately incapacitate.

You may be able to eventually kill the person but not before a determined adversary will launch a few rounds.

Firearms are much more likely to shut down the CNS than a spyderco.  It doesn't mean its a "better" weapon but simply that slashing with a pocket-knife doesn't have the effect of a 9mm HP in the vitals.

Michael Brown

11
Martial Arts Topics / FMA Footwork for Context-Based Gunfighting
« on: March 16, 2006, 04:07:11 PM »
My training group has been experimenting with context-based training in firearms and other everyday carry weapons for a few years.

I had never seen the value in footwork for multiple assailant and weapons-based situations because I have always used a Muay Thai or Western Boxing style of footwork.

Over the last few months, I have been experimenting with DB style footwork as well as the footwork system of Atienza Kali incorporated with firearms(simmunition).

I am beginning to believe that I have missed out in not finding this style of footwork years ago.  I also believe that footwork may be more critical than I have given it credit for.

Managing multiple assailants in a weapons-based environment seems dramatically easier when using the angular-styled footwork of FMA than my previous boxing style footwork and I am certainly a novice when it comes to this type of footwork.

Has anyone else tried this with marking cartridge firearms in scenario-based training?

I only know of one other group that trains this way and uses the FMA style footwork.

Anyone know of others?

Michael Brown

12
Martial Arts Topics / Seminar in Tulsa?
« on: March 16, 2006, 02:56:55 PM »
I'm sure the rest of the crew will be there.  Plus a few new ones.

Glad to hear about Gabe's seminar.  Have you managed to acquire a fine piece of Austrian plastic? :wink:

Michael Brown

13
Martial Arts Topics / Seminar in Tulsa?
« on: March 15, 2006, 11:34:26 PM »
Have heard word of July or October.

Any idea which it will be so we can spread the word locally?

Either way, I'll clear the calender for it!

Looking forward to either one.

Michael Brown

14
Martial Arts Topics / Knife vs. Gun
« on: March 01, 2006, 06:56:03 AM »
Quote from: Crafty_Dog


PS:  I just posted on the humor thread-- were any of those you?  :lol:


#10 sounds pretty familiar..... :lol:

Michael Brown

15
Martial Arts Topics / Knife vs. Gun
« on: February 28, 2006, 09:48:23 PM »
With two gangbangers, I'd say its a pick 'em contest.

If its me and I have the choice, I'll take the gun every time no matter what knife is the opposition.

Unless its a sword.:twisted:

Michael Brown

16
Martial Arts Topics / Craftydog Seminar in Tulsa OK
« on: February 13, 2006, 12:05:42 PM »
Lot of fun would be an understatement.

The seminar was outstanding!

I may be biased but it was very exciting material for me.

Can't wait for the next one........despite the bit of tooth I spit out last night after the Kali fence shot at the range during the holster discussion. :shock:

Hoping we'll do it again soon.

Michael Brown

17
Martial Arts Topics / Ranges observed in the fights
« on: January 27, 2006, 08:19:40 AM »
Wow.

That was like asking for a sip of water and being handed a bucket! :shock:

That really was an incredible summation of what I was looking for.

I watched the explanation of the seven ranges on the DVD but this really puts it into context for me.  Normally I am much better comprehening video than the written word but this was an exception.

I also appreciate the distinction between closing in an MMA context as opposed to a stickfight.  It seems that how to get into position to use the striking skills in medio/corto/clinching range is an area that your group has developed to an incredibly high level and is certainly not the same line-crashing/entry used in MMA.  

It is also interesting to see your insight into the difference between unarmed grappling and stick grappling.  Interesting enough, our group tried that just this morning for the first time and the results were really cool as I have never appreciated the use of the stick in a grounded context.  

Do any of the DVD's cover the grappling component?

I think this is REALLY where its application will have great merit for police officers that I had never really addressed before.

I was really looking forward to the Tulsa seminar.  I am now chomping at the bit.

This is area of combat is a very exciting new challenge.

Thank you very much.

Michael Brown

18
Martial Arts Topics / Ranges observed in the fights
« on: January 26, 2006, 03:24:50 PM »
I guess I am generalizing the term Larga mano.  the range you describe is what I am observing and what I am referring to as larga mano.

I guess what I'm asking, in roundabout fashion, is could a participant be successful essentially learning the longer ranges and then simply how to close them (easier said than done) and relying on clinch and ground ranges?

It doesn't look like a lot of the techniques I have observed practiced in FMA are used a whole lot in the DBMA fights especially the medio and corto ranges.

Is this observation wrong and perhaps I am just not educated enough in this area to see what is really going on?

I have noticed a ton of subtleties in the fights but not within the ranges it seems FMA is known for.

Again, I appreciate everyone's opinions.

Michael Brown

19
Martial Arts Topics / Ranges observed in the fights
« on: January 25, 2006, 10:57:59 PM »
Let me first preface what I am saying by stating that I am operating from a base of minimal knowledge in this field of stickfighting and FMA so please excuse any uneducated comments or assumptions on my part.

I have been closely watching the fights on several DBMA DVD's (amidst working the material) and it seems like almost all of the fighting occurs at either Larga Mano range or in clinch range when standing.  It doesn't look like there is a whole lot of trapping or intentional disarming/stripping that has always appeared, to me at least, to be so prevelant in FMA.

I also recall reading something about ten years ago by the late Grandmaster Leo Giron where he stated something to the effect of "if its real, its got to be Larga Mano."

Since its clear that a major premise of DBMA is testing the material via contact, is it safe to say that in the context of live contact stickfighting a student should spend the bulk of his basics time working in the Larga mano range, clinching, and on the ground?

I believe there is a similar matrix for MMA, as that is my base of experience, so hopefully I'm not being presumptive in making the comparison.

Any opinions are greatly appreciated.

Michael Brown

20
Martial Arts Topics / Most Critical Skills for a Newbie?
« on: January 23, 2006, 09:08:14 PM »
Really looking forward to the 11th and 12th.

Its pretty darn exciting to be this psyched about some material.  As we discussed, up until now I didn't even carry a baton at work because my training up to that point did not carry over real well because of inadequate training method.  

Most police baton methods are totally inadequate for the tools involved and I have always observed this in empty-hand training but never really addressed it with the baton because I didn't have the background.  Thus I have never been able to use contact weapons to their full potential and thus have always relied upon striking and grappling at work.

Since method appears to be the focus of what your group does, it changed my appreciation for contact weapons work.

As we discussed in Memphis, I love these visceral experiences so you can probably see where I'm really interested in what you guys offer.

I just got the Footwork DVD and think its just what the doctor ordered.

The KK does seem (for obvious reasons) to resonate real well with someone with some base in Muay Thai.

Will you have the first series on DVD by the time you get to Tulsa?

FYI, five other officers have signed up who have minimal background in practical contact weapons training so this will be a real eye-opener for a lot of us.

Look forward to seeing you again.

Michael Brown
aka the Vampire Hunter:lol:

21
Martial Arts Topics / Most Critical Skills for a Newbie?
« on: January 23, 2006, 05:56:10 PM »
What are the most important basics to master in stick work?

I've got a base in wrestling, boxing, and muay thai but minimal experience with the stick.

From watching the fights, it looks like footwork is the most dominant factor between the really good fighters.  Is this the opinion of the fighters here?

If so, what are some good drills to work your footwork?

What are some other keys for a beginner trying to start in the right place and drills to work them?

Probably a mother of a question but if anyone has any ideas, I'd love to hear.

Michael Brown

22
Martial Arts Topics / Stick Materials Question
« on: January 22, 2006, 07:07:30 PM »
Rattan appears to be the material of choice for training sticks for the obvious reasons (fraying instead of chipping, priced right).

Has anyone had experience using Ironwood?

It would seem less likely to chip than some of the other hardwoods.

Any ideas or experience with it?

Thanks in advance.

Michael Brown

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