Khaalis

http://www.sikhsangat.com/Index.php?/topic/66347-opportunity-to-speak-to-the-bbc-today/

Apologies forgot to give the address: Ernst and Young, One More London Place, SE1 2AF (Tube: London Bridge) Please do try and attend. Rather than complaining about the media on this forum week in week out, this is your chance to articulately question and educate the BBC in a public forum. Thanks.

A friend of mine has hosted a series of Sikh themed events at the London Earnest and Young HQ near London Bridge. Today the Head of BBC Religions will be doing a presentation and showing the Turban film ahead of its main showing tonight. If you would like the opportunity to talk directly to the BBC in an educated and informed manner, and intelligently raise concerns re Sikh programming (lack of or negative aspects), please contact the below e-mail immediately to get your invite: Thursday 12 April at 6pm "How Sikhs are perceived in media and abroad" Special Preview: new BBC Turban documentary Guest Speaker: Tommy Nagra (Head of Television, BBC Religion) Film Presentation by: The Singh Twins (award winning artists) Plus expert panel to discuss the issues and take questions. RSVP to: EYSikhGroup@uk.ey.com Tweet at us: @Turbanology #EYSikhGroup facebook: turbanology.sikhs.unwrapped.exhibition

I mentioned 2 examples in the context of 'can there be a valid reason for one taking their own life'. Leaving the wallpaper behind, this is the crux of the discussion. I am not forcing an opinion, but simply discussing. 1 - Baba Atal Rai Ji chose to leave his body in order to correct his action of reanimating his friend Mohan. Baba Ji has still been given the utmost respect in the Sikh Panth. 2 - Bhai Dilawar Singh Shaheed and Bhai Balwant Singh Rajoana - do their actions/intended actions also go against 'Gurmat' as they too chose to take their life for a higher cause, which in this case was the assasination of CM Beant Singh. I'll be interested to hear Mat Pulo Rai and Only5s thoughts. My question relates to the singular arguement of whether one can take ones life - irrelevant of the reason. If 'reasons' do end up being discussed, then this shows that the subject of taking ones life is not as black and white as is being made out here. Regarding the reason for Monk Thich Quang Duc's sacrifice - it could not have been for a better reason - he single handedly stopped persecution of his dharm, got international communities on side and ensured the oppresive Roman Catholic Rulers were ousted very quickly. He also showed through his amazing level of avastha and qurbani, that Buddism was not an inferior religion to the heavily promoted Catholicism - and brought many Vietnamese back into the Buddist fold. The miracle of his heart no burning on 2 occassions (2nd time after they tried to cremate his remains) also showed that divine miracles are also not a monopoly of Christianity history. There has also been talk of comparing Sadhus (Sidhs) from Guru Nanak Dev Jis time. Let's not forget, that it was Khalsai that showed the power of Akaal, through smiling through torture and death, not the Sidhs. We shouldn't go by theories, but by actions. If the most respected Sadhus (Kashmiri) of the time had avastha equal to the great Monk in question, they why did they ask Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji for help? They could have given the sacrifice themselves. No one is comparing Guru Sahiban to anyone else, but the power of sacrifice is universal. There is only one source for greatness and divinity.

I've still not recieved a reply to what members think of suicide bombers, who are also deliberately ending their life for a higher cause. On the matter of choosing to end ones own life, how about the decision of Baba Atal Rai Ji....?

Which camp do suicide bombers fit into... Gurmat or Anti-Gurmat...? The suicide bombers target is eliminating an oppresive person, the Monks target was highlighting an oppresive Government....

Thank you for organising this Bhai Sahib - it's a great idea. I hope all Sikh Youth in the UK (and worldwide) will finally put the Khalsa above petty Jathebandiyan politics and learn to unite and stand together, to achieve and make change together, to do parchaar and seva together and to above all, to pray together.

Bhai Balwant Singh Ji - the first person in 'decades' to unite all Sikhs, from all factions, from across the whole world. He is a intelligent, devout, honest revolutionary. He speaks not just for one but for all. He has spoken about the atrocities and premeditated attacks that have taken place against Christians in Orissa, Muslims in Gujrat and Sikhs in Punjab/Delhi. He was part of CM Beant Singhs Special Police Unit, and saw first hand the Black Cat operations, fake encounters and killings and rapes of thousands of innocent Sikhs – a calculated destruction of a whole generation. There has been some heart warming support from many diverse facets of society, but the mainstream media in the West and in India still hold back from sharing the whole story and continue to refer to Bhai Balwant Singh Ji as a terrorist. Perhaps it would do them all good to know, that not so long ago, 1964 to be precise, another ‘hero’ of humanity, was sentenced to life imprisonment for planning to destroy the South African state through sabotage. His goal was not just to secure equality and freedom for the black people of South Africa, but for the black people of all African nations. After his conviction, there were massive demonstrations in Britain which were followed by a world petition calling for his release being handed to the UN Secretary General. In 1990 he was finally released from jail after 27 years of hard labour on Robben Island. In 1993 he received a joint Nobel Peace Prize. In 1994 he was elected was elected President of South Africa after the countries first multi-racial elections. Bhai Balwant Singh may be seen to have received a temporary reprieve, but this is not a victory (certainly not in Bhai Sahibs eyes). This is the time to use our intelligence and unite as a Panth, putting jathebandic issue aside and continue this momentum until we, as a Panth, can secure Bhai Balwant Singhs full release. Until this happens, there is no victory or celebration to be had. The next step is share the story of Punjab, the Government atrocities, the human rights abuses, the corruption.. to share the full facts about what led to Bhai Balwant Singhs decision to play a vital role in the eradication of CM Beant Singh. We then need to gain support and as a global effort, demand his release, not only on the basis that he has already served a life sentence (17 years) but that he is a Political Prisoner, and not a criminal. What our Panth has been missing amongst the tide of Sikh personalities we have today (in all fields)... is a man of action, not words (although his few words speak a thousand volumes). Any nation waits a lifetime for a 'real' leader, today we have one, we must secure his release and let him assume his ordained role. I leave you with the words of the Nelson Mandela upon receiving his life sentence in court: "I do not deny that I planned sabotage. I did not plan it in a spirit of recklessness nor because I have any love of violence. I planned it as a result of a calm and sober assessment of the political situation that had arisen after many years of tyranny, exploitation and oppression of my people by the whites."

http://www.machinegunpreacher.org/ Sam Childers is an amazing man. A reformed criminal who found God and found the courage to pursue a higher purpose. He has no funding from the US Government and has experienced these stories and faced the LRA head on. He is a believer the men of God should also have sharp teeth and claws (fight adharma). I don't usually promote cinema, but I would highly recommend everyone to watch the recently released DVD 'Machine Gun Preacher'. I would also encourage sangat to give a little financial support (outside of your dasvand) to this courageous mans excellent cause.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nUyD0kFsJD8&feature=related An interesting episode of fight quest, showing some basic differences between sport and street, with some MMA guys learning about a few street tactics. The Kajukembo stuff is ok, but very power intensive, but good basic tactics. Sticks and knives knowledge is very basic, but you can see how this and the multiple scenario troubles the sportsmen. It also highlights the different mindset, skill set, rules and awareness etc that is required on the street as opposed to the ring. Again, many aspects of sport fighting can be transferred to the street, but many others are invalid. At 13.00 you see a simple response if executed correctly would paralyse someone trying to take you to the floor. Going to the floor (let alone grappling) on the street is extremely hazardous. The floor is concrete, so landing hard on it (especially your head) will end most scenarios. Alongside, using inanimate obstacles in the street is dangerous, you see what happens to one of the guys when his head accidentally touches a post in the training. The floor also could have glass or other sharp objects on it. Worse of all, you are unlikely to be attacked by one person, so the 2nd, person would finish you off whilst you are grappling (committed to) the 1st. You see in one part how 'limb destruction' immediately takes the power of out of punches. But in boxing this is not allowed, and in other sports it is not practiced. In correct execution, attacking muscles and joints would end a fight (rather than trying to kick or punch the head). Punching someone in the head is extremely dangerous, pitting the most delicate bones in your body (fingers) against the hardest (skull) is not a good habit. lowering your head (forehead) at the point of attack can easily break an attackers hand. These kind of tricks are still used in bare knuckle and fighting. It is better to know how to and practice (intention) attacking vulnerable areas on an attacker. But then getting in the correct position and range to deliver those blows is whole other ball game. You also notice that there is much linear fighting - again this may work in the ring against one opponent, but it is difficult to have this habit against more than one or where blades are involved. Strong movement of the waist generates lots of power (without having to be muscular) and also prepares you for attacks from more angles, allowing momentum to continue attacks. This combined with agile and tactical footwork puts you in a better position. You also see how the 'rush/surprise' in real life attacks differs from the testable atmosphere in the ring. All these and many other things, require additional skills to those gained in the ring (which like I said, can be used successfully to an extent 'by a skilled athlete') in order to have success on the street. Another observation is that there seemed to be a lack of 'in-fighting' ability on both sides, with most just grabbing each other when they got close. You also see that in the training and fights in the end, everyone has to hold back somewhat - and you don't see many of the things being spoken about used in the fight - that is because you can't blind someone, crush their tranchea, attack their groin, break joints, destroy muscle etc. There are now many rules in MMA, but even the original Vale Tudo and UFC had official rules i.e. no eye gouging, biting etc but there were also gentleman’s unofficial rules. Because at the end of the day, this was about demonstrating skills, rather than a platform for psychos to kill or maim each other. The big lesson here is habit. We are animals of habit, whatever we practice is what will naturally be our instinctive response when in danger. If we practice sport i.e. rules, going to the ground, fighting one person, not fighting against weapons etc, then that becomes our habit. Getting hit with a blunt object or an edged weapon totally changes the game. That is the main difference between sport and combat. I am in no way putting down MMA, Boxing, Muay Thai etc etc. I am in fact an avid fan of boxing. And I respect these fighters are greatly skilled and hard working athletes. At the top level, many of them would no doubt be very successful on the street. But we are talking about the majority. It is highly unlikely you are going to become Mohammed Ali if you learn to box. If you look at boxing today, there is a drought of talented fighters, especially in the heavier weights, with only a few amazing fighters across the board like Manny Pacquiao. One needs to establish why they need to learn something before deciding what to learn. If you want to get fit, get strong, compete, win competitions, and learn something that will give you confidence and some ability on the street, then the fighting sports are great. If you are simply interested in combat (survival on the street) then you need to look a little further. hgsingh, kindly do not spoil this thread, only contribute if you have something in-depth or technical to add. We are already well aware of your maha-mantra.

Thank You KSingh Ji, glad to see I have not been wasting my time... Had a few spare minutes, so will share a little more now that I know some 'intelligent' people are interested. Traditionally Muay Thai was did not have weight divisions (most historically practiced arts did/do not). Muay Thai is an art which uses power. Basically, the bigger you are, the better. This is why very quickly, Russians/Americans/Europeans dominated the competition scene and weight divisions were first introduced. Same is true for boxing, TWD, Karate or any other martial sport. If you are a small guy, and are good at these arts, and do well in competitions - then that is fine. But if you come across someone bigger and stronger who has had similar training (even if not as much) you are in trouble. These arts do not specialise in multiples or weapons, so for streets or warfare, they are only semi-successful. And they definately do not focus on efficiency, quite the opposite. You have to train extremly hard to develop the strength, fitness and power to be successful in these arts, not to mention the individual technical aspects. This is why the 'combat' versions of Muay Thai - Muay/Chaya, Muay Boran and Bokator, don't rely on strikes and blocks alone. They specialise in leverage, locks and breaks also, and strike when safe, rather than that being the 1st option. In a fight, hitting someone contiuously is time/energy wasting, you just want to disable the person, hitting does not achieve this quickly, especially if the guy has experience in fighting (any experience). In sports, that is the reason fights are timed with rounds and rest periods, because of the level of energy expended. The street has no bell. Some Japanese, Chinese and Filipino arts however rely on leverage, positioning, eliminating the use of blocks, same directional parrys, tactics (baiting) and efficient energy generation/use (internal). These in my opinion are more advanced arts, as reliance on size and strength does not matter. This has traditionally been necessary for South East Asians who are physically smaller than people from the rest of the world. Helio Gracie is a good example of a small (originally very feeble guy) who used a superior traditional eastern art to beat modern/western arts which relied on strength/size ie boxing. But that was in a sports context too. I mentioned before in this thread that the Israelis are going more towards Japanese Ninjitsu movements, which are totally opposite to Krav (apples and pears). Here is one good example, Roy Elghanayan, probably the foremost Krav expert in the world (if not in the top handful). He teaches Krav (because that is his national art and also a lucrative business due to its great advertising and popularity), Krav is still popular amongst soldiers in Israel and some western countries because it's easy to learn and effective with aggression/strength. But he has also started up his own form of Jujitsu (which is simply an element of Ninjitsu). He teaches this to Israeli Special Forces. Krav, although a good 'basic' fight method, is easy to learn for the average jo (and soldier) who only have a short time to learn something. But it also relies on strength and utilises much blocking. It is good as in it has some good finishing psychology, but it is strike intensive, not great for multiple or blades in my opinion (it does not specialise in weapons, although it teaches you basic defences against them, including the cross block, which would get both hands cut instead of one against a mediocre blade user). The good thing about Krav is its training method, this is what makes it quite unique amongst many arts, it focuses a lot on reality scenario. But in traditional arts, the same is true, progressing in the old arts basically meant going from training blades and sticks to real ones, and form 20% energy use to something like 80% (still not full but extremely dangerous). It also meant agressive multiples (open hand and weapons). Here are a few videos showing Roys different styles (Krav and his adopted Jujitsu): His students: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PZd8-_KwLiw&feature=related Not really impressed with this. Blocks only work against weaker people, and what the woman does is highly unrealistic (if it were a strong male attacker). The martial arts that Sikhs learn should be equally easy and realistic for a smaller lady to use. Here he teaches Israeli special forces Krav: This is ok, but not energy efficient and highly risky. It may work for Roy who has a lifetime of martial arts experience, but to 'catch' an attack out of thin air (see 10 sec) is hugely unrealistic, any good martial artist will tell you that. Look at this also: Look at 41 sec, putting your arm in front of a knife like that against someone with the most basic experience with a knife would get your wrist arteries cut in a second. Plus, they fight linear, Krav relies on aggression and strength, not much footwork. Here is an example of his jujitsu: (interesting series, these MMA guys go and train in many traditional arts around the world, and always make a clear distinction that what they are learning is an art of death, as opposed to what they do, sport. They have nothing but respect for the traditional arts. BECAUSE they got off their sofa and made the effort to meet and train with these people, rather than believing hyped up fanatical MMA talk. As you can see the 2 styles are totally different, JJ relies on leverage, positioning, evasion, going with the attack (rather than opposing it/blocking) etc etc. This style is much better against blades and multiples in my opinion. Here is a better video by David Haliva, who I mentioned in this thread before. See the difference in the video between how the Special Forces Police naturally act with their basic Krav training and how they respond with Ninjitsu principles, make up your own mind. You will see the Japanese techniques rely on intelligent positioning and body mechanics rather than brute force and aggression. The big difference here is that David is using combat principles i.e. stand up quick fighting/finishing, as oppoed to Roys Jujitsu, which see's him doing a lot of dojoesque movements, going to the floor etc. You cannot afford to go to the floor on the street, you will get battered if there is more than one person. If you have to go to the floor - then what you do there should be fast, and be back up on your feet before the 2nd/3rd person gets any opportunity. There are good Filipino/Indonesian styles which teach you to fight from the floor against guys standing up. Basically controlling/destroying the opponents footwork. Here is a video of David. I must stress these videos are ok for the trained eye to recognise good and bad principles, but not for learning techniques, there are too many subtleties that the camera does not capture, which can only be learnt from a skilled teacher, in person, who will take you through the learning methodology and correct, progressive development. I do not have anything against aggressive styles - but some work better than other in my opinion. There are styles which condition your arms to not block an attack, but destroy an attack - one such example is Hung Gar, these guys develop iron like hands and arms, some what similar to the shins of Thai Boxers, and they will literally put their arms through your arms. This is different from a block. At the same time, Muay Thai kicks are definately superior for strength, but not for tactics. South Chinese boxing and Indonesians have tactical low level kicks, which destroy knees, ankles, break your balance etc, all under the radar (no advertising). Other Chinese arts also do super hard conditioning like Chow Gar. You would only understand this when you meet a proper practitioner and spar with them. Anyways, to lighten the mood, here is one for HGSingh - fan of the Israelies. Did you know... Israel has its own ancient secretive thousands of year old killer art.....based on their ancient sacred scirpture, the Torah (literally).... strangely though, it looks a lot like Jujitsu with some nice decorative detail from Kung Fu? MLOL - Enjoy:

For Sangats benefit. JKD is near entirely based on Wing Chun, with a few punches from western boxing chucked in. All Bruces so called innovated concepts were taken from Ip Man Wing Chun i.e. economy of motion, centreline, intercept rather than block, simultaneous parry/attack and low kicks. His famous party tricks which made him legendary like the 1 inch punch are a common amongst most south chinese boxing styles i.e. Mantis and Bakmei. I know advanced JKD teachers who have trained with Dan Inosanto, nearly all of them go back and learn the father art - Wing Chun. For those that don't know, Ip Man Wing Chun was only one style of Wing Chun, there are many others, arguably better e.g. Shaolin Wing Chun, which is more aggresive, sneaky, generate more energy and use joint manipulation. It's the same reason many Japanese who have reached a mature level of Karate, go back to China to learn the far superior Father art, White Crane. Wing chun itself was a mixed martial art (all traditional martial arts ultimatley are). It predominantly borrowed from Crane and Snake and added punches. As Bruce Lee said to his students, learn and study as many forms of combat as possible. Navy Seals existed in the US when Bruce Lee was resident, yet he didn't feel the need for their guidance lol. Bruce also held much respect for real traditional martial arts i.e. Choy Lee, which he said was excellent for multiple opponents (much better than JKD for that in my opinion). He also looked down on Judo and other sports, but respected the Father combat arts i.e. Jujitsu. He also learnt most of his weapons ideas from the Filipino traditonal weapons arts via Inosantos version of Kali (which is commonly taught in most JKD schools). You talk about Bruce Lee but know nothing about him and obvioulsy have not trained in his art, otherwise you would have respect for traditional arts. He only spoke against 'rigid' arts, sports (which you love) and decorative arts. I am speaking about traditional combat arts, which he himself learnt and respected. Funny how he didn't bother to learn or incorporate Muay Thai even though he kicked in a few Thai fighers who challenged him. JKD is also better to learn than Krav in my opinion. Instead of learning a set of techniques, you develop key principles through a structured syllabus. Also, it was Ip Man and his 2 senior students Wong Shung Loong and William Chung who were notorious for participatin in many challenges. Ip Man was fighting into his 70s, punching 20 year olds through walls (with a help of a little British Empire grown opium). Of his 2 students above, one was a great technical fighter, and constantly went to MA schools of different Masters (different arts) and respecfully challenged and disposed of them. The other was a very dirty street fighter, using Wing Chun in a real nasty way and resorted to using bricks, glass, iron rods, whatever he could get his hands on and utilise during the fight to maul his challengers (the true nature of WC, lol). Bruce Lee comparitively had a sadhu life. It was acting which made him and his art famous. It was after his fame that a few challenges came his way and he did the many TV interviews and demos etc. You also associate 'black belt' with traditional martial arts, again this shows your ignorance. Belt and grading systems are a recent innovation, from memory starting from Judo, possibly the teacher of Gracies Teacher. Belts and grading systems are actually a business innovation adopted by most MA schools in one form or another now. Real traditional arts did not operate this way (and still don't). Same goes for certificates and competitions, lol. Competitions have always been used to demonstrate someones isolated skills and physical prowess, never real combat. it's impossible. You can't kill someone in the ring. Martial implies battlefield. You don't get someone into an armbar in a streetfight. His friends will crack your skull open whilst you are pre-occupied. Lastly, nearly every single traditional teacher I have met/trained with, has been in great physically shape, they have to be to practice their discipline (which usually involves getting up at 3-4am and doing 3 hours training before going to work) and to hone real fighting skills. So not sure why you keep on using silly stereotypes. Thanks for reminding me that Muay Thai/MMA dangerous weapons hands could land me in jail. I definately have to ensure I don't specialise in those arts now. Don't want to end up in jail for having to defend myself... phewww. And good job in ignoring my question.

As I expected, Groundhog day, lol. Good night.

I know the pardaan of th LSE Sikh Society and work near the LSE student accomodation based at Southbank. I would advise applying for halls, they are in a superb location for seeing all London has to offer, and LSE Sikh Society is pretty active, so you will always have sangat and various events to attend. Your main Gurdwara I expect will be Central at Shepards Bush, thats where most students who live in the City go. Send me a PM if you want some contact info or further advice. Or you could look up LSE-SU Sikh Society on facebook and ask for advice there. Better you stay with Gursikhs who rent in London and go to the same Uni. Best of luck with your studies/exchange programme.

Vaheguru ji ka Khalsa Vaheguru ji ki Fat-heh I've finished my attempt @ a discussion with you after having given you much information and opportunities to respond in a civilised manner, but to no avail. So, no, I won't be telling you anymore, if you really want to learn something further, then meet me - as it appears you are actually a resident of London, that should not be a problem. I can meet you iand introduce you to any number of Masters in London who have traditional Martial Arts schools, in which they also run their 'popular businesses' i.e. MMA, Muay Thai, Grappling etc in which they have trained in the countries from which these arts originate (rather than watching youtube). You can ask them personally what they use on the street (because they actually have plenty of experience). As a word of advice, I think you may have dyslexia as well as verbal OCD, don't take that as an insult, you seemed to have a problem reading as you are missing many of my responses, as well as repeating the same sentances (which I think you may have done around 300 odd times in this thread and many others, including under previous user names). I am sure you have done a great job of convincing many youth that Krav, Muay Thai and Jujitsu (3 totally different styles of fighting) are the best mix to be the worlds best fighter (and there must be many of them as this combo is popular all over the west due it apparently being practiced by Navy Seals, we know that cos yo read it on the net). To clear a few points: 1 - I have no interest in discussing Nidar Singh on this thread. You have opened a seperate thread for that already, where his students are entertaining you, so keep that conversation there. On a seperate note, it seems you are obsessed by the man - you have been discussing MAs in many threads, but you always seem to bring his name into the discussions, which further makes me think that you probably are a London boy, and have already been to Nidar Singhs Akara, but probably didn't like it for whatever reason. In any case, sort your personal issues out with him in person, make 'him cry' or whatever it is you claimed you could do. 2 - "I make sure their ex-commandos". Alrighty then. 3 - I said traditional MAs in SE Asia are 'secretive' not secret. I said westerners need to gain trust. Yes you can find people to teach you what you like, but like traditional medicine, most of it is fake or diluted. I've already given you 1 relevant example which you keep ignoring, go to Thailand and see how easily you can get the Thai to teach you Muay Chaya. I didn't say the Chinese Govt was keeping MAs secret you numpty, read the Dan Hardy interview. I said they promote MA tourism, and the temple Dan attended for "2 months" (which according to you, should make him a master of the thousands of fighting styles of China) was for tourists. Dan was denied access to the real Shaolin temple. And even at the one he went to, the training was hell for him. But according to you CMAs and other traditional styles are a walk in the park. 4 - You keep banging on about modern martial arts taking out the garbage, I have a long list of people that would be happy to show you what 'garbage' could do to you. Listen carefully.... boxing only allows strikes from punches. How is that combat? Boxers wear gloves on their hands and wrap many metres of cloth around their hands to stop their fingers/wrist getting broken. How does that translate to the street? The safe/correct way to strike with a fist to the head without gloves is different to the boxing ring. But you wouldn't know that. This is what traditional arts teach - how to strike without gloves. Even Muay Thai guys wear protection on their hands. I actually love boxing, and although it can be good on the street in certain ways, it is not made for the street. It can't handle weapon attacks, neither can Muay Thai. Bokator, however, is a complete system - which incorporates take downs, quick joint lock/breaks and weapons. Muay Thai has simply taken the striking element, as that is all that can be used to a certain degree of safety in the ring. Weapons and joint breaks are not allowed in the ring, in boxing, muay thai or wrestling. Even the famous Helio Gracie when he fought , he was beaten by a superior Judoka Kimura...? he got his arm broken because of his stubborness. That was a very rare occassion in competition, but on the street, that is the norm. You bang on about BJJ many times too, they operated as a sport also - and had their internal rules i.e. no leg locks, for many decades, how is that evolving? Vale Tudo has also always had rules, I sent you a list of banned moves by PM. MMA has many rules. A big one which seems to flown over your head is 'No weapons allowed'! What do think happens on the street some skinheads attack you, they say 'excuse me sir, just let us layout a few matts, give you a groin protector and mouthguard, and leave all their knives on the side' before 4 of them kick your head in. Oh, which leads me to another point, multiples. But let's forget about that, because in your world, people fight one to one and without weapons (as they do in all the modern martial arts you mention). BJJ/Judo/Grappling are sports, and very different to combat Jijitsu, combat Aikido and Ninjitsu which are all inter-related and traditional battlefield arts. Some arts are made for killing, others for submission/knockdown. Which leads me to another silly thing you have kept saying previously re vale tudo and other sports competitions i.e. why couldn't the traditonal MAs kill their opponents in the ring etc. Answer, because it is illegal and that would be murder! 5 - Lastly, let's put your myth to the test. You have said numerous times that the 'top Masters of Kung Fu' and other traditional styles got whooped in Vale Tudo, MMA, UFC etc. Ok, give me some names. And don't give me rubbish like some westerner who trained for 12 months in China, you said 'Masters' so give us some names. I'll set you off, give me the name of any Masters of these styles that competed and lost in your idolised tournements: Thaing Byung Byan Bando Vajra Mushti Pehlvaani Kalari Eagle Claw (Southern or Northern) Bakmei Chow Gar Mantis Fujian White Crane 5 Ancestor Fist Hung Gar Bagua Bajiquan Taichichuan Yaw-Yan Kali/Arnis (open hand) Dumog Sikaran Buno Kuntao Phukulan Silat (choose your style) Shianshou Ninjitsu Muay Chaya Muay Boran Bokator There you go, a few 'commonly known' traditional arts. I greatly look forward to your reply. Rest of sangat, who is seriously interested in learning about martial arts, please feel free to do real research i.e. passionately i.e. get past the McDojos and big advertised MAs, and look for the real deal. There are still Masters out there who don't teach in schools, but take only a few serious students. Their inherited knowledge is heads and shoulders above the many shiny businesses, I know this from personal experience. You can find these teachers if you look hard, even in the UK/US/CA. But you must approach them with respect, humility and be studious. Use the few examples above to start learning about the many great worldwide fighitng traditions that still exist (some rarer than others) and don't be afraid to try out various classes (including what hgsingh has mentioned) so you are able to make real comparisons, rather than get brainwashed by an army of threads on this forum spewing the same sentence. If you are already learning a good martial art you are confident and happy in, great. If you are unhappy or have doubts, then be brave enough to try out new things. As the wise say, for the one who looks 'hard enough', it is the art that finds you. If you are thinking of starting a martial art and would like advice, feel free to PM me. I know of many good teachers in the UK and US/CA. Thanks.

Congratulations, you have exposed me. I did not say Nidar Singh accepts open challenges, I told you he spars with his students (they themselves can confirm that for you here). I know you like character assasination, but don't resort to lying to do it. I provided you with "1" name of a respected Ninjitsu practitioner who teaches Israeli Special Units/Police, weapons, multiples, situational etc over Krav. You obviously haven't even bothered to do any research on him or find his videos. Nor did you mention that Navy Seals also learn Ninjitsu and have learnt Silat, in your very own article. Police, Special Ops, Army do not invest or spend a lot of time in open hand combat, they spend more time in arms training and have a plethora of more important things to learn in their roles. This is why they choose to learn arts or elements of arts which they can pick up in a few weeks. This has nothing to do with taking the best and leaving the rest. It takes years to learn any true combat system to full efficiency - these systems of open hand and bladed weapons are more useful to civilians rather than security forces, who have guns. Krav teaches teachniques, Muay Thai teaches basic attacks (its the conditioning, energy generation and movement that take years to master - not weeks). Same with Jujitsu, the special forces would only learn a series of limited number of techniques, to master jujitsu takes many years. Many so called ex ops guys teaching Muay Thai/Krav combos have also been exposed as fraudsters who only actually served in the regular army, so don't digest everything the magazine adverts tell you. That South East Asians do not openly teach their 'traditional' arts to people not from their country is a well know fact. If you had actually travelled to Thailand, Vietnam, Philippines, Indonesia or China you would know this. But you probably don't have a driving license yet, elt alone permisison to travel anywhere by plane. When you are older, go to Thailand and see the respect Muay Thai practitioners have for their ancient combat arts, then try and find someone to teach you those arts. You eyes will finally open. Then try and go to China to do the same. Perhaps then travel to Indonesia to learn genuine Silat, and you will find that you have to be a Muslim before they even entertain teaching you (traditional schools). You come across as a bullied spotty teenager who took up MMA, and is now seeking revenge on the whole world of traditional martial arts because those who bullied/beat you up, probably did so using some silly karate kid crane kicks. Heard of Manny Pacquiao, greatest boxer alive today..? Well, FMA Masters are very familiar with the reason for his success i.e. his background in blade fighting, which in case you didn't know - is the forefather for modern boxing movement i.e. bobbing, evasion, outside uppercuts, bolo puches etc. Before the US temporarily took over the PA in the early 1900s and before Filipinos immigrated to the USA and took the world boxing scene by storm, boxing was a very different game. This is a clear example of how 'modern martial arts' can only take certain aspects of traditional combat arts to the ring. MMA people etc do no fight with weapons, and are not allowed to break bones/joints, manipulate spines, attack someone on the floor how they like, tear flesh, fight without groin/gum guard protection etc. They are great athletes and martial artists at the top level, but their training is designed for the ring, they do not make any arguement with that, that is their goal in life - to be champions. People who learn combat weapons based traditional arts, learn for survival, not for competition. The mind set is totally different, they do not choose to fight. This does not mean that they do not have realistic training, you will only know about traditional training and its effectiveness when you leave your bedroom computer and go a dn speak to and train with the very people you are insulting world over. Rest of your post is the same old monologue diabtribe you been posting since you were Yubacity singh or whatever you called yourself a few months ago, so won't bother responding to that. Speak to me when yo have figured out how to escape from your very own hellish groud-hog day. Dhanvaad.

Lol, Bruce Lee did not even finish his Wing Chun syllabus, but still, he incorporated much of it in JKD. He also incorporated Japanese kicks (courtesy of Chuck Norris) western boxing and his weapons knowledge was Filipino (courtesy Dan Insosanto). His philosophy was simply based on his experience. In any case, he only became famous because he was an actor, there were thousands like him in Hong Kong, his partial Sifu Ip Man was a real expert in combat, having fought in many challenges even into old age (with help from a little opium). Your reliance on good old Bruce just shows your lack of education. In terms of Wing Chun, Ip Mans style is only one of many, there are actually (imho) much more combative and lethal traditional versions of WC which exist (known about in China, but not so much outside). If you ever bothered to study Bruce Lees writings you would know that he held other lesser known Foshan boxing styles in high regard for their multiple opponent destroying ability. In any case, Im not sure where you got the conflicting idea from. I have no problem with innovators (and BL was certainly a good one) each to their own, I am too am guilty of the same. The only thing that is annoying to me is people who come here as experts and haven't the faintest 'personal' experience of the plethora of great martial arts that exist. And are so naive as to think that they are actually learning what the top security forces in the world are learning, who are also apparently 'cool' about potential enemies having common knowledge about hiw they would engage them h2h :-) Look up David Haliva (as you like to educate yourself via the internet) a popular Ninjitsu dude teaching Israelis Police/Special Units, not too different to Systema stuff, must be the common traditional Japanese ancestory. I like him, he has a decent understanding of positioning, footwork and body mechanics. You probably won't believe the stuff he does works because you are delving in blocking/hard/linear styles. The only way to truly assess is to experience. Until you can differentiate between 'the ring' vs 'the street' you will not be able to understand why one size does not fit all. Thanks.

What the Israelis use is called Haga Na. It is the older/complete system, Krav Maga is simply the watered down commercial version which popularises Israel and creates martial arts tourism for them. The Chinese Government do a similar thing with Shaolin and certain Tai Chi systems, because that is all the outside world laregly known about and like, the CG pays hand selected Masters to popularise these arts around the world and promote Chinese culture as a consequence. As Haga Na is to Krav, so Combat Aikido, Ninjitsu and authentic Jujitsu is to BJJ ie designed for the battlefield rather than business or the ring. The same is true for Kick Boxing (remember that), the most evolved (watered down) version of the Thai Arts. Muay Thai is more dangerous as it uses elbows and knees to strike, but Muay Chaya, Muay Boran and at the highest level Bokator, these are the authentic/complete battlefield arts which the Thai/Vietneme do not openly teach to the west. I trained with a guy who has run a Wing Chun/JKD/MMA/Muay Thai academy for 20 years and has trained with Dan Insonto, Gracies, Kwok amonst many others. He trained in Thailand for a number of years, not just 2 month, and was only ever able to get a slight insight into a few basic techniques of the ancient arts. I was lucky to learn a few of these from him. Where as muay thai just strikes, the father arts focus on joint capture and destruction, with strikes kill rather score points. Bokator also teaches a variety of weapons. But again, there is the outward facing commercial promotion you will find on yoi tube and what have you, and the inward facing lethal knowledge. The latest mantar in the MA world is everyone is anyone, claims to have taught Police, Special Forces etc etc. Think about this, why would any special forces service in the world who had 2 brain cells tell all their enemies what their fighting knowledge was? This is all self promotion, wherever you see these articles etc, you will nearly always find DVDs for sale or class info for the author promoting his business. I have also been lucky enough to have met Masters who teach authentic Silat and Wing Chun, and the training, conditioning and application is very different to what regulated schools and seminars teach. Systema is the latest craze. It is certainly a great art, with a great appreciation of soft body, positioning, baiting, weapons, efficient power generation etc, but it is coincidentally near identical to certain Japanese systems. In any case, why would Spetznaz openly teach you their secret art for a few dollars...? Sangat, Be careful of business/media/internet propoganda. Don't fall for the 'trends'. Ie in the west kung fu was popular in the 70s, karate in the 80s, kickboxing, then muay thai, then Krav, then Filipino now Systema. No one system is necessarily better than any other. If you really want to kearn anything, find a teacher who has learnt from authentic masters, or go to china, japan, philipines and find those masters yourself (and even then be careful or MA tourism, as there are many sham schools). Do proper research i.e. Don't rely on articles or totally surface/biased forum threads. Explore, meet people, read, observe and keep your mind open. Don't fall for any cultish mentality, the MMA is best the latest cultish mentality (backed up media, because it generates £100m's). Decide whether you want learn something that is popular, gets you fit, you can compete in/make a name fir yourself, teaches you higher aspects ie healing/breathing/internal energy generation, connects you to your roots, works against weapons or multiples or any mix of the above. Vaheguru

You have your biased opinion fixed in your head so no point trying to convince you otherwise, you keep repeating the same points and think you can learn everything about martial arts from the internet. As I say, when you are in the UK, contact me here and I can discuss/demonstrate in person. Re your derogatory comments of traditional CMAs and Dan Hardy, I'm afraid you are either being lead astray your self or trying to lead others astray. Dan only spent 2 months at a Chinese Government created tourist temple. Dan has had no in depth experience of the real Shaolin or other Kung Fu styles which make up the Universe which is CMA. It takes years to condition your body and mind before real combat learning even starts. See below for an interview with Dan, where his experience is far from what you are making out: This is a long interview. I'm just going to cut&paste the Shaolin part. :D Confessions of a Shopaholic: Dan Hardy talks Mike Swick, Shaolin monks and his affinity for shopping (http://www.examiner.com/x-26337-Mixed-Martial-Arts-Examiner~y2009m11d8-Confession-of-a-Shopaholic-Dan-Hardy-talks-Mike-Swick-Shaolin-Monks-and-his-affinity-for-shopping) November 8, 11:39 PM “They (UFC) put the heads on the chopping block and I keep taking them off.” I’m willing to bet that you wouldn’t think this quote came from a aspiring artist who happens to love to shop, play video games, and train with Shaolin Monks? OK, well maybe the latter. But that is exactly the way Dan “The Outlaw” Hardy likes it. He likes being unassuming. Forget the colored Mohawk and the vicious striking prowess--this resident of Nottingham, England is a true renaissance man. Hardy (22-6-1) burst on to the MMA scene at UFC 89 defeating PRIDE FC legend Akihiro Gono in a bloody war that saw the judges award a split decision to the flamboyant Brit. Since that time he has built a steady following of MMA fans, walking that fine line between underground legend and full blown superstar. A line that Hardy walks with immaculate precision. And in an era of “making it rain” at strip clubs and charging for signatures, Dan Hardy prefers to stay in with his girlfriend and take in a movie, or maybe play a little Xbox--all the while taking time out for the people who made him what he is today, the fans. “The Outlaw” is a fighter who likes to stay close to his fans, often times taking time off on the eve of a fight just to say, “thank you“ to the fans who make it all possible--a man who recognizes the importance of “keeping it real.” In just about a week Hardy will be facing his toughest opponent to date in Mike Swick (14-2), at UFC 105 in Manchester, England. “Quick” Swick is by far the most dangerous opponent Hardy has ever faced, and with a title shot on the line, he is also his most important. In this exclusive Q and A learn what makes Dan tick. What he enjoys doing (shopping?!) in his time off, and just what it was like training with the legendary Shaolin Monks in northern China. ... (Examiner.com): Well here is what I’ve wanted to personally ask you about for a long time--the Shaolin Monks. How did a lanky kid from Britain get to train with some of the most polarizing figures in the history of Martial Arts. I mean we are talking thousands of years here man. Just talk about how you got there, what happened when you were there, and what you learned. DH: You know, I get asked about this a lot and I’m actually thinking about writing an article about it with accompanying photographs and stuff. It really was a crazy experience and it’s not something people really expect from me. It’s very different from what other MMA fighters have done in the past as well. The way it came about is, I actually saw a documentary on the Discovery channel about the main Shaolin temple in central China. At the time I was just so into Kung-Fu and the old martial arts movies like, ‘36 Chambers’ and other stuff you know what I mean? I did a lot of research and I found out I wouldn’t be able to go to the main temple in central China because I wasn’t Chinese. So I looked around and managed to find a place that had taken a few monks and opened a temple in northern China where foreign students could come over and train at. So I contacted them and arranged to go over there and train for a couple of months. It was just the craziest and most awesome experience I’ve ever had really--obviously aside from the UFC success. Because it was just crazy, it was like watching a movie you know? Almost to the effect that it was like a movie that I watched and I remember in such crazy detail for it to NOT be a part of my life, do you know what I mean? (Examiner.com): Oh yeah. DH: So yeah, I spent a couple of months there and it was just…it was…the first couple of weeks were just really tough. It was the first time I traveled on my own and to be that far away from everything you’ve known was just a real shock to the system and on top of that you have 12 hour training days, 6 days a week. It really just breaks you down physically, and then once that is done you have to struggle with the mental breakdown, and I struggled with that for the first couple of weeks. You know I really didn’t enjoy it and I wanted to leave to be honest. I had long hair when I got there and they shaved it off, and it was just a lot of things changing. I really threw myself into the deep end. After a couple of weeks though, I met a couple of friends and I kind of found my rhythm a little bit and it was just awesome. I met some really good people and I learned a lot of stuff about Kung-Fu and all the philosophies that come with it. More importantly though, I learned a lot about myself and what I could accomplish if I really wanted to and the boundaries of my abilities. I mean I’ve always been pretty tough mentally but when I got there and I woke up on a Wednesday and Thursday and couldn’t bend my legs because my muscles were too tight and sore, and I really had no energy. Then I had to push through 10 more hours of training and then I kind of realized I was more mentally tough than I was giving myself credit for. And I think a lot of that has carried over to my training in MMA--that I’ve got such good work ethic and a lot of self confidence. Because I know that my boundaries are so distant and I have so much to learn. (Examiner.com): What was your moment? Your breaking moment if you will? Was there one specific event? DH: That 1st week was a real tough one because I just got there and didn’t know anyone and they had no electricity…it was actually in a castle. It was a temple inside of a castle. So there was no electricity in the whole place and maybe two showers for fifty people. There were rats in the windows and rats in my bed when I slept at night. I just went from comfortable living in England, with central heating and TV, to being in the middle of northern China right by the Mongolian desert, with nothing that I was used to, on top of a mountain, totally out of my element. I mean, we started training at 5 in the morning and if we weren’t up by 5 the monks would come and wake you up…with a stick. That was quite a shock at the time. Then we started the day with a walk, which was all the way down a hill and then back up---something like 460 steps I think, and that was an everyday thing. I mean I was new to it, I thought, “OK, up to the top of steps and then on to Tai Chi and Qigong.” And as we got to the top, my teacher was waiting at the top of the steps for me and I wasn’t really sure why he was there. For the next hour he had us going back up and down the steps. And when your legs gave out, you used your hands and…it was just very, very difficult. After that session, your training would continue until about 8:30 at night and after that I really had just nothing left. It was just a matter of pushing through it because you had no other option, you know what I’m saying? It was either do it or go home, and there was no way I was going to quit. I had set 2 months in my mind and that is what I was going to do. There were just a few times that the physical pain was something I never thought I would experience. (Examiner.com): Wow, I’m really just blown away. I mean, this was 2002 and you were 18 or 19--hell were are the same age! That’s just insane. I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason and just from talking to you I can see you have a ton of self determination--so that had to feel pretty good for you when you walked out of that place, accomplishing what you did? It’s safe to say you were a changed man? DH: Oh without a doubt, yeah. I was a completely different person. If I took those 2 months out of my life, the Dan Hardy that is here today would be a totally different person. First off, I wouldn’t be here talking to you. I wouldn’t be fighting in the UFC. I wouldn’t have traveled as much as I have. I would just have a regular job and be a regular guy drinking every weekend or something. Those few months really helped me focus and recognize just exactly what my existence was. And the years that I have left on this earth, I want to make the most out of them. If anything, that is what I took away from that experience, and to me that is just invaluable and I wouldn’t trade that for the world. (Examiner.com): Well before we talked I read about this whole thing but I didn’t know the extent. It really is amazing to hear, just to the extent, that this event had on your life. DH: Yeah, you know it was only a couple of months in my life but it felt like a lifetime. So many lessons learned and so many things gained from it and it was probably the two most important months of my life up until this point. Now I'm going to steal this for the Shaolin forum. You have your biased opinion fixed in your head so no point trying to convince you otherwise, you keep repeating the same points and think you can learn everything about martial arts from the internet. As I say, when you are in the UK, contact me here and I can discuss/demonstrate in person. Re your derogatory comments of traditional CMAs and Dan Hardy, I'm afraid you are either being lead astray your self or trying to lead others astray. Dan only spent 2 months at a Chinese Government created tourist temple. Dan has had no in depth experience of the real Shaolin or other Kung Fu styles which make up the Universe which is CMA. It takes years to condition your body and mind before real combat learning even starts. See below for an interview with Dan, where his experience is far from what you are making out: This is a long interview. I'm just going to cut&paste the Shaolin part. :D Confessions of a Shopaholic: Dan Hardy talks Mike Swick, Shaolin monks and his affinity for shopping (http://www.examiner.com/x-26337-Mixed-Martial-Arts-Examiner~y2009m11d8-Confession-of-a-Shopaholic-Dan-Hardy-talks-Mike-Swick-Shaolin-Monks-and-his-affinity-for-shopping) November 8, 11:39 PM “They (UFC) put the heads on the chopping block and I keep taking them off.” I’m willing to bet that you wouldn’t think this quote came from a aspiring artist who happens to love to shop, play video games, and train with Shaolin Monks? OK, well maybe the latter. But that is exactly the way Dan “The Outlaw” Hardy likes it. He likes being unassuming. Forget the colored Mohawk and the vicious striking prowess--this resident of Nottingham, England is a true renaissance man. Hardy (22-6-1) burst on to the MMA scene at UFC 89 defeating PRIDE FC legend Akihiro Gono in a bloody war that saw the judges award a split decision to the flamboyant Brit. Since that time he has built a steady following of MMA fans, walking that fine line between underground legend and full blown superstar. A line that Hardy walks with immaculate precision. And in an era of “making it rain” at strip clubs and charging for signatures, Dan Hardy prefers to stay in with his girlfriend and take in a movie, or maybe play a little Xbox--all the while taking time out for the people who made him what he is today, the fans. “The Outlaw” is a fighter who likes to stay close to his fans, often times taking time off on the eve of a fight just to say, “thank you“ to the fans who make it all possible--a man who recognizes the importance of “keeping it real.” In just about a week Hardy will be facing his toughest opponent to date in Mike Swick (14-2), at UFC 105 in Manchester, England. “Quick” Swick is by far the most dangerous opponent Hardy has ever faced, and with a title shot on the line, he is also his most important. In this exclusive Q and A learn what makes Dan tick. What he enjoys doing (shopping?!) in his time off, and just what it was like training with the legendary Shaolin Monks in northern China. ... (Examiner.com): Well here is what I’ve wanted to personally ask you about for a long time--the Shaolin Monks. How did a lanky kid from Britain get to train with some of the most polarizing figures in the history of Martial Arts. I mean we are talking thousands of years here man. Just talk about how you got there, what happened when you were there, and what you learned. DH: You know, I get asked about this a lot and I’m actually thinking about writing an article about it with accompanying photographs and stuff. It really was a crazy experience and it’s not something people really expect from me. It’s very different from what other MMA fighters have done in the past as well. The way it came about is, I actually saw a documentary on the Discovery channel about the main Shaolin temple in central China. At the time I was just so into Kung-Fu and the old martial arts movies like, ‘36 Chambers’ and other stuff you know what I mean? I did a lot of research and I found out I wouldn’t be able to go to the main temple in central China because I wasn’t Chinese. So I looked around and managed to find a place that had taken a few monks and opened a temple in northern China where foreign students could come over and train at. So I contacted them and arranged to go over there and train for a couple of months. It was just the craziest and most awesome experience I’ve ever had really--obviously aside from the UFC success. Because it was just crazy, it was like watching a movie you know? Almost to the effect that it was like a movie that I watched and I remember in such crazy detail for it to NOT be a part of my life, do you know what I mean? (Examiner.com): Oh yeah. DH: So yeah, I spent a couple of months there and it was just…it was…the first couple of weeks were just really tough. It was the first time I traveled on my own and to be that far away from everything you’ve known was just a real shock to the system and on top of that you have 12 hour training days, 6 days a week. It really just breaks you down physically, and then once that is done you have to struggle with the mental breakdown, and I struggled with that for the first couple of weeks. You know I really didn’t enjoy it and I wanted to leave to be honest. I had long hair when I got there and they shaved it off, and it was just a lot of things changing. I really threw myself into the deep end. After a couple of weeks though, I met a couple of friends and I kind of found my rhythm a little bit and it was just awesome. I met some really good people and I learned a lot of stuff about Kung-Fu and all the philosophies that come with it. More importantly though, I learned a lot about myself and what I could accomplish if I really wanted to and the boundaries of my abilities. I mean I’ve always been pretty tough mentally but when I got there and I woke up on a Wednesday and Thursday and couldn’t bend my legs because my muscles were too tight and sore, and I really had no energy. Then I had to push through 10 more hours of training and then I kind of realized I was more mentally tough than I was giving myself credit for. And I think a lot of that has carried over to my training in MMA--that I’ve got such good work ethic and a lot of self confidence. Because I know that my boundaries are so distant and I have so much to learn. (Examiner.com): What was your moment? Your breaking moment if you will? Was there one specific event? DH: That 1st week was a real tough one because I just got there and didn’t know anyone and they had no electricity…it was actually in a castle. It was a temple inside of a castle. So there was no electricity in the whole place and maybe two showers for fifty people. There were rats in the windows and rats in my bed when I slept at night. I just went from comfortable living in England, with central heating and TV, to being in the middle of northern China right by the Mongolian desert, with nothing that I was used to, on top of a mountain, totally out of my element. I mean, we started training at 5 in the morning and if we weren’t up by 5 the monks would come and wake you up…with a stick. That was quite a shock at the time. Then we started the day with a walk, which was all the way down a hill and then back up---something like 460 steps I think, and that was an everyday thing. I mean I was new to it, I thought, “OK, up to the top of steps and then on to Tai Chi and Qigong.” And as we got to the top, my teacher was waiting at the top of the steps for me and I wasn’t really sure why he was there. For the next hour he had us going back up and down the steps. And when your legs gave out, you used your hands and…it was just very, very difficult. After that session, your training would continue until about 8:30 at night and after that I really had just nothing left. It was just a matter of pushing through it because you had no other option, you know what I’m saying? It was either do it or go home, and there was no way I was going to quit. I had set 2 months in my mind and that is what I was going to do. There were just a few times that the physical pain was something I never thought I would experience. (Examiner.com): Wow, I’m really just blown away. I mean, this was 2002 and you were 18 or 19--hell were are the same age! That’s just insane. I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason and just from talking to you I can see you have a ton of self determination--so that had to feel pretty good for you when you walked out of that place, accomplishing what you did? It’s safe to say you were a changed man? DH: Oh without a doubt, yeah. I was a completely different person. If I took those 2 months out of my life, the Dan Hardy that is here today would be a totally different person. First off, I wouldn’t be here talking to you. I wouldn’t be fighting in the UFC. I wouldn’t have traveled as much as I have. I would just have a regular job and be a regular guy drinking every weekend or something. Those few months really helped me focus and recognize just exactly what my existence was. And the years that I have left on this earth, I want to make the most out of them. If anything, that is what I took away from that experience, and to me that is just invaluable and I wouldn’t trade that for the world. (Examiner.com): Well before we talked I read about this whole thing but I didn’t know the extent. It really is amazing to hear, just to the extent, that this event had on your life. DH: Yeah, you know it was only a couple of months in my life but it felt like a lifetime. So many lessons learned and so many things gained from it and it was probably the two most important months of my life up until this point.

Leamington Spa. It's got great housing, good schools, easy access to Coventry (a stones throw away) and Birmingham is 20 mins on the Motorway. The majority of the ethnic population is also Sikh, and they have integrated well with the White English in that area. Warwickshire University and colleges are also close by for your 'future' childrens education. Most people in the Midlands find it hard to move there because of its higher house prices, but you should be able to do well within your budget moving from London. Crime rate here is very low comparedto all the above mentioned areas. All the best with your move, take your time - keep considering all aspects as you are and get it right first time. No need to rush.

I don't have a habit of banging my head against brick walls Singh Sahib. My students include guys who have done Urban Krav Maga, Boxing, Wing Chun, some MMA and Muay Thai. I teach traditional South East Asian MAs for the modern environment, and I have learnt lesser known arts alongside guys who run MMA schools. They train hard and MMA is their business, in which they prepare their students for competition. These teachers do not use MMA on the street. They rather rely on traditional principles and battlefield tactics. Whenever you are in the UK, contact me here, you are invited to my house where we can discuss in detail and 'touch hands'. Shouting the same thing again and again without actually having had any personal experience or understanding of martial arts (which shows in your arrogance and ignorance) doesn't prove a thing. I know many Masters who run MMA/Muay Thai schools (business/competition) alongside teaching traditional martials arts (which is what they vouch for on the street). I can put you in contact with any number of them, including in the US, just tell me where you are and I will ensure you get an educative experience. The martial art (alone) one does means kack, only a bufoon would think he was good agasint all others because he has trained in a certain system. All that matters is the individual, his understanding of body mechanics/energy/efficiency, tactics, improvisation, his experience and his psychology. These are the things that matter and good martial arts teachers give to you. Even traditional systems are connstantly evolving, if 1 teacher has 3 students, they will without fail, continue that art in 3 different ways (even if only slightly different), depending on their own other unique experiences and understandings. But the principles of a good art always remain the same. The street does not have a canvas floor and referee, people attack with weapons, and attack in numbers. Traditional martial arts that come from the battlefield prepare you for these situations. If you are happy with Krav and Muay Thai etc, then thats great. They are both effective if you can find good teachers. Train hard, and when you are ready, teach others. Better than pushing your opinion down peoples throats as if you own shares in these systems. You are more likely to inspire people to learn what think is good through humility and example. If you are interested in following up on any of these points, PM me. All the best.

No need to live a totally paranoid life, but good to have an idea of reality if/when your country goes to pot: This is a great example of short term emergency (1 year) and what the realities were. There are more important things to consider than having gold bars... First aid training, basic medical supplies, water purification, being armed correctly, fire making capability, a real currency for trading i.e. Much needed supplies, sanitation, ability to increase numbers in a short time etc etc. For a longer term emergency people need to realise that things would be different i.e. Fuel, Ammunition, medicals, food etc would run out, so one should have knowledge of how to create and fight with improvised weapons, how to find and prepare food and water safely, knowledge of local fauna for medicine/sterile supply etc. An important aspect that gets missed by survivalists is psychology. We are blessed to have a spiritual culture, and should learn and be able to benefit from it in such a dire scenario. In terms of maintaining chardi kalaa, daya, bibek budhi (telling friend from foe) and not turning into base animals like many people do. This is just a quick post, there are many more aspects to consider, esp protection of women, children, elders... Knowing what and how much to stockpile pile etc, I hope to write a comprehensive article on this subject in the near future, but here are a few references to get you thinking about the scenarios etc: http://www.survivalblog.com/2011/09/lessons_from_wartime_bosnia-he.html?mid=513838 A few decent sites looking at skills, equipment and most importantly knowledge needed for these situations. http://get-urban-survival-skills.blogspot.com http://www.tacticalintelligence.net/

Re this particular Shaster, I think the name Baldev gives it away, it's distinclty a name used by Punjabi Sikhs, and rarely if at all used by Rajastani Hindus.

Vaheguru ji ka Khalsa Vaheguru ji ki Fat-heh CISCO makes some very good points. To be able to productively advise on this subject, requires a person to have had experience of the fighting arts. Just a few thoughts: 1 – it is not a particular art that makes you a good fighter. It’s the combination of a good teacher and even better student. A good teacher, with dedicated practice and abhyaas, will have gone past the boundaries of his ‘art’ and come into the field of understanding the real skills i.e. body mechanics, positioning, timing, energy conservation, pressure points, muscle/joint manipulation, importance of footwork, breathing and internal power generation/usage. All good MAs share the same knowledge at this high level. There is only so many ways someone can attack you and only so many efficient ways to respond. A cat from Argentina fights the same as cat from Germany, even though they have never met. Man also instinctively has an optimum method of fighting, but years of films, media, McDojo culture have poisoned our natural ability. That is why those who mediate on combat reach near same conclusions. I say this having observed/met true Masters of different regional systems. 2 – Krav Maga is not an ‘art’. It is a mixture of fight responses which varies from teacher to teacher, most incorporate bits and bobs from their previous experience. It’s a good basic method of self defence, albeit being a hard style. Israelis and many other nations including US, are actually head-hunting and incorporating knowledge of other traditional Easter systems into their training, Ninjitsu is very popular in Israel at the moment (do your research). 3 – Re Filipino martial arts (my main area of expertise), Kali, Eskrima and Arnis are not different arts, they are the same. Eskrima is actually a spanish word (Esgrima), Arnis is the name used in different Islands and Kali was mainly popularised by Dan Inosanto. Kali is actually derived from Kalis, a type of sword used by the Muslims in the southern Islands. These names do not refer to a martial art, they are simply a collective term for fighting. There are actually many types of different FMAs under this umbrella, many of them are modern i.e. been heavily influenced by JMAs i.e. Judo and Jujitsu, others heavily influenced by CMAs i.e. 5 Ancestors, Wing Chun, Kuntao. There are very few ‘traditional’ FMAs left, and the ones that are ‘traditional’ are certainly not known in the mainstream. FMA also has it’s own excellent indigenous wrestling/grappling MA called Dumog, as well as native dangerous Thai Boxing and Street Boxing systems. Generally the North is influenced by the Chinese, middle by Japanese and South by Indonesian (Silat). Modern boxing i.e. ducking/diving, bolo punches/sideways (hidden) uppercuts (many things now banned in boxing) were derived from the FMAs through a mix of US Marines who were positioned in PI in the early 1900s and the early PI immigrants in US, most of whom were farmers, who took over the world boxing scene in a storm. Most of the modern/well known FMA schools are competition based and rely on blocks i.e. stick on stick or sword on sword, the combat (traditional) versions have no blocks. Hence why the combat versions can not be taken to the ring due to dangerous 1 kill movements. In the old days, (early to mid 1900’s), Filipinos competed in death matches, where the opponent was severely wounded or killed. These are the lineages to find and learn from, not the common sports/competition/grading based ones. Lastly, there has also been a big Spanish/European influence on FMA, one great example of this the terminology used for the names of all the techniques, they are all Spanish! Plus there are few Spanish colonies dotted around the world, who have their own indigenous stick/knife systems which greatly resemble the traditional PI versions, only the avid MA researcher would know this. 4 – The work Kung Fu is also being misused here. Kung Fu is not a martial art, but simply a term to mean great dedication/achievement. China probably has more fighting systems than the rest of the world put together, having researched (and continuing to do so) it’s a whole universe. Kung Fu describes Chinese MAs, somewhat similar to how the term Shastar Vidya would probably describe various weapons based Indian MAs. In north China you have the internal boxing styles (what I consider high level arts) i.e. Tai Chi Chuan, Bagua, Xing Yi to name but a few. Whilst the South has more external boxing styles i.e. Southern Mantis, Bak Mei, White Crane, Dragon, Hung Gar, Wing Chun etc. The main difference is the use of aggression, hard conditioning and hard chi, Vs calmness, body manipulation and soft chi. But in between there are many styles including the ones mentioned that make use of both. In China you also have Sanshou or Sanda, the Chinese ‘sports’ art which is similar to Muay Thai and very dangerous. This art and Filipino Yaw Yan, are very dangerous in the ring and very similar to Muay Thai. But the Filipinos and Chinese clearly distinguish between these ‘sports’ and traditional combat systems. The Thai also pay reverence to the combat ancestors of Muay Thai i.e. Muay Boran, Muay Chaya and Bokator (all 3, great real combat arts). It’s only here in the media hyped west where we confuse sport and combat. Always perform a simple test when looking for a ‘combat art’ – does it teach you to deal with blade/sword/any weapon attacks? Does it teach you to deal with multiples? Is it simple to learn i.e. uses one set of principles for all methods of attack. As an example, BJJ/Grappling is not so good to you Vs multiples, weapons or going to the floor on dangerous ground i.e. rocks, broken glass. Same way – any weapon-less MA i.e. Muay Thai, Boxing, Krav will only have very limited success against weapons, especially blades. The main problem is that there are many McDojos in all styles be it Thai, BJJ (which is Judo actually), Chinese, Japanese etc – it’s extremely hard to find a knowledgeable and genuine practitioner/teacher. Just because we can’t find a good mechanic/dentist/builder/lawyer, doesn’t mean one doesn’t exist. Whatever art you decide to study, do so with an open mind, pure dedication and hard work ethic, courage and patience. Learn to see beyond the boundaries of your own art, don’t get stuck in cultish or tribal mentality. Learn one art at a time, don’t have 2 feet in separate boats, you will drown. Do a heartfelt ardaas for a good teacher and be patient, Sat-Guru always provide. Vaheguru ji ka Khalsa Vaheguru ji ki Fat-heh