http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=rQVaTEPOsTA&feature=related

Now, it's in about 10+ parts so I don't expect everyone to watch everything. Now, it has its moments but I do question its effectiveness in real situations. Not that I'm looking to learn how to defend myself on teh streetz0rz!1 but I was just wondering if anyone here has any experience with using techniques showcased here.

...and to bring in a little discussion. What's your take on these how-to videos? Are they really that helpful? Have you ever used anything like they do in a situation?

...and to bring in a little discussion. What's your take on these how-to videos? Are they really that helpful? Have you ever used anything like they do in a situation?

The only legitimate use for martial arts videos is for instructors to have a reference of proper form. As training aides, they suck. You cannot learn how to fight from a video. Hell, you can't even learn proper from as that requires someone to watch you and tell you when you're screwing up.

You'll learn more from this

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=piWCBOsJr-w

Hell, you can't even learn proper form as that requires someone to watch you and tell you when you're screwing up.

I don't really think that counts for too much in this video.

Your question makes very little sense. Does it work in a real situation? Well, if by that you mean if you were to attack Bas Rutten at a bar with a beer bottle, it indeed does mean he'll crush your body into a blood pulp. The Man's a legend in the world of freefight (mma for the americans).

And freefight is very useful in these kinds of situations. Usually a combination of Muay Tai Boran, Pancrase, Wing Tsun, Jujitsu and wushu (shut up, it helps with the training).

However, it all comes down to training, practice, talent and toughness. You can learn as many techniques in the gym as you want, if you never fight anyone they won't serve you. The best fighters come from a violent background. Working as a bouncer at a nightclub helps a lot. You'll often get into situations where drunk and drugged up people will suddenly attack you with various objects at very close range. Being in control of such a situation, both mentally and physically is about the best training you can get.

And with that I've also answered your question about the video. Bas Rutten videos are cool to watch, but they won't make you into a fighter. Would watching a video of two guys playing table tennis make you good at it? Of course not. Why would it work for martial arts?

I don't really think that counts for too much in this video.

Without proper form for a strike, not only will it be hard to get enough power into them (strikes come from the hips, not the arms), but you also risk breaking your fingers, especially when punching.

There are also various other things that one gains from training that one does not get from a video.

The only thing I picked up from that is putting your hands up when they close in. That's smart.

Also, everyone underestimates the groin kick. I've won so many fights by taking a timeout to say "no groin kicks, ok" and then they were thinking it over, I kicked their nuts in.

You never know how crazy people are, explode in a fight, finish it quickly, and get the fuck out of there.

If you have no training(Like pretty much everyone on this site - Including me) just stick to punches to the face/body and kicks/knees to the balls.

Unless you're some martial arts wonderkid, attempting complicated moves will get you raped.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2REG3-Wb5gM

all u will ever need to know

If you get taught martial arts for a decent time you will learn that the more simple and effective something is the better.