Hey gang,

I haven't been around for a bit and I started this thread based on what happened to Isha. These things are reality and go hand in hand with what we do if we're out in public. I was also talking to AllieSF about this situation last week and it got me thinking although there is nothing you can do if someone hits you from behind, you're probably going to go down and have to do what you can to scramble away. However if you are interested in practicing martial arts for the streets then here is my opinion for the best forms to practice against an attack:

1. Kali or AKA Escrima fighting - Filipino martial arts, you learn how to turn anything and everything into a weapon from a cell phone, pen, purse. you name it.

2. Jeet Kune Do - this has been the best I have ever seen. It was developed to defend against multiple attackers with using the least amount of energy.

If you can master the above 2 martial arts together then the practitioner is well versed for the streets. If you can't take or find a school that teaches Jeet Kune Do then try Krav Maga it is good and simple but Jeet Kune Do is better once the practitioner masters the concepts.
I have seen teachers that weigh 140 lbs that are very lethal in these martial arts.

Once you learn the aforementioned then I suggest you dabble in

1. Judo - learn all you're take downs and foot sweeps.

2. Western Boxing - this teaches you to bob and weave in and out of punches

3. A bit of Karate - this teaches you to hit targets a high speed. Learn how to front kick, side kick and mule kick. Also learn how to move in and out real fast but stay away from the traditional patterns. They are a waste of time.

The following forms I would not use as a base are:

1. Traditional Muy Tai - I don't believe this is good for the street but still better than nothing

2. Tae Kwon Do - stay away from this one

3. Traditional Karate - as I said its good to learn the speed, movement and distance to targets but you do not want to be trying a tornado kick in the streets. Don't spend too much time with it.

3. Brazillian Ju Jit SU - stay away form because you want to stay standing.

Use Jeet Kune Do and Escrima fighting for your base or hub is my opinion. you are using open hands to fight with and you striking points are different from all the other forms!