Who else

**Tyrsmann** · Posted On: 12/09/2009 4:55am

So who else is training in WMA solo? I'm just curious as this seems to be a common way to start. Getting a hold of a manual and/or a intro book written seems to be how alot of folks get their start.

**cerkuenik** · Posted On: 12/09/2009 10:39am

well, I´m too.
There are so few martial arts in my town and the ones here are very different from the ones I´d like to practice (wrestling, krav maga, bkb).

So I really try to learn thru books and videos (may be a lot slower, but it´s working)

**Mordschlag** · Posted On: 12/09/2009 10:12pm

I practice solo but try to spar whenever I can. I have to drive a good couple hours to spar so I only get to fight two or three times a month, but it is worth it to me so I practice every day if I can.

**willaume** · Posted On: 12/10/2009 5:40am

Hello
Well it is better than nothing and it is quite good to do so, but it is to meaningful practice what individual onanism is to making love.

You idea of taking up Judo, BJJ or Mixed MA on top of your solo practice is a very good idea.

Or as mortschlag mentioned, if it is possible you could get with someone a few times a month for working on a given technique and or sparing.
Phil

**MMAMickey** · Posted On: 12/10/2009 5:48am

learning solely from videos and books isn't great, but if you learn wrestling moves from a book and then pull them off at judo, that is something different entirely.

.. and cerkuenik

There are so few martial arts in my town and the ones here are very different from the ones I´d like to practice (wrestling, krav maga, bkb)

you may say you want to practice bkb (bare knuckle boxing yes?), but trust me you don't. ever done it? It aint nice

**permahudef** · Posted On: 12/10/2009 8:08am

Originally Posted by MMAMickey

learning solely from videos and books isn't great, but if you learn wrestling moves from a book and then pull them off at judo, that is something different entirely.

It's like reading a map (theory from books), then trying to physically navigate a city (pulling off the moves). Reading the map beforehand might help you physically navigate, but it is no substitution for actually physically navigating.

Practicing the moves on a resisting opponant will give you the skills you can't learn in the books/videos. The books/videos are pretty much useless EXCEPT for using them to GUIDE your practice against a resisting opponant. Just as a map won't physically get you to your destination, but it sure will help guide you when you try to physically get to your destination.

**MMAMickey** · Posted On: 12/10/2009 11:25am

Originally Posted by permahudef

It's like reading a map (theory from books), then trying to physically navigate a city (pulling off the moves). Reading the map beforehand might help you physically navigate, but it is no substitution for actually physically navigating.

Practicing the moves on a resisting opponant will give you the skills you can't learn in the books/videos. The books/videos are pretty much useless EXCEPT for using them to GUIDE your practice against a resisting opponant. Just as a map won't physically get you to your destination, but it sure will help guide you when you try to physically get to your destination.

your skill of taking a short post and turning it into an odd rambling analogy of the same meaning is commendable

**permahudef** · Posted On: 12/10/2009 12:21pm

Originally Posted by MMAMickey

your skill of taking a short post and turning it into an odd rambling analogy of the same meaning is commendable

I commend your conciseness.:happy:

**Mordschlag** · Posted On: 12/10/2009 1:51pm

I have mixed feelings about practicing other MA on the side when you are a historical fencer, though this depends on the individual I think. If you are serious about being historically accurate, you run the risk of contaminating of the overall historical WMA. But on the other hand if you are just trying to add the sword to your overall arsenal, I think cross-training is really a good idea. I myself have considered picking up some Muay Thai or even a little BJJ to help me with my clinch and ground work. It wouldn't be a bad idea for the fencers posting here to attend a local Throwdown either. All depends on what you're looking to do...

**DdlR** · Posted On: 12/10/2009 3:12pm

Originally Posted by MMAMickey

.. and cerkuenik

you may say you want to practice bkb (bare knuckle boxing yes?), but trust me you don't. ever done it? It aint nice

There's a small movement towards reviving the skills/rules of (18th-19th century) BKB, but with some modern concessions towards safety; use of MMA gloves and face protectors, etc. We've had some good threads on that subject on BS.net in the past, and I came up with a set of old-school pugilism rules for Bullshido throwdowns a while ago.