Just how tough is Steven Seagal, really?

[Hiro Protagonist]

Two rather random thoughts:

Of all the guys in showbiz, apart from actual MMA fighters, I think Steven Seagal is the one most likely to bring some sort of asset to a fighter's game - as opposed to JCVD, Michael Dudikoff, etc.

Also, what I often observe is that many MMA fighters seem very open against front kicks. (another one to famously exploit this is Dennis Siver, German-Russian Wunderkind.)

For somebody with the class of Anderson Silva or Machida (who might be rather mediocre in MMA, but who is likely one of the greatest karatekas of his generation), it should not be so out of this world to exploit what their style understands as a critical weakness.

[Permalost]

TOf all the guys in showbiz, apart from actual MMA fighters, I think Steven Seagal is the one most likely to bring some sort of asset to a fighter's game - as opposed to JCVD, Michael Dudikoff, etc.

I would definitely ask for face-kicking advice from JCVD or Dudikoff over Seagal any day. At least moving pictures can confirm that they're flexible enough to kick that high.

[Hiro Protagonist]

I would definitely ask for face-kicking advice from JCVD or Dudikoff over Seagal any day. At least moving pictures can confirm that they're flexible enough to kick that high.

...In 1989.

[Permalost]

...In 1989.

Oh right, they aren't powerhouses of fitness today like Steven Seagal is and always has been.

[Hiro Protagonist]

Stop insulting Seagal. He kind of reminds me of my mom on bad hair day.

But seriously, wasn't he quite some accoladed teacher before he enter the movie business?

I figure that for that, he needs to have some more than superficial skill.

(Glimmer Man, still one of my all-time favs.)

[Tranquil Suit]

HP, please tell me you're trolling.

[Petter]

Of all the guys in showbiz, apart from actual MMA fighters, I think Steven Seagal is the one most likely to bring some sort of asset to a fighter's game - as opposed to JCVD, Michael Dudikoff, etc.

JCVD has a combined striking record (knockdown karate and kickboxing) of 20-2, according to Wikipedia. (Some people miss this because he was using his real name, Van Varenberg, rather than his stage name Van Damme, at that point.) Yes, it was a long time ago. Has Seagal ever had a fight?

[Hiro Protagonist]

NOT about Glimmer Man.

But seriously, a 7th dan Aikido might have something to contribute more than a point-sparrer with model looks. Now, HOW MUCH in relation to what people already have in their repertoire, I cannot assess. But to write him off completely just because Gene Lebell tells some story, I would be careful.

I should maybe add, I think a pretty early interview in Tatame that I read said that Seagal was accompanying Anderson and Black House as an advisor for "Like Water", and in no other function. - But I cannot remember the issue or source. If you care to look, was something online.

[Hiro Protagonist]

JCVD has a combined striking record (knockdown karate and kickboxing) of 20-2, according to Wikipedia. (Some people miss this because he was using his real name, Van Varenberg, rather than his stage name Van Damme, at that point.) Yes, it was a long time ago. Has Seagal ever had a fight?

Not my business to prove or to defend; but with the early 80s movie toughsters, I tend to take ranks, especially if given before the actual movie career, more serious than fight records. It's easy to pick on Seagal because of his many flaws, but I don't think he is necessarily a bullshitter.

[Petter]

It's easy to pick on Seagal because of his many flaws, but I don't think he is necessarily a bullshitter.

We’re talking about the same Steven Seagal who married his second wife before he divorced his first wife, who claims to be a reincarnated Lama, who is surrounded by weird mafia tie rumours, &c., right?

He may have some martial arts skills, he may even be able to fight (I don’t suppose we have evidence one way or another), but not a bullshitter?

[DCS]

Hiro, do you understand Portuguese?

[Hiro Protagonist]

Hiro, do you understand Portuguese?

Enough to read some occasional easy text, but not enough to maintain a complex conversation.

But yeah, I read a few issues of Tatame over the winter.

I think they have old issues online for free, or something like that. Take a look, if you like! It's not really a good mag, though.

We’re talking about the same Steven Seagal who married his second wife before he divorced his first wife, who claims to be a reincarnated Lama, who is surrounded by weird mafia tie rumours, &c., right?

He may have some martial arts skills, he may even be able to fight (I don’t suppose we have evidence one way or another), but not a bullshitter?

Well, so I was misinformed, then.
But, hey, at least his movies are mildly entertaining.

[Sri Hanuman]

Has Seagal ever had a fight?

Other than punching hookers, he frequently battles diabetes.

[DCS]

Enough to read some occasional easy text, but not enough to maintain a complex conversation.

Maybe you could understand:

Interview with Anderson Silva (Feb 23 2011)
Source: http://www.tatame.com.br/2011/02/23/...om-os-melhores
(w/video of the interview)

Interview with Lyoto Machida (May 1 2011)
Source: http://www.tatame.com.br/2011/05/01/Lyoto-Machida

(starting at 1:15)

And:
Source: Portal do Vale Tudo Magazine #15, pp 25-26

(emphasis mine)

[W. Rabbit]

Boy I hope I'm the first person to post this..

If you need help humanizing the man a bit, make sure to watch up to point where his wife calls him on the cell and he wishes his son goodnight.