Martial artists on the internet who know everything about everything.

MadassAlex

Dealt with two today. 

I'm just wondering what makes these people think they have the breadth of knowledge or experience to tell me the best way to do everything ever. One even said he was a blackbelt, so I shouldn't even consider contradicting his remarks, as if that gave him authority to say how things should be in every martial art irrespective of its time period, intent or geographical location.

It's almost as if some people take up martial arts just to prove how awesome they are to others. 

Counterclock

It's almost as if some people just to prove to others.

TheMightyAnonym

I may only have a red-black belt in Tae-kwon-do, but I have a black belt in being better than you.

MadassAlex

I'm a blackbelt in one-liners, natch. 

Dynamod

AHR

I think I know a good deal about martial arts (in theory, in practice, not so much), or at least, more than most people...but I do have a rather large ego. >_>

MadassAlex

That's pretty mild. 

AHR

SHUT UP I'M SELF DEPRECATING HERE.

MadassAlex

-mouthzip-

AHR

Well, I tend to experience similar things, actually.

For example, someone wrote a story where someone mastered a martial art in 4 years. I said that was kinda bullshitty, since they hadn't had any fighting experience before.

They told me they had gotten a black belt in tae kwon do in 4 years.

Bah. What am I supposed to say about that? That their school was probably bull shit? That you can be a fifth dan and still have plenty to learn?

And that all the time in the world won't make you a good fighter if you don't actually train properly?

DonZabu

I think I'd rather learn how to use a gun.

MadassAlex

IJBM: Whenever people bring up weapons as automatic counters to martial arts. 

AHR

MA: It depends. For example, in certain series, guns just don't fit, in others, it tends to be kinda illogical that they aren't brought up. 

MadassAlex

Guns are valuable for their range and sometimes versatility, but any martial art is more versatile than a gun, especially a civilian-issue gun. 

Any combat situation can become complex really quickly, and guns have their own limitations. Limited ammunition, mechanical failure, not especially advantageous in areas of heavy cover and so on. No one thing can ever be relied upon entirely.  

Myrmidon

Is this about Nornagest?

MadassAlex

Nornagest is reasonably humble, I personally find. 

Myrmidon

Plus he actually is demonstrably better than any of us at virtually every aspect of life, so it works out.

MillerCross

Plus he actually is demonstrably better than any of us at virtually every aspect of life, so it works out.

He's not better at being a dick than me.

RedEyedAbyss

And from what I've been taught, martial arts are for self-defense. The thought of using a gun for defense repulses me.

MadassAlex

Martial arts are for self-defense today, but all the old ones began as a collection of killing techniques that have since mutated to suit different needs. 

MillerCross

It's not unreasonable, you know. It's far more likely that you'd get assaulted by someone using a gun rather than someone using a knife. 

Also, I think that they can be easily used as deterrents and an easy way of avoiding violence.

Alkthash

Juan - the knife vs gun thing depends on where you live really. Criminals in countries where guns are flat out outlawed for civilians tend to use knives or clubs or other weapons they can easily carry.

MadassAlex

Also, it takes .2 of a second to make a single-time action; it's risky, but you can take initiative from a gunman at immediate range.

AHR

Yeah, my karate teacher even said how if someone has to pull out a weapon, if it's a gun, it is way easier to take them out, as opposed to a knife.

MadassAlex

Yep. Guns are horribly optimised for actual close combat.

Vorpy

The element of surprise is better than any weapon, and makes every weapon used in conjunction with it far more lethal than it's technologically superior rivals.