Are some strikes fitting with SSS?

[A1C Evans]

This question is really for Larry, but I welcome anyones input. I have Larry's entire SSS series and think they are great, I can intuitively tell that they are the real deal and would be effective. However, as a martial artist I really like all the other stuff I do, as ive said before, but i'm wondering how it enhances my street survivaly ability, as Larry states on his DVD's that martial arts training will enhance what you do in SSS. Also, are some strikes like the hammerfist, palm heel, chop, etc. viable techniques for street survival, at all or are they just a waste of time???

Respectfully,
Jared

[A1C Evans]

Here is a message I sent to Grant that I feel better captures what im trying to ask and adds some things also.



Hows it going man? Glad to see you are back. Hey I posted a message here about striking and SSS. I know you like the Larry throat punch but also strikes like hammerfists, palms of all types, etc. So, if some of these martial arts strikes are good, why doesn't larry show them in his SSS? I know he tries to keep everything super simple but from a martial arts standpoint, they give you something you can train as an art that would still be useful in a self defense situation unlike some MA stuff. Makes sense right? Maybe this is what he meant by, the martial arts will enhance everything you do in SSS. But he also says that you do what you train, so why train in a martial art technique that has no self defense applicability if you also want to train for self defense? I think it is better to use those tools which are better for both if you want to train in both, rather than try to keep them seperate in your mind, like you go into your training saying, ok, right now im doing martial ARTS training, and I wont use these techniques for self defense because i'll get hurt. And then when you go into your self defense training think, ok, now these are what I will use for self defense and not in sparring, this is the real stuff that works but isnt pretty. It seems to me that you would probably get them mixed up when you were attacked for real and you are scared and not ready for what comes at you, probably best to train martial arts in a way that would be pretty much directly applicable to the street survival mindset. Just my 2 cents.

Let me know, take care digger,
>--Arrow-->


I know Larry is a martial artist and even I kicking stylist which is what I am, so how does he mix these two things together, self defense and martial arts? Maybe he will chime in if he gets the chance.

Respectfully,
Jared

[kenpopaul]

I like to look at the SSS approach as the opening move that should end any encounter. If, however, it doesn't then you have all your other martial arts knowledge and techniques to 'fall back on'.

I'm currently working at mastering a few simple strikes (mainly the McSweeney power strikes with a few wing chun type things) and will use those along with SSS as my self defence weapons.

All the other stuff I will still train in as I love it so much, they will always be there if I need them too.

Kenpopaul

[lonewolf]

Hello A1C Evans, just wanted to chime in on your question about strikes from other arts in SSS, and this is only from my limited knowledge of a few seminars with Larry. The strikes you see in SSS are "fight ending" or "get your butt out of a bad situation fast" type of moves, in SSS you are not engaging anyone in a standup, toe to toe exchange like most arts where you're flailing at the person.

In SSS, you are sticking the person with the heaviest move you got against his most vulnerable target and moving out pass him or behind him efficiently and quickly because in SSS, the mindset is, the attacker is gonna be bigger and. stronger, He has friends you dont see coming, and HE and THEY have weapons you haven't seen yet.

Also Larry has said SSS has evolved to be streamlined and throwing punches and kicks in the mix just slows your high percentage moves down,... remember if it takes more than a split second, forget about it!!.

SSS on the video is nothing like experiencing it up close and personal with someone who is highly trained. In the video you think you know what's being presented, but it's difficult to explain this method in a two dimensional medium such as video, believe me you dont even know a quarter of it until you FEEL IT!! I hope this contributes to your quest for knowledge.

Sincerely, Lonewolf

[A1C Evans]

Hey guys, thanks for the replys. Lonewolf, I am intrigued by what you say about not knowing this until you experience it. I kind of doubt if I will ever get the chance to go to a seminar of Larry's while im in the Air Force, but I hope im not missing too much if I just use (the videos) it as a tool and train it myself with others. Its hard enough just to find someone to train this stuff with. I know you wont square off with someone and fight like in a dojo with a street attacker, I just want my MA skills to be good for something. Maybe there will be situations for self defense where you cant use the larry moves? I dont know, it might happen. But I really believe he teaches great stuff and that it is effective.

I truely enjoy martial arts training, but I want to make it as realistic as possible, I dont want to give it up, I love it too much.


Jared

[kenpopaul]

I think the other moves are still very important, you never know when you might need them.

Another good example of when you may need other techniques is when people find out you do martial arts (frends etc), you always get the 'Get out of this one then' smart ass who grab's you in some hold. You can't punch him in the throat then.

The SSS techniques are for life & death type situations so are invaluable, the reast are all good too, especially for fitness, conditioning, eye hand coordination and self defence in general.

[A1C Evans]

Thats a good point Kenpo, infact you had a couple good points. Martial Arts is invaluable to me for not only self defense but fitness and state of mind plus I really love doing it. Most people cannot understand that and when they find out most of them make fun of me for it, they strike a rediculous pose and a mocking HI-YA noise or something. That kind of ignorance and self centered stupidity makes me hot under the color and makes me consider, if only for a moment, testing my fighting skills:male-fighter1:
But I dont, anyway, yeah most of the other stuff is valuable in some situation as long as it serves a purpose in some way or another.

Jared

[MikeNY]

End moves like SSS have place in your arsenal and so do McSweeney Power strikes. there might be a time and a place where you must fight and fighting skill is important. The easiest to learn, use and apply is old fashioned bare knuckle boxing.

[blackbelt]

Try to look at it this way.

Martial arts were historically used for the purposes of self-defense, as well as both mental and physical fitness. The skills learned were/are good for defending yourself if, and that’s a BIG if, you train appropriately.

Many of today’s martial arts are about learning and practicing the techniques need to advance in the arts ranking system. Some do not deal with “real life” circumstances at all. As a result, there are MANY martial arts practitioners who have the mistaken mentality that if they go to class a couple of times a week, and earn their promotions to higher ranks they should be able to “take care of” themselves in a street situation. But, the truth is that in order to be both willing and able to use martial arts techniques on the street, you have to make them instinctive. This is something few practitioners do.

If you have to think too much, or at all, about what you’re going to do, you can easily get yourself into trouble.

Larry’s SSS series takes all of that out of the equation. The strikes are simple and it gives you tools without years of “practice”. Seriously, if you watch the series, you’ll quickly come away with some basic techniques which are very effective.

[A1C Evans]

Very good points blackbelt, I agree. I have watched all of them even the live fire and I just found a training partner! Finally!! Anyway, even if I didnt believe MA training was any good for self defense, I would still do, I can't stop now, I found out how much I like it. Thanks for your input, I will keep this is mind when I train.

Regards,
Jared

[kenpopaul]

Thats a good point Kenpo, infact you had a couple good points. Martial Arts is invaluable to me for not only self defense but fitness and state of mind plus I really love doing it. Most people cannot understand that and when they find out most of them make fun of me for it, they strike a rediculous pose and a mocking HI-YA noise or something. That kind of ignorance and self centered stupidity makes me hot under the color and makes me consider, if only for a moment, testing my fighting skills:male-fighter1:
But I dont, anyway, yeah most of the other stuff is valuable in some situation as long as it serves a purpose in some way or another.

Jared

Hi jared,

I know exactly where you are coming form, Martial Arts in now 'in my blood'. I can't 'not train', I'm always doing techniques etc all day long, Always will be. It's a part of me and I love it.

I also know about people shouting 'Hi ya' etc whilst crouching in a fake horse stance whilst chopping the air etc - It used to get me really angry. I learnt to just ignore it, now I don't really care. Yers ago a friend of mine couldn't understand it when asked what grade/belt I was ,I'd just say I'm only a beginner' or 'White belt' (even though I had a black belt). It was because I couldn't be arsed with the responces etc.

Kenpopaul

[A1C Evans]

Yeah I hear ya, I might start telling people im a beginner too, because I really am, i'll never be done.