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MLeake · February 22, 2008, 11:12 AM

... the one-handed issue is another reason why at least some martial arts training is useful, specifically, training in evading grabs and strikes.

I'm not talking about in-your-face, mano a mano brawling, but learning how to quickly and efficiently use foot movement and hip position to get out of harm's way long enough to draw and fire if necessary.

These are useful skills regardless of age or physical conditioning, unless one really has trouble even walking.

Aikido, judo, and jujutsu are all good styles for breaking or evading grabs, and redirecting strikes. Tai Chi is user-friendly to older or less fit students, and has the added bonus of greatly improving the fitness of its students through slow-motion, low impact movement.

Some schools also teach how to draw a weapon while being grabbed by the strong hand's wrist. While the usual focus is on blades, it also applies to sidearms. You'd be surprised at how easy it is to complete the draw, when you know how to move. You probably wouldn't be surprised at how hard this is, if you only try to meet strength with strength.

February 22, 2008, 11:12 AM	#60
MLeake Senior Member Join Date: November 15, 2007 Location: Outside KC, MO Posts: 10,128	At risk of being flamed... ... the one-handed issue is another reason why at least some martial arts training is useful, specifically, training in evading grabs and strikes. I'm not talking about in-your-face, mano a mano brawling, but learning how to quickly and efficiently use foot movement and hip position to get out of harm's way long enough to draw and fire if necessary. These are useful skills regardless of age or physical conditioning, unless one really has trouble even walking. Aikido, judo, and jujutsu are all good styles for breaking or evading grabs, and redirecting strikes. Tai Chi is user-friendly to older or less fit students, and has the added bonus of greatly improving the fitness of its students through slow-motion, low impact movement. Some schools also teach how to draw a weapon while being grabbed by the strong hand's wrist. While the usual focus is on blades, it also applies to sidearms. You'd be surprised at how easy it is to complete the draw, when you know how to move. You probably wouldn't be surprised at how hard this is, if you only try to meet strength with strength.