Martial Arts Systems - More Than a Gimmick

Few people understand what a system ACTUALLY is or why they're important. I want to rescue the word 'system' from the meaningless marketing term it has become.
This is a nerd video for nerds. No cool people allowed!!
0:00 Our Obsession With Systems
1:08 What It Is
7:51 What It Is NOT
10:43 Why Systems Work
16:35 Limits of Systems
23:30 Unaddressed Problems
My Twitter: / armchairviolenc
Thanks to Metrolina Martial Arts for letting me film in their gym! Their channel: / @metrolinamartialarts
(Metrolina MA does not necessarily endorse any views expressed in this video.)

[@mattypark5725]

I counted system/s being said 109 times, and I may have missed a couple lol. If I were to add systematize, systemization, and systema, it would have easily been in the 140-150’s. Hope no one was doing the drinking game for this😅😂

[@tristanyokom1542]

That means even if doing it with water you'd have issues, seeing as that's well over a gallon

[@luizansounds]

You can only do this drinking game in a 10 ppl group x3

[@hard2hurt]

The things you actually can systematize in striking are generally small and the scenarios you employ them in are fleeting. I sometimes feel pretentious while explaining it, so I usually just hide them in the warm up games. One very good example of a striking system is jeff chan's double step low kick. It has a clear end goal (land the kick) and puts the target in a dilemma, with contingencies for the common responses. It also perfectly illustrates the difficulty in developing a striking system: control is so ephemeral that the best system implemented perfectly wins you about 3 seconds of a fight.

[@catissilo7871]

Funnily enough an old muay thai coach of mine basically confronted and accepted this issue by always stressing the importance of a continual strategy and pressure. His philosophy was that as strikers, the game is less create control over the other person and implement systems and more control the pace, distance and volume of exchanges by implementing mini systems and scenarios more effectively to mitigate damage. Or in other words win more exchanges and you'll more often than not win the fight, with various drills showing how to continuously win exchanges and take turns away from your opponent

[@christopherspohn8071]

That is a method of attacking the legs not a system. A system is what goverment is it's not a system of government it's just a version of a republic's.

[@eclipsewrecker]

Grappling systems in the standing (disengaged) positions are more complicated than the ground systems. And most successful striking systems I’ve seen include many “return to step 1,” haha.

[@eclipsewrecker]

@@andymax1 I’m lost on what you mean by asserting that the ground would add a dimension. The reason to take someone to the ground is to limit their movement and their attacks/defense (or at least to limit the effectiveness of their attacks/defenses). I’m open minded: please explain.

[@eclipsewrecker]

@@andymax1 thanks for expounding. I think I understand what you are meaning. For this, I think that it’s not considered ‘the ground’ until both persons are engaged with at least one in control and at least one on the ground. The number of dimensions in this context are usually describing the freely accessible planes of motion/movement. All of the attacks are available on the feet. More to what I was differentiating: standing-disengaged systems are far more dynamic than a ground system, simply because of having access to all attacks, evasions/movements, and defenses. Once a fit or grip occurs grappling has engaged and can be more predictable. Seems like disengaged-neutral-standing would be the “small(est),” and most “fleeting,” striking or grappling. Then, it would be standing clinched/tied. Then lastly ground. If, all things being equal, I get your point that the ground can offer lesser athletes access to more body positions (and attacks/defenses) in reference to their opponent’s.

[@jc-kj8yc]

Hell yes, it's been a while, but your channel is a great example for quality over quantity. Thank you as always for your work.

[@jwc7178]

As an ex yugioh and mtg player that trading card analogy made sooo much sense to me

[@dvsavocs5290]

it's like buying the monarch structure deck back in 2016

[@jwc7178]

@@dvsavocs5290 i thought of it as buying 3 dark world structure decks because I stopped playing around 2013 after the dragon ruler format

[@shura8865]

@@jwc7178 3 structure deck salamgreat best syteme for 2019 !

[@ninjireal]

Yeah, but it’s nowhere near as fun.

[@TheScoopwithCoop]

One of these days, your channel is going to explode to get the subscribers you deserve! Appreciate all your quality, depth, and evidence based content.

[@botanicalbiohacking6065]

It will happen when he starts taking roids. He's getting people who can think now, but he needs the idiots to really explode. To do that, he needs to be on roids like Rogan and Huberman.

[@doitbeforeyouareready6864]

Fantastic explanation! I started bjj in 1994 and have had so many different instructors that all just teach seemingly random techniques. I remember having the epiphany of 'systems' after reading Eddie Bravo's first book. Then more cool stuff surfaced on KZbin, then BJJ fanatics. Your summary here is accurate and complete as far as I remember it happening. I'm jealous of the youth these days having such great access to well thought out information. Keep up the great content!

[@markcorrigan3930]

What about Matt Libdland Dirty Boxing?

[@vdb492]

​@@markcorrigan3930😢

[@cafecybernz]

Absolutely fascinating. Furthermore, the detailed description of what a system is, what it is not, the pros, the cons, the unaddressed problems, plus the added visual charts without forgetting the deep knowledge, enthusiasm, and humour of Armchair Violence: this video is a template for how to produce quality content!

[@brella7920]

This dude is unironically (and also ironically) the most nerdiest fight guy I have seen on youtube. Kudos to you man.

[@MrJesseBell]

When I started Jiu Jitsu at 10th planet 13 years ago, I heard about a man in New York referred to as “The Oracle”. It’s was John. Now my coach is a Danaher Black Belt.

[@matejsebechlebsky12]

You should compete in next season of Self defense championship

[@institches2750]

I hypothesize that a defensive grappling system may be impossible by definition. If you're on the defensive, then you aren't in control of the action, and you can't impose your own dilemmas. If you manage to regain control, you don't need a defensive system any more. You can go on offense.

[@christophermagness135]

Glad to see another video from you, it's been a bit since the last.

[@TheDOS]

Don’t fully agree with you but you frame what you are saying, define terms and give a thoughtful discussion/analysis. Well done and a useful contribution.

[@Metamo]

I am so glad you made a video on this. I've been practicing martial arts on and off for years but one thing that always bothered me, no matter what striking art I do, is that no instructor had any kind of system in striking based on a person's physique or temperament, or even what's best to use against certain tactics, at least for the lower-intermediate levels. Sure, you mentioned that good martial artists take years to develop this individually, but Ive always been really surprised there isn't a prominent, successful template on SOMETHING that is in between a "system for everybody" or that one person, or even just "what is best to use when". Like, from tactical goals and tools like, what is best to use against someone who focuses highly on slips/evasions? or what's best to use against high guard? And then slightly more individualized such as, what tools are best for those with a shorter stature or lighter frame? Maybe I haven't been looking hard enough, but it's hard to find resources on this, books or videos or otherwise. The only prominent youtuber I see talk about this that I enjoy is Gabriel Varga's Fighting with your Physique series, and I wish there were systems out like that for a more general approach on striking sports and even sparring. Anyway, great video, looking forward to the next one

[@wynsonrao5177]

​@@rbranham8062 bro literally mentioned it at the bottom of his comment but ok👍

[@lylemcdermott2566]

Elite boxing gyms like the mayweathers do that in secret. They know the counters to everything and risk involved in each punch you throw.

[@NBTKDA]

Fantastic stuff as always. I love your no bullshit approach and the way you lay out information!

[@kaischreurs2488]

I think another reason that striking system is harder to make is that if you always have the same reaction to a certain move it's easier to notice and exploit than in grapling, especially if it's to something common like a jab.

[@Mark-mu2or]

First video I've seen from you. Loved it. subscribed. Keep up the phenomenal work 💪

[@Lastprogramer]

this channel is fantastic wow, real sources and information, great editing, very educational

[@kaoskronostyche9939]

Nice to see you again, Mr Violence. You make a lot of sense which, in todays world, is a tiny bit scary. Thank you for your insight and point of view. Cheers!

[@RadicalTrivia]

9:21 I just laughed for like two straight minutes thinking of the loop that is created if you CAN'T flee, but you CAN hit them in the groin. 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@HeartlessKnave]

As always, restomp the groin.

[@RadicalTrivia]

@@HeartlessKnave Thanks Ken! 😂

[@mr.chimichanga6947]

great video. been missing your takes

[@matanmann3632]

Been waiting a long time

[@ArmchairViolence]

I know! Work has been killing me, and I have definitely not been keeping up with the videos. Sorry!

[@matanmann3632]

@@ArmchairViolence dont be sorry. your videos are one of a kind, truly. man i love your content

[@christulloch3473]

This just sounds like an abstract flow chart for solving specific problems from specific positions.

[@jestfullgremblim8002]

Yes indeed! These systems are always better for grappling styles because it is easier to put take options away from your opponent while grappling, but systems from Wing Chun and other martial arts that are about trapping/close quarters combat are also good. I personally got introduced to this system thing by my first Judo/Jujutsu instructor, he didn't call them a "System" tho, he called them "計画" ("Keikaku", it ususally means Plan but can also mean Scheme or program Program) They were mostly made for you to land your best move (for example, a System to always land your Ippon Seoi Nage), he would tailor some for a few students and then tell everyone to take that as a guide and make their own. Without that, i wouldn't be so good at doing throws on my opponents, may they be good or not. It's a shame that these "Martiao Arts Systems" are usually not that good.

[@snatchX626]

damn, another good video. it's practically like a Ted talk

[@justinAclark2075]

I can see how hard it is to contain your frustrations which inspired these videos xD

[@ianbranstetter8992]

Mayweather's Philly shell feels like a defensive striking system. And boxing is a smaller range of attacks it is more easily systematized.

[@user-lq1en1ik8f]

I really admire how well-reasearched your videos are. If you wouldn't mind, I would love it if you do a video review on the HaganaH F.I.G.H.T. and Combat Hapkido systems and tell us what think of them. Thanks!

[@marsoc0326]

I remember Haganah!!lol brought back the memories of "Schlock!!"😂

[@user-lq1en1ik8f]

@@marsoc0326 Did you find it to be effective in a real fight?

[@Bombsuitsandkilts]

It's really interesting how this ties in to coaching athletes in just about every sport. For example it can be easy for someone to understand how to apply simple fixes to a bench press or understand where to spend more time with accessories for specific weaknesses but that doesn't make them a competent coach, just someone who can copy a system

[@gocyetisp]

Lots of good information. Thank you!

[@StealthScouts]

AV you're a genius. Love your videos dude

[@BigTiddyGothGrappler]

It's just top secret weapons grade autism. Can't get enough.

[@jackwilliams7465]

Please keep posting more videos, I think they will change approaches to fighting for better in the future. I'm a good wrestler but I'm trying to learn boxing for self defence without brain damage. I know sparring light is useful but not everyone spars light. I'm not going to tell people to go easy on me (male ego) but want to learn without getting hit in the head so hard. Thankyou

[@ArmchairViolence]

Unfortunately, you gotta tell people to go lighter. Ego helps with confidence, but it also hurts your brain

[@jackwilliams7465]

@@ArmchairViolence Im invited in the class where the competitive mma guys train and they spar pretty hard, maybe just need to say but again feels weird as they really love sparring hard. thanks man will have to just get rid of the ego

[@ArmchairViolence]

@@jackwilliams7465 It might just be a matter of gym culture. Sparring hard is helpful, but you only need to do it very, very rarely. Like, 3-4 times a year. Getting 20 light rounds in is WAY better practice than 1 hard round, and they probably cause similar damage.

[@SwordAndWaistcoat]

Depending on what you count as striking systems are really common in sports fencing in the form of tactics wheels, though I think what makes these viable is that there is a single dominant meta created by the priority rules. I suspect that the reason this works in sports fencing (and then only really in sabre and foil) is because matches start with a single dilemma, namely can you get right of way by attacking as fast as possible. Competitively in something like HEMA or boxing the start of a round is when there are the most possibilities meaning that one would need near infinite systems, with an additional system to determine which system to implement, meaning that it's just easier to develop skills in organic problem solving for those situations.

[@kanucks9]

And if you look at say, Spanish rapier, it really is a system - one of the initial moves is called "the question" which imposes a dilemma. Of course, it also requires your opponent to never retreat, and only seems to work because everybody does the same thing :) In striking or fencing, every node in the flowchart has an arrow returning to "Retreat out of distance"

[@SwordAndWaistcoat]

@@kanucks9 I really get the sense that Spanish rapier was developed heavily in a closed system where it was nearly always used against itself. Though more because of limitations on travel in the period than anything deliberate. Actually that might explain why fencing became less systems based (at least until the twentieth century), since there was more movement of people it became less and less likely that you were facing someone who learnt the same curriculum as you meaning the number of starting points got to big to have systems to deal with.

[@muteqx]

This is a great video and your explanation is awesome. I'm lucky since all my teachers of systems have also gone far outside those systems to help us understand the wider martial arts. We always cross-trained in different stuff alongside the system. Massive respect to all my teachers! I didn't realise at the time how great this mixed approach was but they all did it. I got to experience the strengths and problems of both systems and non-systems, so have an appreciation for all kinds of approach. I like how you explain it here - you helped me clarify what was so great about each of my teachers no matter what systems they taught. I always preferred the more experimental approach myself - try things out and see what happens! It's embodied knowledge so there isn't any other way to acquire it - all systems still have to be embodied. I mostly found out I don't like rigid systems since they're always too theoretical in the end and actually they just don't work for me. But what did work was getting right inside my body and conducting many experiments in the field of consensual physical conflict. Thanks again for making your videos. 🙂

[@camdonmaydew876]

Loved the video and the explanation of the decline of 10th planet! If you have time one of these days I’d love to hear what you think of Greg Souders bjj instructing approach. Teaching with games.

[@ryanbarclay7939]

I love your videos, its always good to see someone putting real time and research into these! You're like Chadi, if he drank lots of coffee. Your section on the limits of systems got me thinking. Is it possible that "over systemization" is what happened to a lot of traditional martial arts? Started out as a useful thing at one point, and then got stripped down to the most effective systems, being frozen in time until it was no longer effective?

[@fps_spicy]

man all your videos are so big brain :DDDD

[@alexanderholmes9481]

Loved this video. Was pretty skeptical throughout, but I think you demonstrated the usefulness well. I eventually came around to why the semantic section had tk be so long. Another issue with only training a system is, I think, the conditioning. If a person's muscle endurance and cardio endurance isn't strong in general then they wont even be able to execute on a system. A martial art can create a culture of fitness thaf forms the foundation for more specific strategy

[@gwashington65]

Excellent video, thank you! Have you ever thought about making a striking system? As you said, I'm sure it would be very hard. But I believe you could do it.

[@TapPaires]

I might just have stumbled upon the best martial arts video in existence :O

[@awesomezombie4565]

thank you this has give me some new ideas about how to train that I’d like to try

[@KarateDatu]

Amazing... I've watched your videos before. I don't understand why I wasn't subscribed earlier. This video is one crazyarse eye opener. I never knew BJJ actually have a literal flowchart. I think many of us have been using the word 'system' to mean 'method'. Though it may be difficult to have a system for striking, like most of the comments below, we could actually have a firm system for striking. But a system for striking wouldn't is not so much which punch or kick to use. It would be about in what situation should you move in to attack, move back to disrupt your opponents potential attack, or when to move back, or dodge or block/parry all of which depends on distance. At least without realising, I do have a rough one without realising it is a system. Flowchart here I come.

[@GourmetBurrito]

So, little late to the party. Saw the recent upload, but you told me to go watch this one first. I think there is actually a lot systemization in boxing. They are probably way too specific though. Good fight camps, come up with very specific game plans that, even unreleased, if you watch the fight carefully you can see the plan in action.

[@Balrog4242]

Hey how about a video on instantly gaugin up your opponent? It's definitely a real, instinctive thing, and a pretty important one if you're going to pick the right level of response to the nastiness of your enemy, especially if they're a stranger. Or figuring out who the weak link in a group is that you're going to break through. The samurai believed in it so much they'd often just have a staring contest until one of them just walked away - yep he can beat me so I'm just gonna leave hope you all enjoyed the duel. The truth is you just read their posture and confidence, they can lie to you but not to theselves.

[@ArmchairViolence]

Unfortunately, the general consensus is that there's no reliable way to do that. Predicting who can fight and who can't is surprisingly difficult. There are a few physical cues, such as cauliflower ears and a well-developed neck, but personality cues are unreliable at best.

[@Balrog4242]

@@ArmchairViolence Oh absolutely! If they're a good actor you'll never figure it out. Except if you watch them move when they think nobody's watching. But there's some interesting stuff there that people do all the time without thinking about it... a tiny confident guy makes everybody pause because their gut tells them there must be a catch. Old fighters give off that energy naturally, unless they sense somebody is tougher than them. Then we try to buddy up to em :D It works even better on animals.

[@NoxBhairava]

Have bounced in two states for 5 years. I can confirm how challenging assessing someone’s level of fighting ability based on their appearance ect. Reading when a fight or assault is going to happen is much easier due to pre assault indicators which are very reliable. What someone’s ability is…much more difficult. At my old Muay Thai gym we would often be surprised by visitors who, at times while doing pad work would seem extremely uncoordinated and then later during sparring rounds would actually have a level of coordination beyond what appeared in pad rounds to be novice. In bouncing I have encountered Large, athletic looking , Mma shirt wearing Males who looked the part…and then had absolutely no skill (or balance) whatsoever. On the other end of the spectrum have dealt with small nerdy dudes with pretty ears who were much more difficult. Some things you can look for: Trained fighters after several years often develop rolled foreword shoulders. Ears you can look for but less reliable, as not everyone will develop cauliflower.

[@Balrog4242]

@@NoxBhairava This is true. It is very unreliable and if you could use it to pinpoint exact skill level we'd all make a million dollars gambling on fights. But if you want to use it to guess if somebody's potentially dangerous, or armed, or to pick out the weakest and strongest link in a group, I find it's not too hard (they know each other's abilities so watch for the nervous guy who keeps looking over at the calm guy). For me it's also 90% instinct there's no time to think, which is OK as instinct is just your subconscious having already DONE the math and just giving you the short version..

[@NoxBhairava]

Couldn’t agree more. Threat potential often has physical indicators. Skill level on the other hand much more difficult to determine without having a baseline. I’m curious how long it will take an AI to be able to systemize a skill level indication based on appearance and mannerisms. 🤷🏻‍♀️👹🤖

[@rafaelbabar3494]

Salaams. Fantastic insight as always. In the style, I studied in my youth, which was called Wu Shu Kwan, we had to fight against 2 brown belts to get a black belt. For my 2 Dan black belt I had to learn knife defences, which put me right off the style as I knew from my own upbringing that they wouldn’t work. We have corresponded about this briefly before, however, a brief reminder. I would love your opinions on Keysi.

[@gghjghjjj]

Not gonna lie, this video kinda blew my mind. I love bjj but struggle to put differnt lessons together into a plan I can think of under pressure. I think I will take matters into my own hands and start doing my homework and research.

[@thefilmpoets]

This was fantastic.

[@barttowatree6233]

I'm 5 shots in...I'll watch the rest tomorrow

[@torrinmaag5331]

Looking forwards to your next video! I'd like to develop some systems for chi sao

[@BeepBoop2221]

The second you mentioned d/fence lab I started a timer for them to turn up here or for Andy to claim he invented systems.

[@Utuberj0sh]

This is great! I’ve always thought having a flowchart for a personalized game plan was important but never occurred to me that there are pre packaged systems with dilemmas to learn. I did some googling but I’m having trouble finding what systems are out there. Is John Danaher’s Enter the system a good place to start? ( I’m a white belt 2 years in)

[@ArmchairViolence]

John Danaher's instructionals are quite good. He is a highly regarded coach

[@johnnylams3948]

Very interesting and enjoyable.

[@repressivethoughts]

You are very good at making videos.

[@frankperrella1202]

I been doing martial arts for 20 years Started off boxing, Greco Roman Wrestling in Highschool, Tangsoodo Moo Duk Kwan, a little Judo, I thought in my opinion Combat Sambo is one of the best art's Adds Grappling & Striking I also took Combat Systema they do Grappling & ballistic striking. Val Riazanov, Kevin Secours, Master Martin Wheeler. Val Riazanov MMA Train's Sambo & Combat Systema. Dan Theodore MMA fighter for 35 years he adds in everything. I think Sambo especially Combat Sambo is all you need Take Khabibs word on that & Fedor Emelianko & Oleg Takagrov. Keep up the videos 👍🙏

[@Maodifi]

9:43 absolutely killed me lmao. Great points!

[@MrDpwilson333]

Another solid vid

[@matthewsteen9789]

Really good video

[@MarcoH72]

You show great synergy as a martial arts influencer.

[@nicholas-pida]

Bring back the outro please. I miss it

[@rbranham8062]

Well done sir, a comment for ~The Algorithm~

[@notusingmyname4791]

I was playing the drinking game he suggested... ran out, had to go out to get more.

[@christophervelez1561]

Dude this is an awesome breakdown! This is my 3rd time watching it. I do have a question does that might be in the next breakdown. Is it a requirement for a system to have only one exit and entry. Like someone would need to back out of the rubber guard by going through the entrance backwards? If it is I’ll wait eagerly for your next video!

[@ArmchairViolence]

The other person could potentially break out of your system at any time. Keeping them within the system relies on your ability to do everything well enough. And, ideally, you would exit the system at whatever the goal is. But you could also potentially transfer to a different strategy at any time. Nothing says that you have to keep doing the system if it's clearly not working

[@christophervelez1561]

@@ArmchairViolence dude forget Danaher I come to Armchair Violence for deep analysis

[@erudit0rum198]

I'm currently 3:06 into the video and I have a sneaking feeling that I'm about to get hit with a runaway trolley problem

[@w8ngr]

I love the game of alcohol poisoning myself the only downside is when you win 🥇 But it’s all about the journey I suppose

[@jujiwastaken]

My favorite utuber

[@artistpenguin5890]

This is excellent food for thought. I would appreciate it if you had an example of a good strikin system flowchart.

[@ArmchairViolence]

I ALSO wish I had an example of a good striking system flowchart lol

[@JustinColletti]

Great video. Where can I give you my email to download these flow charts?? :-)

[@advancingsecurity]

I just have a Teaching System 😁 as my old students had to stress test their skills by sparring people of all body types, skills etc. Systems should be personalized. Interesting video.

[@matthewadams9187]

What you described as a system could actually be used to build a truly helpful "self-defense" training. It would involve multiple classes, but would streamline things.

[@wemersomdasilvacaruso994]

In a previous video, you demystified a fight against multiple opponents and talked about being far superior in strength and skill to accomplish this feat. Considering that a person practices boxing and muay thai (as a complement to judo or wrestling) with a focus on being well above average, which of these two do you think would be better? I thought about boxing for the power of the knockout, with a maximum of 2 punches, but I don't know if Muay Thai would do the same in practice, what do you think? And by way above average, I mean in relation to gym practitioners that the person attends, without being at a professional level

[@emmanuelrodriguez1693]

Keenan Cornelius has some good ones. Priit Mihkelson has some good defensive systems. What are the easiest / hardest systems in your opinion?

[@rexadebayo3380]

Man! When did whooping a guy become so technical!!??? Great video sir. Now things clearer for me. Thank you for the video.

[@joekiwi200]

Interesting videos. Just curious about your martial arts background - what do you train?

[@venugopal1560]

He's alive people😢😢😢😢 🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@captainkiwi77]

armchair violence clearly plays mtg behind the scenes

[@ArmchairViolence]

My 2000+ YuGiOh cards beg to differ!

[@adriandelreal9126]

Problems and Dilemmas are different, thanks for the English lesson, excuse me I’m late for English class we’re practicing hip throws today

[@ryanhudson1252]

How can development of better than natural level physical abilities help in the fight game?

[@jc-kj8yc]

The Hbomberguy of combat sports has graced us with an upload 😜

[@youonlylikeonce9592]

Dude, you're getting buffer.

[@jestfullgremblim8002]

Lmao

[@ArmchairViolence]

Tragically, it's just the different camera perspective that my last couple videos have been at

[@52combatconcepts7]

As far as striking systems go, you've overlooked the system that Cuss taught to Mike Tyson. Cuss' system presented Tyson's opponents with very specific dilemmas.

[@fuckmyego]

So you don't think that 10th planet is forced to adopt the DDS meta? Do you think they'll just continue to do what they;ve been doing and lose forever? Also, you have a great thought process for this. subbed.

[@ArmchairViolence]

They seem very married to their existing systems. But a lot of their current stuff has become so bloated with new moves that it doesn't have a distinct goal anymore. Meaning that their systems are arguably worse than when they started because they no longer give students a sense of direction. It seems like they might just keep using the same systems and be mediocre forever. The big difference between Bravo and Danaher is that they both like systems, but Danaher understands WHY systems work. Bravo does not.

[@user-hq8wm8giyujcg]

sir make video on kalaripayattu, and does it work in combat

[@haydenrogers2915]

Good video

[@JinKee]

2:44 Ryan McBeth Programming has entered the chat.

[@CombatSelfDefense]

This video lends credence to a thought I’ve had: 10th planet is the TKD of jiu-jitsu

[@ArmchairViolence]

Ok, please elaborate on this. Is it the tendency to only practice a certain way of fighting? Having an over-complicated glut of moves and drills? Do they smoke weed a lot??

[@padraicogawain3162]

How do disciplines like wrestling or fencing fit into this conversation or do they? Wrestling works to develop 7 basic skills to the highest level. Is there a “best way” (?) to teach martial arts competence? Is it a technical approach via systems? A skills-based developmental approach ? Or something else? I’m struggling with creating both pedagogy (kids) and androgogy (adults) and feel like all I’m doing is entertaining people with moves rather than teaching them to be independently competent.

[@simonbut8062]

Penny for everyones thoughts: How do we reconcile this systematic approach with the assertion from the greatest fighters that what they’re doing is improvisational their mind is blank and they’re not thinking in a systematic way when they fight (McGregor, 2014) “the most gifted fighters are instinctual” - (Atlas, 2023, Crawford beats Spence) Not against systems, have a Muay Thai flowchart in my head for my previous Thai fights just musing

[@sodbilegenkhbaatar958]

is there any good examples of judo systems?

[@umgeburstet8161]

Every dilemma is a problem but not every problem a dilemma

[@hueiehieiu]

in my opinion, this sounds a lot more like chess than trading cards, as it basically matches how chess opening theory works to a T. but that has me wondering, do you think people could automate this system-making process with the use of AI and simulations?

[@spiveeforever7093]

Have you seen Christopher Hein explain his approach to Aikido as a system? He came back to Aikido after learning other more live fighting styles. He lays out a lot of the properties you are describing, the goal is to get two arm's lengths of distance, the possibilities are restricted by you constantly backing away, and the dilemmas all lead to the aikidoka disengaging, which is a bad outcome if their opponent wanted to fight them. kzbin.info/www/bejne/hZ-Ypoagnd5qidk

[@rbranham8062]

I know you’ve probably got a hundred ideas for videos, but I wonder if addressing/assessing Catch Wrestling wouldn’t be an interesting idea for a video?

[@ArmchairViolence]

Catch wrestling is a good art with some very important descendant arts. However, it failed to properly advertise itself and never truly caught on. Because of this, it never managed to hit a point where enough people were working on it to make it better. All of the things that made it unique are slowly being surpassed by BJJ (i.e. leglocks). Now it simply exists in BJJ's shadow. That's pretty much all I have to say about catch wrestling lol

[@rbranham8062]

Pretty much what I figured. I guess I just get tired of the catch wrestling bros claiming all the success of BJJ with none of the documentation to back it up lol

[@briandales8679]

Do a video on Tony Blauer's SPEAR System! Great videos.

[@briandales8679]

You have great videos. Him, I'm not sure about.

[@hysepal]

just realized that i’ve been making my own systems based on my own moves

[@malkomalkavian]

Very interesting. What is the role of play in learning martial arts?

[@jestfullgremblim8002]

I beg you pardon? What could you mean by "the role of play" if i may ask?

[@RMinus3]

Katas. Solo and partner forms exist in multiple arts. You work through different possibilities, and even create openings for attacks on purpose as bait that will call for a response which allow counter attacks. Martial arts have had these forever, but modern arts that are finally developing their own katas and systems claimed those things were worthless. Kinda funny how it’s coming full circle.

[@dyonesios]

I wanted really hard to hate on this, but this was actually a really good video. It's unclear whether you actually understand flow chart conventions, but it didn't undermine your main points.

[@kamilri]

Risking being over accurate, I think is worth mentioning that dilemmas and flowcharts are not inherent traits of system in general, even if they are respectively the most convenient way to obtain and present main trait of the systems (cooperation of its elements to achieve goal according to cybernetics definition) in martial arts context. The former of those two things can be significant, as possibility to relay on the dilemmas may be strongly associated with such elements of offensive grappling systems context like imitative to enforce control and relative stability of such control when gained.

[@FigureOnAStick]

As much as you like dunking on HEMA, Fiore de Libri's *Fior de Battagila* is actually a great example of systems as you describe them. In the book, Fiore sets up various systems based on a particular engagement- coming to a wrestling grip, blocking a knife attack coming form a particular angle, meeting in a particular sword-bind, etc. From these "Remedy Masters," Fiore portrays a number of possible solutions, the "scholars" who follow from the master. At a glance, the order of the plays seem random, especially since the depictions tend to be rather sparse in explanation. In practice, however, scholars represent the varying responses to different circumstantial factors- the distance of the crossing, the relative strength of the weapons in the bind, or whether your opponent approaches or retreats. Because Fiore wasn't here to bullshit anyone, he also depicts these scholars being countered in predictable ways, the "counter-masters" responding to common vulnerabilities in the scholars or remedy master. In essence though Fiore's system is designed funnel the opponent into getting stabbed, cleaved, limbs broken and/or thrown to the ground where they can be safely knifed to death, regardless of how they approach you. These systems are quite a bit shorter than the ones you illustrate in this video, usually one or two steps, and never more than four, but that's just because you really only need to hit someone with a sword once to end a fight. In any case, I definitely like the distinction between art, system and technique, since "system" seems to cover an important middle ground between abstract concepts and specifics actions thus far lacking good terminology. Each are important and valuable concepts for martial artists to have and cultivate in their own right, so it's very handy to have a way to distinguish them.

[@lastmanstanding5423]

Very cool. As far as I understood: It is easier to develop a grappling system than a striking system because it is easier to limit the options/movement of the opponent. So it is possible to force your opponent into a dilemma. I guess HEMA with weapons fighting works the same way. You can use the weapons to limit the options your opponent has and force the dilemma you want. ie. if you have a massive shield on your left side you are forcing them to come at you from your right

[@ghazanfaryaq6776]

I was very fortunate to learn a martial art that taught me how to fight dirty. Focus was on self defence using a wide array of techniques. In an MMA situation, I wouldn't last one round. But who cares, I studied martial arts to defend myself and not for competition.

[@blockmasterscott]

Same with me. I wouldn’t last one round in the cage, but I’ve learned a lot of dirty stuff in training over the years. I definitely would be ok on the outside.

[@boyinalabcoatboyinalabcoat393]

Dirty fighting is overrated for survival/no rules situations