Fighting!

[TODD]

Looking at an aggressor in the eyes does not have to be a stare down.  My mouth is moving with a soft voice and usually a smile or grin.  If feces has hit the fan I loose the soft voice and smile.  React to environment and control with verbals and non-verbals.  I never get into a stance on any altercation.  Its so true that military and law enforcement have no option to leave.  I deal with the worst of the worst in the county I reside, and prevented many potencial attacks by eye contact.  I've had my fair share of civilian conflicts as well, and as an adult I have yet to have the conflict escalate to the point of an attack by looking in the eyes.  Perhaps I'm lucky.  But I don't doubt the same tactics will work regardless in uniform or not.  Tactics that work for one may not for another...this is all just my opinion.

[Karazenpo]

Sensei John, glad all is well, Too bad your not treaching now, you are a top notch instructor and very dedicated.  but John, I stand by the look in your eyes and tone in your voice. It doesn't mean the look is neccessarily menacing or that the tone of the voice is loud, it just means you speak in a clear, concise and authoritive manner while making eye contact. Again, when someone sees your confidence, they usually think twice and the dude that's going to assault you is going to do it anyway, no matter how diplomatic you are, it's just the nature of the beast! We always say that in police training scenerios, 9 out of 10 times this works, the 10th time you've got the as.h... and you're going to rock n' roll!  Respectfully, Joe

[Kempo-Sensei]

I believe we think very much the same, with just a few minor differences.  These differences are most likely due to my Buddhist background versus your police background.  I'll be the peaceful one and call you when I need help!!  

I still have a dozen students with me training at my home dojo.  I built a garage with a large room upstairs.  I will have to have you up again to teach.  It was a great time.

[Mell]

If you look an opponent directly in the eyes, would you not lose part of your lower peripheral vision and thus lose part of the advantage?  I can see better when I focus my gaze about shoulder level.

[Karazenpo]

Hi Sibak Mell, I feel one should keep the eye contact and in doing so you should see any movement of the shoulders. The shoulders are the best tip off when an opponent is going to punch, kick, grab or push-the shoulders will move first. You'd be surprised that the look in your eyes and the tone of your voice can exude such self confidence that it will de-escalate way more situations than ever escalate and is in accordance to what the martial arts truly professes-avoiding conflict if possible. Rememeber, you won't antagonize your opponent to attack you. If he is going to attack you, he is going to attack you no matter what you do. This is for the 'borderline' indivivdual who thinks twice if there is a possiblity he may get hurt or lose which is the majority of 'bullies'.   Respectfully, Shihan Joe

[TODD]

My sifu always emphasized the eyes.  Whether it be drills, sparring, techs, attacker, attackee make and keep eye contact.  He knew what I was going to do before I did it.  It never dawned on me the importance of this until a few new students started to train with us.  The new students would look where they were going to strike.  There was always a flinch in the upper torso when the strike was coming.  With this body language an opponant will give intentions away.  At the same time looking and keeping eye contact prevents me from giving away my intentions.  The only thing they will get is the flinch before actual movement.  On the street eye contact is good for the mind game.  Eye balling is aggressive and may provoke....unless your looking for a date.  Before an attack there is usually lip service and/or advancement of some sort.  Upon this advancement I believe its too late to be shy.  My defenses go up and I keep eye contact for the same reasons already mentioned in this topic.

[D-Man]

I for one am an advocate of looking at the body most of the time during physical altercation, BUT

 

remember in Karate Kid 1 just after Daniel gets his first application lesson (attacked by Mr. Miagi, quite visously I might add) Mr. Miagi bows to Daniel then slaps him on the head for looking down and says, "always look eyes!"