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....good idea to sport a Kangol on my next trip to Cali ????? I'm checking out hats on the web !!!!!!!!!!!!!! =0)

ROTFLMAO

Aaron

... in response to Keith Smith, do you think it would be a...., posted by Aaron on Dec 6, 2001

Hi, Aaron. Sorry for not getting back with you. I've been busy these past two days (with work and Christmas shopping). YES!!!! You should wear a Kangol when you return to Cali. The folks there will look at you and would say "WHOA!" Later.

... in response to Keith Smith, do you think it would be a...., posted by Aaron on Dec 6, 2001

...idea to wear a Kangol on my next trip? I think I might wear a red soft cloth, just like LL Cool J's.

Or I could stroll with a badge color dome top, like my uncle Charlie wears !!!!!!!!!!!!! A pair of Fendi glasses wouldn't hurt, with white shorts, high red church socks, and some sandles.

Ha Haaaaaaaaaa !!!!!!!!!!!

I'm going crazy.

Aaron

... in response to And what about my...., posted by Aaron on Dec 7, 2001

"Let's take a trip down memory lane. Back in public school with my partner, Kane" (Biz Markie, "Pickin'B!@#$%s", Fall 1987). Aaron, those were the days. Yes, you are definitely OFF THE CHAIN!!!! Later.

... in response to And what about my...., posted by Aaron on Dec 7, 2001

Aaron,
I hope you are just joking.Its not smart to wear clothes that brand you as a foreigner a block away.Its best to blend in the best you can.Not the place to strut your stuff.The more obvious you are the bigger target you become.
Colombians don't wear shorts in public.Shorts=foreigner.
Foreigner = guy with money.Highlight it with some other accessories not worn in Cali and every street criminal will know you are in town.Put that together with going in to a questionable area and you are in big trouble.
And for all you big strong guys and martial arts students,Hoda said it best"I'm not bulletproof."

Pete

... in response to Re: And what about my...., posted by Pete E on Dec 7, 2001

Hey Pete,

It's a joke !!!! I would never wear anything like that even if I didn't have anything else to wear.

I know how to blend in when I'm in Colombia.

Thanks,
Aaron

... in response to Pete, it's a joke...., posted by Aaron on Dec 7, 2001

Aaron,
I thought you were joking but wanted to speak up just in case.Actually I had a funny impression of you strutting down the street in your garb.I didn't think you would really do it.Its not Beverly Hills.

Pete

... in response to Re: And what about my...., posted by Pete E on Dec 7, 2001

Pete,
I imagine you are referring to me, the only other martial artist on here that I know of is Doug Y...whatever...you also made that wise crack about someone being able to hire a hit for a $100 bucks in a thread awhile back.  Sure seems you like taking shots at me when you can.

What in the h#ll does martial arts or being big have anything to do with it?  I take it you don't...that's cool.  You think I go down there and try to pick fights in the alleys? If I were a Colombian, I would certainly rather pick an older, smaller gringo like you to attack rather than me.

And you are right, we are not bulletproof.  If someone wants to kill you down there, there is not much you could do about it outside of staying in your room.  But let me tell you something, I'm sure glad I know how to defend myself against an empty-hand attacker.  Maybe that lightning fast finger jab to the eyes or the ability to blow someones knee out will save my butt someday, but I hope I never find out.  If your number is up, it is up down there...I don't care if you are Sgt. Rock or Mike Tyson.

I am 6'3, white, brown hair and blue eyes...I don't care what I wear down there, I will stick out like a sore thumb!  So why walk around trying to blend in when it is physically impossible?  I could wear a pancho,sombrerro, and ride a donkey in Mexico and I would be made just as quick.

So what is my solution?  I wear what I want to, and yes that means shorts and sandals during the daytime.  I go there to enjoy my vacation time, and I want to be comfortable. I also try to walk around like I know what I am doing, with a healthy awareness of my surroundings.  I do usually like to get a haircut before I go, for some reason I usually get a few people asking me if I am US Military.

As Paul 'Bear' Bryant used to say:  "..act like you have been in the endzone before"

Just don't wear a bunch of jewelry, carry a COPY of your passport, and make sure to leave at least one credit or debit card in the room, in case you do get mugged or pick-pocketed.

Oh yeah, I'm sure now you will say you were in no way talking about me....yeah right!

Later,
Mike

... in response to Re: Re: And what about my...., posted by JunFan on Dec 7, 2001

I am also a martial artist....black belt in Shotokan....6'2,
225 lbs, red haired, florid Irishman.

For me also...blending in is impossible.

They taught us fighting is always the last option.

Its always better to avoid a fight, because when martial arts enter the picture someone gets seriously hurt....

However, it is comforting to have options to fall back on if necessary...

My thoughts of my first trip to Bogota were I'd have felt much more comfortable with my Mossberg and my Dobermans with me.

It is much better to be wary and aware...

Dean

... in response to Re: Re: Re: And what about my...., posted by Dean on Dec 8, 2001

o-o a big irishman with a black belt in a japanese style( hard style) karate

... in response to Re: Re: Re: And what about my...., posted by Dean on Dec 8, 2001

shotokan !! My first instructor was an air force captain named Salter he was taught by Hidetaka Nishiyama who came to the us to visit two times while I was studying. Nishiyama wrote the first book in english for americans Karate ,the art of empty handed fighting. I also went to shingiku and met Mas Oyama the guy that used to kill bulls bare handed. JIM C

... in response to Re: Re: And what about my...., posted by JunFan on Dec 7, 2001

im retired martial arts...way to much work! easier to run or throw rocks!

... in response to Re: Re: Re: And what about my...., posted by pack on Dec 7, 2001

I got my first black at kimpo korea in Mu Duck kwan Tang soo do in 1963. I was also a cop undercover for ten years. Forget the fancy stuff. Have you ever heard of defensive driving. I have had guns put to my head. It ain't fun. Just don't go there, keep your eyes open and don't let anyone get too close. JIM C

... in response to Re: Re: Re: Re: And what about my...., posted by jim c on Dec 8, 2001

6 years chinese kenpo karate,3 years wing chun gung fu,iron palm , mook jon ,and about a year of sholin 5 animals style. end result/advice...kick em in the jewels run like hell!

... in response to Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: And what about my......, posted by pack on Dec 8, 2001

If it's your life you kick gouge bite do whatever you have to this is not the movies. Instead of punching in the face go for the throat people can't chase you if they can't breath. You could always point behind them and say police ha ha ha

... in response to Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: And what about m..., posted by stefang on Dec 8, 2001

yes ..throat,jewels,kneecap,wherever..fast hard..then get outta there.

... in response to Re: Re: And what about my...., posted by JunFan on Dec 7, 2001

Don't worry about it mike. As a Martial Artist myself I hear all the time people think like that. They say you can't stop a bullet. In my profession I carry a gun, I have to. It's good to know I have many other weapons to use instead of a gun. I don't want to even face someone with a gun. I know I'm not bulletproof. I've found that a lot of people who say things like that have no knowledge of the Martial Arts. It's just one of the first things they say.

... in response to Re: Re: Re: And what about my...., posted by jDave on Dec 7, 2001

In fact, most martial artists don't get in fights because they know how terrible fighting can truly be.  But they are also the ones who end fights very quickly, without messing around shouting, pushing, or trying to psyche themselves up if, in fact, there is no way out.

Mike

... in response to Re: Re: And what about my...., posted by JunFan on Dec 7, 2001

Those south of the border street types are such wimps, if they're gunless you can always bring 'em down with martial farts. If not a lightning fast finger jab up the arse will take b*stard out.

... in response to Re: Re: Re: And what about my...., posted by Cali vet on Dec 7, 2001

"Those south of the border street types are such wimps"

I agree, unless you happen to be in Brazil...those boys can rumble, and are good at it.

Mike

... in response to Re: Re: And what about my...., posted by JunFan on Dec 7, 2001

Mike,
I guess you were one of the guys I was thinking about when I said that but I didn't intend to take a shot at you.Knowing self defense can be an advantage unless it causes you to take risks against  a possibly armed attacker.Doug did tell me one time he could take up to 3 guys unless they had a knife.How do you know if they have a knife?Or a gun?That attitude caused me a little concearn.
I haven't heard you say anything like that,I just knew you were in to matrial arts also.
I shouldn't say it but I will.I have had the impression that sometimes  people who spend all that time doing martial arts have a desire to some time be in a situation where they can use it.If you are dealing with people who are likely to be armed its wiser to just hand over the cash.Don't believe all those martial arts movies where guys
are kicking the s--- out of people who have guns but can't seem to hit them.A gun beats the best martial arts guy on the planet every time(providing you are not within reach).
Bill Cosby did a routine on this years ago.He told a story where he had been taking all these classes but he was
disapointed no one every attacked him.He said he used to walk down dark allies with $20 bills hanging out of his pockets.Then one day it happened,someone behind him yelled out "stick em up".He swung around and did his best karate kick.He missed.It was a midget with a 45.he said"what are you,some kind of a song and dance man?Try that again and I'll  blow your Kneecap off."
You are probably not amused.I don't mean to insult you,you are one of the guys I like.I just have this thought trying to fight with robbers could be a big mistake.Even if its 10 to one you can take them is it worth risking your life?
Actually the guy who concearned me most was an ex marine I met in Cali who wanted to rent a Harley and ride up in the mountains.He definetly had an attitude of they don't want to mess with me.Not a good idea if you are the one without a weapon.
In short,I guess I am saying be smart,don't attract attention,and don't think you can take a robber,That is last resort to save your life and they usually only want your money,not worth taking even a small chance of dieing for.

Pete

... in response to Re: Re: Re: And what about my...., posted by Pete E on Dec 7, 2001

Mike,
I did wear my shorts also in Cartegena.I think its safer than Cali and also more touristy,where people,even Colombians,wear shorts.I did get hit up by alot of vendors when we walked on the public beach.They would see me coming a block away and try to sell us something and just follow us down the beach.We would have several walking along.It was the most uncomfortable experience I had in Colombia but probably not dangerous.This was in Bocogrande.We finaly walked across the street to a hotel and asked the doorman if any of the Cab drivers their spoke english.2 did and about got in a fight over us.We hired one guy to show us around the city.
The shorts thing I probably overstated.It does cause you to stand out but you may not be at risk in many places.

Pete

... in response to Re: shorts, posted by Pete E on Dec 7, 2001

OK,

I'm curious. Why don't Colombianos wear shorts?
It's not like we're talking Iceland here.

... in response to Re: Re: shorts, posted by Wasp on Dec 7, 2001

My guess is they are considered too casual for public dress.
The same was probably true in the US 50 years ago.They are consevative.Of course with their climate you would think if there was ever a place to wear shorts it would be there.I could live in shorts in a climate like that.Thats most of Colombia,not Bogota.Actually when we stayed with my in laws last year I wore shorts all day untill we would get ready to go out somewhere.

Pete

Pete

... in response to Re: Re: Re: And what about my...., posted by Pete E on Dec 7, 2001

Pete,
I hear you, but let me elaborate...

Remember, the people on the hijacked airlines followed your train of thinking...do as they say and everything will be just fine.  Doing what someone says does not guarantee that you will live.  The rules have since changed.

But I agree 100%, if you are held up with a gun, you do as they say and pray they have mercy.  If they have a knife, I prefer to simply run. If I can't, I would do as they say.

Now to fill you in on my philosophy on fighting an empty handed opponent in that kind of situation...The facts are if someone has a gun and is robbing you, they will most likely have it out using it to stick you up.  They don't wait until you have attacked them to pull it out...possible, yes.  Knives, different story, people often will pull the knife when they realize they are losing the fight.  Awareness will keep you out of many of these situations before they start.

I'll tell you a story.  I was working at the NYSE in NYC and was living down by the WTC.  One evening, around 8 I was coming down on the 1-9 train back downtown.  I was new there so I didn't know you shouldn't travel towards downtown after 7, when all they commuters have left.  I was at the Rector Street station when I realized I was the only person on the subway. I started to realize i was in a bad spot.  I got off, and all the exits but one were chain locked.  When I went up the stairs, there was a man sitting with a trench coat on (it was August). When he saw me coming, he stood up and walked towards me and had a really wierd look in his eye, as in glazed, drugged up look...it was just the two of us. He wouldn't let me pass...I dropped him with a 1-2, and ran my tail off, losing one of my shoes...never looked back.  I found out the next day that a month before, someone was stabbed with an icepick in the very same spot.

Message, you don't get in a boxing match where he can have an opportunity to bring out a weapon...you hit him first, hit him hard, and hit him where he will be incapacitated, ...as in eye-jab, groin shot, blow to the knees, head-butt busting his nose like a tomato, for example.

As we say: "The firstest with the mostest is the bestest"

"I shouldn't say it but I will.I have had the impression that sometimes people who spend all that time doing martial arts have a desire to some time be in a situation where they can use it"  -----I have seen this alot myself with alot of martial artists.  Most of these guys have never been in a fight or had their rear end kicked.  I have and would prefer to never have it happen again.

You should read "Dead or Alive: The Choice is Yours" by Geoff Thompson...it gives very good insight into the psycology of the bad guys, fear control, body languages you can pick up on of possible assailants, etc.  This book would help alot of gringos going down South.

Just a few thoughts,
Mike

... in response to More on street defense....., posted by JunFan on Dec 7, 2001

he who hesitates...meditates in a horizontal position.

... in response to More on street defense....., posted by JunFan on Dec 7, 2001

Mike,
Yes,the hijacking incident was a good example of fight or die,or fight and die anyway.From what I read the people were herded in the back of the plane and told to say their prayers,they were going to die.(about as stupid by the hijackers as thinking they were getting a 100 virgins)The passengers had nothing to lose,except maybe a slower more painfull death in fighting the hijackers.Of course the confines of the aisles would limit the advantage of greater numbers.If I was ever in that situation you would be a guy I would like to have at my side.There had to be all kinds of things in that plane that could be used as weapons.Wine bottles?Stone them with beer cans?Food trays as shields?Rip a cart apart and have metal clubs from the legs?
The airlines employees have been taught not to resist,that the hijackers will probably give up later without hurting them.Not so this time.
I had just flown the day before.My first thought was several guys,with weapons they could get through security(plastic or ceramic knives,or small blades that could be attached to something larger).Could take over a plane.That was exactly it.They didn't have to be so smart.We had to be pretty dumb not to have a contingency for something like that.I couldn't believe the BS when congress talked about giving pilots guns."They have enough to do."They would need to be trained as air marshalls".BS.If you would have asked anyone on those planes if they would have minded if the pilots had a gun I don't think you would have got one yes.
Its sounds like you have a good attitude about you martial arts abilities and are not going to be looking for trouble,and if you are going to be attacked its good to have.
I used to work out with this guy who had been an olympic wrestler from Lebanon.He was 5'8",200 lbs.,looked like a fat guy in clothes but he was solid muscle.This guy about 6'4" in an overcoat tried to mug him.He just picked him up and body slammed him.He was still out cold when the cops got there. His accomplice took one look at what happened and split.
I think there is alot to know about how to carry yourself and be alert that will discourage minor criminals.They are looking for easy prey.If the guy or guys might have a gun than its better to lose your money than your life.

Pete

... in response to Re: And what about my...., posted by Pete E on Dec 7, 2001

What brands of clothes are popular in Cali? I mean have they heard of Fubu or is it only nike adidas and puma? I will be there for three weeks and it sounds like I need a new wardrobe. I am fluent in spanish and will be there right after the super bowl. Is carnaval a big deal in Cali? thank you guys in advance.
jose

... in response to Re: Re: And what about my...., posted by jose on Dec 7, 2001

The temps are pretty warm, so you probaly won't need a suit.
You'll find some of the natives sporting the labels you've mentioned. Most of the time, the labelled wares are knock offs of the originals. You'll find some stores in the malls will carry designer ware. Keep it casual, the dress docker like slacks, some jeans, shirts that can be worn for day or nite. Bring a couple of dress shirts for the nites you go out dining and/or dancing. Leave the "Born/Made in the USA" t-shirs & that favorite worn out t-shirt(you know, the one that you think, you're the only one who can see the stains)t-shirts at home...lol.

I noticed that the guys in Cali LOVE BLACK SHOES! What I wanna know is...WHO PICKS OUT THEIR SNEAKERS! They wear some of the most GOD AWFUL, UGLY AZZ SNEAKERS, that I have ever seen...lol! I can usually spot a gringo, by his shoes! You can also spot one, by watching him break his neck with every lovely lady that passes in front of him. The local yokals, seem bored by their ladies...if they only knew!

Hoda

... in response to And what about my...., posted by Aaron on Dec 7, 2001

5

... in response to Keith Smith, do you think it would be a...., posted by Aaron on Dec 6, 2001


a report on your last trip...lol! Don't front, give it up, give it "ALL" up bro! You mentioned a moderately priced hotel. Please give the board more details, especially for those, whose pockets are not as deep as their hearts...

Have you guys seen the latest fares to Central & South America? Arrrgggghhh!!!!! Can't use my dayyum remaining vacation time, because the big bosses are using theirs!!!
They don't know it yet, but I'm gunning for one of their jobs...lol

Peace...Hoda

... in response to Hey Keith!! You promised us "Party ..., posted by Hoda on Dec 7, 2001

Master Hoda. See the above post. Remember, the hotel in Cali: ApartaHotel del Rio, Calle 21 Norte,2N-10 (572) 660-27-07. The staff is friendly and the rooms are very nice. Later.

... in response to Hey Keith!! You promised us "Party ..., posted by Hoda on Dec 7, 2001

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