I think size=intimidation factor. I think hte intimidation factor goes a long way in keeping one from being a target=the best self-defense.

And I think most of us will go most of our adulthood without being in too many confrontations that resort to a straight up beating on one side or the other.

Yeah absolutley. I thought the discussion was more about when you actually had to defend yourself.

Size helps to a point. Beyond that point, it's superfluous.

Reference someone like say Bas Rutten, vs. an IFBB pro. One has an optimal amount of size; the other has too much.

Once you've hit that optimal size, you're much better training skill, speed, and explosiveness.

That's a faulty analogy. The IFBB pro wouldn't be able to put down the needle long enough to put up his fists. NO FAIRz

He could stab him with the needle.

IF U THRO WEEPINZ IN DA EKWAYSHIN DEN EVERYDING IS OFF, BuDDY

Ok, this is what it comes down to. Since in a street fight, you usually won't know your opponents' abillities and weaknesses, the only thing you can do it make sure you are better than them. All you can do is train and condition the best you can do. Use your abilites and strengths to the best it can and remember stay calm. The loser is usually the one who panics and does something stupid then ends up knocked out cold.

Edit: Tell your friend, if they play dirty you should play dirty too. There is no point fighting if your opponent has a knife and you don't. Best chance is to run away especially against a gun. No way out there. No matter how pro you are you can easily get hit with a knife by any dumb old joe.

If distance was like 1-2 meters, id rather he have a gun than a knife

No difference at all. Bodybuilding is about physique and physiques don't win street fights. Now a bodybuilder will tend to be stronger (maybe) but that doesn't always translate into fighting technique -- I used to teach and compete in martial arts and trust me, you can never judge someone by how they look (intimidation factors aside).

i would say krav maga is for self defense

every thing else can be used to supplement it

Yeah but I bet you would never in your life even think about hitting Dexter Jackson, or Rühl..

I'm kind of a Self Defense nut. The two best things you can do if you live in a questionable area(other than move) is situational awareness, and make yourself undesirable to those that would harm you. Stay in the light, stay aware, and stay in the public eye. No dark alleys. Carry pepper spray and possibly a high intensity flashlight....I'm not talking a maglight (while the C/D cell lights are good for beating someone, they are unwiedly). Check into Fox Labs for peperspray and Surefire for bright lights. Working out will make you stronger but in a fight if you don't know how to use it, how is going to help. Self defence classes should be a must. Know how to protect yourself.

clipse

I don't think about hitting anybody, I'm a peaceful person. But if it came down to it, I really am not intimidated by size.

Everyone seemed to forget that Gavin's friend is FEMALE. SHE WILL NOT have to worry about getting bulky anyways so therefor she should be doing strength training. So she can just drop that idea from her head all together. Enough with all the "who would win" symantecs.

Simple fact is, self defense training+strength=pownage. Self defense by itself MAY or MAY NOT = pownage. When it comes to self defense, you should take any advantage possible.

Gavin, tell your friend that women can't really get bulky so she has no reason to to include strength training in her regimne. It can do nothing but help her

I believe this is why 48 out of the 50 states in the USA allow citizens to carry concealed handguns.