Seagal's technique...is it his size?

Michael Varin wrote: Any issue of strength and weight? You don't think that a 6'7" 370lb offensive lineman could with sheer physicality overwhelm a highly skilled 5'8" 160lb martial artist?

Depends on what the 5'8" martial artist knows.

There is a technical solution to the strength/weight issue. It's simple and is one of the defining traits of humans -- the use of tools. We never would've made it if we kept trying to wrestle bears and tigers. Sticks, spears, knives, swords, guns, some are better equalizers than others, but they all seriously address this issue.

And raise a whole host of new issues, like being acquainted with the legal limits on the use of deadly force. But let's say for the sake of argument you're the 5' 8" martial artist facing the 6' 7" linebacker and you don't have an equalizing weapon handy. What are you going to do? Say "Sorry, you can't attack me because you're out of my weight class"? Or rethink the premise that the smaller guy is always doomed? Personally, I'd say the latter, but that's just me.

Michael Gallagher wrote: And raise a whole host of new issues, like being acquainted with the legal limits on the use of deadly force.

It is a shame that we live in an anti-self-defense society. Don't forget, these legal issues that you brought up can affect you whether there is a weapon involved or not. Plus, your view seems a little narrow. Pepper spray is effective and won't cause injury. Most criminals are looking for easy targets; just brandishing a weapon with intent to use it will often cause them to reevaluate their decision.

Michael Gallagher wrote: But let's say for the sake of argument you're the 5' 8" martial artist facing the 6' 7" linebacker and you don't have an equalizing weapon handy. What are you going to do? Say "Sorry, you can't attack me because you're out of my weight class"? Or rethink the premise that the smaller guy is always doomed? Personally, I'd say the latter, but that's just me.

I didn't say the smaller guy is always doomed. I try to stay away from always and never statements.

Back on topic.
Instead of speculating experience it for yourself. I strongly suggest training against people of varying sizes, not in a uke-nage relationship, but where each person has the same intention, both attempting to apply techniques while counteracting the techniques of the other. After doing this post your experiences. How much of a factor was size and strength?

Michael

Michael Varin wrote: .....Instead of speculating experience it for yourself. I strongly suggest training against people of varying sizes, not in a uke-nage relationship, but where each person has the same intention, both attempting to apply techniques while counteracting the techniques of the other. After doing this post your experiences. How much of a factor was size and strength? Michael

Again, "it depends." Sparring is where I am weakest; I frequenty get hit more than I hit back, and yes, when I have sparred with someone bigger, faster and stronger than me, I get steamrolled. But does that mean that size an strength trump technique? Or is it a "false positive" because after all these years, it is still an area where I'm struggling? Given that I also get beat on by people who weigh less than I do, the latter seems likely.

Michael Varin wrote: Any issue of strength and weight? You don't think that a 6'7" 370lb offensive lineman could with sheer physicality overwhelm a highly skilled 5'8" 160lb martial artist?

Any, yes.

Overwhelmed, the tools are there.