Video (+Action)

[sightlessly]

[VIDEO]

[Matt is notably less enraged than the last time he popped up on the network. Hell, he even manages a smile this time. No dark glasses, no immediate evidence of his blindness. He's dressed casually as far as anyone can tell -- t-shirt visible in the shoulders-up view the camera offers. He's a bit uncentered on the feed, but other than that.]

So I've mentioned it to several of you already -- that it might not be a bad idea for people to learn a bit of self defense. Especially people who aren't used to fighting, or people who aren't used to relying on physical strength.

Doesn't matter how old or young you are, how big or small, man or woman or anything in between.

[So. Here he is.]

I took some time to find a decent space. It's run down, but I've managed to clear it out. Got a couple things that'll do as mats and pads. So here it is.

Anyone interested in self defense, I'm teaching. Ways to get out of holds, quick escapes, ways to use an attacker's size against them. [A faintly sheepish smile.] I learned to fight as a kid, so it's never to early.

Any takers?

[Attachment: training-gym-location.gps]


[ACTION]

[And anyone who doesn't feel like talking, can feel free to show up at the location Matt provided for some hand to hand training. Matt will be there, wishing he had a heavy bag to go a few rounds with.]

Comments

[naw]

You believe me? Hey, that's a nice change of pace! Some people I talked to thought I was lying about the whole dragon thing until I transformed in front of them. [it wasn't a lot of people, honestly, but she does take offense at that sort of accusation too easily.

but excellent, she's ready to learn how to... punch. or kick. or whatever comes in the territory of hand-to-hand combat. she has no idea.]

Alright! So, what comes first, Mr. Matthew?

[sightlessly]

I've gone through enough at this point that my disbelief is in a permanent state of suspension.

[A pause and he adds, honestly.] Also, you're not lying. So at the very least, you believe what you're saying.

[Or she's an exceptionally talented liar. There's no physiological sign of it that he could pick up on. And he's got a knack for that.]

Just Matt is fine, no "Mr." but. Right. First we learn how to throw a punch. Ever hit anyone before?

[naw]

Nope. I've kicked a few shins here and there, though. [which probably doesn't really count for anything.]

... I'm weak. That's the problem. Not as a dragon— I can burn an entire forest before the sun even sets, but my punches would probably feel like light taps.

[she says it all matter-of-factly. it's a glaring weakness, especially if she's caught off guard before she can transform.]

[sightlessly]

Shin-kicking isn't a terrible tactic, honestly. Hurts like hell.

[He settles himself standing beside her then, lined up shoulder to shoulder.]

Weak is relative. Even if you're smaller and weaker than your opponent, you mostly want to buy yourself enough time to put distance between you, get away, get somewhere safe. [For basic self defense anyway.]

But even someone small, with a good solid punch can give someone else pause so here. [Matt will demonstrate, feet spread just about shoulder width, a slight bend to his knees, enough that it's easy to move. He lifts his hands, curls them into fists.] All right. Most important part of throwing a punch is making sure when you punch, you punch with your body, not with your arm.

[naw]

[she carefully watches Matt, imitating his stance and motions.]

So like a full-body tackle, concentrated into my fist. Is that it? [distribution of energy, concentration of force— those are things she can understand as similar principles are used for utilizing dragonbreath, like focusing a stream of fire on a single target and breathing from deep within her chest.]

Alright, I think I can do that part.