The learning from DVDs thing is interesting but I have found you can learn a lot. Since I have trained directly with Val it is hard to judge this on this product line. But I have recently started working with the Fox 599 karambit knife. I purchased this DVD by Doug Marcaida with it.

http://www.theultimateknife.com/by-the-edge-599-fox-karambit-training-ntsc-u-s-dvd-doug-marcaida/

In line with what you said here are my take aways.

I learned a lot. But I do have to acknowledge that since Doug’s core is Kali and my core was Lissajous Do http://nunchaku.wikia.com/wiki/Lissajous-do the ratios are very familiar. In fact when Patrick from MT Knives showed me Doug’s stuff I knew what to expect as soon as he said “flow” in the video. So again now that I am learning from a teacher I never met in person and a style and weapon I never used, I can say yes you can learn a lot from a DVD but I also must fully admit my background makes it easier for me.

Next despite the above I really want to work with Doug now! So much I am not quite sure on and his “drills” are not presented quite formulaic enough for me on the DVD. I get why but I would still like a bit more of a getting started regiment. Kali uses a clock system, this clock system is a lot like the Lissajous curves, identical really, only the adjectives change. And as you understand the ratios you have freedom of flow. That is what Dough is trying to give a student. Still a bit more of some structured drills would be helpful for the study at home person that doesn’t have a lot of opportunity to train with a partner.

Third, Doug Marcaida is a bad ass! I don’t impress easily. There are a lot of big tough well trained guys that are good fighters. Doesn’t impress me even if they are a LOT better than me. Too much yelling and shit talking and my style is better than your style. My teachers who I have really learned from and respected have been Neil Franklin who taught me to use systema striking in a boxing manner and many other things, Val who introduced me to systema and Lee Barden, who I studied with and attained my black belt with as a youth. In Doug I have recognized someone I want to add to that list.

This video is a great example. Real world and honest, a lot like Val. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b4Ar2xkf5kQ Note when asked about Krav and Systema, his response is “I know nothing about it, I am sure those guys are great at what they do, this is what we do”. Not shit talking, especially about what he knows he doesn’t know. This is a guy that knows how to stay alive and he is real and at times flatly dark about the dangers.

Yet if you watch enough you see he teaches that there is that side and there is also “the art for the pure joy of the art”.

I hope at some point to be able to work with Doug and introduce him to the TSP audience.