Best Martial Art for Self-Defense?

[GQchris]

How much do physical attributes play in real life situations as opposed to sport competitions like a boxing match with rules?

Is the physically older man still at a disadvantage over the younger one?

[kingoftheforest]

How much do physical attributes play in real life situations as opposed to sport competitions like a boxing match with rules?

Is the physically older man still at a disadvantage over the younger one?

Depends on how you are trying to fight. Styles that require a large amount of physical strength aren't going to be as effective as you get older.

It gets more to be about fighting smarter than harder.

[mellow]

Anyone ever look into the old school warriors like W.E. Fairbairn these days?

2-28- 1885 to 6-20- 1960

Yes, I've looked at both Fairbairn's and Applegate's material. It looks alot like what I was taught.

[h3X]

Besides situational awareness and common sense, I would recommend any form of combatives if you have access to an instructor. My reasoning being that combatives only teaches fundamental techniques that are easy to learn and that will be drilled until they stick in your motor memory. Good combatives should be more a collection of principles than a collection of techniques.
For self-teaching material I will highly recommend anyone to check out Kelly McCann and Lee Morrison.