new member

Hi Guys
I am a new member with no formal training in any fighting art. I am looking for someone to train with either in the Manila area of the Philippines or the New York- New Jersey area of the U.S. My fitness level is very good and my desire to learn is brought about by the fact that I live in a dangerous area of the world. I have been lucky a couple of times, surviving armed assualts on the streets by using weapons at hand,(bamboo pole in one case) and brute strength in another. I am very "security conscious" I try to not put myself or loved ones at risk to begin with. That said, I would rather go into a confrontation with at least some idea of what I am doing. I have purchased and read "Get Tough" and would like to work with an instructor at this point, if possible. If not, does anyone have any advice for the self taught student? I currently work out on a mat with body weight exercises, heavy bag, and ocean swims. Thanks for entertaining my basic questions in advance.

Welcome to the board.
In the New Jersey area you have access to probably the best combatives training group in the area with GHCA, set up by the late Bob Kasper.

You also have Matt Temkin and a few others.

Thanks for getting back to me- I will be out of Iraq in the next few months and will have a couple of months in the States of free time to try put together a personal training syllabus. In the mean time I am enjoying the site, training hard, and reading all I can about the subject. Great site.