I wasn’t originally going to post here since Tom-n-Debb had pointed SilentKnight to the same topic on Great Debates. Also, this topic invariably degenerates into silly unsupported statements that essentially are “My sensei/lineage/style is better than your sensei/lineage/style.” (see things to avoid below).
It is important to note that I teach crime survival/self defense as my primary goal. Unlike what has been stated before, this doesn’t mean I don’t teach discipline, respect, self esteem, etc. They are part and parcel of hard training. However, if you do not want to train to for hard self defense than by all means ignore everything I am about to say, because it will not apply to you.
The Golden Rule of Martial Arts Styles
Forget about particular styles. What you are seeking is hard training and proper mindsetting. Every style can both offer this, or not. Therefore, it is critical to evaluate the the instructor and the school not the style.
Things to Look For
#1) Hard physical training.
#2) Sparring. The harder the better. Find the sparring/fighting that you are willing to tolerate. Don’t get anything lower, don’t get anything harder.
#3) Scenario based training. You probably won’t find that many schools that do this, but if you do then you likely just found the school for you. Scenario based training is NOT “Okay, now somebody comes after you with a overhead strike.” Scenario based training is NOT “Okay, now somebody comes after you with any strike.” Scenario based training takes you from the interview or initial assault to the conclusion.
#4) Learn everything you can about violent crime. Do not assume that you know, everybody thinks they know (I have met thousands who think they know). Find out for sure. There are lots of good books on there on the subject. My favorites because of good writing style and comprehension:
“Strong on Defense” by Sanford Strong
“Gift of Fear” by Dr. Gavin DeBecker
“The Truth About Self Protection” by Massad Ayoob
“Real Fighting” by Peyton Quinn
#5) Use the knowledge you learned from #4 to avoid the things in the list that follows. Use #4 to develop your own b/s sensors. Apply them … always.
Things to Avoid
#1) Easy promises. Self defense against a serious violent attack is never has a quick and easy solution, that can be picked up with a snap of the fingers.
#2) People who say “Trust me” or “Martial arts training will carry you through.” If they cannot articulate the reasons that sound reasonable, solid and match up with what self defense MUST be then it is b/s.
#3) People who say “Martial arts technique is like a Hammer of Thor (or anything equivalent) that will swat your opponents like flies.” This just simply isn’t true, at least not for the vast majority of martial artists. With piles of HARD training time it eventually becomes closer and closer to the truth but always remember this. It takes 2-3 center of mass hits from a pistol to stop an average assailant. Do you really think you can ever hit as hard as a gun?
#4) Reliance on “critical strikes”. You will land a critical strike, i.e. a strike to a vital part of the body, purely by luck. Under the chemical cocktail of a violent encounter it is practically impossible to have that level of precision.
#5) People who advocate technique based solutions because they “know” how a real fight will happen. The techniques that will work must subscribe to What Self Defense Must Be (see below). You can find such technique in practically any martial arts style. It is highly advisable have a good cross section of technique available to be used for a variety of situations. There is no rule on how a violent encounter will happen and what will happen once it starts.
#6) Everything else that you newly formed b/s sensors tells you doesn’t match up with What Self Defense Must Be (see below).
What Self Defense Must Be
Fast - things happen very fast. You are already at the disadvantage because you assailant has attacked you. Sadly, this means you have to play catch-up and that means you MUST be quick. Expect to freeze for a brief period following the initial assualt. Time works against you.
Strong/Powerful - Although obvious, you want to hit with as strong a counter-attack as possible. (see explosive below)
Explosive - It must be overwhelming to the assailant. The more the better. The more overwhelming the greater then chance an avenue of escape will present itself.
Direct/Focused - YOu must know what it is you need to accomplish (mindsetting/predetermination) and go directly for that goal.
Simple - Your animal mind will take over. Expect to experience tunnel vision, loss of fine motor control amongst other things (you can read about “other things” in the books I mentioned above). If your cause of action is not simple expect to simply be unable to do it.
Final Word
Do not take my word for it. Do the studying yourself. Find out about the reality of a violent encounter and come to your own conclusions.
