Before I begin, I want to clarify the differences between self-defense training or martial arts. Self-defense training is usually delivered in two- to three-hour seminars, or a series of shorter classes. Martial arts can be a lifetime endeavour. A good self-defense seminar will give you the tools you need quickly. Martial arts can take time to develop fully. It takes some research and knowledge to find the right self-defense training.
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The Right Self-Defense Training
Let me be blunt, I have made some mistakes in my years of teaching self-defense and martial arts. That’s okay with me. I’m sure I will also irritate a few.
I will be the first to say that there is no one self-defense strategy for everyone. Some people are passive and others are more aggressive when it comes to personal defense. Both can be successful in self-defense. They just need different learning methods and take different amounts of time.
One Time Seminar vs. a Couple Month Course
There are many levels of instruction when it comes to self-defense training. There are many options, from 2-hour seminars to 3-month-long courses. There is no reason to think you can’t do one or the other. I believe in starting small and moving up.
Start with a short seminar that will give you the basics and then move on to a more advanced course. You will be able to immediately use the techniques, while you build a better skillset.
Do your research before you sign up for a seminar. Ask others who have taken the course what their opinions were. Ask them to show you some things to help you determine if the teaching and techniques are easy to remember. Ask if you can attend a few classes to get a feel for the course before you commit to a longer one.
Simplicity is the Key
A 2-hour seminar should be different than a 2-month course. A 125-pound woman will not learn how to beat a 220-pound man in just 2-3 hours. I don’t care about how well-educated the student is or how much she excels in class.
While a course lasting 2-3 months will give you more skills, I still believe the same applies. Remember that if someone attacks you, they probably have a history with violence. It also comes with the ability to withstand a few kicks and punches.
Although striking should be taught as part of the curriculum it should not be taught alone. It shouldn’t be about going toe-to-toe with your attacker. Instead, it should be about escaping and seeking help.
Without proper training, fancy tactics will not work if you have to fight. It is better to go crazy like a spider monkey, hopped up on Mountain Dew. Kick, scratch, claw and bite your attacker. Your attacker will make you more trouble than it’s worth until you escape.
The class should be simple to understand, use, and remember. The more complex or difficult the techniques, the easier it will be to forget them after the class.
My personal experience has shown me that self-defense classes in JuJutsu (Japanese and Brazilian) schools are the most effective. Because they focus on escaping from various grasps and holds, and use intuitive techniques that feel natural and easy to follow, this is why. Any self-defense course should have escape and egress as its main focus. Striking should not be considered a means to an end.
Getting beyond the physical confrontation
A strong emphasis on situational awareness is a must for any self-defense class. Based on Sun Tsu’s quote, I have a saying that “You win 100% of fights you don’t get in.” Avoidance is your friend.
Over the years, I have discovered that self-defense is 90% awareness and 10% technique. You can dramatically reduce the chance of being attacked if you are fully aware and present in your surroundings. You should look for a class that emphasizes situational awareness instruction.
But, life is what happens when we are too busy planning. Some assaults can be committed at home, or by someone you trust. This is where the 10% technique comes into play.
Fact vs. Fiction
Here’s a quick reminder about how to evaluate the instruction in a self defense seminar or course. You must ensure that the techniques are legal.
If an instructor teaches how to push the nose into the brain, it is likely that they are teaching nonsense. It is not physiologically possible to push the nose into the brain. Boxers would drop like flies if it were possible and the sport would be banned. The nose is a great spot to strike. It can be very painful and cause him to swell. You can target his nose, but don’t expect him not to die.
Also, if they suggest you can push your fingers into your eyes and pop them, that’s also absurd. The eye is extremely resilient. The eyelid’s reflexes are extremely fast and you will never be able to get past them. They are still a target, however. The eyes can be hurt if you press hard enough. This could lead to a concussion or even loss of consciousness. The eyes are a great target. Be aware of what to expect.
Be suspicious of instructors who make wild claims about the results of a strike, or any other attack. Be skeptical of everything. There are many myths out there, and believing them could lead to worse problems. It also calls into question the instructor’s real-world experience.
Continued Training
When people think of self-defense training, many people think of kickboxing and boxing. These are great options but they take a while to become effective. This is true for all martial arts. Self-defense should be easy and effective by its very nature. Martial arts and competitive sports like kickboxing and boxing take time.
I recommend that you start with a self defense seminar and build a foundation or base immediately. Next, you can move on to a more in-depth course in self-defense. If you want to continue training, you can find a competitive sport or martial art that suits you.
If you are more passive than others, then you might want to look into JuJutsu or Judo. If you are more aggressive, boxing, kung fu or FMA (Filipino Martial Arts) might be a good choice. You might prefer something more suited to your speed.
It is crucial to choose the right competitive sport or martial art for you. If you love it and it suits your personality, you won’t be disappointed when you go to the next class.
It will all come together over time and you’ll have a skill set that you can trust. It takes time. It takes time. So start small and don’t forget firearm training and the importance of carrying a defensive pistol to increase your force multiplier. Every little bit counts.
Keep it real and you’ll be safe.
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