Reality-Based Self-Defense: A Double-Edged Approach For Mastering Self-Defense

by Jeffrey M. Miller
Director
Warrior Concepts International, Inc.


Most students, including karate and so-called self-defense teachers really don't know where to start when it comes to mastering the skills needed for protecting yourself against a real-world brutal attacker. This article takes a look at the two-fold approach that I recommend to anyone who's serious about getting through a street attack.

To look at the conventional world of martial arts and self-defense instruction, the typical approach appears to be to just learn a bunch of tricks and techniques, earn some rank or maybe a certificate of some sort, and you're all ready to go. Right?

If that's the correct course, then why are so many so-called experts getting their butts kicked to real attackers? Why, if what their learning works in the dojo or self-defense class, are these "unbeatable techniques" failing horribly on the street, when dealing with real-world attacks thrown by brutal, real-world attackers?

There are lots of reasons but I think the primary one is that, by and large, these courses are simply a matter of the blind leading the blind. What I'm referring to is that students, who lack the experience with dealing with violence, are attempting learn something from self-defense instructors who, themselves, lack the necessary street experience at overcoming and surviving actual street attack situations.

So, what do you need to survive a real self-defense situation?

My perspective on the whole self-defense learning curve, and what I teach my clients, is 2 sided.

To begin with, learn as many options as you can so that you can act in different situations and against many different types of attackers.

Also, in the moment, when an attack is happening, target must be able to react to and deal with the violence itself - no matter where it comes from or what's behind it.

Like a double-edged sword, each side is critical if you are to be really successful. The first part, your skill training should give you with not just tested skills, but an understanding of the critical principles and concepts that are being taught within the technique examples. This way, you won't have to limit yourself with the "official" techniques themselves, but you will be able to function during the attack, not against a unrealistic attack but, against whatever your attacker is throwing at you. A few of these important principles include:

1) Cover

2) Defensive angling and positioning

3) Timing and response

4) Proper distancing

5) and others

The other is connected to attitude, or "heart." No matter how sure you are, or feel in class with your friends, peers, and juniors, what matters in a real self-defense situation is how you respond and deal with the pure, animalistic violence being thrown at you by an attacker who isn't pulling their attacks and couldn't care less about your well-being in the least. Will you act or end up like every other victim? The only thing that matters right then is what no one else but you will do when that moment is upon you.

Reminds me of the flight ride I found myself on to the tiny island of Grenada when I was in the Army many years ago. While I sat there, focusing on the other side of the aircraft and reviewing what I would do when I was actually in a true-to life combat zone (assuming we didn't get shot down before we landed), I heard other guys farther back in the aircraft actually crying. Ironically, these were the same super-troopers who, during training exercises where we practiced our combat skills, ran around as-if they were Rambo, acting tough and telling everyone that they were ready to go to war right then and there. Well, here they were - heading for the real thing - and they were the last ones who wanted to deal with the pure reality of the situation.

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Your training must insure that you can deal with both his physical attacks, whatever the attack may be, and you must have the ability commit yourself to winning by dealing with the rage and raw brutality that is a very real part of combat. Two sides to the same coin. Both critical for success.

So, take a look what you've trusted up till now, and make sure that you do so with the eyes of a critic, not a blind follower. Check out the news. Ask some police officers, bouncers, or even military personnel who have seen combat what you can expect to experience inside a real situation with someone who wants to beat, break, or kill you. Then, all preferences aside, go out and get what you'll need to fill in the gaps to make sure that you'll come out on top, and not end up face down on the sidewalk!

Do you want to learn more about the way I do it? Then I recommend that you get this brand new online e-course to self-defense proficiency, "Foundations of Self-Defense Mastery"

Download it free here: Self Defense Course

What if you could learn in hours, rather than months or years, more than the typical martial arts or self-protection student without all of the filler, formalized kata, or military-like atmosphere? How? By using this simple, proven program for self defense mastery: www.warrior-concepts-online.com

Jeffrey Miller teaches individuals, businesses, and martial arts teachers how to not die or end up as a victim in a violent situation. Mr. Miller says "If you really want to learn what you must know to be a survivor, I can show you how to master the skills necessary to successfully protect yourself against any attacker, guaranteed"