If you’ve ever been interested in learning self defense than surely you have also observed how many different “styles” or “arts” are on the market. Many times you see titles that say things like “The Ultimate Self Defense Training” or “The Best System To Protect Yourself” or some other cheesy one-liner that grabs attention. And I must admit, even I have used those headlines on some marketing material in the past years myself. However, I am also very clear about the true dynamics of self defense training and how to understand it.
First, there is NO SUCH THING as a “secret” when it comes to true life saving skills. If there is any secret, by now everyone would already know. At the end of the day, it will never be any system or style that saves you…it will be YOU that saves YOU. The time you put into your training and preparedness will speak for itself when it is called up on. To me it is almost like an insurance policy or wearing seat belt when driving… I don’t need it all of the time and may never need it at all, but if I do I am sure glad I have it! That being said, some systems or styles will inherently have an advantage over others in a particular scenario. For example, if you are training in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu as a self defense art, it will certainly give you an advantage in a ground fight. If you are training Kali, you will have an advantage if you ever need to use an edged weapon.
But self defense is a term that describes an infinite array of possibilities. Does the scenario require firearm skills, edged weapon skills, verbal de-escalation skills or what? Maybe none of those or maybe all of them? Let me break down some basic information for you, so that when you think about your self defense skills, you start seeing it as whole rather than components.
Here’s the truth:
1. NO SYSTEM OR ART is a fully versed in everything.
2. Effectiveness is measured by the practitioner, not the practice. The individual is far more important.
3. If the end goal is to proficient in self defense and combative skill, then we need to look at it in its totality. Which means you’ll need to study and develop skills in multiple ranges/categories:
– Striking Long Range
– Striking/Throwing/Standing Grappling
– Impact and Edged Weapons
– Ground Fighting
– Firearms
– Threat Assessment and De-Escalation
– Physical Conditioning
Each of these has multiple subcomponents that need to be addressed as well. It takes time and consistency along with having the right instructors to help guide you thru the process. The truly skilled people understand this and dedicate time to their personal development. That doesn’t mean you have to become a gym rat or spend the next 50 years training…it means that you have to spend the right amount of time to achieve your goals.
A person might be excellent at any one of those things, but rarely are they excellent at all of those. Hell, majority of the time they suck at all but one. And yet, the variables and possibilities are so random and infinite on any given self defense situation, so proficiency in one category is simply not enough.
So…if you’re training in self defense…that is your goal, then look at those categories and ask yourself honestly…what is your skill level? Identify the weaker areas and get working on em. We as the good guys/gals will rarely be able to decide the time, location, circumstances, or type of attack. Which means that we need to endure then overcome.
Then ask yourself, “Am I truly prepared to engage?” The answer will be obvious.
