SELF DEFENSE TOOLS for Mr. Average
The best self-defense tool is the one you have in your hand.
Self Defense is a combination of Mind, Body and spirit
As an older person involved in various martial arts, I realize that people study martial arts for many reasons. They may strive for self-defense skills or mental development. Or a combination of both. To achieve these goals, you must develop mental skills in focus, discipline, spirit, achieving goals etc. You must also develop physical skills in strength, conditioning, endurance and co-ordination. You also develop muscle memory and techniques. Almost any pursuit of any martial arts skills will be of some benefit. When it comes to pure Self-defense how ever, this is where the controversy begins. The market place is full of people with great credentials that offer you THE ANSWER. I would like to offer some suggestions to help you find your own answers
You must first evaluate yourself honestly in deciding what Self Defense path(s) to chose and what areas to develop.
1) Have you developed a good self defense Mind set?
Have you developed a mindset where you are aware of your surroundings and go into a defense mode when situations warrant? This could be fight or flight. A color code system is a useful tool for this. I believe Jeff Cooper; a firearms expert originally came up with the color code concept of using colors as a mental trigger. E.G. White, Yellow, Red for danger levels. You could call this situational analysis.
2) What are your real physical capabilities?
If you are overweight and out of shape, start now to change. Eat one less doughnut in the morning and go for one more walk. Continue the trend
3) Are you developing your self-defense abilities?
How much effective Martial arts training do you have? Is it a realty based Combat art?
If some one ran at you, grabbed your ears and tried to head but you in the face, what would you do?
4) How to select an appropriate training path? Structured classes, Basic self-defense courses or self-study?
Martial arts schools
If you have the time and money to take classes, chose carefully. A good school and a teacher you trust can be invaluable away. Reality based or traditional? If you are a 60 years old, overweight, out of condition man, you probably should not commit to 5 or 10 years learning “Praying Monkey Fist Kung Foo” to learn self defense. You might instead seek out a basic self-defense curricular using self-defense tools.
DEVELOP BASIC SELF DEFENSE CONCEPTS.
Note; I said concepts. Not teniques like. “If the attacker does this, you do that”. This can take a long time to learn. Look for basic concepts. For example, what general concept should you follow if attacked? One answer, Look for AID.
The AID concept Avoid, Invade, Attack.
Avoid the punch, kick, strike or stab by controlling distance, position and blocking.
Invade the attackers space where he is standing. Step on his foot, Bump his knee, push him
Attack with your own punching or striking with whatever empty hand or tool you have.
5) USE DEFENSIVE TOOLS. If visiciously attacked, be prepared mentally and physically to use what you have as a self-defense tool.
Again the best self-defense tool is the one you have in your hand.
This would include a sturdy DEFENSIVE CANE, STICK, ICE SCRAPER, FLASHLIGHT or KUBOTAN Key chain.
You can easily learn self-defense movements and concepts by returning to basics.
Most Martial art systems at its core have similar basic self-defense movements and concepts. The other benefits were a by-product. The important thing is that you should select easy to learn movements and concepts that don’t require years of training.
I enjoy developing basic self defense knowledge and have created several DVD,s
“DEFENSIVE CANE 1 –BASICS DVD, DEFENSIVE CANE 2-STREET TALK DVD, DEFENSIVE ESCRIMA STICKS DVD and DEFENSIVE FLASH LIGHTS, STICKS and KUBOTAN keychain DVD.
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