Thursday 17/07/14
When discussing self-defence with people, I'm always intrigued that they are more concerned about belt colours and katas than they are with what the course will teach them. I think Mr Miyagi from The Karate Kid summed it up best when Daniel asked him "What kind of belt do you have?". Mr Miyagi looked at Daniel with a sly smile and said "Canvas. JC Penney; $3.98".
Self-defence isn't about belt colours, kata or gradings. It is about getting home safely. The most important part of self-defence is learning how to avoid trouble. This skill is called Situational Awareness. What is situational awareness? Basically, it's listening to your gut instinct. Have you ever been somewhere and had the feeling that something was wrong? You didn't know what was wrong, or why you felt that way; you just did. Perhaps a little voice in the back of your mind was telling you that you should leave. That uncomfortable feeling was your subconscious mind trying to warn you of potential danger. Your conscious mind might be too distracted or busy to pick up on the subtle clues happening around you; but your subconscious mind works on a more primitive level. Its primary concern is your long term survival. If it chooses to speak to you, you should listen to it.
As a society, on a cosmetic level we are far more civilised than our ancestors. We live in an urban environment and no longer have to worry about wild animals wandering into the village to eat us. As we became more civilised, we also became complacent. Complacency has allowed the two legged predators to increase in number, and their crimes have become more savage. If you're unsure what I'm talking about, the rapid increase in the number of Coward Punch attacks should be a clue.
"But I have rights", I hear you say. You're correct. You do have rights. But it is a little difficult to explain those rights to someone who is deranged, or affected by drugs or alcohol, especially while they are attacking you. In an ideal world we would be free to go where we liked, do what we liked, and our rights would be respected and upheld. Unfortunately, this isn't an ideal world.
Situational Awareness is only one facet of self-defence. You also need to learn the correct way to throw a punch and a kick. You need learn how to use your knees and elbows too. You need to learn what to do when someone tackles you to the ground. You definitely need to learn how to react when someone threatens you with a weapon.
When you eventually make the decision to sign up for a self-defence course; look for one with a realistic curriculum and realistic results. If you're unsure of what a course has to offer, any reputable instructor will be happy to let you observe a training session from the sideline. From there, you are free to observe both the quality of the information being taught, and the delivery of the material. Trophies, belts and tournament banners are prizes awarded at sporting events. Points and rules are only valid for fighting in the ring. There is no "tapping out" in the real world. Be aware though, if the law gets involved, you must be able to justify your actions. There is a vast difference between fighting and self-defence. You will have a difficult time convincing a judge that "ground and pound" is a legitimate form of self-defence.
A competent instructor knows how to alter techniques to accommodate the needs of elderly and disabled students. One size doesn't fit all. A competent instructor will teach you realistic techniques that are within your capabilities. A competent instructor understands the difference between a well-lit dojo with a clutter free training area and polite students who bow before attacking you; and a dimly lit room with garbage strewn across the floor while one or more attackers scream obscenities at you.
During my formal martial arts training I was taught a great number of techniques by my senseis. Over the years I learned which techniques were practical and which ones were not. The most useful techniques are the ones you can recall and use under stress. Complicated combinations are easy to get wrong in an emergency. My most important lessons came from a self-defence instructor who was also a police officer. He demonstrated techniques that worked for him and explained why. Another situation I encourage everyone to get used to is being yelled and sworn at. So when it happens in the real world, you are already conditioned against it.
I hope this has given you something to think about. How will you react the next time your gut tells you that something is wrong?