In Self-Defense the Street Is Not the Dojo
When a person enters a Martial Arts Club with a desire to learn Self-Defense against an urban attacker, a mugger, potential rapist or a psychopath, she may be a little unsure at first about what she may learn from this discipline.
She would be greeted by the instructor and introduced to one or two basic techniques; she would observe these techniques being demonstrated by a young lady fighting against an averagely-built but stronger man, which in her mind is proof that these techniques could be effective against a potential attacker.
The Hollywood WOW factor has just entered her mind, as she sees a potential psychopath hitting the mat.
She would be given the opportunity to attempt these same techniques against a fellow member, who would be more than eager to assist her.
However, it would take this young lady months of practise, or a period as a Shaolin Monk in Nepal, to perfect these techniques.
Should she one day be confronted by a sudden violent attacker, she will more than likely find that those techniques she so diligently practised for many months are totally ineffective against this unexpected urban attack.
This isbecause it is not a collection of techniques that you require in Self-Defence, but a system and a mind-set: a mind-set that tells you when to strike or when to walk away.
You cannot practise or prepare for a specific street attack in a Dojo - because there is no such a thing as a specific type of street attacker.
In Hong Kong, where I worked for two years, and in the Philippines, which I visited quite frequently, the chances of coming into contact with these low lives are different.
In Manila, there were certain areas you just didn't wander into at night, places to avoid; it would be the same in other cities such as New York or London.
In Hong Kong, there weren't that many areas that you couldn't walk through (except the Forbidden City area around Kowloon which was still in place at the time I was there).
In the Bahamas in the 1970s, you could be raped or attacked in your home or on the beach by individuals under the influence of drugs.
My family prevented a break in by such an individual, who tried to enter our house whilst I was away in Montreal on business.
Those were really scary moments for my wife and young son, and for me because I was so far away and unable to help.
On a strictly personal note - during my Judo days, I had a natural aptitude for learning how to throw opponents onto the mat, although today at 78 years old I couldn't in all honesty throw a fit.
So I practise what I preach: I avoid areas of conflict or areas where frequent brawls occur, and it has kept me safe for many years.
On the other hand, there is always those other physical means I can revert too when all else fails.
So, chances are, I'll make it to 79.
In the system that I advocate, Avoidance and Awareness is the key to Self-Defence.
Many individuals do not wish to hear that; they see Self-Defence as demonstrated by Steven Seagal in a Hollywood action movie, and they look for the WOW factor.
But, as reported by the NYPD, 90% of successful Self-Defense is through Avoidance.
And only 10% of Self-Defense will require you to revert to a physical response, as shown in my previous article.
The principle of Avoidance and Awareness in Self-Defense is very seldom mentioned in many a Dojo here in the UK, and in some Dojos abroad.
The first response a pupil will receive from a "Judo Black Belt" when she says, "What do I do when he makes a grab for my collar or upper body?" he will reply, "Well, he has already extended his arm to grab you and is leaning forward.
That would be an ideal opportunity to execute a Seoi-Nage (shoulder throw), or you could grab his right wrist with your right hand, pivot round and apply an arm lock" - it's a WOW in the Dojo, but a terrible failure on the street.
Sadly, as happened to me in a Commando Judo Club, my attempt at a Judo throw against a real simulated street attack failed badly, and I ended up a sorry mess on the floor.
Self-Defense is not a series of throws, submission locks or Karate kicks as practised in a one-to-one friendly atmosphere in a Dojo; you do not have someone appearing from the shadows, who then respectfully bows to you and says, "Are you ready?" You cannot bring the Dojo onto the street.
Where you could learn more effectively is when they bring the street to the Dojo, as they did in that Commando Judo Club.
It was painful, but I will always remember it.
Likewise, if you enter a boxing ring to learn to box, you will experience a few hard knocks, and maybe a bloody nose occasionally, but you would know exactly what to expect in the real boxing arena.
She would be greeted by the instructor and introduced to one or two basic techniques; she would observe these techniques being demonstrated by a young lady fighting against an averagely-built but stronger man, which in her mind is proof that these techniques could be effective against a potential attacker.
The Hollywood WOW factor has just entered her mind, as she sees a potential psychopath hitting the mat.
She would be given the opportunity to attempt these same techniques against a fellow member, who would be more than eager to assist her.
However, it would take this young lady months of practise, or a period as a Shaolin Monk in Nepal, to perfect these techniques.
Should she one day be confronted by a sudden violent attacker, she will more than likely find that those techniques she so diligently practised for many months are totally ineffective against this unexpected urban attack.
This isbecause it is not a collection of techniques that you require in Self-Defence, but a system and a mind-set: a mind-set that tells you when to strike or when to walk away.
You cannot practise or prepare for a specific street attack in a Dojo - because there is no such a thing as a specific type of street attacker.
In Hong Kong, where I worked for two years, and in the Philippines, which I visited quite frequently, the chances of coming into contact with these low lives are different.
In Manila, there were certain areas you just didn't wander into at night, places to avoid; it would be the same in other cities such as New York or London.
In Hong Kong, there weren't that many areas that you couldn't walk through (except the Forbidden City area around Kowloon which was still in place at the time I was there).
In the Bahamas in the 1970s, you could be raped or attacked in your home or on the beach by individuals under the influence of drugs.
My family prevented a break in by such an individual, who tried to enter our house whilst I was away in Montreal on business.
Those were really scary moments for my wife and young son, and for me because I was so far away and unable to help.
On a strictly personal note - during my Judo days, I had a natural aptitude for learning how to throw opponents onto the mat, although today at 78 years old I couldn't in all honesty throw a fit.
So I practise what I preach: I avoid areas of conflict or areas where frequent brawls occur, and it has kept me safe for many years.
On the other hand, there is always those other physical means I can revert too when all else fails.
So, chances are, I'll make it to 79.
In the system that I advocate, Avoidance and Awareness is the key to Self-Defence.
Many individuals do not wish to hear that; they see Self-Defence as demonstrated by Steven Seagal in a Hollywood action movie, and they look for the WOW factor.
But, as reported by the NYPD, 90% of successful Self-Defense is through Avoidance.
And only 10% of Self-Defense will require you to revert to a physical response, as shown in my previous article.
The principle of Avoidance and Awareness in Self-Defense is very seldom mentioned in many a Dojo here in the UK, and in some Dojos abroad.
The first response a pupil will receive from a "Judo Black Belt" when she says, "What do I do when he makes a grab for my collar or upper body?" he will reply, "Well, he has already extended his arm to grab you and is leaning forward.
That would be an ideal opportunity to execute a Seoi-Nage (shoulder throw), or you could grab his right wrist with your right hand, pivot round and apply an arm lock" - it's a WOW in the Dojo, but a terrible failure on the street.
Sadly, as happened to me in a Commando Judo Club, my attempt at a Judo throw against a real simulated street attack failed badly, and I ended up a sorry mess on the floor.
Self-Defense is not a series of throws, submission locks or Karate kicks as practised in a one-to-one friendly atmosphere in a Dojo; you do not have someone appearing from the shadows, who then respectfully bows to you and says, "Are you ready?" You cannot bring the Dojo onto the street.
Where you could learn more effectively is when they bring the street to the Dojo, as they did in that Commando Judo Club.
It was painful, but I will always remember it.
Likewise, if you enter a boxing ring to learn to box, you will experience a few hard knocks, and maybe a bloody nose occasionally, but you would know exactly what to expect in the real boxing arena.
Source...