Martial Arts & Self-Defense Training - Are You Learning to Defend Against the Right Attacks?

Every day, thousands of people take up the practice of self-defense and, within weeks drop out of those same programs. According to more than one survey of those who've dropped out, the primary reason is the lack of realistic self-defense training.

Lack of realistic self-defense training?

In a self-defense or martial arts program supposedly teaching self-protection skills?

How is this possible?

Maybe, as many instructors would claim, these students aren't in a position to know what is and what isn't viable self-defense training. After all, if they knew anything about street fighting self-defense, they wouldn't be in a class in the first place.

But, regardless of whether or not a student has had any prior training or even experience in having been attacked before, the average person knows what does and doesn't look real when it comes to violence. So, that argument doesn't hold up under scrutiny.

Others would say that these students just didn't give their programs enough time. But, how much is "enough" time, especially when we're training to be able to defend ourselves.

Other studies show that the average person "thinks" about taking martial arts or self-defense for about a year before actually taking action and enrolling in a program. A year!

Now, if these people have been thinking about self-defense at all, we can only assume that something - some concern - sparked their interest. Whether it was a particular news story, a close-call of their own, or just the knowledge that the area where they were living had changed and become more dangerous, the point is that, they felt they "needed" self-defense skills.

So, by the time they actually enroll in the classes, about a year has passed. During this year, at least two things have happened. First, they weren't attacked. A good thing, yes?

But second, they became exposed to the same news that said that they needed to get this part of their lives handled - BEFORE something DID happen. Until, one day, they make the decision to take action and actually enroll into a program.

So now, at this point, they're ready to get down to business. They know, or at least feel, that's it's only a matter of time before the odds shift and they find themselves being the target of some nut or criminal attacker. At this point, they want and need - results.

But, let's not forget that these people bring something else to their training - something more than just their:

wants and needs to be safe


desire to be able to handle themselves


hopes that they can actually do what's being taught

They bring...

...their past knowledge and experience. And they're just like you.

You've seen what real, modern attacks look like. You've probably watched a movie or two that had a fight that looked more like a slug-fest than a martial arts tournament. You might have seen a boxing match in your time, or remember the fights you saw in school, the bar, or wherever.

So, whether or not you've ever been in a fight or been attacked yourself, you know what a real one looks like. You know that a modern-day street thug, or your friend who had fifteen too-many for that matter, isn't going to attack you with a:

karate-punch


crane's beak, or...



tae kwon do kick to the head

Not to say that they won't because, as they say, "anything's possible." But, you know what, possible or not, it's more "probable" that, even if you're assailant knows some martial arts, in his anger he's going to throw a good old right-cross.

The point here is this...

Regardless of what style you're being presented with, you need to make sure that the first lessons you're being taught include defenses against:

hook punches


clothing grabs


body grabs
, and...

wrist grabs

You don't need to start with defending against a tae kwon do kick as a lead off, a karate-style punch from the hip, or a judo-style grab designed to control a 16th century Samurai and prevent him from grabbing his weapons. You need to begin with...

...those techniques that you're most likely to encounter should you be attacked...

...today...

...in the 21st century.

And, therein lies the problem - and the reason that people just like you are dropping out of martial arts and self-defense programs so soon after enrolling. They very quickly realize that they're learning an ancient, stylized martial system that has lost touch with the needs of students in Today's world.

This isn't a new problem though. I talk about the same thing happening to the founder of one of the self-defense systems that I inherited from my teacher. In one of my other articles, "All Martial Arts Were Not Created Equal - Exploring The Roots Of The Takagi-Yoshin Ryu of Jutaijutsu," I explain how this same thing was going on in 15th century Japan!

Regardless of whether or not this is a new problem, it is a problem.

But, you don't have to become another statistic - another in a long-line of disappointed, or incorrectly trained students who wrongly believe that what they've learned will actually work in a life-threatening self-defense situation.

If you're going to really be prepared to protect yourself, you must make sure that your martial arts or self-defense program is teaching to defend yourself against the right attacks - the attacks that you're going to have to defend against when you're attacked by a real assailant in today's world.

Jeffrey M. Miller is the founder and master instructor of Warrior Concepts International. A senior teacher in the Japanese warrior art of Ninjutsu, and a former federal police officer, undercover agent, private investigator, and bodyguard, he specializes in teaching the ancient ways of self-protection and personal development lessons in a way that is easily understood and put to use by modern Western students and corporate clients. Through his powerful programs, you will learn proven, time-tested lessons designed to help you create the life you've always dreamed of living, and the skills necessary for protecting that life from anything that might threaten it.

To learn more about real-world self-defense training and other subjects related to the martial arts, self-defense, personal development & self-improvement, visit his website at http://www.warrior-concepts-online.com - For more free tips, strategies, and lessons for making yourself more safe in this often unsafe world, don't forget to subscribe to his powerful and informative online newsletter.

Street Self-Defense And The Law

Although it is advisable to be prepared with self-defense skills in order to protect yourself, your friends or your family against an unprovoked attack, this doesn't give you the right to go out and use these skills on the street unless it is purely for self-defense reasons.

If you use self-defense strategies for the wrong reasons it is a punishable offence and you could be convicted. It's not a matter of he hit me so I hit him back in self-defense, that's not how the law works. The aim of this article is to give you an understanding of self-defense and the law.

Street Self-Defense - The Retreat

The first thing that the law states is that you should retreat and avoid all means of physical confrontation if you can do. So if you can run and escape then that should be your first option for street self-defense, this shows that you have no intention of being involved in the use of violence.

This may appear to be the obvious thing to do but there are a lot of people who just abuse their self-defense skills and fight for fun, this is what gets them into trouble with the law. If there is nowhere to run, shout out and try attracting some attention from bystanders, this alone can distract your attacker and end the conflict.

We understand that the Retreat isn't always an option but if it is there for the taking then please use it as your first choice. Report the incident to the Police immediately.

Street Self-Defense - The Trap

If you are unable to retreat then you need to implement further self-defense strategies. So if for example you are walking down a dark lane and you are pushed into a corner with nowhere to run and there is nobody else nearby, what do you do? This is what I call The Trap and the retreat isn't an option, it's not possible.

Fear will ignite inside of you; your natural instinct will be to use your self-defense skills to protect yourself. If you are unable to escape and you need to fight to get away, the law permits you to do so by using reasonable force. The problem a lot of victims have at this stage is that if they are winning over their assailant, the pure adrenaline pumping through their body is uncontrollable and they then become the attacker.

As stated in the retreat, you should escape at your first opportunity and not beat your assailant unconscious. The law of street self-defense under these circumstances would be to use reasonable force, but what is reasonable force?

Street Self-Defence - Reasonable Force

There are widespread concerns regarding the interpretation of reasonable force, what is it and how much force can actually be used under the circumstances if street self-defense must be used.

It is without doubt that the court will determine if your actions are acceptable, whether or not you believe that the only way to avoid harm to yourself would be to hurt the attacker. The Jury will decide this by looking at a person's physical characteristics and qualities, size, gender, strength, age etc. They will also take into consideration the circumstances and surroundings at the scene of the attack.

You are not required by law to take unreasonable risks with your own safety, therefore if you can't escape and you feel threatened with your life, then you don't have to wait to strike. If you feel that striking is imminent to protect yourself from harm then you are permitted to do so. However you must act with reasonable force and there are two types:

Deadly Vs. Non-Deadly Force

Deadly force involves protecting yourself with the use of a weapon such as a gun, knife, metal bar, baseball bat etc. This kind of force must be avoided in all circumstances unless your attacker is using it against you, in which case you have the right to respond with the same level of aggression.

This kind of attack will almost definitely result in serious injury or death and in court you will have to prove that your assailant was going to attack you in this manner.

Non-deadly force is a level of force where in street self-defense you will only use methods such as punching, kicking and grappling to protect yourself. However, this must still be controlled and only enough force used to enable you to escape the situation. Once you are free to get away, your safest option is to stop fighting and run. Report the event to the police.

Conclusion:

1) Avoid physical confrontation by getting away if possible.

2) If you need to fight then you must take into consideration how much force you need to use to escape, don't abuse your rights to self-Defense.

3) You are allowed to strike first if you are trapped and in fear of your safety.

4) Never use deadly force unless your attacker intends to use it against you.

5) Always report the incident to the local police immediately.

The law may vary between countries and states but these basic guidelines will apply internationally. For your own safety and the safety of your family, I would strongly advise that you prepare yourself with street self-defense strategies to avoid the possibility of a traumatic experience.

About The Author:

Troy Palmer has 25 years experience in Martial Arts, Self Defense and Street Fighting. He has taught men, women and children of various different social status and physical capabilities. He strives on his success to teach others how to fight good and gain the confidence they need to survive today's streets of increasing violence. You can interact with Troy and get stacks of great advice from him at: http://www.howtofightgood.net.

3 Self-Defense Principles You Must Remember

Regardless of whether you're using a Kubotan self-defense keychain, a handgun, or unarmed tactics, there are certain undeniable concepts and principles - truths if you will - about a self-defense encounter that must be acknowledged and planned for. To overlook or ignore even one of these is to be done at your own risk and peril.

While there are many more principles that I consider to be critical, we'll start with a few of the most basic, and therefore the most important here. Please note that I used the words "basic" and "important" in the same sentence. Often, students (and teachers for that matter) tend to see the basics as "necessary evils to learn in order to get to the really cool stuff." When, in fact, the basics ARE the "cool stuff," and...

...without them, you wouldn't be able to do anything else!

If you're new to the topic of real-world self-defense, burn these principles into your subconscious mind so that you'll never forget them. If you consider yourself to be an old veteran or an advanced student, you might still want to look over them, just to make sure that you're not missing anything important.

Self-Defense Principles to "Live" By

1. You Are Your Own First-Line of Self Defense

Remember that, when the attack happens, more often than not, you will be alone. And, if you are with someone else, then chances are even greater that you are facing multiple attackers.

I talk a lot in my other books and articles, especially in "The Karate-Myth," about the fact that no one else, not even the police, can save you. And that goes for your teacher as-well, regardless of how good he or she is.

You will either be prepared or not when the penny drops. That means that...

...it will be your responsibility to do what you must to survive until help, back-up, or whatever, arrives.

And that goes equally well for those of us who have been trained to know better. Like the story of an off-duty police officer who, having years of training, carried her firearm with her everywhere she went.

Until one day, she went out to lunch with mom and dad.

Since they were just going into a fast-food place for lunch and mom and dad didn't care much for guns, she decided to leave the weapon in her car.

During lunch, a man entered the restaurant and killed several patrons...

...including her parents.

Though she got out with her life, the ONE TIME she needed her training and her weapon...

...her parents died.

Imagine living with that for the rest of your life!

So, if you're going to train yourself with a Kubotan, self-defense keychain, handgun, or any other weapon, make sure that, not only is it WITH you when you need it, that if possible...

...it's IN your HAND!

2. Keep It Short and Simple

Sport martial artists kill me. Not that they can anymore than anyone else, but what they do, and the way they think, is what leaves me shaking my head in confusion and disbelief.

Anyone who's ever been in a real-world encounter, where they were fighting for life and limb, knows that seconds can feel like an eternity.

SECONDS.

In fact, the average self-defense encounter is over in 6 to 10 seconds. Not minutes.

So much for the money-making climactic fight scenes at the end of a movie, huh? Where the hero takes on the arch-villain for 20 minutes or so.

Sorry. Just doesn't work that way.

In fact, you only store enough glycogen (a type of sugar) in your muscles for fight-or-flight work for about 7 to 11 seconds of full-out work. After that, your body must hold out for another 7 to 11 seconds to produce enough of that magic "juice" to go at it again.

The fact that karate tournaments set things up with a two minute time frame on average is proof that things are not geared towards self-defense. Of course, all the rules that are nonexistent on the street help a little too.

If you've ever been attacked, you probably know that it was over long before two minutes were up (if you were counting). Unless you're running and hiding or pulling the school-boy-fight thing where it looks like a boxing match, you can't physically keep going for longer than your muscles have fuel for.

In addition to this, a self-defense situation is NOT the time nor the place to be showing off your way-cool tricky moves. The attacker doesn't care and, quite frankly, that kind of foolishness is just going to make him...

...fight HARDER!

If you want to win - if you want to survive - if you want to wake up tomorrow on THIS side of the grass, you have got to keep your defenses simple and to the point. Do what you have to do to get him to stop - and do it quickly.

Period.

3. There's a Difference Between a Fight and a Self-Defense Situation

Again, you have to know why you're there.

Are you trying to prove something?

Do you need to be right?

Are you trying to make a point?

Are you afraid of getting something you don't want or losing something you do?

If you are, then...

...you're in a fight - you're fighting!

It's not self-defense, although you might be trying to defend yourself while simultaneously trying to inflict your damage on him.

But, a self-defense situation is different. It's very different...

...before the attack even starts.

The Difference Between Fighting and Self-Defense

What is the difference between a fight and a self-defense situation? I mean, both people are attacking the other, right?

Well...

...not exactly. And, if you've ever been in either or both, you already know the answer.

Simply stated, a fight has two or more combatants who are willing participants in the foray, they are all there by mutual agreement. They all WANT to be there.

Whereas, in a defensive encounter there may be two or more mutually agreeable participants to the event, but...

...they are all on the SAME side!

In a self-defense situation, at least one of the combatants, the victim - the target of the assault - has NOT chosen to be there.

Do you see the difference?

While a self-defense situation and a fight might APPEAR to be the same thing, they are in reality, very different.

So, get over any thoughts, fears, or aversions to fighting. I don't like to fight either. But...

...I have become very good at fighting skills and dealing with a person who wants to fight or attack me.

There is a big difference.

In Today's world of violence, street crime, spousal and child abuse, and terrorism, it is no longer possible to live in denial. It seems that, every day, more and more people are waking up to the realization that violence in some form has touched either them or someone they know. They end up finding out that...

...self-defense training is no longer a choice - it's a responsibility!

Jeffrey M. Miller is the founder of Warrior Concepts International. He is a highly sought-after trainer, consultant, and expert in the areas of self-defense, workplace violence defensive tactics, and personal protection. He is the author of several books, and videos, including: "The Science of Self-Defense," and the dvd, "Danger Prevention Tactics: Protecting Yourself Like a Pro," and is the co-producer of the self-defense & martial arts podcast called KUDEN. For more information and to download your free self-defense report entitled, "Fight Smarter - Not Harder" visit his web site at: http://www.warrior-concepts-online.com

Self-Defense - The Role of Your Emotions in Effectively Surviving a Brutal Self-Defense Attack

Most self-defense and martial arts classes avoid the emotions altogether. Others limit their focus on a gross over-simplification of emotional states during a self-defense situation. But, aside from being frightened or angry, what role do your emotions play in dealing with a potentially deadly situation?

Did you ever consider that?

Aside from being responses to the moment-to-moment occurrences as we move through our days, what role do your emotions play. For most people, it's kind of like your blood type. Apart from knowing what it is so we don't end up with the wrong one if we need it, it and the emotions are just things that we "have" and have no control over.

In reality, the emotions are actually tied to our body's own natural, human, defense system. It's true. Your body is already hard-wired for self-defense by design.

The thing is that, our sophisticated brains, socialization, and cultural, academic, and familial education has virtually made us completely unaware that we have these abilities and functions.

So, what's the function of your emotions, and how can they be used for self-defense? Excellent question.

It's not the focus of this article to explain all of the inner workings of your human brain. Let's just start with some very simple responses to stimuli from the world around us.

You see, everything that we're exposed to, invokes a feeling, or response at a base, primitive level. This happens without us being conscious of it, and also happens below the level of what we normally call our emotions.

These base "feelings" or responses can be generally classified as feelings of:

Attraction - we like it


Aversion - we don't like it, or...


Apathy - it doesn't cause us to move either way

Don't confuse these simple feelings with higher, more complex emotional moods like:

Love
Hate, and...

Ignorance

The ones I'm talking about are much simpler and tied not to the higher brain functions, but actually come out of our lower "reptilian" brain - also known as the R-complex - the section of your brain that is primarily concerned with self-preservation activities like eating, procreating, and not-dying.

"Why," you may ask, "do I want to know all this scientific mumbo-jumbo? All I want to do is pick up some moves to protect myself?"

And I would answer, "you don't have to learn anything."

Not if you just want to learn your "moves" and then hope that you'll be able to use them in a real street self-defense situation.

Remember. When you're training in a martial arts or self-defense class, you're probably pumped up, happy, having a good time. Am I right?

Looking at the base feelings I described before, that would put you in "attraction" mode, where you like what you're doing and want more of it. The activity - the training - it feels good and, while perhaps difficult at times, probably not very threatening or dangerous at all.

Now, whether or not you've ever been in a real fight, or ever been attacked by an enraged individual out for blood, I'm sure you can imagine what that must be like. You can almost see his eyes and the intense look on his face. Add to that, the intensity and intention he's projecting and the smell of him - we can't forget that smell and feel of him as he invades your personal space.

Are you still in "attraction" mode? I bet not. And you're not even in the real situation. I'm just describing it and you're having an "aversion" response.

How do you think you're going to feel actually being in the heat of the moment?

You got it. Very different than in class or your own personal training sessions where there is no real danger.

If you understand the role and immense value that your emotions play in keeping you safe. And, if you learn about what role they play in spearheading your body's natural defense mechanisms, then you can also train to tap into their power and use them as tools for your own defense.

Having this knowledge will help you to tailor and adjust your actual training methods to accommodate, acknowledge, and utilize your emotions as the valuable aids they are.

Remember, any monkey can learn the moves, but a real expert - a true master - uses things that most individuals don't even know about, or don't know exist. So, do you have to study and use your emotions in your self-defense training? No.

But then, you don't "have" to breath either. But I'd highly recommend it!

Are you a private individual, police or security professional, member of the military, or company manager looking for real self-defense training that works?

Get the information you need to survive a real world self-defense situation.

Get three self-defense reports when you get my Self-Defense Super Library

Jeffrey Miller is an internationally recognized self-defense expert. He is the creator of the unique EDR: Non-Martial Arts Defensive Training System and teaches individuals, security professionals, companies, and organizations how to be more safe in Today's often unsafe world. Visit his web site at => http://www.warrior-concepts-online.com

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Self-Defense And Personal Safety Training Advice

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A Personal Safety Weapon To Consider: The Self-Defense Keychain

I use a generic term, "Self-Defense Keychain," to describe this device but you may have heard of it by more popular, commercial names such as "Kubaton" or "Persuader Keychain." Because, "Kubaton" is the most popular, I'll use that term interchangeably with the one I use.

The Kubaton is a light-weight metal, plastic or wooden dowel. It's about five inches long and one half inch in diameter. The shaft of this weapon is usually knurled or grooved so that it doesn't slip in your hand. On one end of the Kubaton is a ring or two holding a cluster of ten to fifteen keys.

Recently, manufacturers have attempted to enhance the Kubaton with sharpened ends, telescoping tubes, spikes, enclosed canisters of pepper spray and even hidden knife blades. I won't get into these additional "bells and whistles" and will limit my recommendation to the basic model consisting of a shaft, key rings and keys.

=====================================================

The self-defense keychain is discrete, unassuming, and convenient to carry. If used properly, it can dramatically increase the odds of surviving and escaping from a serious, life-threatening assault. I discuss the keychain during my self-defense seminars because it stands up nicely to the seven evaluation questions.

I prefer to discuss and provide information about the keychain but hesitate to make blatant recommendations about it, or any other device or weapon. I believe that the decision about whether to carry a personal safety device, and which one you carry, is YOUR decision. I prefer that you evaluate and analyze the "pros and cons" for yourself. This article is to assist you in that process process.

=====================================================

SEVEN EVALUATION QUESTIONS

If you missed the last issue of the Protective Strategies Self-Defense Newsletter (December 2000) I'll review the seven Personal Safety Device Evaluation Questions:

1. Is it legal?

2. Will I carry it all the time?

3. Will it be immediately available when I need it?

4. Do I have legitimate confidence in my ability to use it?

5. Is it as effective as it has been held out to be?

6. Could it be taken away and used on me?

7. Am I physically, mentally and emotionally prepared to use it?

====================================== ===============

1. IS IT LEGAL?

In most jurisdictions that I am aware of, the Kubaton is legal. It can be purchased over the counter in security, martial arts and sporting goods stores. I found several online merchants selling them for $5 to $25 dollars. Because they have a utility function (to hold your keys) they can be legally carried.

--- Sidebar ---

In Canada, the Kubaton is neither a restricted nor a prohibited weapon. It is therefore legal to carry providing it is not used for illegal purposes. They are also available across the U.S. However, if you are considering carrying a Kubaton, you might want to make your own enquiries to confirm if they are legal in your jurisdiction.

--- Sidebar ---

2. WILL I CARRY IT ALL THE TIME?

This is the beauty of the self-defense keychain. What is the most common thing that you carry in your hand when coming or going from your vehicle, home or workplace? Your keys! Because you carry your day-to-day keys on the self-defense keychain, it is likely that you will have it in your hand more than any other object. This increases the odds that, if you are attacked, it will be in your hand and ready to go. This is a huge benefit when considering a personal safety device or weapon.

3. WILL IT BE IMMEDIATELY AVAILABLE WHEN I NEED IT?

Again, the self-defense keychain is likely to be ready to go when you need it most. It's not enough to have a Personal Safety Device in your possession. It won't do you much good in your purse, pocket or vehicle. If you keep your keys on the keychain, it is a simple matter of establishing a habit of carrying it in your hand whenever you leave your home.

4.DO I HAVE CONFIDENCE IN MY ABILITY TO USE IT?

There are a number of "SILLY" techniques associated with the Kubaton. They include fancy wristlocks, takedowns, releases from holds and other elaborate techniques that just won't stand up in the stress and chaos of a real-world confrontation. Even if they did work (which they don't) they would require extensive practice and training to become competent.

Secondly, in a stressful encounter, only simple, large-muscle actions can be performed effectively. For that reason, a practical self-defense system must be simple and have as few techniques as possible. The system that I teach, for example, consists of three basic striking methods that are natural and consistent with what one would conceivably do during a combative situation.

Because the Kubaton is a hard object, it concentrates and intensifies the striking energy that is transferred into the assailant. Even with minimal training, a keychain strike is far more likely to incapacitate a violent assailant than an empty-handed response.

5. IS IT AS EFFECTIVE AS IT HAS BEEN HELD OUT TO BE?

When used properly, the self-defense keychain is a devastating weapon with potential to seriously injure and incapacitate a violent attacker. For that reason, it should only be used in situations where you reasonably believe the attack is serious and life threatening. You must also believe that you don't have less forceful alternatives available to protect yourself.

--- Sidebar ---

WAIVER - Because of the potential consequences of using a personal safety weapon, I need to be clear that I provide this information for educational purposes only. How you use the information is up to you. Refer to my disclaimer statement at: http://www.protectivestrategies.com/disclaimer.html

--- Sidebar ---

6.COULD IT BE TAKEN AWAY AND USED ON ME?

The honest answer to this question is, "yes." ANY personal safety weapon: a knife, pepper spray or a shoe for that matter, can potentially be taken away and used on you in the same fashion you intended to use it on your assailant.

However, the general consensus amongst my seminar candidates is that the benefits of having one outweigh the possibility of losing it. A benefit of the self-defense keychain is that the assailant may not recognize it as a weapon and, if he did gain access to it, wouldn't think to use it as one.

It is important to consider the potential of being disarmed when carrying a personal safety weapon. Acknowledge the possibility of dropping or losing it and do everything you can to prevent it from falling into the hands of your attacker.

7. AM I PHYSICALLY, MENTALLY AND EMOTIONALLY PREPARED TO USE IT?

This is a question only you can answer. Don't just buy a self-defense keychain, attach it to your keys and carry it around expecting that you will magically resort to it if you are ever attacked. A basic, self-defense response system should be learned and practiced when adopting this device.

Developing competence does not require thousands of repetitions and hours of training. However, you should spend some time learning how to prepare and grip the weapon as well as how and where to strike an assailant for maximum effectiveness.

Ideally, you should seek out instruction from a competent self-defense keychain instructor. However, if the system is simple enough (as mine is) I believe you can teach yourself the basic skills you need from a manual.

The keychain basics are simple and not hard to learn. Using the keychain will intensify the destructiveness of your response to a violent attack and increase the potential of escaping death or serious injury. Learn the basic concepts (mental preparation). Practice the basic strikes (physical preparation). The only thing left is to develop the emotional resolve to do whatever it takes to protect yourself and survive!

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CONCLUSION

Whether you decide to explore the issue of the self-defense keychain further; whether you decide to buy and carry one, is entirely up to you. I can provide you only with information to assist you with that decision making process but ultimately you must take full responsibility for your personal safety and draw your own conclusions about what is and isn't right for you. If you've read this far, I'm sure you'll make a wise choice.

Take care, train smart and stay safe,

Randy LaHaie

====================== So What? ==========================

Now that you have this information, what good is it to you? Before we get into that, let me be clear on a VERY IMPORTANT POINT. I am NOT an advocate of carrying a weapon or device as a "PRIMARY" self-defense strategy. A PSD is a piece of the overall puzzle but not nearly as effective as developing a comprehensive and balanced personal safety strategy.

Your "BRAIN" is your primary tool for staying safe. Your mental, physical and emotional development determines your ability to avoid and detect danger and to deal with it effectively if it does arise.

Fighting back... especially with a weapon, should be considered a last resort, not a first, and especially not the only one you have! If you must fight back, the keychain will help, but don't lose sight of the need to explore and develop the other components of self-defense that will have a greater affect on your ability to stay safe.

The keychain is just one more tool in your "self-defense tool box." Keep Looking for and developing other skills, knowledge and response options. That's why we say one "STUDIES" self-defense. It's an on going process. We can't buy it, borrow it or carry it in our pocket. Don't forget that.

================== Self-Defense Quote ====================

"Remember: it's not the weapon that counts so much as how you use it. Even the most commonplace or seemingly harmless item becomes an efficient weapon when directed toward the vulnerable parts of the human body. Household weapons are often at your fingertips, so use them!"

Al Marrewa

The Feminine Warrior

A Woman's Guide to Verbal, Psychological and Physical Empowerment

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Randy LaHaie is the president of Protective Strategies and has been teaching reality-based self-defense for over 30 years. He is the author of several "Toughen Up Combative Training Guides" (http://www.ToughenUp.com)

Subscribe to his FREE SELF-DEFENSE NEWSLETTER at http://www.ProtectiveStrategies.com

Women's Self-Defense Classes - The Fallacy of Women's Self Defense

There are many who say women learn self-defense better in an exclusively women-only environment. The so-called "experts" say it is less intimidating if women don't have to compete with the men, or, it is easier (more comfortable) to discuss subjects like rape without men present. So, the new trend in self-defense programs is "Women's Self Defense" classes.

I don't agree with this line of reasoning, because the overwhelming evidence suggests that this is the wrong approach. I can't tell you how many times I have heard, "I took a women's self-defense course once. But, I went home and tried some of the stuff on my husband (or boyfriend), and it didn't work!"

There is nothing more confidence-shattering than to spend the time learning all the techniques and starting to feel good about yourself, only to have the bubble burst the first time you try out your new-found skills. Women then begin to feel there is nothing they can do to protect themselves when they can't even make it work against someone who isn't really trying to hurt them.

The real shame is when someone is really attacked, and after repeated attempts, can't make their self-defense techniques work. At that point, they simply give up, and won't fight back no matter what. I can only imagine that someone in that situation would look back on the time or money spent for self-defense classes and feel that they had been victimized twice!

Why "Women's Self Defense" Programs Don't Work!

Most of the people who take my self-defense classes are women. Sometimes, I even have a class that is all women. However, that is by coincidence, not design. Women who sign up for my classes know that there may be both men and women in the class. Whether there are actually men in the class is not important, after all, I am instructing the class, so there is always at least one man in the class.

The point is, if a woman is so intimidated by men, that she will not even take a self-defense class with men, she will never survive an attack by a man. Why? Because "intimidation" is just another word for fear. Until she can prove to herself the techniques work on a man, she has done nothing to help her get over her fear of men.

If she is ever attacked, it will probably be by a man! If she hasn't gotten over her fear of men, she will immediately panic, no matter what she has learned. If she hasn't learned how to deal with the bigger, stronger, more aggressive male, she will not understand how the dynamics of the situation will change in the real world!

Women MUST practice self-defense techniques against a man! Otherwise, how will she know they work against a man? This is what we call "realistic scenario training" (more about this later). If she has only practiced self-defense techniques with other women, she gets a false sense of security that her techniques will work in the real world. But, an even bigger problem is that most of what is taught in these so-called "women's self-defense" classes wouldn't work anyway!

Poor Teaching Methods

Much of what is taught as "women's self-defense" is not only ineffectual, but insulting as well. Courses intended only for women assume they are weak, less capable of defending themselves, and therefore need different methods from men to counteract violence. Women have been told to "yell 'FIRE', carry a hat pin or umbrella to jab at him, do something vulgar to gross him out, like tell him you have VD." If any of that junk worked, we'd be teaching men to do the same thing.

The following sample of bad advice still shows up in high schools and women's self-defense courses:

"Confrontation always makes everything worse. Don't react-it might be an overreaction. Don't add to the violence by becoming violent yourself. Don't make him mad. Trying to escape risks escalating the problem."

These ideas are wishful thinking or blind optimism. Experience at real crime scenes teaches you something very different.

Imagine if the percentages of women and men raped were 50-50 instead of 98 percent women and 2 percent men. [Outside of prison, those are the true percentages.] Now imagine someone telling men, "Don't overreact to rape, guys. Go along with his demands so you won't be hurt." I think you can see there might be a double standard that is completely unfair to women.

Doing Nothing

Doing nothing against a violent attack is the biggest risk of all because it makes resistance and escape later far more difficult. Worse, statistics show it actually increases the likelihood that violence will escalate, especially when the crime is rape. The most profound example involving resisting (doing something) versus submitting (doing nothing) was a Department of Justice study of rape published in 1985:

Rapists do not normally pre-arm themselves with weapons. Only 23 percent of 1.6 million cases studied involved knives or guns. [The major exception to this are rapists who break into a residence; 96 percent grab a knife from the kitchen.]
Approximately 51 percent of women resisted in some form, ranging from screaming to fleeing, to fighting back; the remaining 49 percent did nothing.
When broken down between resistance or submission, there was only an increase of two percent in the injury level to the women who resisted.

Yes, there is always a risk involved in fighting back, but there is just as much risk in doing nothing. If you face a rapist and do nothing, he'll rape you. If you face an armed criminal forcing you into his car and do nothing, he'll kidnap you. The "do-nothing" group believes that in doing nothing, they risk nothing.

Doers, in contrast, have simple and direct reasons for taking action: "If I don't do something fast, it's going to get worse."

False Claims

Another problem is the false sense of security given by unsubstantiated claims. One direct-mail women's safety device provides an "instant and easy self-defense" video for women.... "Can you point your finger?... Can you raise your hand?... If your answer is yes, you can instantly escape anything from rape to severe attacks.... It's quick and easy." The product being mentioned here, pepper spray, almost never works this way in the real world.

One television commercial for a women's self-defense program promises "two-minute, guaranteed knockout using your feet. When your assailant tries to grab you, use the heel of your shoe to strike into his head over and over." Could you really learn to do this in two minutes? It takes years of training in karate or taekwondo to learn to effectively kick someone in the head, and even then, it's a risky move. It's just a marketing ploy to get your money.

If you buy a police radar detector that is guaranteed to work, but doesn't, the result is a speeding ticket. If you pay for "self-defense classes" or videos that don't deliver as promised, the result can be severe injury or even death. Relying on someone else's guarantee is only a false sense of security that will only have bad results!

Anti-crime gadgets, and martial arts self-defense programs marketed to women, are often too simplistic and come with unrealistic guarantees. The fact is, surviving crime requires far more mental toughness than physical abilities. Size, weight, conditioning, and upper-body strength don't make the difference. If they did, a lot of men would be in deep trouble. Crime survival takes tough-minded mental conditioning, the same for both men and women.

What Does Work

What works, as proved by the results of both police and military testing, is "realistic scenario training". Scenario training consists of learning techniques, rehearsing them in realistic scenarios, and then visualizing these actions in your mind. It is a method used in many fields, from sports to law enforcement, military to medicine.

Scenario training is a way of planning our responses. We do something similar every day in our regular lives. We plan what to say if the boss criticizes a report we've submitted, or how to appease our spouse if we've done something irritating. Often we actually rehearse the words we'll use, we do it constantly. It doesn't always get us what we want, but it gives us a better chance.

Face-to-face with violence, your first split-second problem is not what is he going to do, but, "what are you going to do?" Scenario training against violence answers that question at the right time... before it happens. You can make mistakes and learn from them before it becomes a life or death situation! Scenario training to survive violent crime draws on real-life crime cases, which allows us to analyze our own mistakes, as well as the mistakes of others, learn from them, and decide how we will respond differently.

Without realistic scenario training, people panic and freeze up; they have no way to cut through the overwhelming fear that boxes them in during a crisis. Everyone needs to train for the same scenarios, and everyone, men and women alike, need to train the same way: to develop the mental toughness needed to survive a real attack!

Summary

This is the bottom line that must be adopted by every woman, every women's self-defense teacher, and every parent of a daughter: If the how-to-survive-violence technique and advice is not acceptable to men, it's not acceptable to women.

Knowing how to handle yourself when confronted with violence is your only insurance against becoming a victim, or just another statistic in a police report. You have car insurance, home-owner's insurance, life insurance, health insurance...

What insurance do you have against being the victim of a violent crime? A long-term self-defense program offers the most comprehensive training, and therefore, the best opportunity to learn to handle almost any situation that may occur. However, if you don't have the time to commit to a long-term program, at least some form of weaponless self-defense training is better than none.

But women MUST practice techniques with MEN! The idea that women can learn to defend themselves against men, without training with men, is simply false.

Resources:

Strong, Sanford - Strong on Defense; Simon & Shuster, Inc.; 1996

Federal Bureau of Investigation - Uniform Crime Report; 2000

Mark Jordan is a 6th Degree Black Belt in Budoshin Jujitsu, Vice-president of the American Ju-Jitsu Association, and a Certified Self-Defense Instructor with the International Association of Close Combat Professionals. You may find out how to contact him for training, or read more of his articles by visiting his website:
AllJujitsu.com.

Self-defense in the martial arts training requires a real perspective

This story is being offered in response to a request made by my teacher, Soke (Grand Master) Masaaki Hatsumi, during a recent training visit to Japan. During one of the training sessions, Soke was suggesting that everyone, regardless of rank, should make it a point to talk to those with actual combat experience and to learn from these people. The point was, if you do not know what a real fight is like, you will not be able to train properly for an authentic situation.

I was asked to share some of my experience in dealing with an attack and the following story came to mind. Though I have much experience with dealing with danger and dangerous people, this particular situation stands out as both a successful outcome where I was able to use some of my ninpo-taijutsu martial arts training, and a learning experience where I was actually able to control both my awareness and response, instead of mentally shutting down and "hoping" for the best.

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The incident occurred many years ago while I was stationed in, what was then, West Germany. I was serving with the United States Army Military Police Corps. My partner and I were called to respond to a unit where a serviceman was assaulting others, including the officer-in-charge.

When we arrived at, what we thought was, the location of the incident, there was no one but the Charge of Quarters present. He had no idea about the incident. What none of us knew was that the 'problem' was occurring next door and moving in our direction.

While my partner and I were confirming the call with our superiors, the attacker entered the building where we were. He was obviously intoxicated and shouting racial insults and demanding satisfaction before he started a 'real war.' By the smell of him, he had been drinking heavily and primarily whiskey. His clothes showed signs of a struggle and at this point I wasn't sure if I was facing an attacker or the victim of an assault.

I immediately tried to calm the individual and find out what the problem was. As I was doing this, several other soldiers, including the command duty officer entered the building and became involved. The belligerent soldier was going on with his racial attacks and how he was attacked by what he thought were his friends. It was then that he turned his attention to me and began implying that he had martial arts experience and "didn't have to prove himself to anyone."

During this, and later after interviewing witnesses, we found that the individual had tested for his black belt in another martial art earlier that day and was out 'celebrating' with his friends. Witnesses testified that the more intoxicated he became, the more he started "showing off" to his friends which involved hitting and kicking. Eventually, his friends had had enough and then attempted to stop his obnoxious behavior by pushing him away and leaving him behind. This only made him more "playful" at which time he jumped on his friends resulting in them throwing him down on the ground. It was this that finally enraged him enough to chase them to the barracks and begin attacking others.

As he was telling me that he didn't have to prove himself, he also made statements that I only thought that I was tougher than him because I carried a gun, a nightstick and wore an MP helmet. I responded by removing my helmet and handing my night stick to my partner in an attempt to neutralize any perceived threat that I might be projecting and bring the soldier's anxiety level down. I informed him that the gun stayed where it was but that we needed to talk like civilized men so we could solve whatever problem was going on.

The soldier continued on with the "I'm a black belt and don't need to prove how tough I am" speech when he closed the distance and, from about an inch from my face, stated that, "I'm going to show you how tough you're not."

I ordered the soldier back and before I knew what was happening, I sensed his fist coming up between our bodies toward my jaw. I rode off the strike which landed before I could evade and then backed out as he began to flail widely with both arms at my head and body. I remember taking up a hoko-like position (a guarding posture in ninjutsu designed to create a protective 'bubble' that is difficult for the attacker to get through) to cover against the incoming attacks and having to simultaneously deal with an officer who thought that I was the one doing the attacking!

At one point, I realized that his right arm had wrapped around my left forearm and that a 'musha-dori-like thing' (uplifting elbow - shoulder dislocating technique) was happening. I remember moving to capture his balance and laid him down when suddenly his feet went out from under him. Later I found out that, in an attempt to help, my partner chose that moment to sweep my assailant's legs out from under him. I felt the soldier's shoulder give way as I applied the lock and took him down. This didn't help with the anxiety and emotional pressure I was dealing with as I was now worried about a possible 'police brutality' charge for excessive force.

This injury didn't deter his aggression though as he continued to fight against our restraint. We were finally able to subdue him and get him onto his stomach to be handcuffed when his wife and young child entered the building. I don't know how they found out about the situation but there they were. I felt sad for them and was only able to give a look of apology for having to do this. Again, more stress was added in that I didn't want to have to physically hurt this man in front of his family.

Unfortunately, their presence only served to escalate the problem. When the soldier became aware of his wife and child, he blamed my partner and I for his "embarrassment" and began to fight against his restraint again. I am not a big man and this soldier's build was easily 150% of my own size and weight, so holding him was a serious problem. Having to improvise and immobilize the man, I placed my night stick between the handcuff chain and his back and applied leverage against his spine which created a situation where he would only hurt himself with his continued resistance. This was only necessary for a moment or two, as he passes out from his exertion.

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As I related during my initial telling of the story at the Hombu Dojo ('main training hall'0 in Noda-city, Japan, my legs begin to shake and I can feel my breathing change as I recall this situation and many others like it. It does not control me or the way I go through my life in the ordinary sense that I am not afraid to associate with people or the like. What it has done is imprinted on me much more than just a step-by-step memory of the events, and I'm sure that my recollection of these is less than accurate because the experience was much more emotional and from what Soke has called "budo-nerves" orientation or perspective than from any sort of memorized technique string.

I will simply end this by saying that, this situation is one that has forever changed my perspective on how I should train, and as a teacher, how I should train my students. It has taught me that kata-like, step-by-step training is only a piece of the training puzzle but, anyone who believes that they will fight this way is deluding themselves. Conversely, it has also taught me that training that is just henka-based, where the basics like cover, distance and the like are not drilled until they become second-nature and the student just "does whatever" in an attempt to imitate (his or her teacher) is also deluded. This type of practice is necessary but, again, only a piece.

I am in complete agreement with Soke when he points out that it is the ability to go between the animal instinct response required for surviving an attack and returning to the civilized state to live a happy life, unstained by fear, defensiveness or antisocial behavior because of the attack that should be the goal.

Let me also say that, I respect Soke and the Shihan master instructors that I train with. But, not simply because they are Soke and the Shihan. I respect these people and continue to train in this art precisely because my own experience with having to handle danger tells me that what they have to offer is authentic and "on the mark" with that experience. Because I know that should I ever be attacked again, it will be the lessons that I have learned from them and not my admiration of them or their abilities that will help to insure that my family gets to have me around a little while longer. In a world filled with martial artists and instructors who want trophies, admiration and to 'look good,' it is comforting to know that there are still those who have what the true warrior needs to create a life worth living and the power to protect that life from whatever might harm it.

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Jeffrey M. Miller is the founder and master instructor of Warrior Concepts International. A senior teacher in the Japanese warrior art of Ninjutsu, he specializes in teaching the ancient ways of self-protection and personal development lessons in a way that is easily understood and put to use by modern Western students and corporate clients. Through their martial arts training, his students and clients learn proven, time-tested lessons designed to help them create the life they've always dreamed of living, and the skills necessary for protecting that life from anything that might threaten it. He is also the author of the "Foundations of Self Defense Mastery" eCourse. To learn more about this and other subjects related to the martial arts, self-defense, personal development & self-improvement, visit his website at http://www.warrior-concepts-online.com

Learn how to kick: Kicking effectively in a self-defense or Combat Situation part 4 of 10

This 10-article series will deal with the various components that must be Add be calculator, when considering the use of a particular kick in a combat or self-defense situation. These ten components can also be used by the tournament competitor, although certain segments should be changed slightly for the tournament aspects of kicking, rather than the more intensive nature in order to use a kick or kick in battle. Although all of these individual components is important, is the most effective when combined together and utilized properly executing a kick.

Although I am only going to discuss one of the components in this article, here is the complete list of all ten of them.

1. Your kicking ability

2. Your intended use

3. Environment

4. Telegraphing

5. Striking the Implementer

6. Striking correct objective

7. Initial impact

8. impact

9. Deviation or follow-up action are

10. Return to the fighting position

Component four; Telegraphing:

Telegraphing can and will take many forms. Most are subconscious nature, while the other is done deliberately, but inadvertently. Most people would not not and deliberately telegraph their intentions to their opponent, but end up doing so in any event, primarily due to lack of proper training. What I would do in this article is to present you with the most common forms of telegraphing when kicking and the three most effective ways to eliminate them.

Verbalizing:

Verbalizing your intentions is usually done by opening your mouth and declaration to your opponent that you want to kick his ass or words to that effect. This not only telegraphs your intentions to your opponent, but it can also be used against you if your opponent decides to take you to the Court on a civil case after the dispute has arisen. It can also be used against you, if the authorities are involved and it turns into a criminal case.

Your foot and what comes out of it can be one of your greatest assets, or one of your worst enemies. So instead of opening your mouth and tells your opponent your intentions are keep closed and let him wonder.

Eye Contact:

Ever wonder why the United States Secret Service agents wear sunglasses? No, it is not to look cool or really to keep the Sun out of their eyes. Although it is the original purpose of the sunglasses. The Secret Service's primary purpose is for wearing sunglasses is to keep people from seeing where and what their eyes see. This gives also disable the perception of that they are looking everywhere at once.

One of the most common telegraphs a person want to do is to look at part of the body, to which he intends to strike on their opponent. This is a dead giveaway and should never happen, unless you are able to carry out deceptive strategy.

Ideally, your eyes focused on your opponent like a flashlight with mid light centered on your opponent's upper chest. While your peripheral vision scans his whole body like the external view of the flashlight. At no time should your eyes be focused like a laser beam on a single point of focus.

Facial Expressions:

Have you ever heard of a person has a "poker face?" This means that the person concerned does not give off any signs of emotion, betray his emotions. This is quite common in poker players and should be one of many goals, you will want to strive to reduce the chances of accidental telegraphing your intentions to your opponent.

Keep your face so cold and emotionless as face on a Granite statue.

Shoulder, Arm and upper body movements:

Hunching over the shoulders and torso in the waist is often very good indicators that a person gets ready to kick. Another is to lower hands before kicking in.

Always see yourself in the mirror and look close to yourself and what you do before and during the opening of your kick. Write them down and then remove them.

Finally, your goal should be to have a ' poker body ' go with your poker face.

Shifting your weight:

If you are a relatively inexperienced on kicking in, you will almost always telegraph your intentions to kick by significantly shifting your weight onto your non-kicking legs. This is almost always accompanied by a reduction of the hands.

If you are an experienced kicker, there should be no noticeable difference in your weight distribution on the eve of the kicking. This is of course dependent on you executing each component of kick correctly.

Improper opening of Kick:

This is usually done by either one of two things; not set up your kick with another technique prior to initiating the, and/or lifting your legs with your thigh muscles to kick rather than correctly takes advantage of your foot and ankle to lift your legs up.

The 3 most common ways to eliminate Telegraphing:

PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE!

1. Practice the correct technique:

This is pretty much a no-brainer here. If you have a 99% of properly kick and 1% incorrect, so you have an incorrect kick. You must practice (regularly) to each component of kick correctly and with correct mind-set, in order to achieve the maximum amount of productivity and efficiency out of your kick.

2. Practice with a competent education Partner:

You partner can and will have a different perspective on you and your kicking skills and will be able to critical feedback necessary for you to improve these skills. Have a good training partner is invaluable to improve your kicking skills, so when you find one, do not take them for granted.

3. practice in a mirror in front:

The mirror is without doubt my favorite piece of equipment for use in order to improve the effectiveness of my spark. Should your goal is to be able to perform your kick the impact before the note in the mirror that you actually have kicked. Of course this is not easy to do, it should not.

Ideally your kick strike your opponent before he sees it, and before you even realize you have cast it.

Shawn Kovacich have practicing martial arts for over 25 years and currently holds the rank of the 4th degree (Yodan) black belt in Karate and Tae Kwon both Do. Shawn has also participated in such prestigious full-contact bare border karate competitions as Shidokan Open and Sabaki Challenge, among others. In addition to its many holdings is Shawn also a record holder of two time world for endurance high kicking certified by Guinness Book of World Records. Shawn is the author of the highly acclaimed achieving Kicking Excellence Series and can be reached via his website at http://www.kickingbooks.com:

Click the following link to learn more about Crescent Kick,: Crescent Kick

4 major problems with modern Sport Jujitsu & MMA training as methods of self-defence

MMA and sport jujitsu been all the rage these days. But are they effective methods for personal self defense?

Many well-intentioned martial artists look at entire MMA/UFC and jujitsu art to learn effective self defense. The problem is that these species are not necessarily designed for self-protection.

The fighting-Yes.

Self-defence-not so much.

Here are several reasons why MMA and sport jujitsu is not the best choice for street self defense:

1) Much, that they are sports. This means that they are laden with rules. When mma and UFC first came on the scene several years ago, there were only 3 rules. Now, there are around 18. When you are working against a criminal hacker would do anything to beat, break, or kill you, is training in a system that ingrains a set of rules in your subconscious programming is not a very good idea!

2) they are unarmed systems. MMA and sport jujitsu fighters is not ready for attacker brings a weapon in the fight. These systems boast in attacking their opponent to win a knock-out or submission holds. When a real-world self defense situation, particularly where weapons are involved, charging in to in the last thing you ever do!

3) Lock with your opponent. This strategy works very in a ring with a judge. But out on the street, in a real situation, lock yourself to your attacker could get you killed-not necessarily by your attacker, but by one of his friends. It can be very difficult to escape from your own submission hold, designed to manage a single opponent, while his buddy standing over you kicking in your skull!

4) legal considerations. There is a huge difference between self defense and fighting. I have written extensively about this and make sure that my own students by the difference. Sport, martial artists, like boxers, warriors. And some of the things they do each other in a ring, get you into trouble with the law, either civil or criminal-If you use them on the street!

Please note that I am not saying that a jujitsu doctor or a mixed martial artist cannot defend themselves. Of course, I would never say that a high school professional wrestler, either could not defend themselves. What I am saying is that these things were developed as a combat systems-such as competitions-not as methods of self defense.

Are you looking for effective, real-world self defense training? Do you want to know how I do it? Download the free e-Self Defense book is called, "fight smarter-not harder!", just now and learn it takes to master the art of effective, real-world self defense against today's violent attackers.

Jeff says, "If you will be able to defend yourself in a real-world self defense situation, so I can teach you what you need to know in order to defend yourself against any attacker-guaranteed!"

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