Women's Self Defense Training - Be Equipped

 Be Equipped: (necessities such as tools or provisions.) Being equipped with the proper personal security and self defense tools whether it is a lethal, or non-lethal, or an alternative self defense tool, can greatly impact your personal security in a positive way. They are an important part of an overall self defense strategy.

Lethal: (Capable of causing death.) Just the definition of a lethal Personal Secuirty and Self Defense tools causes some people to fear, with good reason. When you carry a lethal one there is a great responsibility that inherently comes with it. A lethal tool can be a very effective choice with proper training and practice.

·         Guns, particularly pistols are the most common lethal self defense device.

·         They come in a variety of different calibers and sizes to fit each individuals needs.

·         If you carry it for self defense; that would imply that you would be willing to use it, possible taking another humans life to save your own.

·         You must insure that you get proper training, required permits, store it properly to avoid any accidents,and practice with it regularly.

Non-lethal: Many people choose non-lethal self defense tools for obvious reasons.A non-lethal self defense tools can give you the opportunity to flee from a dangerous situation.

·         Pepper spray is a non-lethal non-toxic aerosol spray used for self defense. The active ingredient in pepper spray is a naturally occurring substance called Oleoresin Capsicum or "OC". Pepper spray comes in dispersal types: Fogger, Stream, and Foam. Pepper spray offers the most bang for the buck of all non-lethal security products.

·         TASERS are non-lethal electroshock devices for self defense purposes only that disrupt the body's neuromuscular systems using electrical currents. They come in three different models; the C2 which is fashionable compact, the ML18 advanced TASER resembles a gun in shape and size, and the X26C that is gun shaped and offers many features.

Alternative: An alternative personal security tool is anything you can find wherever you are. They can be both lethal and non-lethal depending on the self defense tool used, placement and power of the strike on the offender. When it comes down to it you do what you have to in order to flee. Let me give you some examples of possible self defense tools in your car, home, or on your person. Because of liabilities I won't be explaining how to use these items; however the element of surprise is usually on your side with one of these self defense tools.

·         In the Car; ice scrapers, snow brushes, keys, sunglasses, a hard sun glass case, CD or CD case etc.

·         At Home; any aerosol can, a tooth brush, T.V remotes, drinking glasses, kitchen utensils, books, trash cans etc.

·         On your person; would be your wallet, loose change, pen or pencil, cell phone, comb, umbrella etc.

·         This is by no means an exhaustive list when you consider almost anything can be used as an alternative self defense tools. The key to any alternative self defense tools is that they don't appear as self defense tools and give you the element of surprise. By holding correctly, striking with force in the right area they are effective.

In Summary, with any self defense personal security products you should follow the laws and regulations in your area, practice with it and realize the moral and legal responsibilities that you take upon yourself when you carry them. Though it is never guaranteed, these items can give you the upper hand and a chance to flee. In future articles, additional rules will help you maximize your personal security and safety. Remember the best time to learn your lesson about personal security and self defense is before something happens.

Adam Sisterhen is the president of Your Personal Security Store (s90x.com), self defense instructor, author of personal security and self defense articles and a Rotarian. He is a proud advocate and a firm believer in personal security and self defense training and products that help protect you, your family and your loved ones.

To find the products talked about in this article and a wealth of information check these links below.

For the quality personal security and self defense products visit [http://www.s90x.com] Security to the 90th power!

For insights into products and personal security and self defense visit http://www.yourpersonalsecuritystore.blogspot.com

Real World Self Defense Training - Are You Learning How To Win?

Are you serious about real-world self-defense training? Are you serious about learning how to win in a real attack against a larger, stronger attacker?

Perhaps you're already enrolled in a martial art or self-defense program. If you are, then I congratulate you on taking a critical step toward doing what most people never do. And that's actually taking responsibility for your own safety and the protection of those whom you care about.

If you haven't already enrolled in either a self-defense martial art, or non martial arts-based self-defense system, then my question is...

...What the hell are you waiting for?!

Remember that the nature of violence is that it's random - that means you don't know where, when, or how it's going to happen - and you don't know what it's going to look like. So, if you're the kind of person who spends most of your time surfing the Internet and filling up your hard drive with video clips, free ebooks, and articles like this one, but haven't yet taken the action necessary to actually have real skill, then reading another article, or watching another video is the last damned thing you need to be doing!

So, for the moment, I'm only going to be speaking to you if you actually have some training under your belt (pun intended!). I'm going to assume that if you're reading from this point on, you actually have some training experience to base your understanding of what I'm about to teach you.

Okay. That being said, I'm going to assume that you're ready for the next lesson. Which begins with me restating the questions...

"Are you engaged in real-world self-defense training?" And...

"Are you really learning how to win against a bigger, stronger, violent attacker who doesn't care about rules, fairness, or you're well-being?"

Be careful here, because ego is going to want to jump to the conclusion that, "Of course you are!" After all, if what you're doing wasn't right, you wouldn't be doing it. At least that's what ego's logic is.

But, the reality is that most students who believe they're enrolled in a self-defense martial art, or those studying one of those so called "ultimate-killer" self-defense courses being sold on the Internet today, are in fact "NOT" learning how to win against an enraged, fully-determined, street attacker.

They are however, learning to be overconfident, deluded, and unprepared.

And the reason for this is simply that they are trying to learn from someone - a martial arts teacher or self-defense instructor - who has absolutely no street experience in handling the kind of violence that you're going to have to deal with in an actual attack situation.

I understand that this is not something you may want hear, let alone believe. But that makes it no less true. In fact, at least 80% of those teaching self-defense or martial arts have no experience in using what they think they know in the real-world.

And, regardless of how much these instructors know, what color or number is behind their belts, or how many trophies they have displayed in their windows, without this real-world self-defense experience, they really can't help you very much at all.

And if you train with them - if you trust them - and if you put your life in their hands...

You're going to be in a situation where it's a case of the blind leading the blind.

But how do you know if what you're learning is designed for real-world self-defense? How do you know if you can trust the techniques, tactics, and strategies that you've been learning to work when you need them the most?

Well, instead of trying to force a point of view, I'm simply going to ask you a few questions that will allow you to determine, for yourself, whether you're on the right track are not. How does that sound?

So, regardless of whether ego wants to believe anything I say or not - regardless of how much ego wants to hold onto what it thinks it already knows, the answers to these questions will determine the truth.

Fair enough?

Self-Defense Program Assessment Questions:

1) Are you forced to conform to a set "style", or does your training leave room for variation, adaptation, and practical application?

2) Are you learning multiple options for handling the same types of attacks? Or is everything based on the same block-punch/kick (or whatever) formula?

3) Are you training to defend against the attacks that are the most common today, where you live; or are you learning to defend yourself against attacks from 13th, 14th, or 16th century Japan, China, or Korea?

4) Have you been taught things like "attacker psychology," "controlling distance," "controlling your attacker's perceptions," and the "effective use of timing, distancing, and angling?" Or, do you spend most of your time practicing step-by-step, mechanical techniques and the official kata of the style you're learning?

5) Does your system of self-defense or martial arts take into account the size and strength difference between you and your potential attacker? Or, are you always matched up based on size, gender, and/or belt color?

6) Are you learning how to use your different emotional states as the hardwired, defensive modes that they are? In other words, are you learning how to defend yourself from the different emotional response states that you might find yourself in when you're actually faced with real danger?

As you can see, my job is not to force you to believe in whatever it is the I'm teaching. My job is to teach you what I know about actually surviving a real-world attack against a bigger, stronger, and more violent attacker. And, later on, against multiple attackers, assailants armed with different weapons, and other advanced subjects.

If what you're already learning is doing that, then keep doing what you're doing. If it isn't, it's my job to suggest some other options.

But either way, you need understand that your safety and self defense is your responsibility. Not mine, or anyone else's.

It's my job to make sure that what I'm teaching you is time-tested and will work against a real attacker, during a real attack - not just in the classroom or dojo. And it's my responsibility to understand that you're placing your trust, and your life, in my hands until you're actually able to do this for yourself. That's all.

The real work is to be done by you. And that includes making sure that you're getting what you need. Because, as I said, your life depends on it.

So again, if you're really serious about learning real-world self-defense and learning how to survive - learning how to win - then you owe it to yourself to be honest when answering the above questions and to take the correct action, regardless of how it feels or what ego thinks. Period!

Effective self defense requires more than just a few "karate moves." It involves the ability to think strategically, and understand how to defend yourself with as little wear-and-tear on you as possible.

If you really want to know what most people don't know about how to master self defense and how to survive a real street attack, read my newest self defense book: "Fight Smarter - Not Harder!" It's available free at: http://www.warrior-concepts-online.com/street-fighting-self-defense-book.html

Jeffrey M. Miller is an internationally-known self defense expert. Each month he teaches literally thousands of students through live seminars, corporate training events, and his online self defense courses, the lessons to be able to survive in Today's often dangerous world.

Basic Self Defense Training - Is It REALLY Needed

Ask your friendly neighbor in his "white picket-fenced" yard and a street-smart hoodlum in the "seedier" part of town this one question...

"Is basic self defense training REALLY needed to defend yourself?"

...and you'll probably get the same response...an emphatic "NO!"...but for different reasons.

Your neighbor is probably living in a shell of imagined security where "nothing bad ever happens" while the street thug is relying on bloodied-knuckle experience as his "martial art"...and doesn't feel he needs basic self defense training.

For the average citizen however, the need for basic self defense should be abundantly obvious if you read crime reports or have ever been involved in a violent confrontation. But according to statistics, the majority of us have no real strategies to protect us in an extremely dangerous situation, because we lack basic self defense skills. Learning even the most basic self defense techniques can immediately give you a superior advantage over the majority of the population when it comes to being able to survive a violent attack.

The good news is that most criminals, bullies, and other obnoxious jerks also lack basic self defense training. Sure, they may know a few moves and have a favorite sucker punch in their bag of tricks, but most bad guys count on your vulnerability, not their own ability, to give them the upper hand.

The tactical advantage gained through basic self defense can instantly transform you from vulnerable to formidable. Regardless of physical size, age, or athletic ability, anyone can learn to protect themselves and their loved ones by practicing and internalizing a few simple and basic self defense concepts. In fact, one hour of training is usually sufficient to impart enough knowledge of basic self defense to increase your ability more than 100 percent, as long as you have a qualified and experienced teacher.

A good instructor will systematically and scientifically evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of each student, and then provide an appropriate mental, physical, and emotional introduction to basic self defense. Once you begin the process of learning, basic self defense becomes an attitude and lifestyle that continues to grow and evolve, as your expertise increases naturally and progressively.

After all, every black belt on earth earned the rank by first acquiring a foundation of basic self defense. Whatever else they may know depends on that fundamental core.

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Jeff Anderson is President of the International Society of Close Quarter Combatants, a member-based organizaton offering REAL self defense training to its members via...

* Real street fight video instruction

* Online "webinar" broadcasts with the world's TOP fighters and instructors on hardcore self defense topics

* Over $250 in bonus training resources

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To learn how the ISCQC's network of over 30 of the world's top fighters and instructors bring you real self defense video training directly to your computer EACH AND EVERY WEEK and interact with other "average citizens" turned "modern day warriors", visit us at www.survive-the-street.com

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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.

Are You Learning The Right Lessons To Protect Yourself? The 3 Realms of Self Defense Training

To most people, self defense is all the same. Even to most instructors offering to teach you how to defend yourself, the implication is that there is only one way to do things. And yet, there are actually 3 very distinct approaches to this type of training and skill development. And, each approach is designed for very specific needs, threats, and even lifestyles.

This article outlines each of these three approaches and gives you a very important perspective on the topic of self defense. After you read every word in this lesson, you'll be better armed to know what you need or, if you are already training, if the training you're getting is right for you and your unique situation.

When I first introduce the idea that there is more than one approach to self defense training, many people think that I'm talking about martial arts "style." They think that I am about to advocate one person's program over another's. And, I guess I could take that route if the only thing I wanted to do was to sell you on the idea of doing things the way I think you should.

And, even though my experience at actually dealing with real-world violence tells me that you must be doing certain things right, it doesn't matter what "style" you practice - as long as you are doing THOSE things have been proven to give you the advantage and help you survive a real attack.

That being said, there are others who think that, when I broach this topic, that I am talking about things like the difference between self defense for men and women's self defense, or groundfighting vs., favoring weapons, etc.

But, what I'm really talking about are the three realms that you may find yourself in when you need self defense techniques to handle violence coming at you. These three realms are really about "why" you need self defense techniques, and to a great degree, what you will be "allowed" to do in your defense, or in the defense of someone else.

Here are the 3 Realms that I'm talking about:

1) Law Enforcement Officer - In this realm, you must be extremely aware of the "use-of-force" doctrine, as-well-as any other departmental policies and legal limitations which serve to restrict your actions. Also, since you "must" stay on the scene, and you can't run away like a civilian, you need to be very skilled at controlling a situation, and or the assailant, until backup arrives.

In addition to physical, hand-to-hand self defense techniques, training in this realm should also include use of verbal and body language skills, personality profiling, and threat assessment training to allow for greater control and de-escalation.

2) Executive Security / Bodyguard - This realm is "exactly opposite" that of the law enforcement officer. The the LEO is required to deal with the violent attacker, the bodyguard wants as little contact with the assailant as possible. The reason for this is that, the longer you are tied up with the aggressor, the longer the principle - the client paying you to protect them - is left unattended and exposed to other danger!

The roll of the bodyguard in a high-profile situation is to pass the attacker off to secondary, uniformed security, and get the principle as far away from that location as possible. Many are surprised to find out that self defense training in this realm also includes topics such as, how to wear a suit or tuxedo properly, etiquette, and even table manners like which fork to use. The reason for these things is to be able to blend in at high-class, social events so that potential attackers can't identify, and therefor "take out" security, before they move in on the real target(s).

3) Civilian / Military Combatant - While the soldier may indeed have limitations and regulations for engaging the enemy, the rule of thumb for hand-to-hand combat in the heat of the moment is...

...survive!

And this is the same for the private citizen. Because, like the soldier, the private citizen, including the LEOs and bodyguards when they aren't working, may have the law of self defense to adhere to, but...

...how you go about defending yourself isn't generally an issue.

Where the police officer cannot just punch someone in the face and get into a boxing match, or the bodyguard can't just tackle a would be assailant, without either of these two creating more serious problems for themselves...

...as a private citizen, you can punch, kick, grapple, bring a weapon into the fight, etc.

The point here is that you need to know that what you are doing is usable and appropriate for the realm in which you re most likely to need it. So, rather than buy into some guru's "punch-first and end the fight" theory, or enrolling in that mma groundfighting school down the street...

...you need to understand your needs, and the conditions that dictate what kind of self defense techniques you will need when and if you are required to defend yourself against a violent attack!

Effective self defense requires more than just a few "karate moves." It involves the ability to think strategically, and understand how to defend yourself with as little wear-and-tear on you as possible.

If you really want to know what most people don't know about how to master self defense and how to survive a real street attack, read my newest self defense book: "Fight Smarter - Not Harder!" It's available free at: http://www.warrior-concepts-online.com/street-fighting-self-defense-book.html

Jeffrey M. Miller is an internationally-known self defense expert. Each month he teaches literally thousands of students through live seminars, corporate training events, and his online self defense courses, the lessons to be able to survive in Today's often dangerous world.

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Do You Know What Kind of Self Defense Techniques and Training You Need to Defend Yourself?

One of the biggest mistakes that you can make in learning to defend yourself is to just take someone's word. Regardless of whether the person you're talking to is wearing a black belt around his or her waist, is a 600th degree poo-bah in Tic Tac Toe, or is the creator of the latest, greatest, "kill-'em with one finger" self defense course, you must take responsibility for insuring that you get the kind of self defense techniques that will actually save your you-know-what, when the time comes!

This article sheds some light on one piece of knowledge that you should have so that you can make sure that you're not trying to learn self defense from some guy who just has a few "ideas," but has never really "been there" to prove that his stuff works! I can't guarantee that, after you read this, that you'll be able to spot a "wanna-be" from the real thing, when it comes to self defense experts. But, you will at least know where to begin to insure that your are learning the kind of self defense techniques that will match the types of attacks you are most likely to encounter!

And, before I go into this lesson any further, let's set the record straight that...

Self defense is NOT the same thing as "fighting!"

It's funny but, when I was a cop and I was pulling two guys off each other, every single time both of them would tell me that they were just "defending themselves!" Funny. You both looked like you were fighting. That means that neither of you looked like you were trying to get away from the other!

And, that same mentality is prevalent in the self defense world. Every guru seems to have a "self defense" book, video, or program. And yet, when you look closely at the lessons being taught, what you see are lessons for fighting - for beating someone down - not escaping.

But, if we're talking about self defense, we must include the context in which we are defending ourselves. We must also look at things like why we're being attacked, by whom, and with what kind of attack or weapon.

What I mean is that, to understand and therefor be able to look for the right self defense techniques for you, you need to ask the question, "under what condition or circumstances am I likely to be attacked?"

Here are several types of self defense paradigms. Each one comes with it's own set of needs, strategies, tactics, and purpose. And, these things in and of themselves, determine what "kind" of self defense techniques you need.

1) Self Defense for police officers and armed security personnel.

2) Self Defense for body guards and executive protection specialists.

** The above two types require almost the exact opposite when it comes to training, by the way!

3) Self Defense for the average citizen. (This is subdivided and can be further broken down to include self defense for women, rape defense, and self defense for children)

While there are general principles and concepts that are universal, regardless of which group you are in, the fact remains that if you are really going to learn the types of self defense techniques that you need to be able to defend yourself against "your" most likely attacker, who's throwing his most likely attack...

...you MUST begin by knowing who and what that is BEFORE you even get started!

Effective self defense requires more than just a few "karate moves." It involves the ability to think strategically, and understand how to defend yourself with as little wear-and-tear on you as possible.

If you really want to know what most people don't know about how to master self defense and how to survive a real street attack, read my newest self defense book: "Fight Smarter - Not Harder!" It's available free at: http://www.warrior-concepts-online.com/street-fighting-self-defense-book.html

Jeffrey M. Miller is an internationally-known self defense expert. Each month he teaches literally thousands of students through live seminars, corporate training events, and his online self defense courses, the lessons to be able to survive in Today's often dangerous world.

Self Defense Training - 3 Self Defense Tips For Surviving a Sudden Attack

Are you looking for self defense training that will teach you how to defend against and survive a sudden attack? Well, you're not alone!

One of the most common fears that serious students have is the fear that they will forget everything they know and have learned if they are suddenly jumped in a real-world, street fighting attack. I can certainly relate to this because the real world inside a street fighting self defense situation is very, very different from the way that most people train in their martial arts or self defense training classes.

In fact, the likelihood of an attack coming on suddenly and without any warning is far greater than one that gives you time to prepare. Let's face it - criminal attackers are very good at what they do. Regardless of whether they're young punks who are out "having fun" with their friends, or the more serious types looking to beat, break, or kill you for your money, car, or in the case of women - your body - it's just not in the attacker's best interest to give you a lot of warning before they make their move.

Here are 3 self defense tips to add to your self defense training that will greatly increase your chances of escaping and surviving a sudden attack:

1. Train your body to "instinctively" and automatically go to a defensive position that will work to simultaneously control the distance, remove your vulnerable targets, and get your limbs between you and your attacker for shielding.


2. Practice stress-response drills that will reduce the natural time-lag that exists between stimulus and your brain recognizing the threat and need for action to deal with it. These self defense training drills act to condition the body to the adrenal response commonly known as "fight or flight."


3. Condition yourself to stress-inducing experiences in order to learn to relax and focus under pressure. You cannot do something under pressure that is not within your natural make-up. In other words...

You will act as you have trained! Just thinking about it, reading books, or watching videos is absolutely useless in a real self defense situation because you are trying to use one part of your brain to do something that comes from a very different part.

Never Forget The Most Important Self Defense Tip Of All:

If your self defense training does not account for and address what you will "feel," "experience," and "find" inside of a real situation, including defending yourself against sudden attacks, you may find that all of the time, effort, and money spent on training will have been for nothing!

Do you want to master self-defense? You can learn more about defending yourself with this strategy and others in this powerful course called, "Foundations of Self-Defense Mastery."

Self Defense Training

Get your free course and a free self defense DVD and make sure that your self defense training is as complete as possible! http://www.warrior-concepts-online.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.

***

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

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!"

Can martial arts and Self Defense training prepare our children in a school shooting?

Topic hits home for all. At one point, our biggest issue has been identified in school bullying. This is unfortunately no longer the case. In recent years, has been increasing school shootings in frequency and in violence. Imagine that, through your every day routine thinking about your next class, upcoming test or the fun with your friends and then all the sudden you are in the middle of a war zone, your world is turned upside down as you try to put your mind around what is happening around you. In the wake of aftermath discussion is always the same and the conversation always leads to two important questions: can this be prevented and how can we deal with it when it occurs? The first solution is always increased police and security on campus. Unfortunately, when this starts to happen, the issues of civil liberty violations and rising costs Fund of ing Add ed security occur. As time passes, the further away from the cruelty, the urgent need for a solution away. At the end of the day is our children left to fend for themselves while they are waiting for the authorities to react.

The school system can only do so much. They can plan for the evacuation and increase points of communication; install cameras in all public areas, but our youth in need of an immediate action plan for eternity, is the time of the first contact and help arrives. Children are our most valuable resource and a little preparation and a little practice goes far. The answers you need to is that they are proved. in battle. All you need to do is, look, what happened to see what will help them. You do not have to be a hero, you only need strategies that will make you a survivor not a victim.

Before continuing, go my thoughts and prayers to the families and friends of those gruesome atrocities. I only hope that the information so that these types of events can be minimized or avoided.

The first place to start is where all good self defense and martial arts training starts: your instincts. If you notice something suspicious or any acting odd Let a familiar. You can only prevent something terrible happens before it ever begins. I nt talk about holding inquisitions, but a small study and ask a few questions can be all it takes to deter some one.

Very next tactic any good martial arts and self defense training program will teach you is to put as much space between you and your threat as possible. Your first instinct should run, if you have the opportunity. If you want to see a person who is armed, leave the scene. If you temporarily trapped or out numbered goes for cover is fine (you will, of course, do this), but you can not give give gunman a chance, so you need to keep moving. Even at close range attacks is almost 10 times more likely to miss you than hit you so make a run it as soon as you can. If your school is planning to deal with an attack, study them and remember several evacuation routes. Some people have suggested staying where you are, this is not good advice, unless you are in room is totally secure and you are isolated from the attacker. Hide in plain sight in unsafe areas or just lying in a compatible position is a big mistake. The vast majority of victims to freeze where they were, hid under tables and desks or just lay down face in a compatible position. Remember that the further away you are from the shooter better off you 're. No matter how fear is the last gross motor skill to leave is the ability to run. Trust your instinct and get as far away as possible. Practice now by telling your children must run at the first sign of problems.

When you can not run, and you can not hide is the only, unfortunately, to fight and keep fighting until you can escape. This is a last resort, but when people around you is done, there is no reasoning. No time for a debate, you must survive and history tells us that when all other options have been exhausted, is your only choice to fight

Martial artists have a number of interesting theories when it comes to armed attackers. As all you will not be able to gen call in a life or death situation. In reality you only need a handful of simple techniques and will to survive (easier said than done). But throw objects like desks, chairs and over powering gunman with sheer numbers will increase your chance exponentially. Now proposes no school administrator ever fighting back, because they are worried of recklessly endangering a child, but this does not mean that you can't train to fight back.

In 1998 at Thurston High School in Springfield Oregon seven students (five of them Scouts) swamped Tilt Kinkel, who had four guns, a knife and over 1000 rounds. The shooter had already injured 25 other students before the injured students Jacob Ryker and several others tackled Kinkel. If you have the presence of mind and you'll get a chance did when they reload just as students by Thurston.

In the case of Virginia Tech be recalled student's watching him reload and continue shooting. By Virginia Tech many students run and other barricaded themselves in class rooms, but it was not enough. Shooter, Cho Sueg-Hui continued on his rampage, until he died 30 and wounded 17 and finally took his own life.

Columbine High School massacre and Platte Canyon High School shooting and the Virginia Tech massacre, is just a few examples of what a frenzied individually is able. We must never forget those who died, but we must look at these situations and put into service place strategies, which will stop these types of attacks from each happening again.

We all have to stop the trend for inaction and denial and plan. The only way to take down these cowards are to prepare through the fundamental practices and mental preparation. It is not about courage; It is a matter of practice and education. With proper training, all you need to think, you just act. When you train in martial arts teach you to perform simple tasks in exceptional situation. You'll discover how to be proactive and seek solutions. Martial arts trains you how to react fear when dealing with your mind.

As a parent, you need to know that there is much to be concerned about, but you can not Let denial fear or keep you from doing everything you need to do to keep your children safe. Take time out and speak with the children and make sure to go over some basic self defense and survival techniques. Also teach them not to be a Bully and respect all around them. Be aware of their peers, and sensitive to things beyond the ordinary. You do not have to suffer all you go to school with, but you must respect them. Having said that, if things are violent regardless of how it really be done it is time to go into survival mode and do whatever is necessary.

Most people believe that martial arts training will give them to defend against any attacks or defeat any attacker. This could not be further from the truth. For these types of survival situations it takes a little common sense, a little preparation and awareness to increase your chances of survival. This type of self defense training take not away from study time or from sports, and education helps you and your children stay safe in and out of school. Don't wait for another tragedy occurs, be ready to survive and protect those around you. Survival is something that is earned through hard work and have the right mindset. The school is a place to learn and have a good time, but when terror strikes you must be ready to fight. Be remembered as a person, who took action and helped other not as yet another victim.

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