How to apply Krav Maga in self defense training

Krav Maga is a fighting system developed for the Israelidefense forces. Krav Maga is not a traditional martial art as some make it out to be. There's no katas involved for one. Krav Maga is a modern system combining techniques taken from boxing, Aikido, wrestling, Judo, and other martial arts strictly for self defense. This is a self defense guide on how to apply the most fundamental principles of Krav Maga to your training. I don't believe the Krav Maga schools in the U.S accurately represent the essence of Krav Maga so this guide will help you understand what Krav Maga is about.

* The spirit of Krav Maga - The essence of Krav Maga is to never stop fighting. Doesn't matter if you are bleeding profusely, suffered broken bones, a severed limb, the list goes on - never surrender. The fight doesn't end until you survive or your completely dead. When you train, you must train with this mindset in order to capture the spirit of Krav Maga.

* Build your techniques on natural instinct - What makes Krav Maga different from other martial arts training is the reliance on your body's natural movement to form techniques. For example, if my natural reaction to wild punches is to guard my head then i can base my Krav Maga techniques on that natural reaction. It's much easier because it's already in my instincts as opposed to relearning how to walk and fight in other martial arts.

* Ending the threat as quickly as possible - In Krav Maga, we deal with the most immediate threat first as quickly as possible. We don't spend too much time on dealing with one opponent. We end the threat quickly as we look for the next possible threat. Some Krav Maga schools introduce an MMA setting or rules during sparring. This isn't authentic Krav Maga. When your in a sparring session, your goal is to end the end the threat as quickly and efficiently as possible. Moving around and waiting until you see an opening to attack isn't adhering to Krav Maga principles. Krav Maga is focused on aggression and going "all in" at full force until your enemy is on the ground.      

* Efficiency - Krav Maga stresses efficiency in movement and ending the threat as quickly as possible. If it takes you years to perfect one technique then that's not efficiency. If it takes you a tremendous of practice to perfect one attack then that's not efficiency. If you continue attacking an opponent even after he or she is down then that's not efficiency. While your doing that, someone else could sneak up from behind and hit you. Attacks in Krav Maga should be simple, take little energy, and very easy to learn. You should have already learned the basic skills to defend yourself by the end of the first class.

* Simultaneous attack and defense - In Krav Maga much like Wing Chun, you attack and defend at the same time. If someone throws a straight punch at you, your response should be to parry and counter-attack with a punch in one swift motion. Blocking and then throwing a punch of your own takes too much time.

* Retzev or continuous motion - In Krav Maga, you should be in continuous motion when attacking and constantly attack your enemy's unguarded areas. As soon as your opponent guards the upper body with his or her arms, you attack the lower body with kicks and other strikes. When your opponent lowers the arms to defend the lower body, you repeatedly strike the upper body.

* Targeting the body's vital areas - In Krav Maga, you must make every hit count by attacking the body's vital areas. This includes the eyes, groin, knees, shins, feet, throat, neck, eyes, sternum, temples, nose, face, etc. It would take longer for you to end the threat by hitting anywhere other than those areas.

* Realistic fight training - When training, you need to fight against a moving resistant opponent and engage in various intense scenarios. It's important that you learn how to apply techniques in sparring as opposed to demos. with a compliant partner. You might see traditional Krav Maga instructors teaching you that when faced with a gunman, you should grab the barrel or slide and repeatedly punch your attacker. This is unrealistic training because it doesn't address possible resistance. The gunman could move back and redirect the line of fire then shoot you. The gunman might also be quicker than you and move back to avoid your hand grab then shoot you. Krav Maga focuses on fighting in hand-to-hand combat, weapon disarms, hostage situations, multiple attackers, active shooters, distractions such as smoke to simulate fog, ambushes, the list goes on. Since an attack can happen at any time or place, you need to learn how to fight in any position - standing, lying on the ground, or sitting. Stress is also a must. If your not stressed under pressure in Krav Maga training then you won't perform at your best when you are faced with a real street confrontation. Krav Maga training also puts emphasis on intense cardio work outs and pad-work. This video demonstrates how accurate Krav Maga training is more or less conducted.

* Use improvised weapons - In Krav Maga, your aim is to use whatever weapons are at your disposal or the environment to end the threat quickly. It's a waste of time to engage your enemy in hand-to-hand combat when you have a baseball bat in your hand. You need to be aware of your surroundings and use whatever tools are there. When fighting armed attackers and you disarm one, pick up the weapon then start using it on the rest. You must train your mind to see everything as a weapon.

* Use what works - Krav Maga is different from other martial arts in that it uses what works even if it's not in your school's curriculum. If a weapon, technique, or attack is effective then use it.

* Quickly going from the defensive to offensive - In Krav Maga, you must learn how to quickly go from defending yourself to attacking your opponent. The longer you stay in the defensive, the more danger you are in. You need to create an opportunity to aggressively strike back against your enemy.

In conclusion, Krav Maga is about using a few solutions to answer various problems. Keep this in mind rather than look for countless Krav Maga techniques. Practice applying these principles in self defense training. If you enjoyed this post, subscribe to my blog for updates, more advice, and exclusive content in the near future. I'm proud and excited to offer a FREE sample chapter of my E-book "Jeet Kune Do: How to build your own fighting system for self defense!" It's essentially a step-by-step guide on how to make your own self defense system suited to fit your own needs using Jeet Kune Do. If you would love to receive your FREE chapter of my e-book, click on the link below and share a post via. social media then it's yours for FREE! Be sure to also fill out the survey on the right and provide feedback on my blog. Leave questions, comments, and suggestions below.

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How to fight shorter opponents

This self defense guide will teach you how to defend yourself against shorter opponents in a street fight.

* Use your reach to keep your distance - Do you have longer limbs than a shorter person? Keep your distance by landing a well timed punch or kick. Doesn't matter how agile or fast your shorter opponent might be. If you have longer limbs, your opponent can't reach you unless he or she closes the distance. This video teaches you how this concept works.

* Apply your weight on the shorter person - As a taller person, applying your weight on the shorter person gives you an advantage. You tire him/her out easier, nullify his/her attacks, and have the opportunity for a takedown. You also have the opportunity to strike at vulnerable areas from a more dominant position.

Practice sparring with a smaller person and be mindful of these principles. If you enjoyed this post, subscribe to my blog for updates, more advice, and exclusive content in the near future. I'm proud and excited to offer a FREE sample chapter of my E-book "Jeet Kune Do: How to build your own fighting system for self defense!" It's essentially a step-by-step guide on how to make your own self defense system suited to fit your own needs using Jeet Kune Do. If you would love to receive your FREE chapter of my e-book, click on the link below and share a post via. social media then it's yours for FREE! Be sure to also fill out the survey on the right and provide feedback on my blog. Leave questions, comments, and suggestions below.

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How to defend yourself against insults

Verbal insults occur far more frequently than physical attacks. The effects of verbal abuse leave much more lasting scars because it changes the way we view ourselves. Verbal abuse can often last a lifetime than physical abuse and can cause a myriad of problems psychologically. That being said, it is important to learn verbal self defense against someone attacking you verbally.

1) Remain a calm composure - Take deep breaths and don't react as if you've been offended. Instead laugh it off and remain calm. The last thing you want is to react based on the pain you feel and have it escalate into a fight. Own up to your feelings rather than deny them.

2) Don't get defensive - When we are insulted, the natural reaction is to defend ourselves. This is an improper response because it gives your verbal attacker power over you. It also exposes your weakness to criticism. Avoiding insults doesn't always work because your compromising your own health and safety to satisfy the needs of your attacker.

3) Understand that triggered the verbal attacker - One of the most powerful responses to diffusing the power of insults is understanding what triggered your attacker. We focus on the insults from a logical point of view asking "why are you insulting me?" That's not how humans work. We first react with emotions (usually negative) and then use logic to justify them or take them out on others. For example, someone may verbally lash out at you when he or she is frustrated with life. Figure out what it is that you did or said to cause your verbal attacker to feel threatened whether it's a post on social media, a belief, clothing, or otherwise. This isn't to say you specifically caused the verbal attack, simply understanding what triggers your verbal attacker to insecurity or discomfort.

4) Respond with understanding - According to psychologist George Miller, the best way to deal with insults is by assuming they have some truth to them for the moment and figure out the truth. Rather than taking it as an insult, interpret as a hidden message with underlying truth. See yourself as a problem solver than someone who has been offended. Turn negativity into positivity in order to learn more about your verbal attacker and yourself. If someone said "your so stupid!", you respond with "why am i so stupid?" Your attacker will be thrown off guard and be forced to respond or be discouraged from attacking you. This video will summarize the concept. In the words of Antisthenes - "Pay attention to your enemies, for they are the first to discover your mistakes."

5) Set boundaries - Be assertive and set healthy boundaries. When you are insulted, say something like "i appreciate your opinion but i do not tolerate insults. I believe we can have a more productive discussion without resorting to verbal attacks." This will also throw your verbal attacker off guard.

6) Reflect the verbal attack - Make your tone of voice and body language interrogating. Repeat the verbal attack in order to make your verbal attacker reflect on his or her behavior. When an attacker says "your ignorant..." You calmly turn to face him or her and say "i'm sorry..did you just say I'M ignorant?"

7) Use the boring baroque response - This tactic involves is giving a long explanation for your attacker is right using meaningless stories and words. This is to diffuse tension and discourage your attacker from attacking you further. For example, if a verbal attacker asks "why are you so dumb?" You could respond with "well ya know i'm not sure...i think it started back in my childhood when my parents raised me that way...i had alot of problems in school and i think that's probably what triggered it.." Keep talking nonsense until your verbal attacker gets bored and possibly leaves.

In conclusion, remember that the aim is to not respond with more verbal attacks but to diffuse the situation and prevent it from escalating into violence. Practice these tactics with a partner. If you enjoyed this post, subscribe to my blog for updates, more advice, and exclusive content in the near future. I'm proud and excited to offer a FREE sample chapter of my E-book "Jeet Kune Do: How to build your own fighting system for self defense!" It's essentially a step-by-step guide on how to make your own self defense system suited to fit your own needs using Jeet Kune Do. If you would love to receive your FREE chapter of my e-book, click on the link below and share a post via. social media then it's yours for FREE! Be sure to also fill out the survey on the right and provide feedback on my blog. Leave questions, comments, and suggestions below.

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https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/fulfillment-any-age/201511/the-best-way-react-insult

Self defense against an aggressive and violent attacker

One of the biggest mistakes you can make is assume that because your trained in combat, you can easily deal with an aggressive and violent attacker. You should be more concerned with an aggressive and violent attacker than a trained one. Why? A violent and aggressive opponent is more committed to hurting you than the average person. The more violent and aggressive, the more dangerous. The problem with many self defense and martial arts schools is they train you to deal in a controlled environment. If your training to box with someone who is also disciplined in boxing then of course you will have time to respond both physically and mentally. Against an aggressive and violent person is a completely different story because his/her mentality and method of fighting is different. You don't know what he/she is capable of or just how brutal and violent he/she is. Against ferocious attacks at high speed, weapons, both physical and psychological pressure - you might find yourself knocked out or worse in spite of your training. This guide will help you deal with these types of attackers.

1) Defend yourself psychologically - If there's a build up of aggression and intimidation on behalf of your potential attacker, don't panic or get defensive. Remain calm and keep in mind that your potential attacker is acting out of fear or pain. Your attacker is just as human as you are. Focus on your breathing.

2) Learn how to defend against a barrage of attacks - One of the most common types of attacks is a flurry of punches and kicks in the streets. You must learn how to block effectively to shield yourself. You've probably seen martial arts films where the untrained fighter gets angry and starts delivering a barrage of attacks as the skilled martial artist calmly deflects or dodges each one. In real life, this would not work. As soon as you try to block one punch, you will get hit in the face or the ribs by another one. What's the best way to deal with these types of attacks? A good defensive measure. I personally like to use the pensador guard because it offers protection but also allows use your elbows to break your attacker's fists.

3) Intercept your attacker - If you move back, that gives your attacker a psychological advantage and you will likely get hit eventually. Ideally, you'll want to intercept your attacker and close the gap. If your attacker kicks, you deliver a stop kick and apply forward pressure (step in) as you knock him/her off balance. As you drive forward with the pensador guard, you control (grab) the elbows to stop your attacker from attacking and take him/her out (headbutts or other means of attack). You could also kick a charging attacker and move out of the line of attack (the direction of punches) before you attack from the side or other angles. The goal is to intercept the barrage of attacks and prevent your attacker from attacking period.  

As i mentioned earlier, it's a bad idea to come unprepared against an aggressive and violent attacker with improper training. I'm not saying it's wrong to train with someone who's a skilled sparring partner. This training is good to learn how to attack and defend properly but you'll need diversity in your sparring partners. You'll need to learn how to handle the stress and pressure of various kinds of attacks via. wild ferocious aggressive quick strikes. Practice with a sparring partner who spars dirty (groin strikes, headbutts, bites, improvised weapons, etc.) and breaks away from the typical disciplined manner of attacking. Get into the mind of an aggressive and violent attacker then you will understand his or her method of attack.

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Building character in self defense

Just as it's important to build your skills in self defense, it's also important to build up character. Building integrity, honesty, compassion, humility, responsibility, patience, kindness, honor, and much more qualities. Building character is what's most important in self defense training.

Why is this important? Because sometimes, people misuse the skills they've learned in self defense or hand to hand combat to bully and intimidate others. Other times, self defense instructors have an arrogant approach to self defense and martial arts use in real combat. There are those who believe they are the only ones who are knowledgeable on self defense based on their credentials and if they can't solve a problem then no one can. It's hard to believe that those trained in self defense combat would misuse what they've learned but it does happen regardless. What is the way to combat this mentality? How do we stop people from misusing their skills in combat?

First, recognize that evil men no matter how trained will not be able to overcome a highly skilled fighter with strong character. Why? Bullies tend to target those weaker than them because they feel inadequate in themselves. Those who are truly confident and highly skilled recognize they don't need to prove themselves to anyone else. They don't need to compete against others. They only train to be better than they were in the past. They train to conquer their own demons, fears, and insecurities. Those who misuse their self defense training in arrogance cannot see their own faults and will ultimately stumble over them. A humble warrior recognizes his or her strengths, acknowledges his or her faults, and constantly grows with an open mind. A humble warrior who is truly skilled and knowledgeable accepts new ideas. An arrogant person can learn techniques, attacks, and other skills but cannot grow on the same level because he or she is blinded by the deception that his or her way is the only right one. Someone who is arrogant and believes only his or her approach to self defense is the only supreme one has a self limiting mindset. He or she will go no further into new heights of self awareness against someone with the humility to embrace endless possibilities.

Take a look at this video of an MMA fighter who harasses a girl in a store, not realizing that her associates see him from the outside and are angered by his actions. They get into a fight and it seems that the MMA fighter is winning until they bring weapons. He gets hit in the back of the head and gets hospitalized. What's the lesson here? Someone who is truly a skilled warrior seeks to influence others and build bridges for a better world. He or she makes friends not enemies and that is ultimately, one of the most powerful methods of self defense. Someone who demands respect from those around him/her and makes enemies eventually finds an enemy who defeats him or her. How do we stop people from misusing their own skills in combat? We don't. They will meet their own demise in their blind arrogance and evil actions.

While it's almost impossible to prevent someone with evil intent from misusing his or her training, you choose your own destiny. Will you choose the path to arrogance, impatience, intolerance, hate, anger, lack of integrity, and ultimately meet your own demise? Will you choose the path to humility, open-mindedness, patience, virtue, compassion, and honesty to attain new heights never achieved before? If you choose the path to righteous living, practice these virtues everywhere you go with everyone you meet. Only then will you build strong character in self defense and go beyond your own limits.

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Should you groundfight in self defense?

Since the rise of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and MMA, groundfighting has become increasingly popular especially in the area of self defense. A very important question that people have asked is "should you take a fight to the ground?" Many self defense instructors bring up legitimate reasons why this is a bad idea such as the possibility of weapons, limited vision, vulnerability to attack, and multiple attackers. I can't give you a solid answer. All i can tell you is generally, you should not groundfight in self defense but that does not mean there are no exceptions. Here's some considerations you ought to take into account before you end up groundfighting:

1. Are there weapons involved? If so, don't go to the ground.

2. Are there multiple attackers? If so, don't go to the ground.

3. Are you running out of options in defeating a difficult opponent? Ground fighting may be a measure of last resort.

This does not mean that you can use any techniques or strategies found in BJJ or other grappling arts. Groundfighting in UFC and groundfighting in self defense should have two completely different objectives. If your going to make groundfighting in self defense then you must have certain objectives. For one you should not go for a takedown against an intensely difficult opponent as it exposes your head, neck, and back to attack. Instead wait until your opponent takes you down. Second, your objective should be to immediately seize the opportunity to immobilize your attacker primarily through a chokehold or using armbars for armbreaks. Remember the goal is not to make your opponent submit. It's a desperate measure to cut off the flow of oxygen so he/she can stop attacking you. You don't want to apply an armbar or a leglock for a submission to make your attacker tap out only to risk getting hit after you release the locks. You'll want to break limbs and move into a better position for attack. Forget about point systems and treating groundfighting like a sport. Focus on ending the fight as quickly as possible on the ground with a self defense mindset and then get up.

This is just my opinion. If you've tried striking and kicking with no success then groundfighting may be a measure of last resort but i don't recommend it as your first priority. What do you think? Should groundfighting be apart of self defense? Why or why not? Let me know in the comments below.If you enjoyed this post, subscribe to my blog for updates, more advice, and exclusive content in the near future. I'm proud and excited to offer a FREE sample chapter of my E-book "Jeet Kune Do: How to build your own fighting system for self defense!" It's essentially a step-by-step guide on how to make your own self defense system suited to fit your own needs using Jeet Kune Do. If you would love to receive your FREE chapter of my e-book, click on the link below and share a post via. social media then it's yours for FREE! Be sure to also fill out the survey on the right and provide feedback on my blog. Leave questions, comments, and suggestions below.

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Why running may get you killed in self defense

It's conventional wisdom among so many self defense instructors that when there's an attacker, you should always run. In reality, this is bad advice because you won't always have the luxury of running away from a threat. Even if you do, this won't guarantee that you will successfully get away from your attacker. Why is running bad advice for self defense?

First of all, you don't know how fast your attacker can run. If you somehow knew that you could outrun your attacker then running would be the best option but you don't know anything about who your facing. Second, you may not run fast enough to get away. If you don't run or work on cardio then how do you expect to outrun an attacker who's probably in better shape than you? He may have done more exercise from say evading police than you have. If you don't get enough exercise, you can bet that you will get taken down. Last, you may not have the time or distance to run. If your in a small building just a few feet away from an attacker, you won't be able to run to the door and open it so you can escape in time to escape. Let's say your on a moving bus or train when suddenly someone decides to swing at you? Where are you going to run? There's absolutely nowhere to go!

To illustrate my point with an example, just watch what happens when someone tried to outrun his attackers in the video below. From my unfortunate experience, i tried to outrun an attacker (a kid i knew from my neighborhood). Despite my fitness level from all the cardio i did as a child, he still caught up to me and took me down.

The other reason why running away is bad advice is because it's so vague. When self defense instructors say "just run away!", what does that even mean? There's absolutely no specifics as to how you can outrun your attackers. Sometimes the only way you can outrun your attacker is by attacking before you take off or after you win a fight.

If you do plan on outrunning your attackers, the questions you ought to be asking yourself should be - 1) Is there an escape route? 2) Do i have the time and distance needed to run away from danger? 3) What are the risks of running vs. the risks of fighting? 4) Where am i going to run?

The best advice i can give you if running is an option is to familiarize yourself with your environment. Make sure you have an escape route and that you don't give away your intention to your attacker via body language. Make sure that you are able to avoid your attacker by obstructing his vision and slowing him down if possible. If you do parkour, jumping over obstacles and climbing buildings could prove useful in getting away from danger. Finally have a safe zone such as a police station with cops inside or areas with a bunch of people. If there's people, that may discourage your attacker and give you enough time to get help.

If you enjoyed this post, subscribe to my blog for updates, more advice, and exclusive content in the near future. I'm proud and excited to offer a FREE sample chapter of my E-book "Jeet Kune Do: How to build your own fighting system for self defense!" It's essentially a step-by-step guide on how to make your own self defense system suited to fit your own needs using Jeet Kune Do. If you would love to receive your FREE chapter of my e-book, click on the link below and share a post via. social media then it's yours for FREE! Be sure to also fill out the survey on the right and provide feedback on my blog. Leave questions, comments, and suggestions below.

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Defense against a pain resistant attacker

Defense against a pain resistant attacker:

While its very unlikely that you will fight a pain resistant attacker, it's perfectly possible for a person to be immune to pain. There are some people born with a rare condition that turns off pain receptors (see link below). There also those who use drugs, alcohol, rage, and other factors to numb pain for violence.

If you find yourself in a self defense situation where you realize your attacker isn't at all affected by your painful strikes, simply change your strategy of attack quickly. Focus on incapacitating your pain resistant attacker with your attacks such as breaking a pain resistant attacker's joints, damaging vital organs, stopping oxygen flow, etc. Techniques such as Dim Mak "touch of death" may prove useful.

An attacker unaffected by pain cannot attack you with broken bones, insufficient oxygen, poor blood flow, and other injuries to their vital organs. What techniques could you use to render a pain resistant attacker useless? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.

If you enjoyed this post, subscribe to my blog for updates, more advice, and exclusive content in the near future. I'm proud and excited to offer a FREE sample chapter of my E-book "Jeet Kune Do: How to build your own fighting system for self defense!" It's essentially a step-by-step guide on how to make your own self defense system suited to fit your own needs using Jeet Kune Do. If you would love to receive your FREE chapter of my e-book, click on the link below and share a post via. social media then it's yours for FREE! Be sure to also fill out the survey on the right and provide feedback on my blog. Leave questions, comments, and suggestions below.

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http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/the-people-who-cant-feel-pain-scientists-discover-cause-of-rare-inherited-condition-that-turns-off-10274604.html

Master verbal self defense before anything else

Master verbal self defense before anything else:

A shocking fact as i was watching a documentary on the S.W.A.T is that most situations are often resolved without a single shot being fired. S.W.A.T has to judge whether or not a criminal is worth killing. In some cases, police have found that people who act out in violent behavior would not have done so if they were in a rational state of being. There are other cases where various factors influence criminal behavior such as drugs, emotional issues, etc. where violence is unnecessary.

Many self defense instructors teach the physical aspects of self defense but neglect the verbal and psychological aspects which are just as important. It takes more skill to subdue the enemy through verbal communication than violence. By mastering verbal self defense, you can do many things to prevent conflicts from escalating into violence such as diffusing a heated argument.

There was a great example of verbal self defense in which a passenger got off his bike and walked to a construction worker being verbally abusive (see link below.) He was trying to intimidate the construction worker. A few more construction workers came to his aid as the passenger began threatening and intimidating them. The construction workers simply stood there expressing no fear, anger, or any other emotion. The passenger eventually saw that he didn't get the reaction he wanted and began to feel that they were a threat thus backed away.

Words have power and can bring healing or destruction. Words are powerful and can be used to de-escalate a potential attacker without throwing a single punch. By learning how to verbally and psychologically deal with intimidation, manipulation, threats, blackmail, insults, etc. you learn to protect your self esteem. Physical self defense is secondary because verbal communication is where violence starts and stops. The reason why verbal self defense takes more skill is because it requires compassion, listening, empathy, humility, patience, self control, trust, and many other qualities which take a lifetime to build. People like to think in terms of how to respond to a straight punch or a side kick but are forgetting what goes on before the confrontation. Take a minute to assess the following scenario:

You spilled some coffee by accident on a man who's lost his job, his wife, and house. He's fed up with so much anger, pain, and resentment then decides to take it out on you by shouting verbal attacks along with taking up a fighting stance.

You could respond by resorting to violence in self defense or you could peer behind the obstacles (insults, shouting, aggression, etc.) and make an empathetic connection to his vulnerable emotions in an attempt to diffuse the situation. Often times people will put on a mask and project a frightening image when in reality, its a defense mechanism to hide their most vulnerable emotions. Animals often intimidate each other but its for survival. The message they are sending is "back away, don't hurt me.." By listening without judgement, you will gain a better understanding about what the other person is trying to communicate from within. From there, you are able to hopefully help the person face their inner conflicts diffuse the situation and thus prevent physical conflict.      

Unfortunately you can't prevent every physical conflict but imagine the number of violent attacks that would disappear if only people communicated with each other. Understanding people and their thoughts, emotions, attitudes, feelings, etc. will help build a better world of compassion.

What are your thoughts? What are ways to diffuse a potential attacker with your words and body language? How can you show compassion and use your energy to calm rather than provoke someone to anger thus creating the potential for violence? What are ways to respond against verbal attacks while connecting with a potential attacker's inner emotions? If you enjoyed this post, subscribe to my blog for updates, more advice, and exclusive content in the near future. I'm proud and excited to offer a FREE sample chapter of my E-book "Jeet Kune Do: How to build your own fighting system for self defense!" It's essentially a step-by-step guide on how to make your own self defense system suited to fit your own needs using Jeet Kune Do. If you would love to receive your FREE chapter of my e-book, click on the link below and share a post via. social media then it's yours for FREE! Be sure to also fill out the survey on the right and provide feedback on my blog. Leave questions, comments, and suggestions below.

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http://www.itsprimalprotection.com/2012/02/how-to-handle-threats-and-intimidation.html

Self defense against a swordsman

Self defense against a swordsman:

If you've read my other blog post on self defense against a knifeman (http://everythingselfdefense.blogspot.com/2016/11/self-defense-against-knife.html)  then you should have a general idea of how to disarm a swordsman. Like self defense instructors teaching impractical fancy knife disarms, self defense instructors also teach fancy impractical sword disarms as well. I've taken some courses in sword fighting and had some experience in disarming during sparring sessions. Therefore, i will use what i know to help you defend yourself against a swordsman. While it is highly unlikely that you will come across situations such as these, there are several criminals who have used swords to murder innocent people and cops. In the case that it does happen, you should note several differences between swords and knives.

Knives are short range weapons, move quicker than swords, don't require committed attacks, used more for lightweight, etc.

Swords are long range weapons, move slower than knives, require committed attacks and blocks, heavier than knives, have longer handguards than knives, etc.

1) Be Vigilant - Pay close attention to your surroundings. Keep a safe distance from strangers. Recognize that it's much harder to conceal a sword than it is to conceal a knife. Your primary goal should be to avoid conflict and run.

2) Strike first - If you can't run away and your at a close distance then don't wait until the swordsman draws his/her weapon. It takes only a few seconds for a swordsman to get into a fighting stance, grab his sheath with one hand, grab the hilt of the sword with the other, pull it out, and point it directly towards you. That's plenty of time for you to close the distance and grab the handguard then do whatever attacks you want before you disarm the swordsman. Don't waste a single second.

3) Use a weapon - If the swordsman has already had his/her weapon drawn then it's time to improvise and get a weapon of your own if you are unarmed. Look for an object that the sword cannot cut apart and that would either serve as cover or an offensive weapon.

4) Move outside the line of attack - There are around 9 angles from which a swordsman can strike. Regardless, the same principle applies for any angle of attack. This video demonstrates the general idea of how to prepare for attacking a swordsman.

5) Control the blade - From a relatively safe position, you can briefly struck at the swordsman vision as a distraction as your other hand grabs the hilt then perform a disarm. You can redirect the blade several ways 1) Using a palm strike or slapping perhaps grabbing at the safe parts of the blade (sides, top, etc.) as you strike. 2) If the situation calls for it - you could grab the entire blade with one hand and the hilt with the other then disarm your attacker. Historical accounts actually affirm that with proper hand techniques, you could grip a stationary blade and not get cut. This is very risky so use with extreme caution. Do not use this on a moving sword as you are likely to get your hands cut off in the process. This would only work on a still blade. Do not grab the sharp edges of the blade with both hands and wrestle it out of the swordsman's hands as you will also get cut. Grabbing the sword would probably work best against a two handed swordsman as the previous video demonstrated. 3) You could alternatively push the attacker's arms away to redirect a strike before you control and disarm.  

6) Disarm - For a one handed sword, it'd be best to throw your opponent off balance or immobilize via break his arm to render his attacking ability useless and make it easy to retrieve the weapon. For a two handed sword, you could tilt the blade until the attacker's grip is lost under pressure.  Run away an dispose of the weapon where the attacker cannot reach it.

Several important key things that may save your life:

* Timing - As i've mentioned before, a swordsman has to commit to an attack or block. By that, i mean that the swordsman must use his/her body namely footwork in coordination with the arm and wrist to attack or defend. A swordsman cannot kill you unless he/she lunges forward or moves his/her arm to a certain degree before retreating to a defensive position. When is the perfect time to intercept? Before or after an attack is completed.

* Footwork - A swordfighter's stance is very essential in attacking and defending. By knocking the swordfighter off balance, you greatly reduce his/her attacking power and gain a grand opportunity to disarm him/her.


* Use your environment - Pay close attention to your surroundings. If you can get a sword stuck in a tree or car roof, a wall, that would be a great opportunity to strike at the swordsman and disarm him.

* Vision - A Swordsman's vision is vital in attacking and defending. Obstructing his vision with bright lights, sand, dirt, toxic substances, and other objects will briefly distract him/her thus giving you enough time to make your attack or retreat.

* Control - Grabbing hold of the swordsman's wrist and arm like you would a knife or the hilt is key to a successful disarm. Once you've gained control, you could drive the sword into the swordsman or take it away.

* Distance - It only takes some distance for the blade to reach you. A swordsman especially one with one-handed swords would have to extend his/her arm in order to strike, briefly leaving it vulnerable. This allows for you to control and isolate the offending arm (wrist + elbow).

* Accept pain - You will get cut mildly or severely but it's entirely possible for you to survive.

Mistakes to avoid:

* Don't try to "catch" the blade - I did an experiment with a friend where i'd kneel down then attempt to catch a downward sword strike. As soon as i got in position, he simply redirected his practice sword to a different angle and i was hit to the side instead. It doesn't take much for a swordsman to redirect a sword with just the flick of a wrist. It'd take a miracle for you to perform this move correctly.

* Don't move back too much - The more you move back, the more opportunities you give the swordsman to strike you. If you back up into a wall trying to avoid the sword, you will most likely get killed. You will want to be just close enough to avoid getting struck by the blade. Move around the swordsman to get into a position where you can strike and disarm.

I'd encourage you to spend some time practicing these techniques and principles with a partner using a fake sword. If you enjoyed this post, subscribe to my blog for updates, more advice, and exclusive content in the near future. I'm proud and excited to offer a FREE sample chapter of my E-book "Jeet Kune Do: How to build your own fighting system for self defense!" It's essentially a step-by-step guide on how to make your own self defense system suited to fit your own needs using Jeet Kune Do. If you would love to receive your FREE chapter of my e-book, click on the link below and share a post via. social media then it's yours for FREE! Be sure to also fill out the survey on the right and provide feedback on my blog. Leave questions, comments, and suggestions below.

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Why i learn and train Wing Chun

After watching the film IP Man and seeing his graceful moves, i quickly became inspired by this martial art as i did my research. I began learning and training around the year of 2013. I was appealed to Wing Chun mainly due to it's fighting principles that can be applied to daily life and also as an expression of who i am.

Wing Chun principles consist of the following:

* Structure and balance - By having a solid stance, you are able to draw more attack power. In life, balance is key to a healthy well-being. By obsessing in one aspect of your life while neglecting the rest, you suffer in those areas.

* Softness and relaxation - In Wing Chun, we strike with a soft and relaxed body. The power comes when we release our chi. Wing Chun philosophy is that tense and stiff muscles make attacks less powerful. Soft hands that absorb energy rather than fight against it are able to redirect it and use it to our advantage. I am a kind-hearted person which is why softness suits me but i strive to not be taken advantage of.

* Simultaneous attack and defense - Unlike other martial arts emphasizing powerful attacks, Wing Chun is unique in the sense that it balances both offense and defenses. You do not compromise your defenses and balance for a more powerful attack as the aim is to eliminate the threat while protecting your own health. This teaches you to care for your own well being as it is the aim of self defense.

* Simplicity - As a scientist and a teacher, simplicity is key to making students understand you. The same works for Wing Chun. Many martial arts emphasize complex and curved angles in their attacks while Wing Chun prefers directness in a straight line. Making your moves simple enables you to strike faster in combat than going through a complicated series of attacks.

* Economy of motion - Wing Chun philosophy stresses importance in only using the proper use of energy necessary to end a fight. The less energy you spend, the more efficient you will be and alert for the next opponent. It is more efficient and effective to deliver a powerful kick that throws your opponent off balance in response to a hook than to block then attack. In life, it is important to know how much you ought to invest your energy in a task.

* Minimum use of brute strength - Wing Chun involves absorbing brute force and redirecting it from your opponent rather than fighting against it. Brute force alone will not ensure you will win fight especially when your opponent is skilled in using your own energy against you. In life, it is essential to turn negative energy into positive energy for the sake of our health.

My ultimate goal is mastering self control and achieving a better life through Wing Chun. For these reasons, i find Wing Chun a beneficial martial art that suits my personality and well being that other martial arts do not do as well. If you enjoyed this post, subscribe to my blog for updates, more advice, and exclusive content in the near future. I'm proud and excited to offer a FREE sample chapter of my E-book "Jeet Kune Do: How to build your own fighting system for self defense!" It's essentially a step-by-step guide on how to make your own self defense system suited to fit your own needs using Jeet Kune Do. If you would love to receive your FREE chapter of my e-book, click on the link below and share a post via. social media then it's yours for FREE! Be sure to also fill out the survey on the right and provide feedback on my blog. Leave questions, comments, and suggestions below.

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