This blog covers everything related to self defense including but not limited to training, techniques, principles, martial arts, hand to hand combat systems, weapons, various scenarios, tips, sparring, psychology of combat, the list goes on. It is not restricted to just one fighting art but welcomes every reader regardless of experience to gain knowledge on self defense.
You've probably heard many talks of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Krav Maga, Judo, Karate, Muay Thai, kickboxing, Wing Chun, and other martial arts of being the best for self defense. What's the best martial arts for self defense? The answer is simple and straightforward - there is none.
There's no martial art that triumphs over all. Each martial art has its own pros and cons. No style is superior or inferior over another. There are however times when certain techniques and principles only apply in competition rather than in self defense. It all depends on the skill of the user.
Bruce Lee, one of the most inspirational martial artists, once said "man, the individual, the creating individual, is always more important than any established style or system." The best advice I can give you is to embrace all martial arts and take lessons from each one. Practice a martial art that suits you and your physical wellbeing. As long as certain techniques are practical in certain situations, apply them. Learn to see martial arts as a set of tools to aid you instead of fighting styles to use at your disposal. Master using martial arts effectively rather than search for the most effective martial art.
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.
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. http://www.paywithapost.de/pay?id=7b715806-c78b-4bfd-badf-4242da2bf8f2
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. http://www.paywithapost.de/pay?id=7b715806-c78b-4bfd-badf-4242da2bf8f2
Unfortunately, some owners irresponsibly let their aggressive and violent dogs on the loose to attack. Dog attacks can cause serious damage or infections and can turn fatal. Therefore you must be vigilant and learn how to defend yourself against a violent dog should it ever happen. There are many ways to fend off an attacking dog but several basic principles should be followed:
a) Distance
b) Control
c) Takedown
d) Immobilization
1. Know the signs of attack and act - A dog may approach growling and barking at you. The best thing to do is turn to the side and remain calm to show the dog you are not a threat. Stay still with your hands balled up in fists to keep it from biting your fingers but be careful not to get too close to the dog. Don't turn your back on it. Give the dog some treats or other objects as a distraction to get away quickly without running. Get to higher ground if your quick enough or inside a building. You can also assert your dominance by making yourself bigger than you are such as using an open umbrella.
2. If the dog attacks, defend yourself - Grab sticks and stones to use as weapons. If that's not an option then get into a fighting stance and keep your distance. Remember the vital areas of the dog such as it's sides, throat, back of the head, nose, eyes, ears, private areas, tail, slender bones in its front legs, or neck when it tries to bite you head on.
3. If the dog persists, control and takedown - Move to the side and grab it by the neck then put your whole body weight on the dog with your knees on it's body. Make sure the dog is on it's back. You may need to use your arm for the dog to bite onto before you quickly take it down. If you have a bat, use it as a biting stick before you take the dog down. The reason being is that if it lets go or tries to violently shake your limb apart, the damage would be less severe and advantageous for you if your on top of the dog.
4. Immobilize the dog - Using the bony part of your forearm, apply as much pressure as you can to the dog's windpipe for about a minute until the dog passes out. If the dog's bitten your arm then you can force it inwards to create a gag reflex rather than pulling out and tearing your flesh in the process. You can also forcefully rip its front arms apart or snap it's neck by turning it to it's side and violently twisting it's head around to the opposite side of it's body. You can gouge out it's eyes. You could also pick up the dog by it's hind legs and throw it into a pool or off a building to give you time to escape.
Important things to remember:
* If all else fails, get in a fetal position and protect yourself - Protect your throat, chest, face, neck, and other vital areas.
* Dogs have a high pain tolerance - You can't hurt a dog in the same way you would a normal human and expect to survive. Pain may anger the dog further so its best to incapacitate or discourage the dog from attacking.
* Never overcommit to an attack - Don't put all of your energy and overextend your body in one attack as the dog can move back then move in to attack. Use just enough force to divert the dog away from attacking you.
* Hold the dog's tongue as a defensive measure - The dog will not bite down for fear of biting off its own tongue if you have a firm grip on it.
* Apply certain self defense and martial art techniques when appropriate - Some techniques from wrestling, BJJ, and other combat systems would work well to choke a dog out.
Hopefully someone will come to help you and you won't have to kill the dog unless its infected. 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.
Self defense is the science of taking measures to protect one's own health and life. The problem with many self defense instructors is that they are too accustomed to teaching techniques and drills that are useless in the streets. You can practice techniques but if you fail to condition yourself to survive and adapt when they fail, you will get seriously hurt or killed. Effective self defense relies on fundamental principles more than techniques. That being said, i hope that my tips will help you in creating effective training.
* Learn unarmed combat - Whether it's martial arts or other unarmed combat systems, you will want to learn the fighting art that you are most comfortable with. To gain a better understanding of how armed combat works, it's helpful to understand how to defend yourself unarmed. There is no "one size fits all" to self defense. If you managed to throw a punch that your self defense instructor taught you and you ward off your attacker then good but what if you miss? By learning hand-to-hand combat, you will know how to deal with those situations.
* Work out with purpose - Don't just get muscular or physically fit, have a purpose for why you want to get physically fit and build muscles. Muscles may actually hinder your self defense training. Instead, focus on learning which muscles and physical abilities are useful in self defense. Learn which muscles are responsible for improving punching and kicking power then work those out. Work on balance, speed, agility, strength, stamina, and other essentials to self defense using various exercises.
* Choose quality practice over quantity - When i was a boy, i used to practice Karate high kicks but could never do them right because i didn't understand them. Don't just practice a technique without understanding. Understand what your practicing and why. Focus on using proper form and techniques as you incorporate it in your muscle memory rather than winning a sparring session. Push hard but not too hard. Train smarter not harder.
* Absorb what is useful and discard what isn't - As Bruce Lee said "absorb what is useful and discard what is useless. Add what is uniquely your own." There are many self defense "how to" guides teaching you how to defend yourself of a particular situation such as a gun disarm. While there are great techniques, there are also ones that are completely ineffective. There are many martial art techniques used in sports such as MMA which work well in those situations but when applied in self defense, they are useless. For example, using a Brazilian Jiu Jutsu armbar would work well in a competition but wouldn't work well in the street because you leave your whole body exposed to attack. As a student of self defense, you must have discernment. What techniques are best suited for self defense vs sport or training? You can pay a self defense instructor to teach you techniques but the questions you ought to be asking are - Is it simple? How simple? Are these techniques effective? How effective? Are they practical? How practical? Are they efficient? How efficient? Are they realistic? How realistic? Question the authority. Credentials won't mean much if you end up killed for using impractical techniques in a lethal circumstances. Therefore it is best to figure out for yourself as a fighter which techniques are practical and which aren't.
* Adapt to various situations - While you can learn techniques and practice sparring drills for many hours, you won't be able to apply them in self defense if you do not adapt. There are many variables that could alter the outcome of an attack on the street thus it's important to train in various situations without rehearsals. For example, if you've learned to disarm a gunman at close range then how would you respond to a gunman who pulled out his gun and fired from a longer distance? Adapting to every situation is crucial in self defense and you must be conditioned to it in training. If you practiced sparring with one partner then practice sparring with multiple attackers. Train sparring opponents with practice guns, knives, bats, etc. Spar with boxers and other types of fighters. Practice mock scenarios where you are forced to expect the unexpected and remember to keep certain principles in mind.
* Learn how to avoid conflict - Many self defense instructors teach the physical aspects of self defense but self defense can also be verbal, psychological, emotional, and mental. People will insult you and provoke you to attack so you must practice self control while not allowing your enemy to harm you with words. There are also cues and signs indicating a potential threat. Learning to diffuse a situation before it gets violent is more skilled than fighting itself.
I sure hope that these tips will greatly aid you in your training for self defense. 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.
After looking at the concept of Gun Fu, i came to realize martial artists could potentially be skilled in the use of firearms when they applied their training. Many traditional martial artists believe that the use of guns would be nothing but dishonorable because after all, martial arts is rooted in using body and mind as one. The reality is that when you think of martial arts in terms of principles, the art of using any weapon is a martial art.
Contrary to popular belief, it takes quick reflexes and bodily discipline to be a skilled gunman. Stance, balance, body positioning, speed, quick reflexes, efficiency, situational awarness, strategy, deadly accuracy, and other factors determine how well a gunman performs in combat.
Should guns be used in Martial Arts? Absolutely. If martial arts is to survive, it must adapt to the modern world in order to be effectively used in self defense. It doesn't take much skill to shoot a gun or swing a sword but when you combine martial arts with the use of weapons, you become a more skilled fighter. Martial arts such as Hojutsu Ryu exemplifies this.
The use of guns is not a coward's weapon. It is simply a tool that ought to be used in the hands of a warrior who embraces the traditions of martial arts but is not bound by them. What do you think? Should guns be used in the world of martial arts? 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. http://www.paywithapost.de/pay?id=7b715806-c78b-4bfd-badf-4242da2bf8f2
Why compliance may get you killed in self defense:
You've probably heard self defense instructors say "comply with everything an armed robber says and you'll survive, there's no need to fight..." but this is bad advice. You might survive or you might your throat cut or head shot anyways.
Logically, we would believe that compliance would ensure our safety if a criminal makes a demand but our ways of seeing the world differ from that of a criminal. Self defense instructors may neglect this and that's why it may cost you your life. Criminals are sick. They have little to no morals. They don't have a problem with killing you because your life means nothing to them. You have to evaluate what you value and what they value. What if they demanded you give them one of your loved ones? Would you comply to survive? An armed robber will not take any chances of you reporting to the police so they will likely kill you even if you comply. Criminals are out to fulfill all their sick fantasies - rape, murder, torture, theft, extortion, you name it. Would complying help you or others survive then?
The best way to deal with criminals is to think like them. If i decided i'm going to rob a bank, what measures would i take to prevent myself from getting caught? If i take someone hostage, how would i ensure that i can get away with a crime? By identifying the kind of criminal and motives you are dealing with, you are better prepared to make an assessment of the situation. Who are you dealing with? A gang? Armed robbers? The more you know, the better you will respond.
I've heard plenty of horror stories where victims of a violent crime ended up being killed despite doing everything that their attackers asked of them. My grandfather was stabbed by a gang member and was not even given a chance to comply. It only takes a split second for an armed robber to kill you.
What's the best course of action when someone threatens your life and makes demands? Deception. In my other post "use of psychology in self defense" (http://everythingselfdefense.blogspot.com/2016/06/use-of-psychology-in-self-defense.html), i explain the importance of using criminal psychology in self defense. In general psychology, we tend to see patterns in human behavior especially criminals. Don't give the perception that your strong because then that arises suspicion and cautiousness. Give the perception that your weak. The armed robber has probably committed tons of robberies thinking that because he has a weapon, his victims are compliant thus letting his guard down. He will not expect you to be trained in self defense and that gives you the advantage. Compliance is the most critical time to respond and surprise attack your offender via weapon disarms, strikes, etc.
There's a great chance you will get killed but it's a gamble between life and death. Research has shown that resistance to a criminal's personal demands was effective (see link below.) The most important thing to remember is that compliance is a means of creating opportunities either to escape or fight for your life.
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.
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.
Weapons are a great equalizer against any trained martial artist. They have the potential to seriously injure or kill in one attack if you are not careful then you could seriously end up hospitalized or dead.
While there are self defense guides teaching you a complex step by step guide on how to defend against someone armed with a knife, the reality of the situation may not allow you to perform those techniques. A frenzied attacker would ideally charge at you with a series of stabs and cuts as opposed to just one fatal stab. You won't have time to react quickly enough against a very mobile attacker. Therefore, it is best to resort to simplicity. There are some fundamental principles that will ensure a successful disarm against someone attacking you with a knife within a short amount of time. The basic principles are as follows:
* Control
* Close the gap
* Takedown
* Disarm
1) Know the signs - Be aware of the people around you. Don't get too close to a complete stranger. In many cases, knifemen ambush you with a flurry of attacks. Have a plan in motion. Are you in a reasonable distance to escape via running? Are you in a confined area? Are there cars? People? Police nearby? Cameras? How will you respond against a knife attack? Be aware of your surroundings and a potential attacker. This video shows you different types of knife attacks.
2) Determine the attacker's intent - Is your attacker trying to kill you or rob you? If your attacker gives you a chance to save your life then take it by all means. If however your attacker is bent on killing or kidnapping you then it's time to respond.
3) Accept the likelihood of pain - If unarmed, your likely to get stabbed or cut. Regardless, many have survived knife attacks through willpower. The more mentally prepared you are for pain, the more chances you have of surviving. Don't give up even if you have been struck once. Keep fighting until you can no longer fight.
4) Use a weapon - What weapons are at your disposal? Sticks? Pipes? A sword? Chairs? A gun? Use them as an equalizer to a knifeman. Remember anything can be used as a weapon - sweaters, shirts, glass, sand, a wall, a door, a tree, etc. By using weapons, you increase your chances of survival than if you were unarmed.
5) Know which techniques are practical - There are many martial arts and self defense instructors that teach impractical disarming techniques in complex steps. As i mentioned before, your not going to have time to perform them. It doesn't take much for a knifeman to move back and move his knife with his wrist then stab you from another angle. Keep things simple and follow the basic principles mentioned above to guide you to proper disarming techniques. I've found an excellent video by Martial Arts Tutorials and Fight tips explaining how easy it is for a knife attack to occur. It also explains how to deal with a knifeman using the fundamental principles of situational awareness, closing the gap, timing, speed, controlling and isolating the weapon, and so forth.
6) Move around the direction of attack - When a knifeman strikes at you, he/she will likely move in to strike. When that happens, move to the side or behind the attacker where he/she is at a vulnerable position. The more distance you create by moving back, the more likely you are to get struck.
7) Control the offending limb - Once you've gotten in a position to disarm the knifeman, control the knifeman's arm by grabbing the wrist and elbow quickly. Controlling the elbow and wrist with both hands is vital to disarming an attacker. If you only grab hold of either the knifemans's wrist or elbow, it's very easy for the knifeman to pull away or rotate their arm to strike you and attack you with the other free hand.
8) Takedown the knifeman - Kicking the knees or behind them or sweeping his or her legs off balance as you drive your bodyweight with your knees on your attacker's back will ideally make disarming easier. It's more efficient to deal with one limb for a disarm than to deal with a knifeman's kicks, headbutts, and other hand if he/she were standing up. The faster you can disarm a knifeman, the better.
8) Immobilize a knifeman - Some self defense videos suggest attacking a knifeman and struggling for the weapon. While you may be forced to strike back in some cases, it will not work in others as the knifeman may be drugged to resist pain. You should focus on immobilizing an attacker by breaking or momentarily stunning the arm holding the knife, making a knife disarm easier. Doesn't matter how tolerant to pain a knifeman is, he/she cannot attack you effectively with a broken or stunned limb.
9) Retrieve the knife - Once the knife is in your hand, toss it into an area where your attacker will not be able to reach such as an ocean, a rooftop, etc. Land a few blows if your attacker is still bent on attacking you then run away to safety.
Key points to keep in mind:
* Focus - Your focus should not be on the knife. Your focus should be on the person controlling it. Control and attack the knifeman in order to eliminate the threat.
* Timing - Perfect timing is critical in disarming a knifeman. You must respond quickly. By timing your hands to grab hold of your attacker's offending arm and controlling, you are better able to disarm him or her.
* Control the distance - Always control the distance between you and an attacker. Never allow him or her to get too close or too far away. If you have difficulty controlling the offending arm then keep your distance with kicks to the groin or knees and strikes to the head. Don't kick above the waist as it leaves your legs exposed to the knife. Even keeping a few centimeters away from a knife can mean the difference between life and death.
* Use your environment - Don't get so caught up in disarming your attacker that you forget about your surroundings. Use the environment to your advantage. Pushing the knifeman off a bridge or an ocean could be your opportunity to survive an attack. Just pushing a knifeman into a brick wall could cause him/her to suffer a concussion or momentarily knock him/her off balance, allowing you the perfect opportunity to close the gap for a disarm. Using a barrier between you and a knifeman may also help. There's many ways you could use the environment to potentially disarm or even escape from a knifeman.
* Vision - A knifeman's vision is important. Blinded or distracted by other objects will serve to your advantage. Gouge and strike at your attacker's eyes. Do whatever you can to get him/her's focus away from the weapon.
* Various knife attacks - There are different kinds of knife attacks from behind, front, side, in different forms such as stabbing or slashing at high speeds. The knifeman may openly or stealthily attack you. Be prepared to adapt to each one.
* Angle of attacks - Being cautious of the angles and trajectories of a knife attack allows you to evade or move to a safer position where you can either control or attack your opponent.
* Distractions - Whether your attacker is an armed robber or a murderer, distractions are key in creating an opportunity in attack. Communicating with your attacker is also a means of creating a brief distraction before you commit to an attack or disarm.
Spend some time practicing disarming techniques and principles with a partner in various scenarios with a rubber knife. 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. http://www.paywithapost.de/pay?id=7b715806-c78b-4bfd-badf-4242da2bf8f2
MMA has a growing popularity and fanbase in this generation since the UFC made it's impact. MMA itself has transcended from the Octagon into your local school, appealing to many young adults. There are many teens using MMA in street fights which begs the question - is MMA effective as self defense?
In my opinion, MMA can be effective in self defense provided that a certain mindset and techniques are adapted to the streets. It is unrealistic for fighters to use BJJ or any other submission holds as self defense as you are unaware of your opponents. For all you know, your opponents could have weapons or friends. Taking the fight to the ground is the utter worst move you could make as your vision is limited and you are in a vulnerable position.
The other reason why MMA isn't as effective in the streets is that fighters are not taught to use many different kinds of "dirty" attacks prohibited in the UFC. In the link below, here are a list of fouls and requirements for a UFC fight:
That being said, MMA is suited for sport more than it is for self defense. In the Octagon, your goal is to score points and ideally, a KO. In the street, your goal is to survive. Now does that mean MMA will get you killed in a street situation? No as shown in this video. There are some instances where some MMA techniques would be suitable where violence is prohibited or unnecessary such as applying a chokehold to restrain an attacker. There are also other cases where it would be beneficial to learn several martial arts to complement your primary one of choice. For example, Aikido throws are meant to discourage attackers from attacking you without the use of violence. This would be more efficient than having to resort to strikes and possibly facing a charge.
All techniques in martial arts are useful in their appropriate settings. How will you use MMA without compromising your safety and wellbeing?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.
We've been told that when we are confronted with a gunman, we ought to comply with his demands and no amount of training in hand-to-hand combat would be effective but i beg to differ.
Your average gunman is unskilled in using a gun. A common mistake that many gunman make is to approach a victim at close range with the gun pressed against him or her. This gives you an opportunity to perform a gun disarm.
Pay close attention to how an armed robber with a shotgun approaches this man at such a close range and in a flash, the robber is disarmed.
What are the key factors in a successful gun disarm?
a) Speed - If your not quick to disarm an attacker, you will likely be shot. The faster you can remove the gun from a gunman's hands, the better chances you have of survival.
b) Deception - Usually, gunmen will assume that their targets will likely comply with their demands because they have a gun. Armed robbers will likely exert their power by coming close to you with the weapon pointed at you and assume that your weak. Many self defense videos and self defense instructors teach gun disarms at close range but neglect the communication aspect of these situations. How would you perform a gun disarm on gunmen who keep their distance? One tactic is deception. Give the appearance that your weak and that it's safe to approach you. Comply to the gunman's demands if he/she is trying to rob you by force. Communicate with them. Make distractions and once their focus is momentarily off the gun, disarm them.
C) Efficiency - Many self defense instructors teach you complicated moves and strikes expecting them to work in a violent situation. The truth of the matter is you may not have enough time or opportunity to use those techniques in a real situation. The last thing you want is to wrestle and fight over the gun only to have the gunman shoot you. What's the best way to deal with these situations? Simplicity and efficiency in movement. It's better to disarm a gunman with only the necessary force to break their grip on the gun and move away from the gunman than to fight over it.
d) Control - A gun's line of fire can only move in a straight line. Your focus should be on the person controlling the weapon. It's important to control the limb holding the gun rather than the weapon itself. If you try to grab hold of the weapon instead of grabbing hold of the gunman's arm and redirect the line of fire before a disarm, you will be shot. It's important to control the arm and break it if need be in order to retrieve the gun.
e) Vision - A gunman's vision is very important in shooting. If a gunman's vision is obstructed by objects and buildings, you have the upper hand in performing a gun disarm or preferably escaping. In this video, a gunman walks into a building and does not see a student in a room across from him. As the gunman reloads his weapon, the student rushes out blinding his vision with pepper spray and tackling him for a gun disarm. A gunman's vision can be the difference between life and death.
d) Plan ahead - The best way to deal with a gunman is to already have a plan in place. Pay close attention to your surroundings and opportunities to make your move. Don't simply run away from the attacker - have an idea of where you are running to. You don't want to run from a gunman only to face a dead end. Adapt to the situation and you will be able to deal with any type of gunmen.
In this example, a gunman places a gun to a Thai man's head. The gunman did not understand Thai which gave the hostage an advantage to communicate with police. The hostage distracted him and once the gunman's line of fire was redirected away from him, the hostage disarmed him quickly.
Practice gun disarms with a partner holding a rubber or toy gun. Do a variety of mock scenarios. Train intensely so that if a real situation with a gunman presents itself, you are physically and emotionally ready to deal with it.
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.
