Why martial arts does not mean self defense

Most people (including myself at one point) have a mistaken assumption that to learn self defense, you must practice martial arts. Self defense and martial arts are almost two completely different fields. Here's a list of things that make self defense different from martial arts.

* Self defense is about survival, martial arts is about the art - Not every martial art was created for the purpose of self defense. Tai Chi for example was originally designed for health benefits. Self defense is about survival whereas martial arts is about the preservation of the art whether it's applicable in self defense or not.

* Martial arts has rules, self defense doesn't - Many martial arts practiced today such as Karate, Judo, Jiu Jitsu, Taekwon Do, etc. are being used for purposes other than what was originally intended. Many martial arts are sports based as they have point systems and rules such as no kicks to the groin. Self defense has no rules. That means anything goes such as biting, hitting below the waist, eye gouging, weapons, etc.

* Martial arts has form, self defense is fluid - In martial arts, instructors are concerned about you learning proper structure and technique in sparring. In self defense, you survive by any means necessary whether you perform techniques correctly or not. Many martial arts are bound by the limits of their art. If your martial art specializes in close range fighting but not in other ranges, you cannot go beyond those limits without breaking tradition. Self defense is about taking what works effectively and applying it to real combat.

* Martial arts training is unrealistic, self defense isn't - Many martial artists aren't prepared to deal with all sorts of encounters. They practice katas, drills, forms, and fancy techniques that are unrealistic in actual combat. They don't intensely train for armed robbers, weapons, bullies, rapists, killers, all the situations that our modern world faces. Martial artists use tradition or mysticism to come up with solutions for tradition's sake. For example, much of Kali knife fighting has no real world application but is practiced for the preservation of the art. In self defense, you find practical modern day solutions to real problems.

* Self defense teaches the dynamics of combat, martial arts doesn't - Self defense trains you to deal with many variables of combat such as situational awareness, avoidance of conflict, weapons, multiple attackers, stress, adrenaline, emotions, the environment, and so on. Traditional martial arts doesn't and if they do, it's not as extensive as it would be in a self defense setting.


* Martial arts has ranks, self defense doesn't - Many martial arts have a sash or belt system to identify the rank and skill level of it's practitioners. They also instill awards to those members who are most improved. While this is good for improving self confidence and esteem, it doesn't mean anything in the streets. Self defense is about reaching your uttermost potential with no regard for rank so you can survive.

Can you use martial arts for self defense? Yes but you must ensure that you are training for self defense and may have to modify the martial arts you practice for the streets. 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 compliance may get you killed in self defense

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.

http://www.paywithapost.de/pay?id=7b715806-c78b-4bfd-badf-4242da2bf8f2

http://www.activeresponsetraining.net/resistance-to-violent-crime-what-does-the-research-show