real-life self-defense lessons, stories, tips

[meguro]

Should it really take years? I know we've all dedicated years, but I wonder if it could not be distilled into just a few technique for those that need a crash course and are not interested in the art. After watching a few of the fights in a link wullie (?) provided, it seems tucking your chin and windmilling your arms is quite effective, ugly no doubt, but still. Maybe we could pretty it up with a peekaboo guard and elbow strikes.

[GJEC]

It's interesting that MA often takes a "let's have a skill for every scenario" approach, while RBSD often takes the "your attacker will be vicious, here's how to be more vicious than them" route.

Neither really appeals to me any more. At my age I'm a more reasonable person than the 20 year old 'me' with something to prove. I keep my wits about me and avoid places where twats hang out. I keep a few tools sharp "just in case".

Will that make me a tough guy who can work in security? Nah. But I don't care. I enjoy life and combat sport much better without samurai or superhero fantasies.



Gary

[powerof0ne]

I believe it still takes years, even if you were shown a few techniques. You still need to practice those few techniques over and over in noncompliant and spontaneous scenarios...and coming up with variations for all sorts of reasons which happen in real life situations.

I refuse to teach someone that just wants learn one or two lessons. However, money talks, if they want to pay me 10x what I'd normally charge I will waste their time .

This is why I am so anti self defense seminars for those that don't train except for that one seminar...it's a waste IMHO.
Osu!

[meguro]

I think it could be like learning how to drive. Obviously, a few lessons won' t make anyone ready for Formula 1, but most beginners wouldn't mind learning how to parallel park and drive to the market. I say cast a wide net with the intro courses, get as many bare minimum competent and see who sticks around.

[GJEC]

I had a lad a while ago I just taught some basic strikes in his garage. Just a few one-two's screaming "F*** You" as he hit. (Bet the neighbours were delighted)

After a few sessions he smashed his tormentor at school in the face and had no more trouble.

Self-defence? Not really, but it helped him get over a mental block and enjoy school again, so time well spent. He didn't need the full toolkit, just a hammer.



Gary

PS I didn't even charge him ...

[havamal]

Jan 7, 2013 8:19:44 GMT -5 GJEC said:

I had a lad a while ago I just taught some basic strikes in his garage. Just a few one-two's screaming "F*** You" as he hit. (Bet the neighbours were delighted)

After a few sessions he smashed his tormentor at school in the face and had no more trouble.

Self-defence? Not really, but it helped him get over a mental block and enjoy school again, so time well spent. He didn't need the full toolkit, just a hammer.



Gary

PS I didn't even charge him ...

even a few hours of aikido from a seasoned instructor has helped a grammar school girl to show a bully that she's no easy appeaser.

so any good truthful knowledge in its proper context can be helpful.

Aikido would make sense if I'm fully committed with an Aikido school that trains like a MMA gym.

Osu.

[powerof0ne]

If someone comes to me for a legit reason, such as being bullied, stalked, etc...I will teach them for free, as fast as I can for the specific problem at hand.

However, someone that tells me, "I just want to learn how to break #$!T," can kiss my arse, I'm not teaching them. I guess I'm a jerk, I'm done trying to "sell" people in training, they either want to, or they don't. Maybe I'll change my tone, maybe...
Osu!

[GJEC]

I don't think you're a jerk. We all make our own choices on what and how we teach. If it doesn't suit people they are free to look elsewhere. It only becomes wrong (IMO) if we advertise something we can't deliver on. I've trained lots of champions so I have a perfect right (again IMO) to advertise myself as a knockdown karate coach. But I don't advertise myself as some kind of lifestyle guru or seller of deadly secrets ...



I'm curious though. If your lady wanted a gun for self defence would you get her the most suitable weapon and get her highly skilled in its use, or insist she has to learn about them all?



I see SP in a similar way. I look at the individual and try to get them strong in a few key skills, not get them up to competition levels of fitness or teach them a huge variety of bunkai skills they might forget in a crisis. One bloke I taught privately a few years ago just grabbed an assailant with his left and elbowed him a few times with his right. Not pretty but it got the job done. No trophy, no medals, just home safe.



Of course, it could've gone wrong and he might have needed far more, but if we work from the theory of "If you have nothing, you lose", then ANY hard skills are a bonus. Simplicity is efficiency's best friend.

Gary

PS Never forgetting that walking away is far better ...

[meguro]

Agree on all counts, Gary. You are principled, Po1, and that's not a bad thing.

It seems these discussions inevitably come down to weapons. Since apes distinguished themselves with the opposable thumb, tools, in this case weapons, should be our natural choice for serious business. That we choose no weapons or walking away, while non-adaptive, may be a mark of our humanity.

[havamal]

speaking of weapons, I plan to take away my wife's 38 Special snub-nose revolver and replace it with a 357, 45, or 44 comfort-handling revolver of her choosing: 38's are too weak for a weak woman: it's better suited for a tough person like Gary who can handle himself when out of ammo'.

[GJEC]

LOL

You've got me all wrong there havamal.

I've had my moments in the past but I don't consider myself a tough guy at all.

I was a rescuer, not a warrior. A competitor, not a brawler.

These days I avoid confrontations wherever possible, but keep a few tricks up my sleeve just in case.



Gary

[tmd]

We have a great range of stuff going on at the new dojo now, Krav Maga which is pure SP including a stress test, 2 nights of general karate which does include all aspect of Kyokushin training but is mostly, kihion, kata, bag work and minimal sparing, 2 sessions of Knockdown and a nights of practical karate/JJ/Aikedo by a very highly training Shihan who is an expert at real life applications in karate basics.

The harder the class the lower the numbers...



Just realised that this is thread had moved on a bit form the last post I read, sorry but guess it's still valid.


best self defence tip, COMMIT!

[GJEC]

Jan 11, 2013 9:40:33 GMT -5 tmd said:

The harder the class the lower the numbers

Aint that the truth!

Gary

(Exalted)

[residentrenzo]

Hey there fine lads & gents! Been away for a time, but happy to be reading your posts again

My reason to get into MA was to have tools for self defense. So when I was around 15 went to find a place to learn. Had my first experience with TKD which was a disappointment in retrospect. Fast forward to 2010 (I'm 41 now, been doing some gym now and then over the years) found a karate dojo in the gym I was working out. Me says 'Why not?' and got hooked on kyokushin ever since. I enjoy the knockdown mindset, but I do have my doubts if I find myself in a 'fight to survive' situation. I'd fight dirty and desperate, looking for a chance to run for it-FAST.


Being able to protect myself is a tough challenge for me, as I want at least a chance against taller & bigger opponents. I wish there was a simple set of skills that I could learn practice religiously everyday (like everyday scales and chords when you practice guitar)

I'm 1.72m, (not very tall & physically strong but pretty resilient) and I've been bullied on rare occasions. I was lucky I could avoid a fight then.

P.D. Just re-read 'Way of Knockdown' and start thinking 'first gotta get endurance, then strength, then technique'

[GJEC]

"Strong first" is a great resource Renzo and I love their training ideals. That will give you a solid base.

I'd also add that skill work (once learnt) should provide ample stamina training if done hard and fast enough. No need for marathons.

Glad to see you posting again.

Gary