szorn

This has pretty much already been stated but if talking about "real" self-defense why be contricted or confined by just one art, style, system, or methodology? Why not learn the best tactics from all of the above and learn to use them realistically? This is what "self-defense" is all about. Steve

This is a response that I posted on another forum regarding "reality" or "combative" martial arts compared to non-combative martial arts- This is a mind-boggling question. What exactly is "reality" training as opposed to "traditional" training? To those of us who have been on both sides of the fence we understand the difference but to others, the difference is hard to grasp. Maybe it would be easier to state what "reality" training isn't as opposed to what it is. So let's start there. (Note: This is my personal opinion only) "Reality" training isn't: Learning foreign languages Wearing traditional uniforms Bowing to flags Learning foreign philosophy Bowing to "masters" Learning religions Bowing to pictures of "masters" Learning foreign cultures Learning traditional and/or impractical weapons Practicing esoteric and/or new age concepts Learning tradition for tradition's sake Practicing impractical or dangerous tactics Now with the above clearly stated and before there are any misunderstandings, let me emphasize that there is nothing wrong with those things in proper context of a complete life-long martial arts curriculum. I mean no disrespect to those who practice these things. However, the fact remains that those things have little to do with life-or-death altercations. The knowledge of or the lack of knowledge of the above list will have no effect on your ability to survive should you someday find yourself in a bad situation. In that instance the only thing that matters is the mind-set and the physical skills needed to survive, everything else is moot. Steve

Hi, I am new to this forum but thought I would start by giving my 2-cents to this topic. In the majority of the states the defender has the legal right to use the amount of force necessary to stop the attacker, up to and including the amount of force that the attacker intends to us on the defender. If the attacker states that he intends to kill you and if it can be proven that he had the mind-set and the ability to do so, you can respond in like. In such situations pre-emptive striking is both logical and legal. You can nit-pick all of the scenarios that you want but in the end it's the "totality of circumstances" which will dictate your response and the charges against you, if there are any. While sitting behind a computer it becomes relatively easy to break down these scenarios and say "I would do this" or "I would do that". However, actually finding yourself in those situations becomes a completetly different story and things don't always go as planned. In short, focus on awareness, avoidance, and prevention strategies first but understand that even the most aware person can have a bad day. That's why mind-set and physical self-defense is so important. Learn to recognize the difference between a fight and a self-defense situation, BEFORE either happens. Don't allow yourself to be drawn into fights and if you happen to find yourself in a self-defense situation, respond accordingly and escape. Do only what you have to do in order to survive the situation and worry about the possible legal outcome AFTER you are safe. As for TRS videos- they like to use hype in order to advertise their products. However, some of their material is actually very good and can definitely add to your arsenal if you already have a solid background in the martial arts or self-defense. Steve