Elements of Proper Self-defense Training

[Joe Hardwick]

These are the elements I feel are required for proper self-defense training and that I prefer to use. They include:

 

1. Drill Training - An example would be the Circle Stress Drill

 

and its many variations

 

2. Sparring - This does not have to be done all the

 

time but can be helpful in understanding body mechanics

 

other things and it can be fun. It can range from light to

 

full contact.

 

3. Scenario Based Training - This is simply doing role playing

 

with the many different ways you can be attacked and

 

there are many different ways to perform them. Also, gear

 

can be added (as it should be) and full contact attacks can

 

be simulated with anything goes.

 

Of these 3 I feel that 1 and 2 are vitally important and must be done to understand a violent encounter. They allow the practioner to develop ability and understanding of psychology, adrenaline response, gross motor skills vs. fine motor skills, attacker ques and body language. How does everyone else train for self-defense and what other elements do you use? I would like this to be an exchange of ideas and training. Thank you. Joe.

[TJS]

I agree , good points. If you have never been hit you proabably wont be prepared when someone clocks you witha good one right off the bat.

 

Thus Contact sparring=very important IMO.

[JerryLove]

So you have a 75-year-old man come in and you want to put him in the ring and have him get hit? Or do I misunderstand your intent?

 

What about arts (say KM) which are full of rather decidedly unplesent hits (forearm to the throat). Do you recommend those in sparring so one knows what it feels like? Or do you recommend sparring in a manner differnt than you train.

 

But perhaps I assume to much about what you ment. Could you please clarify?

[TJS]

Well first off I think using a 75 year old is a bit extreme since it proabably makes up maybe 2% of the students.(though the head instuctor hear in austin is over 60 and sparrs full contact and generally does well with the younger crowd.

 

I guess I should have clarified said "Able bodied persons" special circumstances are sometimes required.

 

generally people need to get used to somone throwing punches/kicks at them..that dosent mean you have to beat them...you start out gradual...one partner hold focus mits, or holds a kicking shield to his leg, hols a bag for knees etc...baby steps.

 

Im a big beliver in sparring...there are WAY to many martial artist who would foget everything if someone came in swinging full on.

 

But no I dont belive getting hit in the throat or with eye gouges etc is very practical. though sparring that allows groing strikes is pretty common in KM..with a cup of course.

[JerryLove]

Ok. I think we are of a similar mind here. I do agree that sparring is an important tool. I even had a solution for the throat and eye hit issue .

[jiu-jitsu fighter]

punching/kicking/grappling/groundfighting/

[Stold]

You want a GREAT way to do it? Put on pads and have the attacker REALLY ATTACK YOU!

[iolair]

Ok. I think we are of a similar mind here. I do agree that sparring is an important tool. I even had a solution for the throat and eye hit issue .

So what is your solution?

[Karateka_latino]

Also, don't forget Avoid the risky situation in the first place.. Avoid is the key of self defense.

 

Most of the problems we have can be avoided.

[David Erath]

Joe, I think the three elements you mentioned are crucial for self-defense training. Drilling will allow you to learn techniques in a consistent environment, scenario training will show you applications of the techniques against particular attacks, and sparring will give you the understanding of distance, position, timing, etc., necessary to apply them. I also think jiujitsu fighter makes an important point, that these three methods must be applied to stand up, clinch, and ground fighting.

 

As for JerryLove's question...I have several clients who are in their 60's and they have no problem with sparring. It can be done at any level of intensity, to fit the practitioner.

 

Eye strikes, groin grabs, throat strikes, etc., can be done in sparring with no difficulty. Either take it slow and easy, wear protective gear, or touch the forehead to simulate an eye gouge, slap the inside of the leg to simulate the groin grab, and so on. There is no good reason not to spar. After learning a technique through drilling, and learning an application through scenario based training, sparring will add the realistic element of resistance to the scenario.

 

David https://www.hertao.com