There are five specific areas that you can improve to give yourself a better chance on the street. While some of these areas are more important they all can play a part in giving you the advantage in a real situation. I call them the five S's. 1. Speed Speed is always an advantage. There has been a lot of discussion over the years as how to (if at all) improve the speed that you can punch, strike or kick. In fact there are a number of DVDs out directly on that subject. Like anything else practice will help but there are definitely some genetics at work here. It has to do with the amount of fast twitch or slow twitch muscles you have. Something you really can't change. You can improve your technique for speed and that can be practiced and improved. The main thing you want to focus on is being relaxed as you strike. Let's use the straight punch as an example. Make a very tight fist and with the other hand feel the muscles in the forearm, upper arm and shoulder. You will see that they are all quite tight. So one trick in punching or striking faster is trying to keep your hand relaxed until the moment of impact. Think of keeping your hand closed but loose then snatch the fist tight at the very end. Use the mental metaphor of trying to catch a fly. Snapping your loose fist out quickly and then closing it quickly at the end. We sometimes hang a very light target and just work on trying to hit as quickly as possible not being concerned with power. 2. Strength Do you have to be real strong to defend yourself on the street? No, not all, but it certainly can't hurt. Having good core strength or strong legs or upper body (providing you aren't muscle bound and slow as molasses) can be a distinct advantage if you are attacked. I am a big fan of static contraction training as it has proven to increase strength quickly and measurably. Read more about strength training in general and static contraction in particular at: 3. Stamina If you have not had the opportunity to watch a street fight that has gone longer than a minute or two then let me tell you how exhausting real fighting can be. When the adrenaline starts pumping and a couple of people are going at it all out, major exhaustion usually hits within a minute or less. Sometimes within just a few seconds. The better physical condition you are in aerobically, the better your chances of not running out of gas when you need it. On the other hand if it takes more than a minute to defend yourself and your attacker is exhausted you will have a distinct advantage. 4. Surprise If you can surprise your attacker it can add greatly to your ability to defend. Using the submissive position (as we demonstrate in our Basics DAD) gives the attacker the feeling that his threat level is zero. Since the hands are up in compliance, your weapons are close to his nearest target (usually the face, eyes, etc.). We always teach our students to fain compliance if they feel it will buy them a few seconds to think and prepare for a preemptive attack. Speaking of preemptive attacks, I truly believe in them if you feel the situation calls for it and certainly if there are multiple attackers. 5. Skill There is no substitute for skill. In fact with proper skill you can overcome much of the deficits you have in the first four S's. Proper training is essential. Practicing to 'wire in' the skills is also important. Mental imagery can work here as well. This is essential if you don't have a practice partner. Find a local instructor who understands reality fighting. One who incorporates skills that take in account the adrenal rush. Stay away from training that requires complicated maneuvers, wrist manipulation and throwing. While these all can work I believe they require years of specialized training and still may not work because of the effects of adrenaline. Better yet attend an adrenal stress self defense seminar like those put on by FAST Defense.
MORE....
HOW TO LEARN MARTIAL ARTS AT HOME ?
LEARN THE DIRTY STREET FIGHTING! ( on self defence!)
"INTIMIDATION"... "To deter by threats", "to frighten into submission".... Human Psychology of Self Defence !
The Four D'S' on Self Defence ( KRAV MAGA)
How to use pressure points in a street confrontation?
'Multiplied Force Fighting System'
Disarming a Weapon Wielding Attacker. (Krav Maga)
"Will traditional Martial arts work in a street confrontation?"
Putting Together Your Self Defense Puzzle
What many think of when you say "Self Defense"?
'Shocker Defence Technique'
Kiai Self Defence..
Five Thousand Self Defence Techniques!!
The 'Shocker SELF Defence Technique' l
THE 5 S's OF SELF DEFENCE ...
Subject: Military Self Defense
Self Defense Question :"How can I overcome the adrenal rush?"
Strength Training for Self Defense
What many think of when you say "Self Defense" (Krav Maga)
Effective Use Of Pressure Points in Self Defense ( Krav Maga)
Dealing With the Effects of the Adrenal Rush / How to control it on Self Defence - Special forces Combatives..
Defending on Angles
Point of Reference Repetition
The Concept of Continuous Attack!
Using Distraction in Self Defense
Your most devastating weapons!
More on Blocking in Self Defense
How can we learn to prevent fear during a street attack?
Assertive Behavior l
Blocking in Self Defense
QUESTION: Which is more difficult to defend, a gun or knife attack?
Shocking CNN News Article on College Rapes!
Hitting with incredible power.
Nine Important Self Defense Tips
Women's self defense!
'Multiplied Force Fighting System
The Use of Throws in Self Defense.
Posts
