Training to save your life or a loved one has little to do with sport or competition. In the moment of chaos, AMBIGUITY WILL GET YOU KILLED.
Ambiguity in this moment means hesitating, flailing, wrestling, or fidgeting with self defense tools or weapons— YOURS OR THEIRS.
“If you can think and move, if you can break the freeze, INJURE THE PREDATOR! NOW.” (TFT)
Principles: Grasp the difference between rude, antisocial (not life-threatening) behavior vs. the dedication of the predator. De-escalate the threat vs. injure the attacker — now. De-mystify attacker’s weapons. Master point-on targeting. Persist until the attacker is incapacitated.
Reality One. Learn offense –not defense– in a short amount of time. In fact you will leave your fist class with some basic skills in striking a specific high value target — eyes, neck, groin.
Reality Two: Techniques must be simple but effective: for example, substitute groin strike for jump, spinning heel kick.
Reality Three: Striking practice is performed in very slow motion. Why? Targeting is very specific on very vulnerable sites. We train safely. You won’t get whacked.
Reality Four: Even the slickest technique degrades in the chaos of an attack. The shock of an actual attack triggers a massive adrenalin dump into the blood stream. Instantly there is fear, confusion if not paralysis and panic. Nobody is immune. As a result, the victim may find it impossible to recall/perform complicated moves. Therefore, it is important that techniques be limited to gross motor movements, if possible.
Reality Five: The answer is always the same: injure the predator now. Occasional pressure practice can help reduce the impact of the fear factor. You’ll practice in the car, in the dark, bathroom, crowded hallway, on the staircase. Comfort is not your friend. Remember: Imagine. Prepare. Practice.
