What are the most effective forms of self defence?
Realistic ones say against knives, guns, bottles, in and around cars against mulitple mugger who if you end up on the floor kick your head in…Maybe in a subway train, bus bar etc not a nice clean dojo and one that can teach you to be resourceful and utilize whats around you ie pool cue
Street fight dirty not sport. Ideally one that can get you aggressive enough to psychologically be able to fight and willing if you are too nice.
Plus how to you do ‘anit freeze’ as in anti when you get into reral trouble freeze up and go cold and weak like a bunny in headlights reagardless of how well you did in class?
I will offer a few suggestions (and really rough sketches):
Jeet Kune Do (developed by Bruce Lee – taught to general public, military and law enforcement – not really an art with belts and not traditional, more of a system and way of thinking about self-defence – you choose which arts you want to specialize more in depending on your liking, keep the good parts of different arts, throw out the bad parts ie. stuff that doesn’t work). You may learn stuff like Kali (filipino stick and knife-fighting), Wing Chun, Boxing, grappling, etc.
Krav Maga (Israeli self-defence taught to their military, also to military and law enforcement in the US, also no belts or tradition) Very simple and effective hand-to-hand combat (close range), deal with knives and other weapons too.
You have to understand that there are different ranges when it comes to fighting – kicking range, punching range, grappling range and ground-fighting. You need to know how to defend yourself in these different ranges. You can do different things in each range ie. in kicking range, all you can do is kick, too far away to throw a punch.
I think another very important thing to consider besides the system is the instructor. Is your instructor open-minded, willing to adapt the technique to different situations, does he allow you to ask questions, will he show you the advantages and disadvantages of different techniques in response to different types of attack? Does he train you under realistic scenarios where you are stressed and the adrenaline is going? The psychological preparedness in training is very important because even if you have the physical tools, without the proper mental mindset, you won’t be able to use the techniques in real life. This part relates to the last part of your question. All these things can be trained if under the right instructor.
run!!!
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use magic to make them fall down without even touching them.
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The best fight is the one you can avoid – Sun Tzu
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Firearms are your friend.
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Get a good pistol.
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avoid trouble in the first place
try tae kwon do
my grandaughter does and it has built her confidence as well
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judo or tae kwon do….
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A good defense is a good offense. There is no such thing as a fair fight. Never is. Avoiding confrontation is good. Other than that, don’t focus on style, focus on smarts, reflexes and strength.
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run from a knife, rush a gun.
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Its all in the breathing.
A rocket propelled grenade. in answer to the first.
Each martial art fits certain people better. It depends on your physicality.
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The most effective form of self defence, in my opinion, is to avoid dodgy places and people. Statistically you reduce the chances of being attacked enormously.
having said that, if I ever get attacked I’ll punch them in the throat or knee then in the nuts and run like hell.
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In France we are allowed to carry for self defense, CS gas, Air teaser electric guns, rubber bullet guns up 12 bore calibre, and any number of other equipment sold in shops over the counter.
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Depends on the threat!! Conflict resolution….verbal..i.e. Don’t!….stance…..then open hand…like a push…..or if the threat has a lethal consequence…use lethal force!!
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I will offer a few suggestions (and really rough sketches):
Jeet Kune Do (developed by Bruce Lee – taught to general public, military and law enforcement – not really an art with belts and not traditional, more of a system and way of thinking about self-defence – you choose which arts you want to specialize more in depending on your liking, keep the good parts of different arts, throw out the bad parts ie. stuff that doesn’t work). You may learn stuff like Kali (filipino stick and knife-fighting), Wing Chun, Boxing, grappling, etc.
Krav Maga (Israeli self-defence taught to their military, also to military and law enforcement in the US, also no belts or tradition) Very simple and effective hand-to-hand combat (close range), deal with knives and other weapons too.
You have to understand that there are different ranges when it comes to fighting – kicking range, punching range, grappling range and ground-fighting. You need to know how to defend yourself in these different ranges. You can do different things in each range ie. in kicking range, all you can do is kick, too far away to throw a punch.
I think another very important thing to consider besides the system is the instructor. Is your instructor open-minded, willing to adapt the technique to different situations, does he allow you to ask questions, will he show you the advantages and disadvantages of different techniques in response to different types of attack? Does he train you under realistic scenarios where you are stressed and the adrenaline is going? The psychological preparedness in training is very important because even if you have the physical tools, without the proper mental mindset, you won’t be able to use the techniques in real life. This part relates to the last part of your question. All these things can be trained if under the right instructor.
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for defending yourself on the streets or in a public area the best self defense system (not neccessarily martial art) is krav maga: http://www.kravmaga.com/krav01.html...
there are also dvd available that are comprehensive and easy to use: http://www.centuryfitness.com/webapp/wcs...
Krav Maga is the official self defense system of the Israeli Defense Forces, and has been taught to hundreds of law enforcement agencies and thousands of civilians
in the United States. Krav Maga is a simple, effective self
defense system that emphasizes instinctive movements, practical techniques, and realistic training scenarios.
for instance… someone grabs you by the throat… where do your hands instinctively go? to the area of danger, right.. they go to the throat..
so in krav maga, you use that instinctive response and turn it into a defensive movement.. you use that as a pluck, you pluck the hands away slightly to combat the initial danger of being choked out..
simultainiously you knee strike to the groin (a person has their hands at your throat they will be in a squared stance, primed for a shot to the groin)..
two shots to the groin, followed by multiple strikes to the face, the person will be to injured to continue the assault, giving you a chance to retreat…
honestly i think if you are looking for self defense this is the best system for that, which includes basic defense, defense against a gun and defense against a knife. it’s all about defending and escaping..
as for adrenaline dumps (freezing up like a bunny in headlights) that never really goes away.. its something you learn to work through.. the more you practice the moves the more ingrained they become into your psyche, the more they become reaction instead of response.. what i’m saying is the movements become automatic..
good luck!
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The easy answer to your question is. ‘if you can’t hit it, kick it, thump it or bite it run like hell’
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just me.
Tai Chi is the obvious answer for me. Even if it will take some time to build speed and power, all the techniques are very simple and realistic (would you try to kick during a real fight ?).
And The most important reason : because Tai Chi develops harmony and acts on mood, you are LESS likely to find yourself in a combat situation.
What’s better ???
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Look into grappling before striking.
Each grappling art has advantages and disadvatages. Also, a certain grappling art only teaches you moves that are allowed in their sporting competitions…. remember that.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is good, and is effective on the ground. However, face reality. Do you want to be on the ground in a street fight? Is it a 1 on 1? Or are his mates ready to kick you when your vulnerable?
There are a lot of questions, variations and scenarios on the street, so beware constantly.
My advice is to learn Freestyle Wrestling, Catch Wrestling, Sombo Wrestling and BJJ. You dont need to go to classes, you can get book and intructional videos also…
Also learn where to bite, gouge, etcetc. (plus other dirty tactics like kicking the balls….. people underestimate the kicking in the balls, but that wont be enough against some people….. trust me on that)
Remember that watching or reading books is still no comparism to practicing these moves for real. (obviously you wouldnt bite a practising oponent!!!!)
One thing I want to say (and I have said this a few times on Answers now) is that it is always best to walk away from a fight. Walking away means that you were the bigger person, and more of a man. This method mean no-one got hurt.
I am not a bad person. I dont get into fights. I dont act hard or pretend to be hard, but if I had NO OTHER ALTERNATIVE *BUT* to fight, I will do everything that I have learnt….. and I wont stop at anything!!! I have learnt many things and I am very confident with my skills…. street fighting.
If you go up against knifes or any other dirty weapons, I suggest to walk away also…. however, I would do what is right at that time. Again, find out some books that cover techniques on handling weaponed opponents (if it comes to that).
Aswell as learning this great grappling moves and submissions holds, Cardio and fitness is another important factor.
Lastly, I said that grappling is more important, but dont ‘totally’ ignore striking, etcetc.
This is just a guide…. and good luck in your studies and research!!
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As a martial artist with many years of training and working security at night clubs i will say to you that they all work and none of them work!
Street fighters are born not made they get off on pain, in short it is their drug.
No matter which art you practise they all have one draw back RESPECT.
Your street thug has none they just want to hurt you, they don’t need a reason, the reason is they have a need to fight!
If you don’t have the heart or lack of one as a street fighter you cannot be trained to react like one.
Most of us need a reason to lose it to the point we become soul less in our potential to do serious damage to another person, IE hurt our loved ones etc.
Street fighters need no reason they will just hurt you.
Martial arts can help but only if you can switch off just the same because while you have a conscience you will lose
The best thing MA can give you is to let you leave your ego at the gym so you can walk away feeling like you have nothing to prove.
remember people train for years to fight in self defence, thugs who have never trained in their lives.
so is it the training or state of mind.
Be safe
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The single best self defence is running. If you are not there, your attacker cannot hurt you.
If someone is comming at you with a knife/gun/glass, run faster.
Always make sure someone knows where you are, and what time you should be back. If youre not where you should be, or youre late, people who know you will start looking for you.
Try not to attract anyones attention. If your (possible) attacker doesnt notice you, you wont be attacked.
Not martial art will make you invunerable to attack. If you want a better chance of defending yourself, have a go at every type of self defence you can find and see which suits you better.
I, personally, prefer Taekwondo. It has a lot to offer for street self defence, as when its taught correctly you should be instructed when/how/what to do over and over and over again. Repatition is the key. Over time your techniques will come into play without you thinking about them.
As for the idea of "antifreeze". Thats just the tripple F problem. In a stress situation its a case of Fight, Flight or Freeze. Freezing as caused by not knowing what to do and so you keep cycling throught the available ideas, if you find yourself in this situation MAKE YOUR MIND UP – freezing is the worst thing that can happen. Fighting you way out or running away will hurt less.
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Years spent learing and instructing Taekwondo.
I think the answer to this question is different for everyone. You have to find a form of self-defense that works well for you, something that is fun as well as practical. First and foremost you’ve got to learn how to use your brain, the best defense against an attack is being alert, and knowing how to handle yourself in any given situation. The other thing is, you have to find something you will stick with. I’ve been taking Tae Kwon Do for almost 4 years and I have seen so many people quit after a few months. If you stick with it, you get over that fear of confrontation. You learn how to remain calm and react appropriately for the situation. You learn to hold your head up high and have the kind of confidence that makes you less of a target. I’ve heard from many other students that there are a lot of dojo’s where you spend much of the time kicking air, and practicing forms. If you are involved in self-defense where you aren’t being hit and aren’t learning the consequences of being sloppy..you can learn techniques that look cool, but you’ll get your butt kicked on the street. I recommend that before you sign up anywhere, go in a few times (not on a day when they are doing demo’s) but go watch some real classes and find out what these people are all about before you commit yourself to a contract. It would also be a good idea to ask the master instructor to see their dan certificate…in some cases, classes may be being instructed by someone who isn’t really qualified to teach.
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i like that line one guy wrote earlier…
they all work and none of them work.
Martial artist usually have to much respect to be a street fighter ect…blah blah blah what he said…
but i mere seek to add another line or two…
I was taught to walk soft but carry a big stick.
IE… Be a Jedi.. but put your dark side, your WRATH, on a light switch… and learn how to flip it…
Relax and respect…but if im put in a questionable situation…. use necessary force to escape… and ENSURE your escape… however that may be.
when its on, you do it to it… when its off.. you half ass it, or dont.
How to anti freeze. Not give a sh-t.
Its better to go down doing something… even if feeble, and atleast show this asswipe you wouldnt go down without a fight, you will not be broken down mentally. They wont get the same satisfaction. They can pretend, but deep inside, they really want some one crying and begging at their feet.
if it didnt work, atleast you did SOMETHING.
Lots of times, if you just DO WHAT YOUR TAUGHT, at a martial arts class, it will save your ass. IF YOU DO IT TO IT.
so if you just do something, and it happens to be what your taught,… it just MIGHT come out of that thick skull and go into action without thinking about it.
Im willing to bet, a martial artist, that practices what they are taught(provided the school has legit lineage and a half ass instructor and the student is a half ass learner) could wreck shop easier than a person who doesnt practicing breaking things and people all the time.
it all works or none of it works.
keep a "kill mode" button on standby
and a "God mode" that prevents feeling injury and pain(just like in the video games)…
and if you start getting your ass kicked… you can flippem both, and atleast go crazy and take out hte other person before they can inflict enough "feelable" pain to stop you cold.
if your focused on "getting" them enough, you’ll have it done quick enough what ever they do, will not stop you from being victorious. I know soldiers that use this type of mind set… Oh shit I got shot… but I gotta outta here… I gotta war to fight… gotta get the job done…. some died… some lived…
no ones invicible physically forever… maybe just long enough to ensure compensation for your passing, or to ensure safety of others…
did I have a point?
oh yeah…
beware that pissed off guy in the funny looking silk uniform that moves like a fairy thru the air with the sword… hes trying REAL hard not to turn you into hamburger.
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I did Wing Tsun, after trying a few other systems, and can highly recommend it. Briefly, it’s a modern, realistic version of a highly efficient kung fu system – which incorporates traditions of wrestling and boxing.
http://www.wtdefence.com/
http://www.ewto.com
Everyone says that their style is the best, but here are some reasons why WT stands out:
1. It’s a ‘living’ system – it’s always being fine-tuned, and works in today’s society. Various police and special forces around the world use it.
2. It’s tried and tested against other styles and all types of attack. How many styles can honestly say that? There are a lot of deluded people out there…
3. It’s based on principles – you can learn these, and the basics, very quickly. In a short time, this will give you an edge over the average idiot on the street. It’s not about drilling endless techniques into your head, and then hoping you can recall the right one quickly enough in a pressure situation.
4. It’s not a sport. It’s not about sparring. It’s about taking your opponent out of action in a short time.
You raised some other points, which I’ll try to answer briefly:
Anyone who tells you that they have a fail-safe defence against a knife or a gun is acting irresponsibly. The best defence is to not be there.
The ‘freezing in the headlights’ syndrome is due to a rush of adrenalin in your body. You are in a tense situation – in our evolution it could have been something like stumbling across a wild beast – and to survive, your choice is ‘fight or flight’. Getting used to that adrenalin rush (i.e. not freezing), and using it effectively takes time and training.
I’ve used my Wing Tsun training twice, when confronted on the street at night – but I didn’t need to throw a single punch.
For general street survival wisdom, check out some of Geoff Thompson’s books. He knows what he’s talking about.
Hope that’s of some help.
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If you want to kill your opponent then I would say Karav Maga. It;s the best for street fights but is very violent and designed for soldiers to kill quickly.
If you want to control the situation so you can get away unharmed then it would be Karate, Aikido, Hapkido.
If it gets out of your control and ends up on the ground then theres nothing better than Brazilian Ju-Jitsu. (you should never let it get to the ground)
Tae=Kwon-Do, Kung-Fu, Kickboxing, Muai Thai are all sports and would not help much in real life.
To get over the deer in the headlights effect it takes training. You have to train so much that the defensive moves come naturally without even thinking about it. It has to be second nature. War heros that do great things often say that they don’t remember what they did because their body just took over and did it. It takes years of training to get to this point.
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10+ years of training and teaching Karate
You can learn all of the above but at the end of the day whatever you learn it all comes down to one thing – instinct!
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This is the address for a great self defence program. http://www.cliveelliott.net/defendo.htm
I’m only 5ft but I put a 6ft 2in man on the floor with one move. Also Taekwondo is great for building self confidence. I wouldn’t go out in the dark but after taking classes in TKD, I’m confident enough, because I know I could defend myself if I had to. Most people are unlikely to be attacked if they walk with their head held up and walk confidently.
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there is a story going around about a book written by a US Police officer, near me at moment. This book is called something like "Verbal Judo" he give ideas on talking down suspects/ aggresors without getting into fights. The search continues, but I would say your training will give you the confidence to deal with a lunatic without ever hitting anyone.
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