Sports Realm

One of the biggest complaints about learning Martial Arts for self defense is its complexity. The movements are just to complex for most people to use. The whole idea is to be able to apply the techniques we learn when we need them.

We do not want to forget how to perform them or have them break down at inconvenient times. As far as self defense situations are concerned, Murphy’s Law is always in play. In fact, I would argue that Murphy was an incurable optimist when it comes to self defense situations.

When we are attacked, we automatically go into the Fight or Flight survival response. This is a reflexive nervous system response that basically shuts down our higher though capabilities.

We automatically revert to using our primitive reptilian brain and nervous system, losing the ability to remember how to use complex skills and though processes.

It is believed that for any movement to become an unconscious, conditioned response it has to be repeated tens of thousands of times.

If you were to take that number and multiply it by the number of different techniques the average beginning martial arts student learns to perform, the numbers simply don’t add up to anything close to proficiency in these areas, much less proficiency when used in an actual self defense situation.

Most students never realize the true potential of these techniques because they have already moved on to learning “Step B” before they’ve had the chance to master “Step A”.

A far better idea is to learn very, VERY, simple basic movements that have already been conditioned into our nervous system. That’s right. Learn what we already know and can already do. Then all that is required is to take those skills and cross them over into a self defense context.

Of course this isn’t necessarily easy but with the right training this can be accomplished rather quickly, often in a matter of days, rather than years.

For example, every time you put on your seat belt you are practicing one of the most basic and useful strikes you can perform.

Try this movement right now. Reach up and across your body to the opposite should, exactly as you would if your were reaching for the seat belt in your car. Watch the movement your elbow makes. Carefully observe the path your elbow takes and where it ends up before moving downward again.

In order to make this movement a self defense tool, you simply need some focus and intent. That is, if you are doing the movement with the intention of it being a strike.

Look at all the repetitive actions you perform day after day after day. Look at them as possible self defense moves that you can already do and you’ll be surprised by how much you already know in terms of body mechanics and basic body movements.

In summary, there are m any attributes, mind sets and skills to understand and develop as part of an effective and practical self defense training. These skills and attributes are best developed in a self defense course or class setting.

Attributes such as awareness, focus, determination and killer instinct, amongst others, coupled with the repetitive practice of basic physical skills are the only way to achieve the kind of skill that you will need should the occasions arise where you have to defend yourself or someone else.

Learning how to protect yourself does not have to take years of hard training. Find out about an easy to learn and highly effective system at Self Defense DVD or Martial Arts DVDs