| Martial arts dojos today do a relatively good job giving | | | | who do you think the thugs are more likely to go after, |
| people a basic understand of certain fighting | | | | the 280 pound "fat-guy," or the 195 pound |
| techniques. I would, however, like to bring to light some | | | | "muscle-man?" Everyday exercise is strongly |
| current glitches in this system, so that you can become | | | | suggested to stay in peak physical shape and keep |
| a greater overall fighter. | | | | your heart healthy. |
| Local self defense classes weakness number one is | | | | Local self defense classes weakness number four is |
| that many martial arts schools today employ | | | | the fact that actual sparring in many schools is |
| instructors with NO ACTUAL fighting experience. | | | | forbidden in the beginner stages. Without some form |
| Honestly, black-belts are literally given away today like | | | | fight experience - or at the very least, this form of |
| candy! Believe this fact, there are thousands of | | | | fight simulation - you will NOT have the proper |
| "black-belt" martial artists that would die in a real street | | | | conditioning (physically or mentally) and will NOT know |
| fight! Many black belt instructors have very good form | | | | how to react when faced with a REAL attack! If your |
| and knowledge but no real world knowledge of | | | | trainer won't allow it in class, get a friend, and some |
| violence. How, then, can they be consider "experts" in | | | | sparring equipment, and practice kicking the crap out of |
| fighting? Learning a lot of moves is great. Just don't put | | | | each other! Well, at least see what it's like to take a hit. |
| TOO MUCH faith in them if they are taught by | | | | And if you're REALLY SERIOUS about learning REAL |
| someone without any actual fight experience. | | | | self defense, you may want to look for a NEW school |
| Local self defense classes weakness number two is | | | | that spars! |
| that many dojos teach scenario-based defense. In | | | | Local self defense classes weakness number five is |
| these schools, a "typical" assailant uses just a single | | | | another personal followup issue, so you can't really |
| attack, such as a lapel grab or punch to the face. | | | | blame the school for this one. Alot of people that |
| Being the "good little martial arts student," you then do | | | | attend martial arts courses cut them selves short by |
| the specific counterattack that you have been | | | | not trying other styles or seminars. I would advise that |
| "programed" to do in response to that specific attack. | | | | you frequently study videos, read books, attend |
| The problem is that there is no such thing as a "typical" | | | | seminars and classes, and practice MANY techniques |
| attacker with a "one punch" attack. In reality, his assault | | | | as OFTEN as possible. When it comes right down to |
| will be an ALL-OUT BOMBARDMENT of punched, | | | | life or death, your knowledge and training are the only |
| kicks, grabs and such - all in a FEW SECONDS! Sadly, | | | | things that can keep you alive in a street fight. |
| most schools don't show you what to do in this | | | | So be mindful not to fall into any of these five |
| situation - a REAL fight situation! | | | | common weaknesses within the self defense world |
| Local self defense classes weakness number three is | | | | and you will certainly be more equipped to handle |
| not the school's fault. If you are one who doesn't look | | | | yourself effectively in a real fight. Maintain |
| into various forms of fighting, or won't do any | | | | CONSTANT vigilance everywhere you go, and steer |
| strength-building exercises (with weights), then YOU | | | | clear of these weaknesses! |
| are the only one holding you back! Think of it like this - | | | | |