| This is probably NOT a headline you're likely to see | | | | simple, repeatable and address these 10 factors 100% |
| anytime soon. Then why do we insist on teaching | | | | of the time. NOT just a few of the factors some of |
| martial arts and combat sports as self defense? You | | | | the time. |
| would no sooner see this headline than you would "110 | | | | All martial arts and combat sports depend on speed, |
| pound housewife fends off mugger with musical kata!" | | | | endurance, timing, skill. While these are all useful and |
| Sports and martial arts all have there place. Sure there | | | | important factors in self defense, they're not as critical |
| is some cross over, but pulling practical self defense | | | | when you strike first, fast and brutal. |
| out of sport or art is highly unlikely. There is very little | | | | Self Defense is instinctive, simple and effective. |
| that is taught in martial arts studios that can be | | | | Training for these situations is simply building habits and |
| considered "self defense." Self Defense must meet | | | | reactions. It's the ability to perform ordinary or simple |
| the following criteria: | | | | actions under EXTREME stress. There is no time to |
| The 10 Factors of Self Defense | | | | "feel" someone out, jockey for position or wear your |
| 1. Your assailant is armed | | | | opponent down, like you would in sporting or challenge |
| 2. He is intent on killing or injuring you | | | | matches. There's no time to prepare. It will not be |
| 3. He is capable of killing or injuring you | | | | smooth and clean. It will be violent, septic and caustic. |
| 4. He has accomplices | | | | Training for martial arts and combat sport build |
| 5. He is larger and stronger than you | | | | character and self worth. They are extremely |
| 6. You could be in any environment (snow, ice, the | | | | important and cannot be dismissed as useless. Anyone |
| beach, parking lot) | | | | who is willing to dedicate the time and sacrifice |
| 7. You will be under the extreme stress of a life and | | | | creature comforts to train and study properly will be a |
| death struggle | | | | tough customer on sheer will alone. But when it comes |
| 8. You don't have a tremendous amount of athletic | | | | to self defense, you have to sacrifice skill for will, |
| ability | | | | strength for simplicity and beauty for brutality. Because |
| 9. You will be injured, old or distracted | | | | a strangle is nice, but an eye gouge is equally effective |
| 10. You will be alone | | | | (and will get the job done much faster). |
| Self Defense doesn't just have to work, it has to be | | | | |