THE REALITIES OF SELF-DEFENSE

 by Phillip Starr

Real-life self-defense scenarios are usually considerably different from those that are presented in our martial arts classes as well as self-defense courses. You may need to adjust your self-defense training:

*Nowadays, people don't “square off” in fighting stances before the fight ensues. Fights generally begin at very close range...

*Punches (from your opponent) come in flurries. No one throws a single punch and then just stands there, looking at you like a lost dog. And grabs are ALWAYS followed or combined with a strike of some kind. Nobody is going to simply come up, grab your wrist or lapel, and then just look longingly into your eyes...

*Don't rely on a single blow to end the fight. We may train for that skill, but there are too many variables involved to rely totally on it. See Murphy's Law*...

*DO NOT attempt kicking to the head (unless the opponent is on the ground), NEVER try some kind of cute jumping kick...these will get you killed. Anyone who says different has never been in a real fight. Joint-twisting techniques MAY work, but only if they're preceded by an effective strike. The same is true for throws. And once he's down, don't let up on your attack! This isn't a schoolyard fistfight; there are no rules and nobody is coming to help you.

*Be prepared to get hit – because you very likely will, and you've got to understand that a punch in the face isn't the end of the world. You must be able to take a blow and keep going.

*Always assume that the enemy has a weapon that he may use...because there's almost a 100% chance that he does. You must train to defend yourself against weapons such as knives, handguns, and the like.

When it comes to self-defense, I have only two modes. If the opponent isn't threatening my life, he'll just spend some quality time in a local hospital for some time. If he threatens my life, I will take his life without a second thought. Period. I don't believe in landing a punch and then calling it good and having a beer with the guy. Saturday night fights for fun are out.

*Murphy's Law: If anything can go wrong, it will..and at the worst possible moment.