Keep Your Eyes on the Goal

Self-defense is not a ring match.  There are no rules. There is no referee. It is only you and your attacker(s). That's it!!

Your only goal is to get home - safe & sound - to your family. You have people counting on you whether it be your wife/husband, son/daughter or mom/dad.

Yes, fight back if you have to but then, when you see your chance, get outta there. Do not stay and "duke it out." It's not a contest. It's not about who is better. And don't become the "attacker in reverse." Keep your eyes on the goal and...  Just. Get. Home.

Life is better with you in it.

Be safe my friends.

-david

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Boundaries - Drawing the Line

Where is your line? How far will you allow someone to have access to you? In other words, where are your boundaries???

For active self-defense you need to be alert and aware. You need to have a radar around you that - if breached - gives you the signal to be ready. What is your boundary? Hands on you? Grabbing the wrist? Coming within 2 feet of you?

Everyone will have different boundaries. And those boundaries change in regards of the "who" is breaching them. Obviously I will be more lenient if it's a family member vs. a friend vs. a stranger.

That being said, I was always instructed to have my radar up and be ready even if it's a family member crossing the line. I need to be prepared to act - to warn through verbalization and body movement. And if that is not enough and they attempt to do it again, then through quick, decisive action. Action that doesn't always mean fighting; it could be changing my position so that there is interference between them and me. It could be grabbing a friend that I trust to be by my side. Or it could be just removing myself from that situation by leaving all together (if possible). And yes, fighting back as a last resort.

TIP: as you go through your day, create a 3' radar bubble around yourself and start to notice everyone that breaks that boundary. See for yourself if you are comfortable with this or not and adjust that boundary to your satisfaction.

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The gloves DON'T have it!

Lately I have been meeting a number of women who have started boxing. This is great. Boxing is an amazing art that really teaches you how to use your body weight when you hit and its a great cardiovascular workout.

BUT....is it self-defense?

For a full-time boxer? Yes, it can be.
For the casual practitioner whose main goal is a good workout? A resounding NO.

Why? Gloves.  

In a true self-defense situation, you will not be wearing your boxing gloves or underlying wrist wraps. The gloves protect your hands and the wraps protect your wrists. Hitting without these two items is VERY different. The likelihood of you breaking a finger or wrist increases drastically.

You have to practice the way you play.

Check out my video blog on this subject!

Common Sense...

What's the best self-defense?

Common sense: Don't park in dark and secluded areas. Stay in highly populated places. Be aware of what's going on around you. Pay attention to that gut feeling. Don't talk to strangers. Etc.

In particular, I like quoting Bill Cowher, former Coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers. He used to tell his players, "Nothing good happens at 1 am in a bar." He was looking to keep his players out of trouble. But this is applicable to all of us. Nothing good does happen when it's late in a (potentially) volatile location.

It's sound advice and happens to be the best self-defense - don't be in a bad place at the right time.

Be safe

-david

Self-Defense

Self-defense training is not a magic tool that allows you to be successful during an attack. It involves work. It requires emotional willingness to face your fears. It's not an easy task.

So what can you do? If you want to study "real" self-defense look for three things:

1. realism - self-defense is about VIOLENCE - the use of violence to protect yourself. You must study this and overcome your hesitancy to inflict damage.

2. cheating - fair play does not exist in self-defense. You must use every advantage to your benefit. There are no re-dos.

3. profiling - recognition of vulnerable targets and strategic weapons has to be the core training - instilled deep within the student. Know your targets. Know your weapons.

We invite you to try this out with us. We do things differently. Click here to try us on for size with 3-FREE classes.

Be safe!

-david

Enter the kubotan!

The what???

The 'kubotan'. You know, those self-defense keychains that look like a spike...
Still have no idea what I'm talking about? 'Kubotan' is a registered trademark of Takayuki Kubota, who developed the device as a tool for police officers in the 1970s. Overall it is a very handy, practical self-defense tool.

quick discalimer: understand that a 'kubotan' is a tool - and all tools are secondary to your main weapon - your mind/heart.

The 'kubotan' is fairly discreet and can be very un-assuming. They can be made out of wood, plastic acetate, & metal (aluminum is common). Most are rod shaped and vary in terms of length, taper, thickness and weight.

Using a 'kubotan' is very natural. However, just like all tools, you should seek proper instruction.

TIP: once you learn the 'kubotan', many everyday items can be substituted for one, such as: pen/pencil; chopsticks; flashlight; smartphone; salt/pepper shaker; screwdriver; etc.

Stay safe!

Notice the View...

Are you aware?

Are you aware of the view around you? From your desk at work? In your seat on the train or bus? How about at your table where you eat lunch each day? Are you aware of the view? Of what's happening around you? Of who is coming and going?

Now I am not saying you have to be paranoid - just present.

TIP: Notice things. Position yourself where you can see things in front of you. Don't sit at a table with your back to the door. Know your entrances and exits. Park your car near a street light and not in the shadows. Try to understand your environment and what compromises it may or may not have.

Be safe!

Have you been compromised?

com·pro·mise - unable to function optimally

Being compromised. What does this mean? I like the above definition: "unable to function optimally." If I am compromised I may not be able to fully defend myself if need be. It implies that some degree of function is still capable but that there is some hindrance. We talked about this in class no too long ago and made a quick list of common compromises:

• business clothing: your everyday clothes may be a hindrance to you; suits, skirts, dresses are confining and restrictive; a necktie is akin to a noose; high heels are a balance risk; etc.
• seasonal items: overcoats; parkas, gloves, snow boots all can hinder your abilities of speed and power
• eyewear: contact lenses can pop out; glasses can fall off or break; either case it creates a compromise of vision
• alcohol: drinking in excess can severely hinder your timing, coordination, judgment, vision, dexterity; etc.
• fatigue/stress: mental or physical fatigue can affect your reaction times and endurance levels
• headphones/MP3 players/phones: one of the most compromising items; headphones put your mind in a tunnel; easily unaware of your surroundings
• packages/bags/purses: a compromise of your hands and arms

TIP: before going out or going to work; know your compromises ahead of time. Can you minimize them? Can you choose not to use an item (headphones) or substitute it for a different item (flats for high heels). Not every case is going to be ideal but understanding your compromises - your weaknesses - is the sign of a wise person.

"Honey, does this make me look compromised?"

Is Your Heart Into It?

kokoro

"Kokoro" is a Japanese term that is commonly translated as "heart". And although this is correct, it's not the entire picture. You see if you ask a translation app or use a dictionary, kokoro also comes up for "mind".

How you may ask?

Think of it like this...you may know, in your mind, that you have to do "X", but if your heart isn't into it, then you're just going thru the motions. Kokoro then is - in my opinion - this alignment of your mind and your heart. It's commitment. Or better yet, intent. 110%.

TIP: when the dirt hits the fan, you better have kokoro on your side. Cause guess what? Asocial, violent aggressors sure do. Most aggressors are not trained. But they excel at intent. They are fully committed to your detriment. How can you equal the playing field? Train to inflict injury. Train with the same intent. 110% commitment can keep you alive when you need it most.

What's in your heart?

You Have the Right To Be Rude...

We are taught from a young age to be nice to people. To help others. To be kind. And this is all true and good. BUT (you see my big but there) this is not what should do when interrupted on the street.

Innocent questions: "Do you have the time?" "Can you spare some change?" "How do I get to the Wayne Tech Building?"

And perhaps the intent behind these questions is also innocent. But what happens when it isn't?

• What happens when it's in the evening/late at night?
• What happens when it's in a parking garage or secluded parking lot?

Chances are the intent behind the question is not so innocent.

Opportunists will use such questions to prey on our social niceties. Expecting us to answer and at the same time be distracted. Their true intent is your purse, jewelry, wallet - or worse - your life. They also may not be operating alone. They may have a partner to do the "dirty work" while you are engaged talking to them.

TIP: Walk with a purpose and an air of confidence. Project confidence. Make eye contact but do not stop your gait. Be rude - I am giving you permission - answer "No" or "I don't know". Never stop your stride. Be prepared.