Newbie folks asking what art is best for self-defense…

[Gyakuto]

I believe this fear to be true, and whether voiced or not, is the reason most take up MA. I think many of us have a level of, if not fear, at least a low self-confidence level in this regard. Confidence has a broad effect on one's ego and affects many facets of their life.

Are you in the USA? Then you probably have every right to be fearful.

Low confidence often shows and signals predators that you may be suitable prey. A good amount of MA training, while not totally erasing this condition, can boost this level to the point that will not attract predators, thus reducing the chances of a violent encounter.

Indexing, looking around, grooming.

People don't buy life insurance thinking they will die soon,

My actuary friend is calculating when I’m going to die somI can invest my money more wisely.

but to have the peace of mind that if it happens their loved ones will be taken care of.

She won’t get a penny.

MA skill leads to life assurance, the peace of mind knowing they have a much-improved chance of defending themselves and loved ones.

Do you really think that Karate will help you significantly in a violent situation? Why do we have Ninjutsu then? Do the CIA/FBI/MI5/6 teach their operatives Karate? Have you fought a competent boxer?

Unlike life insurance which only works when you die, MA life assurance assures one of a better quality of life due to the increased confidence one has on a daily basis, even if you never get in a fight. (Ed Parker told me of this comparison during one of our talks, and I have to agree.)

I think traditional martial artist grossly overestimate their fighting abilities. It’s a false sense of security that doesn’t stand up to pressure testing, but it makes you feel happier if you believe it.

One must, of course, not have a false sense of confidence. We must remain realistic and objective regarding where we are on the spectrum of over-confidence/lack of confidence.

And how does one do this?

But I think a little more is better than a little less.

Not if it’s a false sense of security…it can be very dangerous.

In the TMA we very rarely, if ever fight against, fully resisting, uncooperative, aggressive opponents and that builds this sense of false security.

 

[Prince_Alarming]

I've fought a competent boxer. The coach was impressed- he said he'd never seen anybody walk into so many punches

 

[Prince_Alarming]

I don't think 'street fighting' is as difficult, incidentally, as martial artists often think. Look at the people who do it. Junkies, like me. Morons. Alcoholics. The issue is that in criminal violence there are all sorts of equalisers and dirty tricks, like running round a corner, waiting there and then lamping the bloke when he come around it. Learned that trick in school pretty early on.

 

[Gyakuto]

I don't think 'street fighting' is as difficult, incidentally, as martial artists often think. Look at the people who do it. Junkies, like me. Morons. Alcoholics.

That a very good point, well made.

The issue is that in criminal violence there are all sorts of equalisers and dirty tricks, like running round a corner, waiting there and then lamping the bloke when he come around it. Learned that trick in school pretty early on.

If you do Koroddy, you’d sense his intent from around the corner, see he has his guard down slightly and attack the face!

 

[Prince_Alarming]

That a very good point, well made.

If you do Koroddy, you’d sense his intent from around the corner, see he has his guard down slightly and attack the face!

If you do clackledockling, you learn a technique called 'human sees it coming' which neutralises this