I wanted to touch upon one of my earlier posts with an eye towards expanding it. Defensive Tactics training for military, L.E., Corrections etc comes directly from the martial arts. It is often a simplified model due to time constraints as well as monetary considerations. But by and large, D.T. and SD owes its existence to the martial arts. This has been both a blessing and a curse. Many years ago, Royce Gracie offered BJJ at the regional training facility where I taught as an adjunct instructor for the academies. Initially it was wildly popular. However, when the 'wow' factor faded, everyone started realizing that none of the instruction could actually be incorporated into practical street usage. In fact, it was deemed detrimental training and Royce had to adjust what was being taught. Even then, I haven't seen that course offered for years. The reason was that it was geared for sport, with a sport training methodology. This isn't putting down sport training methodology, but it is identifying it as not the best choice for certain venues. It is like using a saw to hammer a nail. Wrong tool for the job. Looking at my earlier post;
- Do the opponents begin the sparring immediately, or is there a time prior to the physical conflict that verbal de-esculation skills can be attempted and practiced?
- Is there an opportunity to evade or escape?
- Do either have the option and/or ability to use improvised weapons?
- Can either attempt to use cover and/or concealment?
- Can several of the opposition have 'friends' join the conflict so that multiple opponents are now in the equation?
- Is the same footwear always worn?
- Are both parties required to abide by the same rules?
- Any chance of going to the ground?
- Any chance the 'good guy' can do a gross motor skill 'stun and run'?
- Do they spar in all lighting conditions, including dim light conditions?
- Do they always spar on a dry, level surface or are slopes and alternative surfaces utilized like the parking lot, grass etc?
- Is a uniform and/or belt always worn, or regular street clothes.
- Is the sparring session begun at a pre-arranged time or is one party completely surprised (read typical ambush)?
- If a mistake is made, or a strike connects do the opponents continue or do they reset their positions and start again.
- Are they always started in a standing position, facing each other? Or can one be on the ground at a postiton of disadvantage at the start?
- Do they always train inside the school or can they train out in the parking lot between a couple of parked cars, a ditch, an elevator, a stairway, an alley etc?
These are just some of the considerations that may separate the two methodologies. This is what I'm talking about and that old school, in my experience (and not just TKD) addresses.
Taking the first two on the list;
- Do the opponents begin the sparring immediately, or is there a time prior to the physical conflict that verbal de-esculation skills can be attempted and practiced?
- Is there an opportunity to evade or escape?
Envision martial arts of a century or more removed. Policing agencies with the ability of rapid transport didn't always exist. Homes were often farther spread apart in rural communities (and still are in some areas). The average person didn't have a firearm or other weapons-specific tool. They didn't have home alarms. In otherwords, they were a bit more dependent upon themselves for defense. The were often their own first and last line of defense. And that can often translate to us in the present depending upon the scenario. Thus a means to de-esculate a situation was of prime concern, as was the ability to train to avoid the confrontation all together.
Since we react under duress the way we train, we need to make sure that our training, if in any way touches on SD, reflects what may happen in a real world scenario. In an altercation, it probably isn't in our best interest to take on a 'stance' and then make the attempt to strike/kick the bad guy, at least not if other options are available. But we need to train for those options so that they can be utilized under duress. Does a student have the option to practice verbally or physically (posture) de-esculate? What about practicing avoidance, evasion or escape? Getting to a door and locking it. Putting a large, inanimate object between you and the aggressor. Yelling for help prior to the attack to gain attention. Better yet, yelling 'FIRE' instead of 'HELP' as it may actually draw more attention. How about crossing the street? Getting into the car and leaving? Ducking into a store with lots of public attention?
Just talking about it once but never practicing it is not sufficient. It should be a regular part of training, if SD is one of the considerations. It doesn't take away from sparring, it adds a new layer to it.
More to follow.
