COMBAT TRAINING FOR EVERYDAY DEFENSE

COMBAT TRAINING FOR EVERYDAY DEFENSE

It’s not what you’re thinking.

Forget those images of camo-wearing weekend warriors who need an outlet for their thrill seeking, aggressive personalities.  As fun as that is, most people don’t want (and certainly don’t need) to climb a wall, crawl through the mud, and dispatch an enemy in the dark of night.

That being said, elite combat training offers a wealth of knowledge and applications for the everyday person seeking practical self-defense skills.  But there is a caveat.  There are no secret moves or special military techniques per se.  The value of the combat training I have observed and participated in is found in the fundamental movement of the human body.

Read the book, 7 TRUTHS OF SELF-DEFENSE: LEARN TO OVERCOME VIOLENT ATTACKS

Since 1997, I have trained in Systema, a system of combat based on the methods of Russian Special Operations Units known as Spetznaz.  While these men are some of the most feared and respected fighters in the world, what I learned from them surprised and enlightened me.  Having cross-trained and studied many styles of martial art over the past 24 years, I have always been disappointed by teachers who seem to be more concerned about the perfect execution of the movement, at the expense of the defensive development of the students.  But this was not the case with Systema.

Instead of creating a class full of robots, mimicking the instructor, Systema guides you to know yourself.  This is where the true benefit for the everyday person is rooted.  Commercial martial arts and so-called fighting programs do not address the issues confronting the average person when attacked.  I use the concept of friction to describe all the unknown things that can occur in a real street attack.  The attacker will have the element of surprise, but you may be distracted, upset, afraid, sick, injured, or otherwise limited in your ability to respond.

Most martial arts training assumes you will begin from an ideal position (stances) and be able to proceed through the prearranged steps and techniques you have practiced.  This just is not the way it works on the street! 

Your natural reactions and movements are ideal for self-defense, because they are fast, reliable, and automatic.  You will react when attacked, so it is important to understand your personal, individual response.  Everyone is different, but one’s reflexes are the reality and must be known if you will survive a real violent attack.

Read the book, 7 TRUTHS OF SELF-DEFENSE: LEARN TO OVERCOME VIOLENT ATTACKS

The good news is that it doesn’t take years of reprogramming your muscle memory.  You don’t need to become anyone else, or modify your personality.  There is no requirement that you become violent, aggressive, or confrontational yourself.  In fact, isn’t that the exact type of person you are hoping to avoid?  Why would you want to become that type of person?

The key to developing your defensive ability is already in you.  Your innate natural reactions are the foundation for effective defense.  Seek to DISCOVER YOUR FIRST NATURE™.  No matter how much you practice a prearranged sequence or technique, even if it becomes second nature, it will never be your first nature.  And your natural reactions will always override any conscious process or response you have learned.  Then the physical aspects of training can focus on learning to TRANSITION FROM RELEX TO FIGHTING TACTICS™.  Don’t spend time and effort practicing stances, blocks, and techniques you will never be able to apply under the stress and friction of a real violent attack.  You will make first contact with your attacker in the position that stems from your natural reactions.  From there you must learn to apply simple natural movements that will overtake the opponent and ensure your safety. 

Violence is a reality in our society, but there are some simple steps you can take to prepare to overcome.  I call this a process to AWAKEN YOUR INNER WARRIOR™.  You already have the tools, you just need to learn to trust and apply them. 

Read the book, 7 TRUTHS OF SELF-DEFENSE: LEARN TO OVERCOME VIOLENT ATTACKS

MORE INFORMATION

For more information about Applied Fighter, visit www.AppliedFighter.com or contact Richard Moore at ram@AppliedFighter.com

TRAINING OPPORTUNITY

You can also register for the 3-Day course hosted by Community Education at Las Positas College.  Each session is 2 hours long, and the dates are October 9, 16, and 23. 

Call 925.424.1467 or register online at www.laspositascollege.edu/communityed.  Search class listings for “SELF-DEFENSE THE APPLIED FIGHTER WAY”.