Sometimes I worry that in demonstrating the simplicity of a
natural self-defense concept, some people may think that simple equals easy
(which must be easy because it is watered-down). Just to be clear, complexity is a watered-down
approach, and simplicity is the concentrated original formulation.
I have instructed many students who come to my talks and
seminars looking for a paint-by-numbers approach to defense. I choose not to teach this way because of
what I know about the reality of violent attacks.
Let me talk to those of you who are seeking realistic
abilities (not just a collection of colorful belts). The vast majority of commercial martial arts
and MMA instructors to the public don’t get you. They know your choices (while far more
numerous now than in decades past) are limited.
You have to choose between the dojo down the street or an
exercise/martial arts program at a local gym.
Let me repeat myself. These
instructors don’t get you.
They think their way is the only way, and that in order to
protect yourself, you will have to take on their superior personality
(alpha-dog), learn their way of responding to threat (aggressive and
confrontational), all while memorizing their technically superior style of
fighting (repetition and muscle memory).
This is how they learned, so why shouldn’t you have to go through all
that?
Well for starters, you are not anything like them. Okay, that’s presumptuous of me. But I think I’m probably right. You are reading this because you want to
actually be able to defend yourself when attacked. You don’t want to go around bullying people,
starting fights, showing off, and building false “fools” pride.
You don’t have to become anything you’re not. You shouldn’t develop a new, more aggressive
personality. You don’t need to be an
animal to walk safely. Be yourself, and
train with people who are genuine as well.
You don’t need to change who you are.
You can Awaken Your Inner Warrior™.
You already have abilities that can form a strong foundation for
self-defense.
Part of the problem of the “They Just Don’t Get You” message
is that these instructors I’m picking on have not been on your path in
life. They (most of them) are
ex-military, competitive fighters, or trained law enforcement
professionals. Professionals! Is that you?
Well maybe, but that doesn’t mean you want to strut around with your
feathers propped up.
How can a naturally violent (read aggressive,
confrontational, etc.) professional fighter understand where you are coming
from? Will they empathize with your
challenges of fear, hesitation, anxiety, and uncertainty under the stress and
friction of a violent encounter?
You need to learn from someone who has stood where you stand
and has progressed through the challenges you are facing to come out at a place
of proficiency, confidence, and power.
So forget commercial martial arts and MMA training (most of them anyway)
for self-defense training. They just don’t
get you.
Stand!
Richard A. Moore
Applied Fighter
