Over the next few weeks I'll be discussing some of the most popular misconceptions when it comes to reality based self defense and effective defensive tactics.
One of the most popular misconceptions in regards to self defense is the "bite".
Many people assume that the most common attribute of RBSD is using the bite as a dirty tactic and that proponents of RBSD believe that this is the most effective tactic you can use that will work against anyone. After all the most dangerous animals bite, so many people conclude that this is the worst thing you can do in combat.
Although there is limited use of this tool, the truth is it is just that, limited.
There are no be all end all tactics in true RBSD.
This misconception probably comes from the advertising of many RBSD proponents themselves which want to look as "raw" as possible in their advertising campaigns.
The bite is more a posturing tool used in to promote systems than the cure all tactic it is sometimes touted as.
Truly effective defensive tactics are designed around a logical approach to dealing with an attacker with one outcome in mind; surviving with the least amount of damage as possible in a threatening situation.
The bite is only a small piece in that puzzle and one that only brings a small desired result. ( Such as getting someone to let go of a weapon, etc,...)
Remember, if surviving a threatening situation is your desired outcome then logically no one tactic is enough, it is only a piece of the larger puzzle.
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Monday, December 21, 2009
Occham's Razor And Effective Defensive Tactics
The principle of Occham's Razor states that the simpler the strategy, the more efficient.
In other words, the more unnecessary steps involved in a process the less efficient it becomes.
It's easy to see that according to this logical principle, keeping things simple in applying tactics to defend yourself is the most efficient path to take.
The clearest example of this is developing movement and tactics that are effective against a wide range of situations and not individual defenses for every situation that can arise.
The situations involved in any conflict or altercation are nearly endless.
So trying to develop skills in dealing with every possible situation is not only inefficient and impractical, it's almost impossible.
Therefore examining the highest percentage situations and applying simple tactics that are easily performed when under stress is the logical answer.
This is why tactics must always come before techniques.
In other words, the more unnecessary steps involved in a process the less efficient it becomes.
It's easy to see that according to this logical principle, keeping things simple in applying tactics to defend yourself is the most efficient path to take.
The clearest example of this is developing movement and tactics that are effective against a wide range of situations and not individual defenses for every situation that can arise.
The situations involved in any conflict or altercation are nearly endless.
So trying to develop skills in dealing with every possible situation is not only inefficient and impractical, it's almost impossible.
Therefore examining the highest percentage situations and applying simple tactics that are easily performed when under stress is the logical answer.
This is why tactics must always come before techniques.
Did a Secret Ancient Technique Stop an Attacker Dead in His Tracks?
We've all heard of secret techniques in the martial arts that will enable a much smaller man to defeat a larger one or a group of men.
The truth is, the mystique surrounding these martial arts' so called "secret traditions" has long been dispelled.
"Mystical techniques" don't work for real. Solid skills do.
That's one thing we can thank MMA for; helping to demonstrate what martial arts skills are the most applicable.
But before we go jumping onto the bandwagon that claims MMA is the ultimate in martial arts, let's define what "ultimate" truly means.
If by "ultimate" you are thinking that MMA can defeat all other martial arts and if it isn't MMA it doesn't work then you've only been misled by clever marketing.
The fact is that the fighter is more important than the style.
Anyone who has many years of experience in the martial arts will realize this if he's being honest with himself.
What MMA has are two key points among several other things.
1) The fights are for real. That is, making real contact and resistance, developing several critical skills.
2) The athletes train in several ranges which is critical to developing a well rounded game.
So the story of the "secret" techniques that can stop an attacker dead in his tracks has been exposed as the obvious myth that it is.
But does this mean there are no "secrets"?
Well, yes and no, depending on what you mean by the word "secrets".
Are there hidden techniques that are magical in their ability to take someone or a group of attackers out?
No.
Are there hidden, not very obvious, sides to technical skill that can only be taught by an experienced instructor?
Absolutely!
The truth is that the word "secrets" can be replaced by years of dedicated, focused and logical training under someone with real knowledge and skill who knows what he's doing in teaching others.
The truth is, the mystique surrounding these martial arts' so called "secret traditions" has long been dispelled.
"Mystical techniques" don't work for real. Solid skills do.
That's one thing we can thank MMA for; helping to demonstrate what martial arts skills are the most applicable.
But before we go jumping onto the bandwagon that claims MMA is the ultimate in martial arts, let's define what "ultimate" truly means.
If by "ultimate" you are thinking that MMA can defeat all other martial arts and if it isn't MMA it doesn't work then you've only been misled by clever marketing.
The fact is that the fighter is more important than the style.
Anyone who has many years of experience in the martial arts will realize this if he's being honest with himself.
What MMA has are two key points among several other things.
1) The fights are for real. That is, making real contact and resistance, developing several critical skills.
2) The athletes train in several ranges which is critical to developing a well rounded game.
So the story of the "secret" techniques that can stop an attacker dead in his tracks has been exposed as the obvious myth that it is.
But does this mean there are no "secrets"?
Well, yes and no, depending on what you mean by the word "secrets".
Are there hidden techniques that are magical in their ability to take someone or a group of attackers out?
No.
Are there hidden, not very obvious, sides to technical skill that can only be taught by an experienced instructor?
Absolutely!
The truth is that the word "secrets" can be replaced by years of dedicated, focused and logical training under someone with real knowledge and skill who knows what he's doing in teaching others.
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