An unrealistic self defense works against only unrealistic attacks. Most scenarios practiced fail in the real world because they’re practiced against a compliant, and passive partner who is simply letting you win.
The following is a video of an attack that’s typically practiced poorly – the two handed front choke.
[arve url=”https://youtu.be/A9AxUfzDgtQ” /]
So how do you KEEP IT REAL and not let your training devolve into sparring or choreographed dance?
Ask yourself – Why is my attacker using this assault?
What does he hope to accomplish and how might he accomplish this using this approach?
You really need to consider this before thinking about a self defense situation.
In the SDTS we go through great lengths to give you the reasons as to why someone would approach you in a particular manner. This gives you context of the assault and enables you to react appropriately.
In the case of the two handed choke, your attacker is BIG, STRONG, pissed off and wants to intimidate and dominate you.
He needs to keep you off balance and distracted by driving you backward and causing you pain.
He’s does this by crushing your windpipe, slamming your head off of something and driving his knees in your nuts.
There will be a lot of movement and a lot of violence. In fact, the impact of the grab itself might be enough to disorient you.
He will drive you backwards until you hit something. He wants to kill you…
Now take a look at this defense to the same attack….
[arve url=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zc4vojrh_hA” /]
This is what happens when someone asks a martial artist to teach self defense…they focus on the move and ignore the intent of the attack.
Look, I have no doubt this guy is an ANIMAL in the ring and to be honest, he should probably just stick to that because this is NOT self defense.
This is a move you can do if someone puts their hands on your shoulders.
Notice the attack – STRAIGHT ARMS, no movement…ZERO INTENT. This gives the defender all the time and wearwithall to “slip the grip”…which works here because his attacker is letting him.
The defender isn’t even uncomfortable let alone in pain!
This is NOT a realistic looking attack and therefore, NOT a realistic defense.
My favorite comment is to”remain calm” …sure, remember that when you’re getting jacked up in the elevator.
But is all seriousness, this is what you’re up against when you’re trying to learn realistic self defense!
The whole world is doing stuff like this…and it’s CRAZY!
Think about this stuff…reflect a little common sense against it – you’ll figure it out.
There’s a reason why I say “TRAIN HONESTLY”.
Be honest with yourself and your tactics.
Until next time…
Train Honestly,
Damian
PS. What’s the point of a training partner if they’re going to attack you like this and just let you do whatever you want. You’re better off getting in front of your training dummy and blasting it to holy hell…heck – don’t even let them put their hands on you!
As always great advice, and so true. I also liked the last read about the sheep/sheep dog/ wolf.
I have belts in three different Martial Arts. I have studied since I was 10 or 11. I already had belts in all three when I joined law enforcement. In the SE NM oil fields in the early 70’s, I learned the roustabouts, rig-hands and the tool pushers did not want to spar with me or win belts or trophies. I learned very quickly they would do anything necessary to injure me, and to get away. I had to change my mind and my techniques to be able to retire 36+ years later.
I am now a level five instructor for SDC. I am teaching police, military, and civilians how to be a sheepdog instead of a sheep.
Oral (OK) Neal
Bernard,
Would like to see this in syndication,
Oral (OK) Neal
Hi Damian,
Many thanks for another informative and well written article and I totally agree with all your comments…….
The second video clip is totally unrealistic…….the attacker would grab your throat and attempt to choke you to death whilst forcing you against a wall or car etc……..probably with a headbutt thrown in for good measure!
If you could escape like that the attacker would not just stand back….he would continue with an onslaught of punches and kicks…..and like you always say you must assume the attacker has a weapon(s) and his friends close by who are also going to join in the party!
No doubt we may have some “key board warriors” leaving some negative comments??????
Keep up the good work Damian,
Stay safe,
Best regards to you and your family,
Steve (Italy)
Without disrespect I disagree in stating that the Frankenstein choke does happen and isn’t as unrealistic as you might believe. I’ve seen it twice personally and heard of a third occasion where it resulted in a strangulation to death. I work for the department of state hospitals in ca and shit gets real.
Indeed it does get real and you have an excellent point! However, Damiens statement was not that it will never happen, just that its unlikely. If someone really is choking you, the odds are not that he will be standing completely upright, arms locked out as most “self defense” companies and martial arts schools teach. There will be movement and a struggle and other elements you cant anticipate. The video wasnt to show it will never happen, but to bring awareness to the fact that its much more likely to happen in a way most people dont expect outside of a controlled demonstration when everyone is calm.
Indeed it does get real and you have an excellent point! However, Damiens statement was not that it will never happen, just that its unlikely. If someone really is choking you, the odds are not that he will be standing completely upright, arms locked out as most “self defense” companies and martial arts schools teach. There will be movement and a struggle and other elements you cant anticipate. The video wasnt to show it will never happen, but to bring awareness to the fact that its much more likely to happen in a way most people dont expect outside of a controlled demonstration when everyone is calm.
Reminds me of one of the complaints/problems/ questions I always had with my old style of shaolin kempo. All or 90% of the defenses were for a right hand punch executed in conjunction with stepping or half moon stepping with the right foot. Unrealistic and I never got a good answer as to why we trained this way
Absolutely right; make the “attacks” realistic!