These days it seems like self defense systems are a dime a dozen. There are so many options to choose from that the process can be dizzying. On top of that there are countless systems out there which don't work and can actually leave you worse off than you were before (a false sense of security is the worst kind of security).
To help make it easier for you to find a good self defense system I've come up with the four most important things to look for in any self defense system. After spending the past 20 years working with the most highly regarded self defense instructors in the world, and putting together dozens of unique self defense programs, I have found the following 4 things to be the most important considerations.
1. The most important question you need to ask yourself when you are choosing a self defense system is "Does this stuff actually work?" This can be a tougher question to answer than you might think. Of course every guru will tell you his system works, but you should not rely on his opinion (remember he stands to earn a lot of money if you sign up for his classes or buy his program).
There are many systems out there that work but they all have some things in common. First they won't be a straight martial art. Most good self defense systems are loosely based on one or more classic martial arts, but they have been greatly modified to work in today's world. This is crucial for you to understand. Standard martial arts studios will get you in great shape and are a great hobby or sport but they train you to spar or compete in a highly controlled environment not on the streets.
Here is a quick run-down of types of self defense systems that usually work. Military systems can be effective, but not all are well adapted to common self defense situations. Systems developed by bar bouncers are often highly effective because these guys make it their job to take out angry drunk or high individuals. They do this on a regular basis giving them the kind of real world everyday experience you need to teach a great self defense class.
There are also systems that are used by law enforcement agencies. These self defense systems can be effective, but there is no guarantee. Cops must control people without injuring them (a really difficult task). This makes a lot of what they do focus on containing and controlling violent criminals. You want to escape from them. There is some cross over, but it really depends on the instructor.
2. The next biggest consideration is "Who is the instructor?" The instructor can make all the difference. The key is finding an instructor who has been in dozens of violent encounters and has gained the kind of real world experience one needs to teach a self defense system.
You want to look for an instructor who has been in the military and served as a special ops soldier (they receive a much higher level training in hand to hand combat since their missions often involve close quarters combat).
A great instructor may also be a person who has extensive experience with bar bouncing or high level security work (a body guard for high profile clients etc.) Lastly, a great instructor can also be a guy who has simply been in lot of fights. This may include ex-gang members who have turned their lives around and now teach people to protect themselves, or martial artists who have been in many non-competition fights so they can bring real world experience to their particular martial art.
3. Next you want to find out how much practice this system will require for you to become good enough to use it. Any system will take some practice, but there are some self defense systems which are much more complex than others.
Simplicity is good. You want a system that doesn't require many fine motor skills (these go out the window when your adrenaline spikes during a conflict). A simple system is one that relies on large motor skills and big movements.
A good system may take a while to master, but it should be useable after a few hours of practice. After all you are probably looking for a self defense system because you are worried about getting jumped or want to be able to protect yourself and your family right away. Learning a system that takes months to learn simply doesn't meet that goal.
4. Finally you want a system that focuses more on targets than on techniques. This means that the system is much less concerned with how perfect your punching technique is than where the punch lands.
This is absolutely crucial. Fights are not won by perfectly executing punches, elbows, and knees. They are won by picking and striking the right targets on your attacker. A perfect punch that misses its target can get you hurt, while a mediocre punch that hits the perfect target can save your life.
If you would like more information on how to find the best self defense system check out my video blog atFightfast.com/blog, or my home page at Fightfast.com.
Stay Smart and Stay Safe,
Bob Pierce
President, Fightfast.com
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