Self Defense DVD

Since most of us do not walk around with weapons prepared for an armed fight, it is vital to know some unarmed self-defense techniques. Unarmed self-defense is any type of self-defense that is done without the use of a weapon.

The first thing to note about unarmed self-defense is that many items can be used as a weapon. Examples include anything you can pick up and bash with, umbrellas, canes, spike heeled shoes, heavy purses, belts, and of course guns, knives, pepper spray, and tasers. So, when you go out of your house, take stock of what you have with you that could be turned into a self-defense weapon, if you needed it.

Next, understand that unarmed self-defense requires some level of skill in order to be effective. Always remember that the objective of self-defense is to get away from an attacker if possible.

It is wise for every man, woman, and child to invest in a good, basic self-defense course. It is also wise for women and children to invest in self-defense courses that are more specific to them, since they are typically a great deal smaller than an attacker might be.

During a good self-defense course, you will not only learn some moves that will get you out of certain holds or moves that will significantly slow your attacker down so that you can get away, but you will also learn how to avoid situations where you may be attacked.

This, of course, is the first line of self-defense — avoidance. While it is not 100% effective, avoiding bad situations can go a long way towards your defense. For example, make eye contact with people. Be aware of your surroundings. Don’t box yourself in. Travel in groups. Walk with a purpose. Don’t look like a potential victim.

If you do somehow end up in a dangerous situation, the best thing that you can do is remain calm and try to fully take note of the entire situation — and start looking for escape routes. It does require fast thinking, and if you are unarmed, it may likely require some actual physical skill as well.

Probably the main criticism of learning a Martial Art for self defense purposes can be summed up in one word. Complexity. They are simply too complex to be used by most people all the time. And we do want to be able to apply the techniques we learn all of the time, don’t we?

We do not want to forget how to perform them or have them break down at inconvenient times. As far as self defense situations are concerned, Murphy’s Law is always in play. In fact, I would argue that Murphy was an incurable optimist when it comes to self defense situations.

When we are attacked the first thing that happens is that we move into a “Fight-Flight” survival response. This reflexive nervous system response, to a greater or lesser extent shuts off our higher thought capabilities.

We revert to our primitive reptilian brain and nervous system, and lose our ability to remember and use complex and intricate skills and thought processes.

It has been said that for any movement to become a conditioned unconscious response that it needs to be repeated into the tens of thousands of repetitions.

If you multiply that number by the number of techniques that an average beginner martial artist is asked to perform, the numbers do not add up to anything like proficiency in those techniques, much less proficiency in their use in a self defense setting.

The true potential of the techniques are never realized as the student is onto “Step B” before they have gotten anywhere near mastery of “Step A”.

A far better idea is to learn very, VERY, simple basic movements that have already been conditioned into our nervous system. That’s right. Learn what we already know and can already do. Then all that is required is to take those skills and cross them over into a self defense context.

And while this is not necessarily easy, with the correct training it can be accomplished relatively quickly in the order of days, rather than months or years.

For example, every time you put on your seat belt you are practicing one of the most basic and useful strikes you can perform.

Go ahead and do the movement now. Reach up and across your body to the opposite shoulder, just like you are reaching for your seat belt, and observe what your elbow does. Observe the path it takes and where it ends up, before it moves downwards again (the downward movement is another strike by the way).

All that is required to make this a self defense ready tool is some focus and intent. That is, you do the movement intending for it to be a strike.

If you begin to look at all the repetitive actions that you perform, day in and day out, and look at them as possible self defense techniques that you can already do, you will be amazed at how much you already know and understand in terms of basic body movements and body mechanics.

In conclusion, there are many skills, attributes and mind sets that must be understood and developed as part of any practical and effective self defense training. And these attributes and skills can only be fully developed in a self defense class or course setting.

Attributes such as awareness, focus, determination and killer instinct, amongst others, coupled with the repetitive practice of basic physical skills are the only way to achieve the kind of skill that you will need should the occasions arise where you have to defend yourself or someone else.

One of the most valuable skills to learn is how to defend yourself.  Unfortunately most people don’t realize just how valuable it is until it is too late.  Don’t be one of those people.  Click Here to check out the best training available.