An answer to a question on Self-defence
Published: Tue, 10/23/18
I sometimes answer questions on Quora. Below is the question and the answer I posted today. Which is best martial art for self-defence etc is a question that comes up frequently. It is a frustrating question because the answer has to be, the one that you actually train in.
Anyway, you might find it interesting to read. If you actually want to train then why not come to my seminar on the 15th of December? If you can't make the actual event then why not sign up for my distance learning programme for self-protection? All details at http://www.beverleystav.uk/sd151218.html
regards
Graham
Question: Which Martial Arts are best suited to self-defence and which are not?
Answer: The way this question is phrased reminds me of; ‘which hand gun is suitable for concealed carry?’ The question seems to assume that you can buy a martial art for self-defence in a similar way that you can buy a gun. (Although not in the UK where I am writing this.) It does not work quite like that. It is often stated that; ‘guns don’t kill people, people kill people.’ To paraphrase, a martial art doesn’t defend you, you defend you. Perhaps a better question would be; what part might martial arts training play in keeping you, and your loved ones, safe from harm?
So, what do we mean by self-defence and what are the threats you are facing in your life? Do you need to defend yourself against drug dealers you owe money to? Which martial art would protect you best in that situation? Well, how about the martial art you were training in instead of taking drugs and hanging around with addicts and losers? Or you could have been involved in a church, working in a community garden or even building a boat. Anything rather than getting involved with criminals. The first principle of self-defence is to avoid situations which make you a target of violence. Virtue is an old fashioned, probably unfashionable, word but living a virtuous life as far as you are able will minimise your likelihood of actually needing to defend yourself against violence.
However, stuff still happens randomly. Or people we care about are sometimes less sensible than we are and need our help, and even protection, from time to time. In such situations we may have to risk violent confrontations which are not our fault directly. If you find yourself in such a situation being calm, self-controlled and reasonable will work better than lashing out at the first person who scares you.
The most important thing to remember about self defence is that if you find yourself sorting out a problem by hitting someone then something has gone seriously wrong. Take home defence for example. If you are having to fight intruders in your own bedroom at three in the morning then there was probably a failure to secure your house. A good handyman who can fit better locks and reinforce your windows is probably more important to your security than a martial arts instructor.
Having accepted that we can minimise the risk of violence in our lives what is the best way to learn self-defence just in case? You don’t need to learn martial arts in the formal sense to learn self-defence. You must be honest with yourself about how much time, effort and money you are actually prepared to invest in learning self-defence. You could just hope it does not happen to you (most people actually, and most of them seem to get away with it). You might be willing to read up on some basic advice, there is plenty of excellent material in books and online. Or you could decide to attend a course with an instructor who is willing to teach what an ordinary person actually needs to know, and might even remember, if, and when, they need it. If that is the limit of your interest then don’t kid yourself that you will ever learn martial arts properly.
However, lets assume that you are genuinely interested in martial arts as something you are willing to learn, practice and make a part of your life. To repeat myself, you don’t buy martial arts, you invest your whole self in it, the financial cost is the easy bit, turning up, training and practicing appropriately between classes is the challenge.
So, assuming that you are serious about being a martial artist where does the self-defence element come in?
Martial arts training is only one, possibly quite minor, aspect in your overall preparation for self-defence. The art that is most suitable is the one you actually train in seriously and are prepared to master. At the same time consider your personal requirements for self-defence and consider how your training can meet those needs. There is a great deal in every style that works for self-defence if you can identify the relevant techniques and training methods. Look at cross training with other teachers who can teach you skills than your style may not use. Look at the strengths of your own system and emphasise those elements in your training and share them with others. Train with self-defence instructors who are not working with any particular style but can help you understand what is going to be helpful in a violent confrontation. Learn from everywhere and everyone, but take full responsibility for your training and development
as a martial artist and as a whole person.
Then, don’t ever forget that violent confrontations have to be dealt with as they happen, not what did happen, or might happen, but what is happening right now. Learn how to recognise threat, make assessment, take appropriate action and then deal with the aftermath. There is no true preparation for violent situations apart from being a person who is strong in body, mind and spirit. The martial art most suited to your self-defence needs is the one that can make you that person.