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Nottingham Evening Post - Fighting Back – Article

Its a war out there! Turn on your TV, pick up the newspaper, every day there are murders, rape, assaults, violence and to top it all not enough Police to cope. Of course the media sensationalize and the time hasn't yet come to lock ourselves indoors but the streets can be a frightening place. There are few people who haven't at one time or another thought how they would defend themselves if the need arose.

How would you defend your self?

Did you have to think? In that case you would probably be too slow. So, what can you do about it?

You could carry a weapon of some kind, maybe a knife. If you managed to get it out of your pocket or bag in time and your attacker didn't over power you and use it against you, you might get away with a couple of years in one of her majesties already over crowded hotels.

The only sure way of winning is if you can fight better, harder and faster than the attacker, at least for the time it takes you to escape.

How do you learn to fight?

For a start, forget courses, they are a waste of time and can often be more danger than help. You will not be able to defend your self in six weeks with a hand full of tricks, anyone telling you that you can is either a cowboy or just wants to take your money. Not from a book either, whilst books can be a great training aids, the way to learn is by joining a club or taking lessons from a qualified instructor. All coaches in the martial arts, boxing or wrestling must be qualified to coach and have the relevant insurance, if they don't, go somewhere else.

Which system should I use?

It really doesn't matter too much although some have different emphasises. Remember if you are learning a sport, such as boxing or judo there are rules. These rules may restrict your learning, taking out many useful techniques, because they are classed as too dangerous or not part of the sport. Others may be display arts with high risk but beautiful moves such as flying kicks and somersaults, whilst good to look at in a street situation they are not normally practical.

Martial Arts evolved in a number of ways sometimes because of climate (try high kicking in the wet), sometimes through dueling with weapons, sometimes for restraining prisoners and sometimes just for protection. There are therefore a number of different styles, all have their strengths. Whether you prefer the impressive kicking of Taekwondo, the locks and throws of Ju Jitsu, the speed and directness of Wing Chun or the power of Karate is down to you, think, can I use this, is it practical. Spend your money wisely, don't part with too much up front, a free uniform has to be paid for somewhere. Also look at the club atmosphere do you really want someone shouting at you after a hard day at work.

Learning to defend yourself is a serious business, it can be frustrating, hard work and can take a long time. However, it should be fun and at all times practical. The results in self-confidence can be startling.

Article by Sifu David Blackley

© Brian Lee 2000