Self Defense Training - Do You Know How to Defend Yourself Or Are You a Victim Of False Confidence?

There's an old saying in the martial arts that, "Pride goes Before The Fall." In the realm of self defense training, regardless of whether you train in a martial art, or in a modern self defense system, there is a world of difference between "thinking" that you can defend yourself, and actually having the skills necessary to survive a real world attack.

The truth is that there are countless schools of martial arts out there professing to be teaching people how to protect themselves, lead by teachers who are sport athletes with no real-world self defense experience. There are even more so-called self defense experts popping up every day on the internet who are more than ready to sell you some magical, "silver bullet" system for mastering the art of self defense "in 30 minutes or less!"

What both of these are selling is not sound, solid, and proven self defense ability.

No. What both are selling amounts to nothing more than the abstract, "feel-good" qualities of:

Hope
Peace of mind
a Sense of security, and...
Confidence

But, in reality, none of these things are real. They are only states of mind and feelings - both based on what we "think" we can do, rather than on any actual results.

Now, don't get me wrong, or get your panties in a twist.

I never said that the techniques being taught are not effective. Well, most of them anyway.

After all, EVERYTHING is valuable - in context.

But, here are a couple of things I want you to think about as you go through your training - even if you are already a black belt or instructor (of course, even if you are - you ARE still training... right?!):

1) Does your instructor spend more time complimenting you, than he or she does correcting you?

While we all need to know that we are getting things right, and that we are progressing - we are training under a teacher to break old habits, learn better ways of doing things, and to get direct feedback so that we can progress - how we get feedback about that progress can make a huge factor in our success. And often - more often than not - that feedback takes the form of having our mistakes pointed out to us. I would highly suggest that if you are training for effective, real-world self defense ability, and you have a teacher who is always patting you on the back...

Find a different teacher! They're feeding your ego and breeding a sense of false-confidence!

You need a teacher who will not only teach you what you need to know. But also one who will not patronize you, or create a false sense of confidence.

2) Do you train solely on your own without the benefit of direct feedback?

While it is possible to get a lot of information from sources like books, magazines, self defense dvd's, and even online video directories like YouTube, you cannot limit yourself to them. Because... the one thing that you cannot get from these sources is...

Direct feedback from the teacher who wrote the article, or is demonstrating the technique in the video.

This feedback is the single greatest benefit of training face-to-face with a qualified teacher of self defense (see above). Without it, you would be surprised to find out that what you "think" is being conveyed, is not what's is being done at all.

It's amazing how our ego can convince us that we are really doing one thing, when in reality, we are doing something VERY different!

3) Are you trying to learn self defense with the same training partner?

Worse than this would be to try to learn with no training partners at all, but what most people fail to realize is that you are not training to learn a martial art system. I know that sounds confusing but what I mean is this...

Anyone can simply learn the skills and step-by-step kata within a martial arts system - even attain rank for their skill and progress - but this is not the same as learning how to defend yourself against a live human being who is trying to beat, break, or kill you!

To effectively learn self defense, it is important to train with as many different body types as possible - as well as with as many fighting styles as possible!

The reality within self defense is that you don't know who your attacker will be, any more than you will know...

Your attacker's size
What, if any, kind of training they possess
If they will be armed or unarmed
Whether or not they will have help
How far he or she is willing to go in their attempt to hurt you, and...
Many other unknowns!

So, you owe it to yourself to work with as many different partners as possible, and with as many different situations or attack scenarios as possible. If you don't have anyone to train with, start a training group in your area. If you are a member of a dojo or self defense class, avoid limiting yourself to training with only one or two "friends." Get around and work on different bodies and with different personality types - especially those that scare you the most!

Self defense is a very deep subject and one that requires attention to detail...

... and a commitment to getting the kind of training you'll need to survive - not just "think" you can survive!

Effective self defense requires more than just a few "karate moves." It involves the ability to think strategically, and understand how to defend yourself with as little wear-and-tear on you as possible.

If you really want to know what most people don't know about how to master self defense and how to survive a real street attack, read my newest self defense book: "Fight Smarter - Not Harder!" It's available free at: http://www.warrior-concepts-online.com/street-fighting-self-defense-book.html

Jeffrey M. Miller is an internationally-known self defense expert. Each month he teaches literally thousands of students through live seminars, corporate training events, and his online self defense courses, the lessons to be able to survive in Today's often dangerous world. Jeff says, If you really want to know how to survive a dangerous attack, then I can teach you how to defend yourself against any attacker - guaranteed!"

Are You Trying To Learn Self Defense? Here Are 5 Tips To Make Sure You're Training Is Street-Ready!

Are you serious about wanting to learn self defense - the kind of skills that will allow you to escape from an attacker who really wants to beat, break, or kill you? Effective street self-defense training is very different from what is typically being offered by the average martial arts, karate, or self defense class at the YMCA though.

Unfortunately, many students who get involved in martial arts or self protection classes with the intention to learn self defense, only end up being disappointed. They find out very quickly that what they are learning is either lessons for winning a trophy in a sporting contest loaded with rules, or...

...half-baked ideas from someone with absolutely no real-world self-defense experience whatsoever!

The problem with most self defense programs is that they focus almost entirely on technique, and not enough on teaching the student how to assess, control, and choose best options for specific encounters. If you are serious about developing skills that will allow you to survive a street attack, then you must learn self defense skills that go about step-by-step mechanics.

Here is a list of 5 considerations that your training must address for your self defense training system to be "street-ready," and worth the time, effort, and money that your pouring into it:

1) The techniques are based on defending against modern attacks and attackers - not 16th century Chinese, Japanese, or Korean warriors! You must make sure that you're self defense system is teaching you how to handle and survive against the most probable attacks that would be thrown at you TODAY - not hundreds of years ago!

2) Training is not limited to "classroom" or dojo ('martial arts training hall') study. Chances are that you're not going to be in a wide open space, in loose-fitting clothes and bare-feet when an angry, aggressive, or criminal attacker decides to jump on you!

3) Training assumes that you will be the under-dog, and not the superior fighter. No matter how much skill and ability you have, you must assume that when an attacker chooses you, that he or she already has the advantage - whether it be in size, strength, speed, ability, weapons, or allies that you don't know about!

4) Everything you do must at least consider the laws governing self-defense. If not, you may find yourself locked up instead of your attacker - charged with assault or murder - because you went too far!

5) Training must be "situational." You should be learning "options." You do not know who your attacker(s) will be, what the attack will look like, or where you will be, so you must train to handle as many situational contexts as possible!

Contrary to popular belief, or the sales messages being hyped up by so-called gurus online who are offering to teach you the ONE single move that will devastate any attacker - any time, the reality is that...

Effective self defense requires more than just a few "karate moves." It involves the ability to think strategically, and understand how to defend yourself with as little wear-and-tear on you as possible.

If you really want to know what most people don't know about how to master self defense and how to survive a real street attack, read my newest self defense book: "Fight Smarter - Not Harder!" It's available free at: http://www.warrior-concepts-online.com/street-fighting-self-defense-book.html

Jeffrey M. Miller SPS, DTI, is an internationally-known self defense expert. Each month he teaches literally thousands of students through live seminars, corporate training events, and his online self defense courses, the lessons to be able to survive in Today's often dangerous world.

Self Defense Moves - Seven Topics Across Seven Levels in Silat Training System

The self defense moves in silat syllabus are divided into seven levels. Each level concentrates on specific self defense skills. The levels are marked with belt just like any other self defense or martial art. Those seven levels are white belt, blue belt, brown belt, yellow belt, green belt, red belt and black belt. For every level, each silat exponent needs to master seven topics which emphasize in specific required skills in that level. The seven topics are; Bunga (which teach the exponent how to master the defensive and striking position), Jurus (which includes the art of attack and defense), the Belebat (which teach the students to art of the defensive and counter attack movements), Tapak (the routine on how to destroy your enemy through step pattern movements), Buah (the art of self defense), Tempur Seni (the art of self defense combat) and the Tempur Beladiri (the fast action of combat sparring).

Every silat exponents will starts to learn from the easy skills until advance skills across the seven levels. On the first level (white belt), the exponent will be given Anak Gelanggang or Beginner Silat Exponent title. In this level the students will learn on how to master the basic skills of silat, to balance between fitness and brightness of psychology, psychomotor control and also cognitive development. This consists of physical and mental approach that will combine with all positive aspects in silat activities.

At the second level (blue belt), the exponent will be given Pesilat Remaja or First Rank Junior Silat Exponent title. This level brings elements of self defense and more clearly how to apply their knowledge and unarmed self defense skills either in martial arts performances or competitions. Silat exponent will be able to receive self defence moves skills to develop practical and cultivation of moral values in more effective methods. The aim is to produce a harmony community and well mannered exponent in order to develop strong self-esteem to succeed.

While, the third level (brown belt), the exponent will be given Pesilat Perkasa or Second Rank Junior Silat Exponent title. This level focused on the basic motion, method, manner and Silat as Malaysian self defense. This level also emphasize on strengthening the nation in terms of arts, self defense and traditional martial arts sport.

At the fourth level (yellow belt), the exponent will be given Pesilat Muda or Young Silat Exponent title. This level objective is to strengthen the Malaysian Silat methods in terms of motion, method, manner and form of self defense. At the same time the silat exponent will inheritance the knowledge of silat essences, practices and skills of martial arts that developed from Bunga; which form the Silat self defense skills, martial arts and martial sports. Silat establish movements that embedded positive values, which can form a healthy lifestyle.

At the fifth level (green belt), the exponent will be given Pesilat or Silat Exponent title. This level will teach the exponent to unite the martial arts and self defense moves particularly catching methods followed by striking, topple down, locking and counter attack techniques. This counter attack skill also known as 'pelepas' or self release technique. Silat exponent also will learn how to use the step pattern known as 'melilit' or circling around the enemy in order to expand the self defense technique. The silat exponent will be introduced to 'Sikap Pendekar' or Warrior's Attitude as the way of life either throughout physical or spiritual aspects; A warrior is a being who has knowledge, practices and is skilful in silat internally (spiritually) and externally (physically), based on the Malay custom, arts and culture in parallel with syarak, one that uses his knowledge and crafts at the right place for justice and peace with a calm soul with physical properties based on the spirit of a chivalrous majestic warrior. This Warrior's Attitude was written by Pendita Anuar Abdul Wahab, the founder of Silat Malaysia.

At the sixth level (red belt), the exponent will be given Pendekar Muda or Junior Warrior title. At this level the silat exponent will learn the weaponry system which emphasis on 'penyerang aktif' or active silat exponent methods. This method is a powerful method particularly to defense you against 3 or more enemies. As silat also known as the art of war, this concept is derived from weaponry methods. Normally, the exponents will train to use multi-weapon at this stage of training. The weaponry training starts during Tempur Seni session. The 'kaedah pemotong' or 'penyerang aktif' then will be developed unto Tempur Beladiri (combat training). As silat derived from human anatomy movements, it will perfect every silat training activities in purposed of self defense.

At the seventh level (black belt), the exponent will be given Pendekar or Warrior title. At this stage the warrior will be given the Silat knowledge that origins from the art of war from multiple aspects of knowledge, practice and traditional weapon skills system. The Malay warrior attitude is the same in Warrior's Attitude. The warrior also will be train to become silat guru to implement the self defense moves education to others. They are also exposed to science teaching, management, spiritual, technical and co-curriculum in purpose to strengthen community, religion, race and nation.

This article was submitted by Cikgu Nizam, an expert and world leading self defense coach online. Did you find these tips on self defense moves article useful? Find out more about self defense by going to http://www.SelfDefenseKnife.org

Do You Know What Kind of Self Defense Techniques and Training You Need to Defend Yourself?

One of the biggest mistakes that you can make in learning to defend yourself is to just take someone's word. Regardless of whether the person you're talking to is wearing a black belt around his or her waist, is a 600th degree poo-bah in Tic Tac Toe, or is the creator of the latest, greatest, "kill-'em with one finger" self defense course, you must take responsibility for insuring that you get the kind of self defense techniques that will actually save your you-know-what, when the time comes!

This article sheds some light on one piece of knowledge that you should have so that you can make sure that you're not trying to learn self defense from some guy who just has a few "ideas," but has never really "been there" to prove that his stuff works! I can't guarantee that, after you read this, that you'll be able to spot a "wanna-be" from the real thing, when it comes to self defense experts. But, you will at least know where to begin to insure that your are learning the kind of self defense techniques that will match the types of attacks you are most likely to encounter!

And, before I go into this lesson any further, let's set the record straight that...

Self defense is NOT the same thing as "fighting!"

It's funny but, when I was a cop and I was pulling two guys off each other, every single time both of them would tell me that they were just "defending themselves!" Funny. You both looked like you were fighting. That means that neither of you looked like you were trying to get away from the other!

And, that same mentality is prevalent in the self defense world. Every guru seems to have a "self defense" book, video, or program. And yet, when you look closely at the lessons being taught, what you see are lessons for fighting - for beating someone down - not escaping.

But, if we're talking about self defense, we must include the context in which we are defending ourselves. We must also look at things like why we're being attacked, by whom, and with what kind of attack or weapon.

What I mean is that, to understand and therefor be able to look for the right self defense techniques for you, you need to ask the question, "under what condition or circumstances am I likely to be attacked?"

Here are several types of self defense paradigms. Each one comes with it's own set of needs, strategies, tactics, and purpose. And, these things in and of themselves, determine what "kind" of self defense techniques you need.

1) Self Defense for police officers and armed security personnel.

2) Self Defense for body guards and executive protection specialists.

** The above two types require almost the exact opposite when it comes to training, by the way!

3) Self Defense for the average citizen. (This is subdivided and can be further broken down to include self defense for women, rape defense, and self defense for children)

While there are general principles and concepts that are universal, regardless of which group you are in, the fact remains that if you are really going to learn the types of self defense techniques that you need to be able to defend yourself against "your" most likely attacker, who's throwing his most likely attack...

...you MUST begin by knowing who and what that is BEFORE you even get started!

Effective self defense requires more than just a few "karate moves." It involves the ability to think strategically, and understand how to defend yourself with as little wear-and-tear on you as possible.

If you really want to know what most people don't know about how to master self defense and how to survive a real street attack, read my newest self defense book: "Fight Smarter - Not Harder!" It's available free at: http://www.warrior-concepts-online.com/street-fighting-self-defense-book.html

Jeffrey M. Miller is an internationally-known self defense expert. Each month he teaches literally thousands of students through live seminars, corporate training events, and his online self defense courses, the lessons to be able to survive in Today's often dangerous world.

Self Defense - 8 Phases of an Effective Self-Defense Strategy and Training Program

By far, the greatest thing missing from most martial arts and safety programs focusing on self-defense is a structured and systemized outline that helps to keep the student on track with what he or she needs. Not to be confused with the step-by-step self-defense moves taught in the preset techniques or kata of different styles, or a curriculum that spells out what skills and techniques the student will be learning at what level, what I'm talking about is a formula or outline of the areas of action that make up a complete system for real-world self protection.

There are 8 phases, or elements, to a complete self defense strategy. Each element is important in making sure that you have as many options as possible for handling as many different threats and dangers as possible. But, each can be seen as a piece of an overall strategy that allows you the freedom, skill, and ability to control and predict the flow of a dangerous situation and, not only be able to handle it effectively if things get physical, but you'll also be able to:

1) Have many more options for attempting to de-escalate the situation through the use of non-physical self defense

2) Use effective cover, concealment, and escape techniques to avoid being targeted by an attacker, and...

3) Survive the post trauma and possible legal issues that may come up in the aftermath of a self defense situation

As I teach my serious students looking for self defense mastery, regardless of whether they are focused on traditional ninjutsu - the art of Ninja - or on modern, street fighting self-defense, the 8 Phases of an Effective Self-Defense Strategy and Training Program are:

1) General Awareness - awareness of and education about:

a. Danger exist in the world and CAN touch you

b. The types of dangers that you are likely to encounter

c. The environments where you are most at-risk

2) Situational Awareness - paying attention to and observing the elements and changes in:

a. Your surroundings (what weapons, obstacles, and dangers exist or are available to you?)

b. The actions of others (who is acting suspiciously, out of character, or is being overtly threatening?)

c. Your state and well-being (are you alert, healthy, and well or nervous, ill, distracted, or otherwise emotional unbalanced?)

3) Escaping to safety - awareness of and pre-planning to be able to:

a. Physically escape from a dangerous environment

b. Hide or conceal yourself from a potential attacker

c. Use barriers and other shields that will protect you from incoming gunfire, thrown objects or other weapon attacks

4) Psychological Distraction Tactics - confusing or otherwise distracting the attacker's attention from you as a target. You can do this through the use of:

a. Acting (like faking a heart-attack, etc.)

b. Feigning Ignorance (like pretending that you didn't hear or understand his threats or orders)

c. Using Humor (tell a joke or otherwise act as if the assailant is only playing around or that you're too easy of a target for him and not worth his effort)

5) Dissuasion Tactics - confronting the attacker with direct, committed, verbal and body language cues that both give him a last chance to change his mind, AND communicates very clearly that you will not be an easy target and will not allow him to continue with his attack without resistance.

6) Physical self defense - using the properly applied and appropriate skills to avoid, evade, and counter your assailant's attacks as outlined with the:

a. "5 D's" of Effective Self Defense Strategy

b. 3 Keys to Effective Self Defense Action

c. 3 Core Strategies for Effective Defensive Action

7) Regaining Composure and Control - effectively handling and neutralizing the effects of post-trauma stress so that you can acknowledge that your attacker gave you no choice but to take the actions that you did in Stage 5. Contrary to popular belief, as it is generally applied in the psychiatric and counseling worlds, this stage is actually practiced and prepared for long before self defense action is ever needed.

8) Defend Against Any Legal Issues - this is the stage that gives a logical, rational, strategic reason to have stages 2, 3, 4, & 5, and to use them if possible before being forced to resort to physical action at stage 6. While self defense is legal, you will have to show that you did everything in your power to avoid physical aggression if you are to really convince many members of the legal system, or even administrators at your place of work, that you are not a martial artist or student of self-defense because you "like" fighting.

I have found over the years that most schools and programs focus primarily on physical techniques. While they are necessary, the true warrior or professional expert understands that strategic thinking and having a goal other than the conventional idea of "winning" as seen in the competitive fighting styles, allows for a sense of control over situations that physical techniques alone cannot provide.

That's why I teach these 8 Phases of self-defense listed here. Each provides different options, but each level also adds techniques, tactics, and "intensity" to the defensive response not present in the previous levels. Having a complete understanding and control of this structured, 8-stage outline gives you a real sense of "mastery" and the ability to control and stop any assailant who would attack you.

Do you want to learn more about the way I do it? I have just completed my brand new online ecourse to self-defense success, "Foundations of Self-Defense Mastery"

Download it free here: Self Defense Course

What if you could learn in hours, rather than months or years, more than the average karate or self-defense student without all of the filler, formalized kata, or military-like atmosphere? How? By following this simple, proven system for self defense success: http://www.warrior-concepts-online.com

Jeffrey Miller teaches individuals, organizations, and martial arts teachers how to not die or fall victim in a violent situation. Jeff says "If you have a a serious desire to learn what you must know to be a survivor, I can teach you how to master the skills necessary to successfully defend yourself against any attacker, guaranteed.

Women's Self Defense Training - Be Equipped

 Be Equipped: (necessities such as tools or provisions.) Being equipped with the proper personal security and self defense tools whether it is a lethal, or non-lethal, or an alternative self defense tool, can greatly impact your personal security in a positive way. They are an important part of an overall self defense strategy.

Lethal: (Capable of causing death.) Just the definition of a lethal Personal Secuirty and Self Defense tools causes some people to fear, with good reason. When you carry a lethal one there is a great responsibility that inherently comes with it. A lethal tool can be a very effective choice with proper training and practice.

·         Guns, particularly pistols are the most common lethal self defense device.

·         They come in a variety of different calibers and sizes to fit each individuals needs.

·         If you carry it for self defense; that would imply that you would be willing to use it, possible taking another humans life to save your own.

·         You must insure that you get proper training, required permits, store it properly to avoid any accidents,and practice with it regularly.

Non-lethal: Many people choose non-lethal self defense tools for obvious reasons.A non-lethal self defense tools can give you the opportunity to flee from a dangerous situation.

·         Pepper spray is a non-lethal non-toxic aerosol spray used for self defense. The active ingredient in pepper spray is a naturally occurring substance called Oleoresin Capsicum or "OC". Pepper spray comes in dispersal types: Fogger, Stream, and Foam. Pepper spray offers the most bang for the buck of all non-lethal security products.

·         TASERS are non-lethal electroshock devices for self defense purposes only that disrupt the body's neuromuscular systems using electrical currents. They come in three different models; the C2 which is fashionable compact, the ML18 advanced TASER resembles a gun in shape and size, and the X26C that is gun shaped and offers many features.

Alternative: An alternative personal security tool is anything you can find wherever you are. They can be both lethal and non-lethal depending on the self defense tool used, placement and power of the strike on the offender. When it comes down to it you do what you have to in order to flee. Let me give you some examples of possible self defense tools in your car, home, or on your person. Because of liabilities I won't be explaining how to use these items; however the element of surprise is usually on your side with one of these self defense tools.

·         In the Car; ice scrapers, snow brushes, keys, sunglasses, a hard sun glass case, CD or CD case etc.

·         At Home; any aerosol can, a tooth brush, T.V remotes, drinking glasses, kitchen utensils, books, trash cans etc.

·         On your person; would be your wallet, loose change, pen or pencil, cell phone, comb, umbrella etc.

·         This is by no means an exhaustive list when you consider almost anything can be used as an alternative self defense tools. The key to any alternative self defense tools is that they don't appear as self defense tools and give you the element of surprise. By holding correctly, striking with force in the right area they are effective.

In Summary, with any self defense personal security products you should follow the laws and regulations in your area, practice with it and realize the moral and legal responsibilities that you take upon yourself when you carry them. Though it is never guaranteed, these items can give you the upper hand and a chance to flee. In future articles, additional rules will help you maximize your personal security and safety. Remember the best time to learn your lesson about personal security and self defense is before something happens.

Adam Sisterhen is the president of Your Personal Security Store (s90x.com), self defense instructor, author of personal security and self defense articles and a Rotarian. He is a proud advocate and a firm believer in personal security and self defense training and products that help protect you, your family and your loved ones.

To find the products talked about in this article and a wealth of information check these links below.

For the quality personal security and self defense products visit [http://www.s90x.com] Security to the 90th power!

For insights into products and personal security and self defense visit http://www.yourpersonalsecuritystore.blogspot.com