In boxing, MMA, Full-Contact Karate and other combat sports there are a number of safety precautions that are implemented with the intention of avoiding serious injury to the participants: protective gear is worn, time limits are set, referees monitor proper conduct/overall safety, particularly dangerous techniques are outlawed/regulated, and fighters are matched according to size, skill, and experience.
In a violent encounter on the streets (or at the home, office, bar, monster truck show, ballet recital...), there are no such courtesies extended. Anything goes. For example:
1. there may be multiple attackers 2. the attacker(s) may be bigger and stronger than you 3. the attacker(s) may be armed 4. the attacker(s) may be willing to do WHATEVER it takes to get what they want from you.
When training for real violent conflicts we have to keep all of these in mind, and structure our training accordingly. Some important principles to follow:
You can start now by visiting http://www.squidoo.com/streetfightingtraining
In a violent encounter on the streets (or at the home, office, bar, monster truck show, ballet recital...), there are no such courtesies extended. Anything goes. For example:
1. there may be multiple attackers 2. the attacker(s) may be bigger and stronger than you 3. the attacker(s) may be armed 4. the attacker(s) may be willing to do WHATEVER it takes to get what they want from you.
When training for real violent conflicts we have to keep all of these in mind, and structure our training accordingly. Some important principles to follow:
- Whenever possible, train with partners who are larger, stronger, and/or more skillful than you.
- Train to defend yourself unarmed against opponents who are armed. Make use of training knives, guns, sticks - get creative
- Practice defending yourself against multiple attackers. Get a few friends together and take turns playing the "victim"
- Always be open to learn new techniques that are simple and effective. Don't reject techniques just because they are from a certain style or system.
- Train like you would fight. Always keep safety in mind, but go hands on and get rough. This gets the adrenaline pumping and helps you get in touch with the "animal aggression" that is essential for survival in a street fight.
- Keep it respectful and have fun. Like one of my training partners always says, "When it stops being fun, it's time to go home."
You can start now by visiting http://www.squidoo.com/streetfightingtraining