The Basics of Self Defense Training For Beginners

Self defense involves everyone in every day life. Knowing how to defend yourself in any given situation could save your life of the life of a loved one. Many people think that self defense is some gimmick or something they see on TV, but I assure you that it's nothing like the movies.

Self defense is the art of defending oneself in potentially harmful, violent or dangerous situations. You could be on a bus, walking down the street or laying in your bed when someone crosses that invisible barrier, and you need to be prepared to defend your space.

In this hub I will just walk you through what happens and what you will learn in a self defense class. Note that about 50% of the physical training has to do with conditioning the body to be able to deal with the physical part of self defense such as fighting an attacker. Some attackers are very strong and you need to be able to hold them off for extended periods. Then there is the defensive combat training which takes you through the process of the fight and finally defensive techniges which defends you against certain situations.

There are different ways to defend yourself:

• Physical defence is when you train to defend yourself against personal attacks
• Mental is when you mentally prepare yourself to deal with anything by training to focus and balance your mind
• Personal safety is when you apply certain techniques to your life to protect your person and belongings such as securing you home and car

When you start a self defense class the first things you will be taught are - like any other martial art:

• The creed of the school, what they believe in
• The titles (how to address each other and you superiors)
• Name of the items, your training area and your school
• Commands which are used during class
• Fitness and conditioning
• Basic punches, kicks and blocks
• Defensive techniques
• The principles of the art

There are two basic types of training:

1. The defensive - this is where you learn to avoid. Avoid doesn't mean to run away (not in this case anyway). This is where you learn to block, parry, shimmy, sidestep, step back and others. These techniques will give you the upper-hand to go on the offensive.
2. The offensive - this is where you learn to counter attack, by punching, palm heel, knife strike, elbow strike and all the different types of kicks and strikes.

Defensive techniques include defense against:

• knife attacks
• rapes
• grabbing
• choking
• gun attacks
• and of course physical attacks

Seven principles of self defense which each student uses to guide them are:

1. Avoidance - avoid trouble whenever you can but just in case you can't then take no prisoners.
2. Awareness - always be aware of your surroundings, never let anything take you by surprise.
3. Surprise - you must never give away your abilities until the last minute. Let the offender play it safe until you strike, let them be amazed. Usually by the time they realize what hit them it's too late.
4. Aggression - you need to come with all the pent up aggression and anger yo have. Use your emotions and frustrations to your advantage, channel them to make you the victor.
5. Preparedness - and that is why we train, to be prepared for anything. Physical and mental preparation will allow you to do what needs to b done.
6. Speed - fast as lightening. Your speed may be your only advantage. Always train as if you are in the fight because the way your train or practice is the way you will fight and if you are slow you may just lose not only a fight but your life.
7. Determination - here you will to live will play out. No matter how winded or tired you get never give up, the minute you give up you lose (maybe your life).

Self defense principles apply to everything in life. Always remember and practice them. Remeber that not only regular fights or competition requires these principles but everyday people are raped kidnapped and killed.

If someone tries to pull you into a car fight unto the death.

If someone tries to rape you fight to the death.

If you believe your life is in danger fight to the death.

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Reference: I am a certified Self-Defence Instructor, The Jamaica Self Defence Academy 1999-2010

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