Many arts claim that they can handle a multiple attack situation, but when their methodology is truly test - most fail.

Why is that?

The answer is commercialism. Most martial arts academies assume that people will never get into a multiple confrontation. Because of this mindset, many academies are offering more of the same commercial methods and creating additional problems.

What is the answer?

The simple answer is pepper spray. You don't have to be an expert in the martial arts to use one effectively.

But there is another problem?.

? People hardly carry pepper spray
? People hardly check if the unit works
? People don't practice using pepper spray on a routine basis.

The purpose of martial arts training is to condition the neuro- responses. Under stress of an attack, we tend to stop thinking and revert to a survival mode. What is especially helpful is to train the body to automatically respond to these threats - without thinking. But, what usually happens is that a person will take a weekend course, and then forget the techniques when they are under attack. They are satisfied that they have taken the course (and spent thousands of dollars) but in reality, they will forget what they have learned, and keep repeating the cycle over and over.

Effective self-defense is consistent practice. Everyone has at least 10 mins during the day where they can devote themselves to this. This drip approach to learning will cause the muscles to memorize the movements and to respond automatically. You do not have to go through a whole routine that takes hours, just a little bit everyday will help condition your muscles.

Another important facet, to defending against multiple attackers, is to work on your footwork. The method of sliding the feet prevents one from crossing over and tripping while being engaged in an attack. Shuffles should be short and the gap between the legs should always revert back to a comfortable stance. What is needed, during practice, is to work on balance and engage in scenarios where you have multiple people attacking you. From there, you can go through different scenarios and memorize each event. Consistently practicing these scenarios, will engage your muscle memory, and the next time an attack occurs, you will be well prepared for it.

I recommend that you purchase pepper spray that contains water to practice. Try to get a unit that is similar to the one that you will really use. If you use a larger unit to practice and carry a smaller one, this will cause problems within your muscle memory as well.