While all of those things help to one extent or another, none of them really touches on the priorities that will help you to prevail in a life or death struggle. Don't get me wrong. It certainly helps to be the bigger, faster, stronger, or more skilled combatant. But these things are only helpful if you're in a situation where they will serve you.
Let me explain it a different way.
Strength only matters if you are in a position or can grab your assailant in a way that allows you the use of your strength. And as for power...
... power is derived from size and motion. If an assailant jumps you and pins you to a wall or the floor, you will find it difficult to generate any sort of power as we normally think of it.
Stamina only matters if you're in a fight that's going to last minutes instead of seconds. Typically, karate and boxing tournaments have two minute rounds or bouts. That's an eternity in a life-and-death, self-defense situation where the goal is to get things over and done with in less than 10 SECONDS!
As for knowing a lot of techniques, what can I say? Information is power, right?
But, what if you're new to this whole idea of self-defense? What if you just started taking classes or learning how to get away from a dangerous attacker? Or, what if, no matter how many techniques you know, your attacker is a better, more skilled, more experienced fighter?
Then what?
A Simple Formula
I've written extensively about what I call, "The 6 Phases of an Effective Self-Defense Strategy." This is designed to lead my students through just that, the phases that a self-defense situation can go through, and how to make sure that we have sufficient training to be able to operate effectively in each phase or stage of an attack.
Admittedly though, the 6 phases are the ideal. They all function as they should when you have warning from your assailant and you can see things coming.
Often though, attacks happen with little or no warning at all. So, how do we trim even more off the top and come up with the minimum elements necessary to be able to come out of a situation with as little wear and tear as possible?
The key here is to focus on the situation that we're talking about. In the "6 Phases" formula, we can see the attack, or potential for danger, coming. So, we attempt things like...
* Escaping to Safety, * Confusing the attacker, and... * Dissuading him
When the attack comes with little-to-no warning. When it comes at us quickly and ferociously and we don't have the time for escape, let alone trying to distract or talk our assailant down, we need just the basic-basics.
So, the 3 Keys - the unbreakable elements of an effective self-defense strategy are...
* 1) Situational Awareness - Pay attention to what's going on around you. Actively look at people, instead of avoiding contact as is the case in most social situations. * 2) Stay On-Guard - You could also call this step "Controlling Your Fear." If you notice someone or something that could be a threat - perhaps someone who looks angry or suspicious, keep your eye on them. You don't have to stare-and-glare, but you should be aware of them and what they're doing. I talk about this concept quite a bit in the video, "Danger Prevention Tactics: Protecting Yourself Like a Pro." And finally... * 3) React Immediately and Decisively - As soon as the attack happens, start your defense. Don't try to figure out who this person is or why they're attacking you. You must immediately do three things if you stand a chance at winning. You must... o A) Neutralize the effects of what they're doing. Cover your targets or ride-off the blows that are landing. o B) Keep your head. Stay focused on what you can do and as soon as you have an opportunity... o C) Take whatever targets open up. If he leaves his throat open and your can hit it - hit it! If you can kick his groin, kick his groin. Whatever presents itself, take THAT thing! And keep taking targets until he's down and out or help arrives.
Sounds simple, I know. But that's what training and a good teacher is for - to help you to do the tough things like controlling your fear, focusing under pressure, and teaching you the most effective ways to hit certain targets.
Remember, you can have whatever theories you want in life. You can have your favorite style, teacher, techniques, or whatever. But, when the rubber-meets-the-road, so-to-speak, and you're face-to-face with your worst nightmare, you must:
* pay attention, * stay focused, and... * do what works!
Here are three ways that can help you stay safe and help prevent you from being attacked. The three techniques we will discuss are ways to keep you safe from harm. These three methods are self-defense, using taser guns or other self-defense weapons, and other methods that will help you prevent a crime from happening to you.
If you can stop an attack before it ever occurs, this can literally save your life. Here are four ways to stop crime before you become a victim. First of all, you should never appear afraid. This makes you an easier target for an attacker. This may be hard to do, but appearing confident and not afraid can help keep you safe.
Second of all, if you do have to protect yourself, use every self-defense technique you can think of and continue to fight even if you feel like giving up. Remember that once you give up and the attacker can take you away someplace, this is when danger really escalates.
Third of all, if you must go alone anywhere, be alert and aware of your surroundings at all times. Finally, remember that outward confidence can prevent attacks. Therefore, even if you're afraid, try not to show it. Keep your head up, shoulders back, and your step quick but firm.
Yet another way to help keep you safe if you should become the victim of attack or if you think you're being followed by a stranger and may become a victim is to learn some rudimentary martial arts techniques. These techniques can save your life.
Remember that you don't deserve to be a victim of assault, and both men and women are victims every day. If you take a martial arts or self-defense class, ask questions and learn everything you can from your instructor.
When you're looking for a self-defense a martial arts class to take, some good questions to ask include: is there a self-defense available for "average" people who are not particularly physically active or versed in martial arts? Where can I find a martial arts instructor or program? What's a good way to tell a good martial arts class from one that's mediocre or less than useful?
If you are a woman, it may be useful to carry a pepper spray bottle or taser gun with you as means of self-defense. Using either in a life-threatening situation can help save your life. Taser guns, stun guns and pepper spray are all nonlethal weapons, but they can be used against an attacker to protect yourself, so that the attacker will likely run off.
Even if you have these weapons, it does not guarantee your safety, but they work quite well and in general are a safe bet. Remember that not all of these weapons are good for all dangerous situations and that the attacker can turn the weapon on you as well if he or she can get it away from you. Therefore, use common sense should you choose to carry one of these weapons.
One of the most effective weapons that can be used is a taser gun. However, all of the above techniques and tools are effective, including simple self-defense techniques, if you should find yourself in a dangerous situation. Take care any time you must go anywhere by yourself. Keep these tips in mind and take them seriously, to help protect your safety.
Both Jeffrey Miller & Nerode Abraham are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Jeffrey Miller has sinced written about articles on various topics from Marketing Tips, Recreation and Sports and self improvement and motivation. Jeffrey M. Miller is the founder of Warrior Concepts Int'l. He is the author of, and the best selling DVD,. Jeffrey Miller's top article generates over 22200 views. to your Favourites.
Nerode Abraham has sinced written about articles on various topics from Soccer, Martial Arts and Recreation Vehicle RV. Nerode Abraham is a martial arts enthusiast, and has done extensive research on the area of self defense weaponry. You can find out more and purchase self defense products including. Nerode Abraham's top article generates over 2900 views. to your Favourites.