Being involved in a street confrontation is much different from fighting in a controlled martial arts environment. For one thing, the parameter of the fighting arena is not the same as what you are used to in sports. Many attacks are at least somewhat planned in advance, and are initiated by a person who has a specific objective in mind. Because of this, most attacks happen when the victim is at a distinct disadvantage. Attacks may also happen in a confined area where it is difficult to find an escape route.
Learning to defend yourself is not a matter of learning simple ABCs. You must also learn to anticipate problems that have not yet developed, and to see beyond the moment. What will happen if you do this rather than that? What if your opponent doesn’t respond as anticipated? What if you apply a force that should have stopped your adversary, but he appears unharmed? How do you adjust to unanticipated problems or reactions? It is difficult to simulate an actual encounter in training with enough realism to make it as effective as the real encounter. For example, exactly how much force is needed to subdue an adversary? Perhaps even more important, exactly how much force is needed for him to subdue you?
You can train forever without contact and feel successful in the training hall, but when you have to suffer a loss early in a real encounter, how successful you are may be greatly influenced by how well you cope with this loss. However, even if you can’t use your skill in training exactly the way you would in real life, training with any amount of contact or realism, no matter how small, is still valuable, because it gives you ideas that will further deepen your understanding and help prepare you for a real encounter. If nothing else, it opens your mind to more possibilities.
Just being aware of the areas where you are likely to become a victim may help you avoid an attack. Should an attack occur, however, you have a greater chance of prevailing if you have studied certain concepts beforehand.
Come down to Arashi Do Edmonton North and try out one of our great Brazilian programs like Fundamental BJJ, Women’s Only BJJ or Children’s BJJ for ages 4-7 and 8-14. All those and you get a 30 DAY FREE TRIAL! What are you waiting for? Call or text us at 780-220-5425 or email us at myackulic@ArashiDo.com
Arashi Do North has been open since Jan 2004 (since 1985 in Alberta). We offer Karate, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Muay Thai classes to Children 4-7, 8-12, 14-16 and adults (16+). Come try out a class with use and check out our other social media for neat videos and photos.
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