| | | | | limited to a preset amount of time. This is mostly |
| | | | | filled with dozens of techniques which causes the |
| A big misconception in self defense is the theory | | | | form of the techniques to be poorly done, with kicks |
| that the more techniques that you learn the better | | | | and punches that generate very little power. To |
| off you will be when a defensive situation presents | | | | counter this problem, only a few effective techniques |
| itself. Learning multiple techniques is good but there | | | | are taught, but the focus is now on being able to |
| are a couple of issues that should be considered. | | | | apply them effectively and correctly. By learning to |
| Let’s first look at the issue of reaction time | | | | use the body weight of your attacker to work in |
| when presented with a threat. Reactionary time | | | | your favor and by delivering kicks and punches, |
| alone could decide your fate no matter what your | | | | utilizing your complete body mass, you can now give |
| skill level might be. The fact is that you may have a | | | | a single blow to the common peroneal nerve that |
| straight right that can penetrate a brick wall with | | | | causes your attacker to lose the ability to stand. |
| ease and drop any attacker, but if you are unable to | | | | In a self defense situation, we want to stun the |
| react in time with the punch it is useless. By | | | | attacker as soon as possible and create the distance |
| overloading your mind with technique options you are | | | | that is needed to escape. Most attacks come fast |
| drastically reducing your reactionary time. When a | | | | but the attackers are normally unwilling to enter a full |
| threat is perceived your mind has to make a split | | | | out fight. They are looking for the easy score and |
| second decision on what technique is to be used. You | | | | just do not have the heart to continue once a |
| mind does not have time to file through dozens of | | | | severe blow has been inflicted upon them. Major |
| techniques and evaluate each one to see what the | | | | motor points can be successfully attacked with only |
| best course of action is. | | | | a few basic strikes, a knee, a shin kick, or a straight |
| Now let’s discuss the time needed to | | | | punch. Just these three strikes when done properly |
| become proficient in these techniques. A person, | | | | can devastate an attacker and give you the window |
| whom is studying martial arts, spends hours honing | | | | of time that is needed to escape. |
| ones skills and dedicates the time that is necessary | | | | By sticking with a small number of techniques, |
| for reactions to become automatic. Most people, | | | | the time required to become proficient dramatically |
| looking to just learn self defense, just want the | | | | drops. Your time can now be spent on building good |
| quickest program one can find. In my years of | | | | muscle memory in which will give you optimum |
| teaching Police Officers, as well as the general public, | | | | reaction time with maximum power. Remember the |
| I have learned that 95% percent of people are not | | | | idea is to cause maximum damage as quick as |
| willing to practice a large number of techniques on a | | | | possible while at the same time conserving your |
| consistent basis. Most self defense programs are | | | | energy for your chance to escape. |