Learning To Swim On Land

Learning To Swim On Land

by | 23rd April 2023 | Reality

Learning How to Swim on Land

Learning how to defend oneself is an important skill, but some approaches to learning how to fight may not be as effective as they seem. The idea that one can learn how to fight by simply memorizing moves and techniques is a flawed approach, much like learning how to swim on land. In this article, we’ll explore why relying solely on forms and memorization is not enough to prepare oneself for a real-life altercation, and why it’s like trying to learn how to swim on land.

Memorization of One Thousand Steps

Moves memorization are often used in martial arts training to develop muscle memory and coordination. While they can be useful in some aspects, they are not sufficient to prepare someone for a real fight. Memorization alone does not prepare a person for the chaos and unpredictability of an actual assault, much like how learning the movements of swimming on land does not prepare a person for the feeling of being in water. In addition, moves memorization do not teach a person how to react in real-time to the unexpected movements of an attacker.

Training with Limitations on  Where You Can Striking: An Incomplete Approach

In some martial arts training, there are limitations on where one can strike during practice. While this may help develop control and precision, it can also create an incomplete approach to training. In real-life situations, there are no rules governing where one can strike. Practicing only on a limited set of targets can leave a person unprepared for the violence and unpredictability of a real fight, much like how practicing swimming movements on land will not prepare a person for the sensations and reactions of being in water.

Training Without Exposure to Real Violence: A Dangerous Gap

Training without exposure to real violence can create a dangerous gap in a person’s training. Without experiencing real violence, a person cannot fully appreciate the chaos and unpredictability of an actual altercation. This can lead to a false sense of confidence, as they may believe they are prepared for a real fight when they are not, much like how a person who has only learned swimming movements on land may believe they are prepared to swim in water.

In conclusion, relying solely on moves memorization, and limited training can create an incomplete approach to learning how to fight, much like how learning swimming movements on land can create a false sense of preparedness for swimming in water. To fully prepare oneself for a real fight, one must train with the understanding that real violence is unpredictable and chaotic. By recognizing this, a person can develop the necessary skills to react in real-time to unexpected movements and attacks, much like how a person who learns how to swim in water can navigate the unpredictability of waves and currents.

 

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Recipe For Disaster

Recipe For Disaster

by | 23rd April 2023 | Reality

A Recipe for Disaster: Training Self Defense Without Knowing What an Actual Attack Looks Like

Self-defense is a critical skill that everyone should possess. Unfortunately, some self-defense training programs may be ineffective or even dangerous. One of the biggest mistakes that self-defense programs make is failing to teach their students what an actual attack looks like. This lack of understanding can lead to a recipe for disaster, as students may not be able to recognize an attack and respond appropriately. In this article, we will explore why it is essential to understand what an actual attack looks like in self-defense training.

The Problem with Unfamiliarity

Self-defense is all about defending oneself from harm. However, when a person has no experience with what an attack looks like, they are likely to be unfamiliar with the warning signs that precede an attack. This unfamiliarity can lead to a false sense of security, where the person believes they are safe when they are not. Without the experience of what an actual attack looks like, they may not recognize the warning signs and therefore not be prepared to respond.

Misunderstanding the Dynamics of an Attack

Without understanding the dynamics of an attack, self-defense training can be incomplete and ineffective. The dynamics of an actual attack can be quite different from what one may expect.

Here are some common Misunderstandings that lead to unrealistic training are as such: 

1) Attackers always come from the front: Many self-defense training focus on training a student to face attackers from the front. However, this is not always the case. Attackers may approach from behind, from the side, or even from above. 

2) Attackers only strike once and freeze: It’s a common misconception that attackers will only strike once and then freeze, allowing you to defend yourself. However, in reality, attackers don’t pause to give you time to react and use your martial arts techniques. Despite this fact, some schools still teach students to strike their partner only once and stop, expecting the other student to execute their techniques. This approach fails to prepare students for the real-world dynamics of an attack and can be dangerous in practice.

3) Single Directional Striking:  One common misconception is the assumption that attacks will be one-directional. In other words, the attacker is expected to strike only in one direction with or without weapon.

4) Wait Till Sunrise: Assuming that one should only respond to an attack after the attacker has struck. This passive mindset can lead to hesitation and delay in responding, making it dangerous.

Effective self-defense training must address these misunderstandings by incorporating realistic scenarios and simulations. By practicing with full-speed, unscripted attacks, students can develop the skills and reflexes necessary to respond quickly and effectively to real-world threats.

The Role of Simulation in Self-Defense Training

Simulation is an essential component of realistic training in self-defense. By simulating real-world scenarios, students can experience what an actual attack looks like and how to respond. Simulation can also help students understand the dynamics of an attack and how to respond when they are caught off guard. By practicing different scenarios, students can prepare themselves for a wide range of situations, increasing their chances of survival in the face of danger.

In conclusion, training self-defense without understanding what an actual attack looks like can be a recipe for disaster. Without experience with the dynamics of an attack, self-defense training can be incomplete and ineffective. By incorporating realistic training and simulation into self-defense training programs, students can prepare themselves for a wide range of scenarios and increase their chances of survival in the face of danger.

 

 

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How Effective Are the Women’s Self-Defense Classes near me?

How Effective Are the Women’s Self-Defense Classes near me?

by | 10th March 2023 | Community, Reality

Knowing The Law – Your Rights To Self-Defense

From a young age, many women are taught to prioritize politeness, accommodation, and conflict avoidance. While these qualities can be positive in many situations, they can also leave women vulnerable to those who seek to do them harm. That’s why self-defense training should include educating practitioners their rights to defend themselves within the boundaries of their country’s law.

The importance of Practicality & Stress Test

 If you’re looking for women’s self-defense classes in KL or near you, it’s also important to find a program that focuses on realistic scenarios and practical techniques, because not all self-defense training is created equal. Many programs focus on teaching women to defend themselves against unlikely scenarios, such as hand grabs or wrist locks. They may also rely on memorizing a series of steps to follow in case of an attack. While these techniques can be helpful in certain situations, they are not always practical or effective in real-life scenarios.

 Realistic and Targeted Approaches

In order for women’s self-defense training to be truly effective, it must be based on realistic scenarios and stress testing. This means training women to defend themselves against common types of attacks that they are likely to encounter in their daily lives. It also means putting them in realistic, high-pressure situations so they can learn to respond quickly and effectively. At the same time, it’s important to avoid relying on overly complex techniques or memorized sequences of moves. In a real-life situation, there may not be time to think through a series of steps before responding to an attack. Instead, women should be trained to target the most vulnerable areas of the human body, such as the eyes, throat, or groin. By focusing on these high-impact targets, women can quickly and decisively defend themselves against single or multiple attackers.

 Everyday Objects as Self-Defense Tools for Women

While physical techniques are certainly important in self-defense, it’s also crucial for women to understand how to use everyday objects as tools to help defend themselves. In many situations, women may not have access to traditional self-defense tools like pepper spray, but they can still use the items they have on hand to their advantage. For example, a set of keys can be used to scratch an attacker’s face or to strike them in vulnerable areas like the eyes or groin. An umbrella can be used to strike an attacker from a distance or to create space between the woman and the attacker. By teaching women to think creatively about the objects around them and how they can be used as weapons or tools, self-defense classes can provide them with a sense of confidence and preparedness in any situation.

Beyond Physical Technique

 Effective women’s self-defense training also goes beyond simply teaching physical techniques. It should also cover important topics like situational awareness, verbal de-escalation, and boundary-setting. By learning to recognize potential threats and avoid dangerous situations, women can minimize their risk of being targeted in the first place.

 Urban Street Defense: A Reality Based Women’s Self-Defense Program

If you find it time consuming or having difficulty in looking for a comprehensive women’s self-defense training program that covers everything from prevention to response, look no further than Urban Street Defense. Our program is designed to equip participants with the knowledge and skillset they need to face life-threatening situations with confidence. At Urban Street Defense, we understand that time is precious and finding a training center that offers everything you need can be difficult. That’s why we offer a range of courses and workshops that cater to different needs and schedules. From short courses that span 1-3 months to longer-term weekly programs, we have something to suit everyone’s needs.

 Our program is based on simple and realistic techniques that are tested against real-life attack situations. We also cover the law of self-defense in Malaysia so that participants are aware of their rights and responsibilities in dangerous situations. We believe that prevention is key, so we also teach participants how to diffuse potentially dangerous situations before they escalate.

 In addition to providing short or long term courses, we also offer workshops that are HRDF claimable, making it easier for companies to engage us. Our aim is to empower women to protect themselves and feel more confident in their daily lives. Join us today and learn the skills you need to stay safe and secure.

 

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Beyond Styles: The Importance of Training Focus for Effective Self-Defense

Beyond Styles: The Importance of Training Focus for Effective Self-Defense

by | 9th March 2023 | Origins, Reality

 Which Style is the best? 

 When it comes to self-defense, there is a plethora of martial arts styles to choose from, but the question is whether Wushu, Jiu Jitsu, Karate, Taekwondo, or any particular style is effective for self-defense. Let’s explore this topic further. Throughout my years of teaching self-defense, I often come across questions such as, “Is Wushu good for self-defense?” “Is Karate good for self-defense?” “Is Jiu Jitsu good for self-defense?” “Is bjj good for self defense?” and “Is boxing or MMA better for self-defense?” Although these are valid questions, the effectiveness of any martial art style for self-defense depends on various factors.

Training Objectives

Martial art styles are like any other form of exercise or sport. They have techniques, training methods, and objectives, but what matters most is the application of these techniques in a self-defense situation. As Bruce Lee famously said, “Styles separate men. It’s a process of continuing growth.” This quote highlights the issue of people sticking to one style and ignoring other forms of martial arts. Styles may differ in their approach, but the end goal is the same – self-defense.

Superiority

Having particular style does not make one superior or weaker than another. No style is superior to another, but the learning objectives can make a difference in a person’s skillset. WE just need to ask ourselves, what are my learning objectives? Is it to win in competitions, to perform, or strictly defend oneself during times of crisis? Once we can identify our reason for picking up a particular martial arts, then we have to see whether that particular style is training you to achieve what you wanted to achieve.

Expectations Vs Reality

For instance, my primary purpose for learning self-defense is to protect myself and loved ones. However, the training school I enrolled in focuses 80% of the curriculum on teaching memorization of Forms and patterns, primarily for winning competitions and achieving higher ranking belts. Consequently, this emphasis may cause me to neglect the practicality of the techniques in real-life situations, rendering my learning objectives misaligned with the training school’s approach. Therefore, this training approach is unlikely to help me achieve my ultimate goal and objectives.

Another example. Mr. Alex’s goal for learning self-defense was to win a competition that was bound by fixed rules. However, his school taught techniques that were not bound by rules. Despite this, Mr. Alex went ahead and participated in the competition, only to lose to an opponent who had been training specifically for years with those competition rules. In light of this situation, can we say that Mr. Alex’s school taught a less superior style than the other?

Based on the given examples, it becomes apparent that the effectiveness of self-defense training is not dependent on the style but rather on the alignment between the individual’s objectives and the focus of the training school.

Category based on training objectives

Therefore. training schools can be categorized based on their focus into four types:

    1. Performance-Based – Training focuses on the aesthetic aspect of the martial art. It involves choreographed moves, displays, and exhibitions.
    2. Art-Based – Training emphasizes the history, culture, and philosophy of the martial art. The objective is to learn the art form and appreciate its values.
    3. Sports-Based -Training involves competition and rules. It is more geared towards winning tournaments and medals.
    4. Reality-Based – Training focused on practical self-defense techniques that work in real-life situations. Most of the training will be stress tested based on how real situation will happen. The objective is to train for scenarios one may face in the streets.

Conclusion

After gaining insights from this article, if someone were to ask you, “Is jiu-jitsu the best self-defense?” Will your answer be a simple YES or NO? The effectiveness of any martial art for self-defense depends on how the training school focuses on training its students. If a BJJ or jiu-jitsu training school solely emphasizes grappling techniques on the mats, it may not be practical in real-life street attacks. It is unrealistic to think that one can roll around on the pavement during an attack. Not only can this result in serious injuries, but the attacker’s accomplices may also kick or hurt the person on the ground while they are focusing on a single opponent. It is crucial to find a style that suits your needs and tailor your training accordingly. Remember, no style is superior to another, and the ultimate goal is to learn practical self-defense techniques that work in real-life situations.

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Early Stage JKD Vs Latter Stage JKD

Early Stage JKD Vs Latter Stage JKD

by | 27th December 2019 | History of JKD, Origins

 

The difference between “Early Stage JKD” and “Latter Stage JKD”.

Jeet Kune Do (JKD) is a philosophy or better known by the public as a Gung Fu system founded by the Late Bruce Lee. JKD system is a combination of mostly Western Boxing, Fencing (footwork), Savate kicking and selected Wing Chun concepts.

Firstly, JKD was developed by Bruce Lee to show the world that an Old Art need to evolve through time, otherwise it will eventually lose its effectiveness.

The latter stage JKD was developed by Bruce Lee during his final years before he passed away, and was handed down to his private student, Ted Wong.

JKD was never meant to be completed

Jeet Kune Do (JKD) was never meant to be a finished product, but rather a continuous process of improvement and breakthrough. If we are so fixed in a certain way of learning, then we will never improve.

The History

During the early years, Bruce Lee started learning Wing Chun with Yip Man and his Si Heng (Wong Shun Leung). He picked up the art quickly and achieve proficiency in the system, however he left Hong Kong to America on April 1959, therefore he did not complete his journey in Wing Chun.

Early Stage JKD (A.k.a Jun Fan Gung Fu)

Upon arriving at America, he began researching, modifying and formed his own fighting methods. He mainly modified the Classical Wing Chun art that he has picked up in Hong Kong, and named it as Jun Fan Gung Fu.

The modifications include:

  • Forward weight placement — for further reach and forward pressure
  • Removing impractical / unrealistic techniques
  • Center Line Dominance
  • Emphasize on Close Quarter Combat
  • Reliance on Touch Reference (Sensitivity through touch)

Most JKD practitioners / JKD observers / JKD lovers tend to understand JKD in the form of The Early Stage JKD. One way to spot them is their level of understanding or their over emphasis on touch reference and close quarter combat, such as Chi Sau, Pak Sau Da, Lap Sau Da, Bong Sau, Siu nim tau form, Bruce Lee’s Um Moon form (5 gates) & etc.

Latter Stage JKD

The latter stage JKD were mainly based on science of combat (physics, body alignment and combat strategies). This stage of JKD turned towards the scientific approach of Western Boxing, Fencing, Savate and modified trappings. The common misconception by most people is that one can add anything into the art and named it as JKD. If that is true, then everybody is a JKD practitioner. JKD system itself is unique, without understanding the history, the fundamentals and the science behind it, one cannot claim that they are a JKD practitioner.

One can identify a Latter Stage JKD school / practitioner through the following:

  • A strong distance control, just like how a trained fencer manipulates the space between him and his opponent
  • A strong timing on when to strike
  • Further simplified footwork and striking methods
  • Rapid Recovery from movement to movement
  • Emphasize on Response Training Based on Reality Combat Situation
  • Emphasize on Explosive and sudden movements and strikes
  • Emphasize on striking first before an opponent (Identifying opponent’s telegraphic moves and motives)
  • Emphasize on Combat tactics and strategies
  • Non-reliance on touch reference

In Summary:

  • Hack away at the unessential
  • Simplification
  • Absorb what is useful
  • Discard what is useless
  • Partiality
  • Fluidity
  • Emptiness

Reference: The Latter Stage Jeet Kune Do by Kenneth Pua & Andy Kunz, 2018 (ISBN: 1979463131), United States of America.

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