Teaching Martial Arts for Self Defence

Teaching Martial Arts for Self Defence

I hear and see a lot these days of various martial arts systems and organisation’s that claim to provide the “ultimate solution” for all of our self defence needs.  For those of us who are a little bit more worldly wise than your run of the mill “enthusiastic novice” there is normally an air of caution when it comes to engaging with groups such as these, this might have something to do with the direct debit instruction you might be asked to complete on attending your first class, or the “10 week course” that you are obligated to sign up for if you want to learn the basics before you can attend normal classes. It’s a sad but true fact that a lot of martial arts organisations see students as a source of income rather than someone with whom they can invest time and effort.

The truth is some martial arts are simply not as effective as we might think when it comes to training to defend ourselves in a real combat situation and in most cases seem to create a “false economy” that’s guaranteed to be nothing more than a fast means of relieving us of our hard earned cash and more importantly has the potential  to be a real eye opener for anyone who may be unfortunate enough to find themselves in a real violent confrontation, and suddenly finds out that everything they have worked hard to achieve in practise fails miserably when confronted with reality (or finding out that  “it doesn’t do what it says on the tin”).  

There are some misconceptions that a lot of these so called “martial arts/self defence experts” would like us to believe are the right reasons for adopting their systems as our own. Although some of the qualities mentioned (listed below) by those organisations may sound genuine and fit for purpose, they are a byproduct of training and not the primary objective for learning a martial art for self defence.

Misconception 1
The purpose of martial arts should be to build discipline and improve physical fitness enhancing individual strength, flexibility, balance, and cardio-respiratory fitness. Building personal courage, self confidence.

Wrong. The primary objective of a martial art should be to improve the combat-effectiveness of the individual, specifically, to teach the individual to become comfortable with the level of conflict required in a real-life self-preservation situation.

Misconception 2
Safety must be emphasised at all costs to the point of stressing no striking or only simulated strikes to vital points such as the head, neck and groin area. If you strike at all, you should stop short (pull your punches) to these vital areas so that you maintain safety above all else. Only "light blows" should be made to other areas.

Wrong. The primary focus of a true martial arts program should not be to prevent the maximum number of injuries during training but to prevent the maximum number of individual injuries during a real violent confrontation. Bumps and bruises do come with the territory when applying reality-based training, unless of course you want students to experience a false sense of security and misplaced confidence.  The only confidence worth obtaining in a true martial arts/self defence program is achieved through successfully employing combat-effective movement and technique.

Misconception 3
Most fights end up on the ground so ground-fighting should be where you place most of your emphasis.

No. This way of thinking is extremely flawed. The ground is the last place you want to be in a real-life situation. We aren't training for the UFC or a grappling tournament; we train for real-world success. Too many variables can happen to you on the ground on the street. For self-defence, preventing the maximum number of individual injuries is the goal. Therefore, knowing how to stay on your feet should be a much greater concern.

Misconception 4
Locks and holds are the best way of incapacitating an attacker.

False. Striking is entirely more effective in a realistic environment than holding or putting someone in a lock. Your goal in a realistic situation must be to incapacitate the attacker in the quickest way possible. Striking is much quicker, a lot simpler and has the potential to be much more devastating to an attacker.

Misconception 5
Training in kickboxing and/or wrestling will make me ready for the street.

Wrong again. Approaching a self-preservation situation with a sport mentality gives the individual a false sense of confidence. Training for realistic self-defense is much different than training for a rules-based combat sport.

 

Military Unarmed Combat training 

REASONS NOT  TO LEARN SELF DEFENCE

Excuse 1 – I’m too old!
This, you will normally hear from people in their middle years (30 – 40). Regardless of your age, you are never too old to learn self defence. In fact, seniors should definitely learn some self defence, even if it's only preventative skills. An attacker chooses someone who they feel will be an easy victim, which is exactly why seniors should partake in a class or course. If an 85 year old woman sticks her fingers in my eyes, it will still hurt and one of the things an attacker does not want is to get hurt.

Excuse 2 – It costs too much!
This is one excuse that can be quite frustrating. Let me start by saying that I can completely understand that people have financial challenges in this current climate. That being said, sometimes when I quote a price, people will say that they find it too expensive (, but will have no problem going out and spending a hundred pounds on dinner. If you knew that sometime in your life you would be attacked, how much would you be willing to invest in some basic self defence training? What if it was your child? I would guess that there might not be a limit. Now some people might get upset with me bringing their children into it, but there is nothing more important in this world than the safety of yourself and your family. The problem is that people are willing to gamble with the odds of being attacked instead of being proactive and learning some form of self defence as an insurance policy.

Excuse 3 – Look at me! why would anyone attack me?
This is an excuse normally heard from younger women to women in their senior years. There is still a feeling among many that only attractive people get attacked or sexually assaulted. Rape has nothing to do with what the person looks like. It is an act of being in power and controlling a person. There have been women of all ages, looks, etc attacked. Many women in to their 80′s have been attacked and sexually assaulted. Anyone is a potential victim. Regardless of your self esteem or your looks, it is important to learn self defence skills. An attacker looking to rob someone is not choosing you on how attractive you are, but rather, if you look like a good potential victim who is not confident or aware.

Excuse 4 – I am not strong enough to defend myself!
Guess what? The majority of the time you will not be as strong as your attacker. That is one of the reasons they picked you. There are not many attackers looking for a challenge. They want someone who appears to be weaker and vulnerable. This can actually work to your advantage. If someone chooses you as a victim, you can use that false sense of confidence they have to your advantage through the element of surprise. I always tell women that I would rather attack your stereotype hoodie than an angry mother who is fighting for their child. A mother has more to fight for because her reasons are far more personal.

Excuse 5 – I don’t have time!
Everyone leads busy lives these days and finding time can sometimes be a challenge. Some people might want to learn self defence, but can’t commit to ongoing classes or even to commit to one night a week. What you need to consider is the benefit of learning effective self defence skills that can be taught over a short period of time. Developing a skill set that can help protect your wellbeing and that of your family is always time well spent.

Whatever your excuse may be, don’t put off today what might save your life tomorrow.

The threat on the street is always present, don’t delay find a class and empower yourself now!

Don't become a victim of violent crime.

Self Defence training in Essex

Self Defence training in Essex

Palmers sports and fitness centre, Chadwell Road, Grays, Essex.

For further information ot to book a class contact 0770 2832430. 

Definitions of violence

Definition of violence

The intentional use of physical force or power, threatened or actual, against oneself, another person, or against a group that either results in or has a high likelihood of resulting in injury, death or psychological harm, the inclusion of the word ‘‘power,’’ in addition to the phrase "use of physical force," broadens the nature of a violent act and expands the conventional understanding of violence to include threats and intimidation. 

Thus, "the use of physical force or power" should be understood to include types of physical, sexual and psychological abuse.

This definition covers a broad range of outcomes – including psychological harm. This reflects a growing recognition of the need to include violence that does not necessarily result in injury or death, but that nonetheless poses a substantial burden on individuals and families and health care systems across the UK, and indeed worldwide. 

Many forms of violence against women, children and the elderly, for instance, can result in physical, psychological and social problems that do not necessarily lead to injury, disability or death. These consequences can be immediate, as well as latent, and can last for years after the initial abuse. Defining outcomes solely in terms of injury or death thus limits the understanding of the full impact of violence on individuals, communities and society at large.

Types of violence

Violence is divided into three categories according to characteristics of those committing the violent act:

·         Self-directed violence

·         Interpersonal violence

·         Collective violence

The nature of a violent act, can be categorised into the following three criteria:

·         Physical

·         Sexual

·         Psychological

This initial categorisation differentiates between violence a person inflicts upon himself or herself, violence inflicted by another individual or by a small group of individuals, and violence inflicted by larger groups, organised political groups, extremist groups and terrorist organisations. These three broad categories are each divided further to reflect more specific types of violence.

Self-directed violence

Self-directed violence is subdivided into suicidal behaviour and self-abuse. The former includes suicidal thoughts, attempted suicides – also called ‘‘deliberate self-injury/self harm’’. Self-abuse, in contrast, includes acts such as self-mutilation.

Interpersonal violence

Interpersonal violence is divided into three subcategories:

Domestic violence – violence largely between family members and intimate partners, usually, though not exclusively, taking place in the home. This group includes forms of violence such as child abuse, intimate partner violence and abuse of the elderly. 

Community violence – violence between individuals who are unrelated, and who may or may not know each other, generally taking place outside the home. This group includes youth violence, random acts of violence, rape or sexual assault by strangers, and violence in institutional settings such as schools, workplaces, prisons and nursing homes.

Sexual violence - is any sexual act, attempt to obtain a sexual act, unwanted sexual comments or advances, directed against a person’s sexuality using coercion, by any person regardless of their relationship to the victim, in any setting. It includes rape, which is defined as the physically forced or otherwise coerced sexual penetration.

Surveys based on reports from victims estimate that between 0.3 –11.5% of women reported experiencing sexual violence. Sexual violence has serious short- and long-term consequences on physical, mental, sexual and reproductive health for victims and for their children. Many of the risk factors for sexual violence are the same as Domestic violence. Risk factors specific to sexual violence include beliefs in family honour and sexual purity, the idea of male sexual entitlement and weak legislation/law for sexual violence.

Collective violence

Collective violence is subdivided into social, political and economic violence. Unlike the other two broad categories, the subcategories of collective violence suggest possible motives for violence committed by larger groups of individuals. Collective violence that is committed to advance a particular social agenda includes, for example, crimes of hate committed by organised groups, terrorist acts and mob violence. Political violence includes war and related violent conflicts.

Summation

Studies in a number of countries show that, for every homicide among young people age 10 to 24, 20 to 40 other young people receive hospital treatment for a violent injury.

Forms of violence such as child abuse and domestic violence are highly prevalent. Approximately 20% of women and 5–10% of men report being sexually abused as children, while 25–50% of all children report being physically abused. These studies have also found that between 15–71% of women reported experiencing physical and/or sexual violence by an intimate partner at some point in their lives.

Beyond deaths and injuries, highly prevalent forms of violence have serious life-long non-injury health consequences. Victims may engage in high-risk behaviours such as alcohol and substance misuse, in attempt to disengage or blank out the act of violence they have been a victim of, which in turn can contribute to life threatening disorders that may result in premature death.

Tactical response options and presence

When it comes to using force there are specific legal constraints placed upon citizens in a

self defence situation. It is very important to understand that when it comes to using force,
you will be held accountable, both criminally and civilly for your actions.

The number one legal issue when using force in a self defence situation will be, was the

amount of force used to defend yourself “reasonable” the word reasonable, however, will
mean different things to different people. What is a reasonable level of force to you may not
be a reasonable level of force to a judge and or jury.

Tactical Communication and Response Options brings the issue of reasonable force into a

set of steps which you, the police, and the courts can usually agree upon. Tactical Response Options provide a way wherein one can place any situation they find themselves in from non-violent to extremely violent and match it against a reasonable tactical response option which you may have to use in a self defence situation.

Presence

Your physical presence is in fact a tactical response option. Prior to any physical

confrontation, an assailant will usually size you up. If you are a person who keeps in good
physical shape, then the assailant will more than likely leave you alone and pick an easier
target. If, however, you look like an oil slick in a bag that could not fight their way out of a
wet paper bag, then you are a prime target for the street criminal. This is called “Presence”,
and if you have it you send a clear message to a possible attacker that says “Don’t mess
with me unless you’re willing to get hurt!

How many times have you looked at a person who you have never seen before and said “ I

would not want to mess with that guy” That is force presence, if you have this it will provide
you with an added edge on the street

MICK COUP LONDON SEMINAR JUNE 2012

MICK COUP LONDON SEMINAR JUNE 2012 C2: Core Combatives Unarmed Combat and Personal Security Training Course
COMBAT MANAGEMENT
Saturday 16th June 2012

Aim:
To present, explore and confirm the essential and fundamental (hard) skills, drills and emergency default tactics utilised within the C2 concept-model of personal protection.
Content:
• Combative Attitude & Strategy
• Offensive & Counter-Offensive Tactics
• Primary Striking Tools
• Secondary Striking Tools
• Support Skills

The seminar will focus on the development of simple, efficient and instinctive methods and applications of dynamic physical force that will dramatically increase an individual’s ability to survive personal attack.

Scope:
Training will primarily consist of the last resort physical (hard) skills that comprise effective combat management, and emphasis will be placed heavily on the development and utilisation of unarmed impact tools to neutralise a physical threat.

Dress & Equipment:
Comfortable training clothes, indoor non-marking footwear essential, ensure nothing is worn that might injure a training partner. Food and refreshments for a light lunch if required.


THREAT MANAGEMENT & CONTACT MANAGEMENT
Sunday 17th June 2012

Aim:
To present, explore and confirm methods of identifying and managing possible threats to personal safety, and protective tactics when in unavoidable contact with hostile individuals.

Content:
• Threat Awareness & Risk Recognition
• The Threat Management Cycle & Attack Process Analysis
• Personal Presence & Situational Control Methods
• Assault Indicator Identification & Force Justification Factors
• Active/Reactive Responses & Physical Intervention Tactics

The seminar will fully focus on the development of simple, capable and realistic protocols that assist in the identification, prediction and avoidance of individual danger. The application of reasonable and justifiable force as a means to neutralise an evident impending attack will be covered in-depth.

Scope:
Extensive combat management (hard) skills will not be addressed during this particular seminar, though they should be considered as last-resort options. Training will primarily consist of first-resort (soft) skills that focus on the effective awareness and assessment of personal danger resulting from contact with possible hostile individuals.

Dress & Equipment:
Comfortable training clothes, indoor non-marking footwear essential, ensure nothing is worn that might injure a training partner. Food and refreshments for a light lunch if required.

Instructor:

Mick Coup

With an extensive and varied background in a multitude of fighting systems, active military service and specialist security operations, Mick Coup provides expert tuition in Unarmed Combat and Personal Security based on his empirical knowledge of the realities of violence.
From working on high-level close protection and surveillance details, plus armed operations in high-risk environments, to providing and managing security for problematic entertainment venues for a wide range of domestic and international clients - Mick has had ample opportunity to confirm and validate the effectiveness of his methods, as have many of his previous and current students


Details:
 
When:   
Saturday 16th June – 10:00-16:00
Sunday 17th June – 11:00–16:00

Where:    
Sharpshooter House
Territorial Army Barracks
Mitcham Road
Croydon
CR0 3RU

7 mins walk from West Croydon station
Plenty of parking on-site

Cost if paid before May 4th:
£45 – one day
£70 – both days
Cost if paying after May 4th:
£50 – one day
£85 – both days

All payments must be in ADVANCE due to limited places. On arrival please call 0770 2832430 for access to the venue and parking.