by Ken Parelius

Created on: June 29, 2009

Having grown up in the martial arts I came to realize that no single martial art would ever teach me how to defend myself in the real world. Many martial arts can be used in the ring or in tournaments, but a life or death situation is completely different. Preparation for the chaos of a true fight against an assailant has nothing to do with doing forms, practicing your punches, or repeating simulated situations.

In a true street fight situation, you have two opponents. One is the person or persons attacking you, and the other is your own mind. It doesn't matter how strong your punches and kicks are or how fast you can move if you cannot act on pure instinct. If you panic and freeze, you are dead. If you think for even a second, chances are you are going home in a body bag. In these situations, a quarter of a second could decide whether you see your loved ones again or not.

What is most important is to understand the basics of street safety and the philosophy of a street fight. Street safety starts with awareness and confidence. If you walk down the street with your head down and headphones on, you are a prime target. A mugger or a rapist doesn't want a fight, he wants a victim. Someone who will be surprised by his assault and paralyzed into inaction by fear. Always be aware of your surroundings and avoid problem areas. Walk with your head up and with confidence and you are much more likely to be passed up by a possible assailant.

Where a martial art can help you is by keeping you fast and strong in body. If you cannot run or attack when the moment demands, then you are a sitting duck, bound to the whims of your attacker. The problem that arises with repeated martial arts training is the idea that being able to instinctively perform a block or a punch using muscle memory is going to match a given situation when someone is attacking you. I cringe whenever I hear about a veteran martial artist who gets eaten alive when a combative situation actually arises. Learning to live in the moment and act without expectations is key to surviving when the situation escalates.

My advice is to take a critically reviewed self defense course, taught by someone who has been in life or death situations before. Learn where and how to hit to disable or kill an attacker, and remember that no two combat situations will ever be the same. Understand how to deal with the mental issues that arise in the heat of a surprise attack. And above all else you need to learn about yourself. Can you take the step to maim or kill your attacker? It is your life or theirs.

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