Reality Based Self Defense: Implementing a Self Defense Laboratory

In order for a chosen training method to qualify as reality based self defense, certain parameters must apply.  These include:

1.  Free sparring, in which the only limitation is to avoid irreversibly injuring a partner.  Bruising, sprains, nosebleeds, and even mild fractures are to be considered necessary evils incurred in the process of removing restraints from the training setting.  These injuries are to be avoided when possible, and accepted as necessary risks when suffered.

2.  Minimal protective gear.  Bulky gloves and pads serve only to limit mobility and reduce the sensation of taking a full contact blow.  They also teach lack of control.

3.  The inclusion, where possible, of simulated weaponry in both offensive and defensive roles.

4.  The suspension or removal of hierarchical divisions between trainees to facilitate fighting 'honestly' with higher ranking partners.

5.  Continuation of the sparring session until a specified duration or technical goal has been reached.

6.  The continuous alteration of environmental factors including obstacles, corners, lighting, and angles of attack.

Such training should not constitute the sum total of training time, as this practice will develop timidity, hyperreactivity, and a predisposition toward avoidance in actual self defense.  Too much reality based training can motivationally burn out a trainee and reinforce bad habits while too little can result in overconfidence and glaring technical weak points which can be exploited by a skilled opponent.

When training in a controlled setting, a trainee should feel empowered and indestructible.  When training in a realistic sparring scenario, a trainee should feel humbled and even fragile.

The best implementation of reality based training should be as a self defense laboratory in which rehearsed skills can be tested for efficacy.  Inadequate techniques can be readily exposed against a resisting opponent.

This author has learned much from removing the veil of false confidence, false safety, and false comfort provided in structured rehearsed training, such as:

*one handed gun disarms work very differently from two handed disarms, which require greater control and a reduced margin of error.
*knife disarms are nearly impossible before an opponent has been immobilized, even against an untrained opponent.
*kicks can provide distraction and distance, but can be easily caught if they extend above hip level.
*The single most effective knife attack is also, unfortunately, one of the most common and least discussed in self defense.  The sewing machine consists of firmly grabbing an opponent's shoulder with one hand while vigorously stabbing their torso with the other.  Once grabbed, a victim is very likely to be repeatedly cut or stabbed.  Distance is the best defense against a knife wielding opponent.  The best likely outcome of knife defense is deep cutting of the arms and significant blood loss.

The reader is encouraged to nurture their humility by training outside the safe confines of structured routines in the chaotic realm of reality based scenarios.