Self Defense Systems?

Which One Is Right For You?

If you are wheel chair bound there is no sense in signing up for a system that utilizes high kicks and jumping through the air to deliver your payload onto an assailant.

If you are wheel chair bound, please do not take offense to this comment it is only being used to illustrate a point.

The second thing that I want you to really think long and hard about is what do you want the system that you are going to learn do for you?

Do you want to be able to have the skills to fight "socially"?

This is where it is basically two egos trading blows with each other to impress on lookers or to increase your social ranking.

Do you want to get into great physical shape, learn some fighting skills and compete in mixed martial arts?

Do you want to be able to protect yourself from a home invasion, rape or somebody who is looking to stick a knife in you, take your life and then have their way with your family?

For all intensive purposes I feel that true self defense is what will save your hide in the latter of the three. In my opinion there are basically only four main types of self defense systems.

1- Martial arts based systems

2- Sports based systems

3- Combatives based systems

4- Military and Law Enforcement systems

Martial arts based systems are things like karate, tae kwon do, judo, kung fu, aikido and the list goes on and on and on! These are probably the most common type of self defense classes available. They provide structure, assertiveness training, discipline, goal setting and are a very good foundation especially for children.

Sports based systems include some of the martial arts based systems but also include wrestling, boxing, jiu jitsu and mixed martial arts. This type is effective in letting you get used to physical contact, aggressiveness and will get you into great physical shape.

Combatives based systems can be combined with military and law enforcement to some degree. Combatives incorporate a basic kill or be killed, injure the other guy first philosophy.

Military and law enforcement are different from combatives mainly in philosophy.

Due to legalities in the law enforcement world the focus first is usually on controlling the subject and pain compliance techniques are used.

Rules of engagement and use of force protocols must be followed.

Don't kid yourself here though!

The military and law enforcement world is where you will find the most specialized and lethal systems.

Since the average Joe does not know the secret hand shake to gain access to this world we will leave it alone.

Since the combatives based self defense systems are taught and used by both military and law enforcement you will be able to get a taste of what is offered in those areas from the combatives systems.

Just so we are clear ....... it would be foolish to think that all four self defense systems do not overlap.

The principles of combatives / close quarter combat, military and law enforcement self defense systems all have foundations of martial arts and sports based systems.

The difference is the intent and focus on injuring to survive a confrontation.

1. They are brutally effective

2. They do not take years to learn and be efficient in

3. They are taught to our front line soldiers to defend themselves

4. Anyone can learn them

This is why I have an unwavering conviction that combatives based systems are what is the right fit for me.

If it is not the right fit for your situation, so be it. No need for debate, the most important thing is that you can find a system that you have a passion for and can apply effectively to what your situation is.

In my opinion combatives are a hybrid style incorporating what works best from all the other styles and throw out all of the garbage and moves that are too complex to perform under pressure. The goal or intent is of a singular purpose and that is to render the other guy non-functional.

The other reason that I have chosen to focus on combatives and close quarter combat styles is that most, if not all, social altercations like bar fights can be avoided and should be.

I say this because all it takes is one unfortunate strike to a weak area of someone with an already existing but unknown health issue and you will accidentally kill them.

If this happens all of a sudden you are charged with manslaughter, could face jail time, lost employment and horrendous legal fees just to defend your actions.

You could also square off with the wrong individual and they pull a knife and ram it into your internal organs and you bleed out internally right there on the sidewalk or dance floor.

So again the right fit for self defense in my opinion is a combatives based system. Combine this with common sense and avoidance of social confrontations and you will have a recipe to keep you safe through thick and thin. Some examples of the combative based systems on the market for the average Joe are as follows:

1- Krav Maga

This is the self defense system taught to the Israeli Defense Forces

2- Commando Krav Maga

A unique system developed by Moni Aizik, on the surface there are a lot of similarities with the above but the two should not be confused

3- SCARS

Founder Jerry L. Peterson developed SCARS which stands for Special Combat Aggressive Reactionary System

4- Captain Chris' Close Combat Training

A distance learning course offered by Captain Chris Pizzo based off of combatives used for military and law enforcement

5- Defendo Close Quarter Battle

A combatives self defense course based on military and law enforcement applications

6- Jim Wagner Reality-Based Personal Protection

This one is the grandfather of all reality based self defense systems.

This is less of a combative and more of a holistic self defense system, but I thought I would include it anyways

7- Kapap

This one is another Israeli based system taught to civilians, military and law enforcement agencies

6- Gracie Combatives

A self defense system from one of the most recognizable and respected families in martial arts, based off of Gracie Jiu Jitsu

7- Target Focus Training

A system that deals with using violence and intent to injure specific targets on the human body for self defense

These are just the tip of the iceberg! And I'm just focusing on combatives! So there you have it! A quick review of what I think are the main categories self defense systems.

Which one is right for you?

Only you can figure that one out.

The question I would come back to is ....... What do you want the system to do for you?

Once you have that one nailed down you next have to weed through all the courses available to you and pick one.

If you are in a location where you can get actual hands on training with an instructor, that is in my mind the best format to take.

You just can't beat live self defense classes where you have access to real live human beings for practice and the guidance of a trained instructor is priceless.

However some of us are geographically limited. Your schedule, life or financial situation may also not fit with live training.

If live training is not possible for you or if you want to supplement your live training with other formats of learning then the world of online training, dvd's and books will be the next thing to look at.

I have reviewed a number of systems available through these formats and have shed some light on the quality of the products available. These reviews are available in the Self Defense Products section.

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