Is Your Martial Arts Or Self-Defense Program Really Teaching You the Right Lessons For Self-Defense?

Countless adults enroll in martial arts and self-defense programs every year. Likewise, it seems that there is a never-ending line of parents enrolling their children into martial arts schools. And, while many of these people - adult students and parents alike - are looking for a sport or activity, most would say they are looking for self-defense.

Why then, do most adults who have dropped out of a martial arts program within the first hundred days say they did so due to a lack of real-world self-defense training early on? Who do parents convey a sense of doubt that "Johnny" will be able to defend himself, despite the fact that he's earned his Black Belt?

Why do most women, and many men, still voice their own doubt to be able to actually use what they've learned under pressure should they ever be attacked by a real attacker in the real world.

While there are many factors that play a part in whether or not you learn any subject well enough, there are 7 areas that you can take control, or be aware of when researching, choosing, and participating in a martial arts or self-defense program; especially if your goal is the development of real-world self-defense skills.

7 Ways To Know If Your Martial Arts Or Self-Defense Class Is Worth Anything

Many people ask the question, "If I have no experience and don't know what a real street attack is like, how can I even begin to know if the program I'm in is teaching me what I need to survive?"

And that's a really good question.

Here are 7 things that you can look for that will help you to gauge the value of any martial arts or self-defense program that's promising to teach you real self-protection skills and ability against a real-world attacker throwing real-world attacks at YOU!

1. The attacks that you're practicing against are modern, street-fighter, attacks. You've seen what real, modern attacks look like. All you have to do is to watch an action (non-martial arts) movie, a boxing match on ESPN, or remember the fights you saw in school, the bar, or wherever.

Make sure that you're not defending against robotic, 16th century-type attacks that you'll NEVER see in today's world.

2. Techniques EASILY work on bigger, stronger attackers. Not because you have to be the bigger, stronger fighter, or because your partner fell down for you.

Many things will challenge you in the beginning, like where to put your foot, or which hand-does-what. But...

...in the world of self-defense training, remember K.I.S.S - "Keep It Simple Stupid!"

3. You don't have to be a super-fit athlete to do well. Again, self-defense situations are very different from the sport and competitive world. In sports, you are always matched up with someone who matches your size, skill level, experience, etc. However, in a real-world attack scenario, you are almost always the underdog.

As I always tell my students, no attacker is going to look at you from across the street and think, "They can kick my butt. I'll attack them!"

You should never have to be the bigger, faster, stronger combatant to win. Because, in a self-defense situation, unlike a sport-oriented tournament... You WON'T be!

4. You're lessons are based on principles and concepts, not preset, stylized moves that always conform to the "style" being taught at that school. It's true that there will probably be "techniques" that you'll be learning. But these should be "models," or examples of an idea that is flexible and adaptable to the situation.

An example of a principle or concept would be, "remember that the thumb is the weakest joint in the hand." So, when you learn the technique for escaping a wrist grab, you know "what" you're doing to cause the escape to happen. Not just that "pulling your hand out 'this' way."

5. Your teacher has real-world experience. Contrary to popular belief, a black belt around someone's waist, or a certification in a particular training program, has NOTHING to do with whether or not the person has ever had to use what they're teaching in a real-world self-defense situation against a violent attacker.

Is it possible that a person with no actual fight experience can still teach viable, effective self-defense?

The answer to that is, of course, "yes."

But, and this is a BIG but (n pun intended!), he or she will have to:

Have done a ton of research on what it's like INSIDE a self-defense situation


Know the body's responses to, and limitations when under the fight-flight-freeze response, or...


Have a teacher who has the experience and made sure they passed on the right lessons in the first place

6. You're seeing progress immediately and often. It's one thing to learn something. It's something altogether different to KNOW that thing. And, it's something different still to be able to USE what you know, under-pressure, when you need it most.

I've seen programs where beginning students are stuck at either of two extremes. While some are forced to endure classes where they do nothing but bow, block, stretch and exercise for weeks or months until they can move onto the "next lesson," others are at the other end of the spectrum where they are given so many different techniques that they can't get good at any one thing.

In a solid program teaching effective skill development and understanding of self-defense principles, students have the time to develop the skills they're learning, while being given a few options that will allow them to produce results in a short amount of time.

7. No part of your training is there, "just 'cause." So many programs being offered are lacking in substance, either because the person teaching doesn't have enough knowledge, or the program itself consists of little more than a few "tricks" that are guaranteed to work against every attack.

Many martial arts programs, in an attempt to maintain connection with the foundations of the lineage and remain "traditional," overload students with information that has absolutely nothing to do with being able to defend yourself. This is in no way meant to take away from the importance of a student understanding the roots of the program they're learning. But, such information should be used to valid and add value to what you're learning, not add "fluff" and substance where little exists in the first place.

It is up to you, and you alone to insure that you are getting what you need from a program that's supposed to be teaching you how to keep yourself and loved-ones safe. No amount of blind-faith, discipleship, or blaming after-the-fact will substitute for learning good, solid, and effective techniques, tactics and strategies that will allow you to be effective against a brutal assailant looking to beat, break, or kill you.

I know how easy it is to choose a school, program, or teacher because it or they are...

close to home


a friend


inexpensive, or...


they're wearing a black belt

But, none of these things has anything to do with effective self-defense. Choose wisely, and above all, look for value and the key points that I outlined above. And, in the end, if you ever have to go through the hell of a raging assault, you'll be glad you did what you needed to - not what was easy.

Jeffrey M. Miller is the founder and master instructor of Warrior Concepts International. A senior teacher in the Japanese warrior art of Ninjutsu, and a former federal police officer, undercover agent, private investigator, and bodyguard, he specializes in teaching the ancient ways of self-protection and personal development lessons in a way that is easily understood and put to use by modern Western students and corporate clients. Through his powerful programs, you will learn proven, time-tested lessons designed to help you create the life you've always dreamed of living, and the skills necessary for protecting that life from anything that might threaten it.

To learn more about real-world self-defense training and other subjects related to the martial arts, self-defense, personal development & self-improvement, visit his website at http://www.warrior-concepts-online.com - For more free tips, strategies, and lessons for making yourself more safe in this often unsafe world, don't forget to subscribe to his powerful and informative online newsletter.

Self Defense Video - Do You Really Need It?

Learning how to defend yourself against anybody that wants to harm you is a must. Fortunately with self defense videos courses that are available online, things get a lot easier and save your time than routinely go to normal martial arts class.

Today, learning self defense techniques is imperative. If you have not yet trained yourself in self defense, then it is high time you do. Considering the present scenario, where we all are prone to robbery, theft, and massacres and even slaughtering on roads, it is essential for all of us to get at least basic level of self defense training. There can be many reasons why you couldn't take self defense lessons earlier; some of them can be family problems or monetary problem. But now things have changed and with the encroachment and expansion of internet, it is possible to take self defense lessons online.

You must be aware of various martial arts forms, which are nothing but techniques for self defense and security. If you are aware of most of them, then you must know how important it is for you to at least learn one martial arts form. If you want to learn one self defense martial art form, then go for Silat and start taking lessons online, through self defense videos. Nowadays, it has become possible for individuals like you to take martial arts training lessons online by purchasing self defense videos, like that of Silat. Silat training videos are now available for purchase through online portals and websites.

Here is some of the training that you will be getting by taking a Silat course online:

Elakkan or avoiding technique movements that you can use to avoid any attacks within one to two meters distance from you.

Tangkisan or blocking technique movements that you can use to avoid any attack that comes within one meter distance from you. However, you need to understand even in this situation you need to avoid first before block any strikes that come to you.

Tangkapan or catching technique skills that you can use to lock your attacker movement form hurting you.

Weaponry techniques - here you will learn how to receive any strikes from different angles of attack such as self defense knife.

One of the benefits of acquiring these videos is that once you have them with you, whenever you get time you can just play the video and start learning self defense techniques of your own. These videos are prepared in such a format, which helps people in learning and then mastering self defense techniques even if they are alone and have no one to help or accompany. Thus, these self defense videos are of great use for people who really are passionate about learning Silat and unarmed self defense techniques, but because of some bounds aren't able to attend group lessons.

This article was submitted by Cikgu Nizam, an expert and world leading self defense and silat coach online. Did you find these tips on self defense videos article useful? Find out more about self defense by going to Self Defense Knife

What Does Self-Defense Really Mean to You?

When you hear self-defense, what does it bring to mind? A woman at one of my classes (Jane), told me that she had never thought of self defense as something that applied to her - envisioning karate costumes and flying arms and legs. But recently while on a weekend trip, she said that she learned some things that caused her to realize that she needed to enroll in a class to help her learn to be both defensive, and proactive in regard to her safety.

What brought about her change of mind? Well, riding with her on the trip was a real estate agent who had been in the industry for many years. She spoke to Jane about new real estate agents who were so eager to make a sale that they didn't think about following basic precautions. Two new agents had been raped in her office that year. Even though she had quite a bit of knowledge, she had recently taken a self-defense class that she found very valuable. As she shared some of the philosophies she had learned, Jane became inspired to take a class. After she did so, she learned how empowering it is for a woman to be able to protect herself. Following are some of the ideas she learned in the class:

The basic definition of self-defense is to "protect one's person/property/reputation". This is a very general meaning, however, and doesn't give much insight as how you go about it. There are two aspects of self-defense: PREVENTION, which is your attitude, awareness of surrounding and verbal skills. And then the OFFENSIVE, which involves knowing the physical skills that you will need to escape or create pain for your attacker in order to save your life.

When thinking about self-defense, keep the AAA (triple A) in mind: ATTITUDE/AWARENESS/ABILITY. These three things will contribute to your future safety.

Attitude is planning actions in case something happens. Having an attitude that something may happen and taking proper steps for knowing what to do give you an edge over the average person.

Awareness that things happen all the time, and that you can become a statistic if you aren't careful, can help prevent any unwanted instances for using self-defense. Being aware of your surroundings at all times and knowing what predators look for will help you eliminate any weak areas you may have.

Ability is the set of skills you have to both avoid a confrontation (by being aware of your surroundings) and the physical techniques that you will need to know in order to get away or to hurt your attacker if ever you are in danger.

"An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure" should be the mantra of every self-defense course. Knowing what to do to avoid unwanted advances will prevent someone from approaching you most of the time. A strong self-defense course will offer you options. You should learn how to be on the lookout for a dangerous situation, how to assert yourself more when someone speaks to you, and it should also teach you basic moves that will help you get away from a predator. Your class should also stress how to inflict pain if it is ever necessary.

So, just what makes a woman (or a man) an easy target? Women are primarily targeted because they are physically unable to defend themselves. This is not because they are not strong enough, but because they haven't been trained in proper techniques. Women will often appear more vulnerable.

Sexual assault is another concern for women. Dating situations can lead to inappropriate contact from a date, and as a result, there is a real fear for health concern reasons. Women need to be strong.

While self-defense classes are probably available in your area and may be quite good, taking an online course can be very effective as well. Online classes can teach you how to be aware and exude a confident attitude, to take charge and to control distance. You will also learn to know where safety is, and how you need to go about getting help if the first two plans fall through. Don't be afraid to make a scene - knowing what to say and do can save your life. The last resort is physically defending yourself, but you can learn this too. Find out vulnerable parts of the body and the stance you need to take if you are ever attacked.

No instructor will be able to promise to keep you safe - you are ultimately responsible for defending yourself. But being armed with knowledge puts the power in your hands.

So, where did the two women go wrong I was telling you about earlier? They just didn't take precautions. Both of these real estate agents were so excited about showing a house that they didn't take another person along or know the client they were going with. One of these agents didn't even call and let the office know where she was going to be. When the men raped them, they were powerless and didn't have any way to seek recourse.

Don't be a victim. Take the power in your hands. With a few simple steps, these women wouldn't have to live with the consequences for the rest of their lives.

Bill Valentine, MS(psychology), is an experienced Self Defense Trainer and a 5 th degree black belt, with over 30 years experience, who offers free tips on the ultimate basic women's self defense which includes resources and information on safety awareness, how to protect yourself with non-lethal weapons, and " how- to" train in Self Defense from the comfort of your home. Self defense is not Karate.
http://www.womens-self-defense-instruction-online.com/index.html