Okay, I'll confess. I stole this idea from the internet. I'll even tell you how I found it. Before I do that, I want you to realize that I think the list should be altered somewhat. The list, at least as the title implies, means that the fight is imminent. The aggressor is no longer willing to negotiate. You cannot talk him or her down. You've done your best assertive method of communicating and it just isn't sinking in to this low-life's skull. You also have no quick means of escape or evasion.
First things first. If you go to look for this link you must promise to return to this blog post! (Pinkie Swear!) The reason is I want you to truly compare what you're reading and really internalize it as a strategy. So, here it goes. Go to the Google search page and type in 'Top 10 Self Defense moves' and you get a list that states the following: 10. This is not a movie 9. Your objective is not to win 8. Know your limits 7. Stay Calm 6. If you get hit, it's not the end of the world 5. This is the street, there are no rules 4. Hit First 3. Close the distance 2. Take him to the ground 1. Keep your hands up
Here's my post 9/11 revised edition that still reflects the cold hard reality of the streets.
10. This is not a movie and you are not a TV hero. No matter what movies and TV show you, fights are not glorified battles of going toe-to-toe with the smack sound in each blow. Your head (or his) won't just bounce back with a small trickle of blood coming from the corner of your mouth. No, today's thugs are going to surprise you and they are going to do it brutally fast.
9. Your objective is to survive not win! The difference is in getting away at the first opportunity. If you continuously pound away at someone, not only will you not win the physical fight, but a litigious battle will follow as well. Survival means taking the mentality to the rare extreme if needed. Follow the law and remember that you just may need to explain your actions to a jury of peers.
8. Know your limits. I have to stick with this one. No amount of money is worth your life. Your wallet, watch, ring, and car can be replaced. You cannot. Don't forget about rule 10 and don't try to be a hero.
7. Stay calm...and remember this phrase. If he can't see you, breathe or chase you, he's no longer a threat. Just keep in mind what I said in rule 9 about the law!
6. You will get hit! (There's no 'if' to it!) Keep the SURVIVAL attitude and refer again to rule 9!
5. There are no rules in a street fight. That's right, I just rewrote the phrase. Remember rules 7 and 9 but keep in mind that your environment just may have natural weapons of opportunity as well. Don't forget the law though! Excessive force will result in an all orange wardrobe and a roommate you may not like!
4. A pre-emptive strike may be necessary! The hit first philosophy isn't ALWAYS the best advice. I teach a hands up posture which allows you to defend yourself with the natural flinch response that will occur when something comes towards your face. (Refer first to the expert, Tony Blauer)
3. Close the distance with C.W.C.T. I am going to totally disagree with the other top 10 list here. The other writer must be VERY well trained in ground fighting and highly over-confident. I have some training and would venture that the average person is not intimately familiar with the ground fighting methods. Once again, I'm going to share a concept from Personal Defense Coach Tony Blauer called C.W.C.T. - Closest Weapon Closest Target. Just as it implies, your closest weapon, be it your hand, foot, knee, elbow, fingers, keys, cup of hot coffee, book bag, umbrella - - - goes directly into or on the closest target of opportunity, the face, eyes, nose, throat, groin, stomach, knee, top of the foot, etc. The possibilities are endless! Refer now to rules 5, 7, 8, 9 and 10.
2. AVOID the ground! One of the first things I teach all students when learning groundfighting is how to get up! With all the MMA wannabe fighters out there, one of the worst things you can do is be someone's source of entertainment...on the bottom! Refer to rule 3.
1. Take a N.A.P.P. ! (No, I don't want you to lie down and take a snooze!) Go back to my blog post for January 20, 2012, I promise it's worth the read if you haven't looked at it already! The Non-Aggressive Protective Posture just may help you avoid the other nine on this list!
Clyde Arnold has been teaching martial arts in Northern Kentucky to both adults and youth since 1995 and studying since 1983. Coach Arnold teaches private and small-group Personal Defense (Self Defense) / FAST Defense to adults and is also the Martial Arts Program Director at Top Flight Gymanstics in Crestview Hills, KY. More information about these programs are available at ClydeArnold.com and NKyMartialArts.com.
Tags:
clyde arnold, northern kentucky, personal defense, self defense, top 10 self defense moves
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