Self-Defense Training For Your Family.
My First Teacher
The person who I owe the most gratitude for introducing me to the world of self-defense training, passed away last year. He was the last man I lost a fight to. He blacked both my eyes with two fast jabs less than a week before Christmas. The photos on Christmas morning sucked.
This happened my senior year in high school, 40 years ago. He was my friend and teammate. Words got passed, I issued a challenge and I got two black eyes. I swore to never lose another fight, I’ve been lucky. I have not seen him since high school; I never got to apologize for being stupid. I miss him,,,Ralph “Chip” Conn 1961-2018
Every now and then, I get asked these two questions;
”What is the best martial art for my child?”
“I would like to take self-defense, what is best for me?”
There are many fighting arts; some immerse heavy into their tradition and find a way to maintain their tradition in this fast moving changing world. Other fighting arts change from generation to generation; usually this is due to their involvement in competitive sport. Some would argue that this change is the art “evolving” and some will argue that competitive sport has “diminished” the fighting arts.
How does this affect your decision to enroll in a self-defense program? When it comes to self-defense training; don’t fall for the branding trap.
Most people cannot tell you the difference between Taekwondo, Judo, Jiu-Jitsu, Kung-Fu or Shotokan Karate.
Don’t get pulled by the lure of MMA (mixed martial arts) simply because of the wide exposure it generates in advertising. MMA is a combative sport comprised of athletes with all types of martial arts training.
It was introduced to most of the world on November 12, 1993, with the first UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) in Denver, Colorado. The goal was a cash reward with a title belt. Little has changed since, in regard to the goal. ( Actually, the goal was to bring Gracie Jiu-Jitsu out of Brazil and introduce it to the rest of the world and the world of martial arts has not been the same since.) If you think that MMA is the answer to the above two questions; you are on the wrong path.
I believe that all martial arts have something to offer. As to what’s best for you or your child, then the answer takes some research. You would think that your city is full of suitable options; there are dojo’s (training facilities) everywhere, right? In South Florida, the answer is yes there are many facilities but suitable facilities, not so many.
Good self-defense training comes down to the “instructor”, not the style.
I visited an affiliate training facility about 18 months ago. The facility belongs to possibly the most famous name in MMA training. I went on two occasions to observe. There was little control of the students on the mat, you could not readily identify who the instructor was, I had to guess. In the background was RAP music playing as students trained. In all fairness, I know the founder and had he been there that night, it would have been a much different atmosphere.
Let’s get something clear here, I like MMA. I follow some of the athletes. I enjoy watching the competitions. The introduction of MMA to the world on November 12, 1993, forced instructors of other fighting arts to stop and re-evaluate their training curriculum. I truly believe that the “stop & think” moment in history helped to improve the training in many dojos.
Here’s some irony for you; the founders of the UFC, to this day, still run one of the best self-defense programs in the country.
Gracie University
Good self-defense training starts with the instructor
He/she must have verifiable credentials in the art they are teaching.
They must maintain a firm curriculum. Meaning a lesson plan that consists of practical techniques that are regularly repeated over a course of time. You survive violent encounters by mastering the basics.
A clear presentable curriculum that can be given to you, so you know what will be taught & how you will progress to the next level of your training. A facility that operates by scenario-based training that is decided on at the moment, based on who shows up, is unacceptable and this facility should be avoided.
The instructors must be approachable and their understanding of special needs students must be clear.
The facility itself must present an image of being regularly maintained and clean.
A good facility will have a liaison between you and the instructor. A person is available to explain the training and answer your questions.
Don’t simply choose the facility down the street. If the best choice is a distance away and would be a burden with a routine of 3 days a week; choose it anyway.
“Go 1 day a week; 1 good day of training beats 1 month of crap training, make the sacrifice.”
Valente Brothers Self-Defense, North Miami Beach, Florida
Which facilities are the best, well, it’s a personal decision you must make after looking at what’s available to you. Use the guidelines above to help you.
Thank you for listening.