Self-Defense

Where should I start?

“Amateur’s talk hardware (tools and techniques). Professional’s talk software (mindset).” – Lt. Col. Dave Grossman

When it comes to learning self-defense, almost universally, people start by learning a technique (i.e. move, strike, block. etc.) or how to use a tool (i.e. gun, knife, pepper spray, etc.). However, when you really think, would it not be better to begin with learning how to recognize and avoid a conflict before you might need that tool or technique?

Everyone wants to do fun stuff.

We all want to do the fun stuff first, it’s human nature. No one wants to have an in-depth look at real world violence, let alone confront it in person. It’s easier (and frankly more fun) to attend a self-defense class or handgun class, practice a few times with the group, and leave feeling good because you “did something.”

Guns are a good example. A gun is a great equalizer, especially for women, however, it is a tool for a very small subset to problems. On average, you are four to five-times more likely to be involved in a conflict where a gun is not morally and ethically acceptable nor would be legal if you were to use it to defend yourself.

If you are only focusing on the “tool” or “technique” you are missing the piece that could help negate the possibility of having to use either.

Are you missing the key component?

Tony Blauer, inventor of the SPEAR System, calls it the 3-D’s; Detect, Diffuse, Defend. Detection is your awareness and will solve most problems long before they become one. The ability to recognize common pre-attack indicators, as well as having the confidence to trust yourself enough to act, are two of the most essential tools in your self-defense toolkit.

Most people have no idea how criminals think or behave and rightfully so. They are not like you, in fact, most likely, they are the opposite of you entirely. You must have a basic understanding of how they operate and think to survive in today’s world.

Sadly, the sole focus of most trainers in this industry is on teaching tools and techniques that may or may not be effective during the fight. Your focus should begin with what happens before the fight, so that you can avoid it all together.

You must have a solid understanding of what to look for, pre-attack indicators, how predators choose their prey, how they think and operate, and how to change your behavior to be de-selected if you become their target.

Final Thoughts

We are often asked where someone should start when it comes to learning self-defense. If we had our way, everyone would begin with awareness, avoidance, and de-escalation training. A little bit of awareness will go a long way in preventing a large number of problems.

Our goal is for you to be able to recognize a potential conflict far enough away that you have time to avoid it all together, change your behavior to be de-selected as a victim, or, worst-case, prepare for the impending fight.

Remember, there are no rules. You cannot apply your sense of fair play or morality into a situation where there is none. If you do, you will most likely become a victim. We are often told to think outside of the box. There is no box. The bad guys do not have a box, nor should you.

There are a number of considerations when looking for a self-defense class. A major factor in your choice should be if they are focusing on what happens before the attack as much, if not more, than whatever tool or technique they are teaching.

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