Self Defense

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Self Defense is not Martial Arts and Martial Arts is not Self Defense.

However, they are related.

Many of the principles behind the martial arts that I practice can be translated to self defense situations.

I will make notes about this here.

Martial Arts Principles

  • Zanshin
  • Ma-Ai
  • Kokyo Ho
  • Kamai Te
  • Tai no Henko
  • Taisibaki
  • Hodoki
  • Ki Ai
  • Kusushi
  • Uke waza
  • Geri and Atemi waza
  • Kyo and Nage
  • Randori and Ju waza

Zanshin – Situational Awareness

Lt. Col. Jeff Cooper – Levels of situational awareness:

  • White: no awareness (you are in a safe place, focused on something, or sleeping)
  • Yellow: relaxed awareness (you are outside, all seems fine)
  • Orange: heightened awareness (something is off)
  • Red: time for action (go time)

Ma-Ai AKA distance, or reactionary gap

Kokyo Ho – Breathing under stress and in motion

Correct breathing can help you perform better under stress. There are different breathing techniques. Two techniques used by Navy seals and also by many martial arts practitioners are:

  • box breathing / tactical breathing
  • combative breathing

What focused breathing does

Box breathing / tactical breathing

This breathing is don best before you take action. It helps you remain relaxed and focused. You can consider doing this breathing if you are in code ORANGE.

Combative breathing

This breathing is done when you are in action at code RED. Here you do not hold your breath. Instead you breath in through your nose for about 4 seconds, than exhale out through your mouth for about 6 seconds. Also it is important to time your breathing with your movements. In Aikido this concept is known as Kokyo Ho.

Kamai Te

Tai no henko – Relative positioning

Hamni – bladed positioning

Multiple attackers

 

Basics course

I made a playlist of a series of videos by Ando Mierza. It’s a pretty good self defense basics course suitable for anyone even without any martial arts experience.

Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL8QE-MYJ9X5utd3PCtLDq9va7LTG-nZmI&si=STEU6aCPsM0lTfqJ