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Brief History:

Jujitsu is a 2500 year old unarmed combat discipline that has its roots in ancient Japan. The exact date on the creation of this martial art form is hard to trace but techniques resembling that of Jujitsu had already been incorporated into the training methods of the Samurai, from the 8th to the 6th centuries. Earliest Japanese historical records such as the Kojiki (Record of Ancient Matters) and the Nihon Shoki (Chronicles of Japan) also have passages related to unarmed combat systems.

Before this Japanese martial art developed into what we know as Jujitsu today, there were many other Japanese combat techniques such as Kogusoku, yawara, kumiuchi, and hakuda etc, also collectively known as Sengoku Jujutsu. Traditions finally gave rise to the modern Nihon Jujutsu we know today, which is classified under Edo Jujutsu - the true unarmed Japanese combat system.

Jujitsu gained prominence during the reign of Tokugawa in the 1600s but was soon alienated when Emperor Melse regained power. However, towards the mid-20th century, the ban on Jujitsu in Japan was lifted, following the Meiji restoration, and the combat art form began to be widely practiced.

The Philosophy:

Jujitsu revolves around three basic states of mind - Zanshin, Mushin and Fudoshin. The proper combination of these elements gave the power, preparation and potential to the practitioner to excel in the Jujitsu art.

1. Zanshin - “remaining spirit” - connotes the readiness for anything at any given time.

2. Mushin - “no mind” - Its spontaneity permits instantaneous action without conscious thought.

3. Fudoshin - “immovable mind” -during times of confrontation.

Basic Methods:

Jujitsu is a circular, hard and soft, external combat style. The basic techniques of attacks includes throws, locks, hitting and striking, thrusting and punching, pinning and immobilizing, strangling and joint-locking, with strong emphasis on throws, locks, and defensive techniques. In-fighting and close work are also focused upon.

Even though Jujitsu is basically an unarmed fighting system, small weapons like the Jitte (truncheon), Tanto (knife), or Kakushi Buki (hidden weapons), which include the Ryofundo Kusari (weighted chain) or the Bankokuchoki (a type of knuckle-duster) may also be used in combat.

Competition Systems:

Conventional Jujitsu can be dangerous, or maybe even fatal if its fundamental techniques were to be applied. So, in order to make the art a safer sport for the competitive arena, systems and rules have to be introduced. That is why most of the competition methods have incorporated “Half-contact”, which prohibits serious attempts to knock out an opponent.

1. The Fighting System: This is the most popular method, divided into three phases. The first is for striking only, the second for striking, grappling and throwing, and the third includes ground-fighting such as chokeholds.

2. The Practical System: According to this rule, two defenders are surrounded by four attackers from four corners. Highest points go to the best defender judged upon effectiveness, oversight and control of the situation.

3. The Duo System: In this system, contestants are randomly chosen and awarded points for effective defences. The attacks are divided into four groups of five attacks each.

4. Combat Jujitsu: The most recent system developed in the United States. Victory in the competition is based on submission. The combat round between the two opponents lasts for not more than two minutes.

Martial Arts HQ offers articles, tips and tricks about different martial arts.

My father fed me this line every time I felt pain or discomfort. Growing up the coach’s son was not without difficulty. My dad never played favorites; in fact I had to do it better and cleaner than the other kids. Now, he didn’t say this to be malicious, he just wanted to teach me something about athletic competition and in turn, a bit about life.

No matter what contact sport you play, if you’re making contact, you’re gonna get banged up. As a competitive athlete, you get used to living with pain. Soreness, torn muscles, dislocated fingers, toes and broken bones are the norm. I am sure there are plenty of you who can predict the weather better than the Doppler. So what does working with pain teach us and how to we put it into your training. Now if your training for a specific competition you obviously want to be in the optimum shape for the time of your competition. If your injury is so debilitating, you can’t function safely in the realm of competition, then you don’t compete. When it comes to REAL self defense; we have a saying, “if you can leave your house, you better be ready to get the job done.”

Does this mean I wake up every day ready to take on the world? No. I probably wake up like most of you, slowly. But make no mistake, no matter what condition you leave your home in, you better be good to go. If not, stay home and don’t “compete”.

So, how do you teach your self to operate under less than optimum circumstances? How do you discover what your pain threshold is? How do you know the difference between a hurt and an injury? How you will function under the added stress? If you learn to practice hurt you will. If you can’t uses your right arm, use your left. Can’t stand, practice sitting. Can’t hit, arm yourself. If you are practicing for self defense realistically, this is the only attitude you can have. Anything less will leave you vulnerable.

If you have ANY physical conflict, you will get hurt. The notion of dispatching an enemy with hand to hand methods and not sustaining any injury is a lofty one, but it’s laughable at best. The more prolonged the conflict, the more damage you will absorb. One shot knock out, your hand is sore- knock down, drag out fight, he lays in the gutter, you drag yourself to the hospital.

This is one of the primary reasons I prefer to work out barefoot. Stubbed and dislocated toes hurt. This pain gets channeled into anger. The anger gets turned into adrenaline. The benefit is you associate pain with adrenalin. This is what will save your life!!! As soon as you feel pain you get mad and your convulsive reaction becomes an aggressive reaction. Your going to get hurt, you just have to deal with it.

Now if your practice doesn’t allow you to practice injured, you need to evaluate what you are trying to accomplish. I remember talking to a guy who practiced Brazilian jujutsu. He talked about what a great method of self defense it was and he expounded about the “realism”. Then he continued to tell me that he couldn’t practice because he was hurt. Now before I continue I must say that if the fault here is NOT Brazilian jujutsu; the problem is the guy practicing it. If he were realistic about his self defense he should get on the mat and learn to make his jujutsu work for him ESPECIALLY WHEN HE”S HURT. No matter what you practice, if you wish to adapt it for self defense, you better adapt it to every situation. It’s like a marriage- for better for worse, in sickness and in health. If you wrestle- you better know what its like to get hit or what it’s like to roll on the pavement. If you box, you’d better condition your hands to strike with out protection. With a little imagination, you can adapt anything for self defense.

©2005 www.thetruthaboutselfdefense.com

Damian Ross is the owner of Zenshin and instructor of Tekkenryu jujutsu and Kodokan Judo. He started competing in the combative sport of wrestling in 1975 at the age of 7 and began his study of Asian martial arts with Moo Duk Kwan Tae Kwon Do at the age of 16 in 1984. In 1989, Shinan Cestari gave a seminar at Sensei Ross’s dojo. Sensei Ross has trained under Shinan Cestari’s direction ever since. In addition to Tekkenryu Jujutsu, Judo and Tae Kwon Do, Sensei Ross has also studied Bando. Sensei Ross continues his study of Judo under the direction of 8th degree black belt Yoshisada Yonezuka and Tekkenryu Jujutsu under it’s founder, Carl Cestari.

Below are is a list of some of his title ranks:
Yodan (fourth degree black belt) Tekkenryu Jujutsu under Carl Cestari
Shodan (First degree black belt) Kodokan Judo under Yoshisada Yonezuka
Varsity Wrestling Lehigh University under Thad Turner
2nd Degree Black Belt Tae Kwon Do
http://www.thetruthaboutselfdefense.com

History:

Though Karate is often associated with Japanese martial arts, its true origin dwells in Okinawan combat techniques and Southern Chinese martial arts. It is basically a fusion of both arts and was introduced to Japan only in 1921. During this period, Karate was simply known as “Te”, or hand, as called by the Okinawans. Chinese influence is evident in the original symbol for Karate - the “Tang Hand” or “Chinese Hand”.

There were no specified or concrete Karate styles in the early days and simply generalized as Shuri-te, Naha-te and Tomari-te, named after the three cities in which they were formed. Each city had its own methods, principles, system and traditions of Karate.

The introduction, popularization and modernization of Karate to Japan are mainly credited to Funakoshi, an Okinawan master, venerably regarded by many practitioners as “The Father of Modern Karate”. Other prominent Karate experts in his time include Kenwa Mabuni, Miyagi Chojun, Choshin Chibana, and Motobu Choki.

Japan began introducing Karate as a subject in schools before the Second World War and soldiers in the army were often trained in the discipline. Competitions and different styles also started emerging as several universities started karate club programs during this period.

The popularization of Karate in the West has its roots in the American military occupation of Japan and Okinawa after the Second World War, and Japanese immigration to the United States.

Fundamentals of Karate:

Karate mainly stresses on volatile combat techniques such as punching, kicking, knee and elbow strikes, and open hand methods. Grappling, joint manipulations, locks, restraints, throwing, and vital point striking are also parts of this discipline.

Karate training is divided into three main sections -

• Kihon refers to the study of basic techniques, movements and components
• Kata or ‘form’, a fixed sequence of moves, is a series of movements and techniques linked together by the combatative principles that the kata expresses.
• Kumite or ’sparring’ evovles from well-defined kata to open attack and defense.

The Uniform - Color of the Belt and Ranks:

The Karate uniform is white and comprised of the Kimono (shirt), Dogi or Keikogi (pants) and a belt (white or colored), a combination introduced by Jigoro Kano, the founder of Judo. The color of the belt is dependant on the rank and expertise of a practitioner. In accordance with commonly held standards, white belts are for beginners, and black for the highest rank. This, howver, may differ from one organization to another. Each rank may also have subdivions of its own even if the color of the belt is similar.
Styles and Variations:

Karate styles can be broadly classified into Traditional and Full Body Karate. Traditional styles are those that developed in the early period of the 20th century and include variants such as Shotokan, Goju-ryu, Wado-ryu, Shito-ryu, Kushin-ryu, and Shindo Jinen Ryu. Full contact karate includes styles such as Kyokushin-kaikan and Kansuiryu. Many of the styles have offshoots that developed into styles of their own. Although the concepts remain universal, each representation differ from one another.

Martial Arts HQ offers articles, tips and tricks about different martial arts.

Becoming a martial artist is a fanatastic method of fitness. While there are many martial art forms to choose from, taekwondo is clearly the most beneficial, and the most practical. And while many realize the benefits of such exercise, the simple fact is most have no idea how to begin.

Getting in shape is a committment to essentially change the way life is lived for the better. But knowing this does not make the first step any easier to take, so many just give up.

Beginning a martial arts program obviously starts with choosing either a school or at the very least, an instructor. Both should be done carefully, but simply getting into a program is a must.

Taekwondo is more of a sport than a martial art, but this distinction makes the art form more readily transferrable to the general public. In short, nearly anyone can practice taekwondo, and with dedication, nearly anyone can become a formidable martial artist.

Taekwondo teaches the equal use of hands and feet, with the emphasis on becoming adept at using both the right and left sides of the body for defense and for attack. Perhaps more importantly than anything else, taekwondo stresses stamina and mental toughness, along with using sound techniques and being in control.

Most people have little or no time to spend getting and staying in shape, but with most taekwondo programs, any time during the day, there are classes to attend. This tends to solve the problem of finding the time to invest in something that is endlessly beneficial, and is yet another reason to choose taekwondo as the martial art to study.

But one of the aspects of taekwondo is how quickly one sees results. Indeed, this is a tremendous motivator to continue practicing taekwondo, and before one knows it, they have altered their life to find a way to fit taekwondo into it.

With all the hand and foot techniques that are taught and practiced in taekwondo, one can easily begin to excel at even the most basic techniques, thereby motivating the student even MORE to stay with it.

Clearly, there are countless health benefits to this particular martial art, but there is a confidence and mental toughness that easily comes with taekwondo in that what is being learned and practiced is practical. Blocks are aggressive, kicks and punches are accurate, and the abilty to perfect both forms and board-breaking only adds to the overall enjoyment of taekwondo.

Increased heart rate and increased muscle tone and muscle mass, as well as the aforementioned increase in confidence and stamina is more than enough to begin, practice, and perfect the martial art of taekwondo.

I am a black belt in taekwondo, but only after sampling many other martial arts forms, finally settling on taekwondo…

I was talking to a parent recently and they told me that their son was not going to compete in wrestling because they were afraid they would get frustrated when he lost. The parent felt the child was far too sensitive to handle the frustration of failure and may get ‘burnt out’. My response was, “What will they do when they get frustrated in life?” What happens when that kid has got to suck it up and go forward when it REALLY counts?
Being a new parent, my daughter is 2 and I have another on the way, I only want the best for my child. What parent doesn’t? It’s obvious this parent I mentioned loves their child, but that’s not the issue. The issue is what’s best for everyone involved. What this child is being taught is to quit when things get tough. In an effort to protect the child, the parent winds up doing a disservice to the child. The result is undermining the ultimate goal- the training of the child.

Life is training

How does this pertain to you and why the hell am I brining it up? The segue’s here: when you train, you want to look good. You want to hit hard and perfect every time. You want to throw for ippon every time. You want to score a knock out or submission every time. Every technique you throw hits its mark. Just like that parent- you want everything to go smoothly with out any hiccups or mistakes. As in life: “what you want and what you got, aren’t exactly the same thing.” If you are training and you never make a mistake, you are probably not pushing your self or being pushed enough. If that’s not the case- give me your number, I want to train with you.
If you have ever been in a situation where you had to survive, hardly anything goes smoothly- save the one punch knock out. It’s frustrating, it doesn’t look aesthetically pleasing; it’s moments of frustration highlighted by some good or bad luck. Please note: according to my Dad “luck” is where preparation meets opportunity. No doubt a sentiment echoed from his days in the Marines.

Like that parent I mentioned before- you treat your training like that child. You are worried about the minutia. Micro-managing your work out so you feel better every second without looking at the big picture. How will you deal with the frustration of a real knock down, drag out fight? Unless you’re dealing with a push-over, you will you’re your hands full. Where a lot of tradition type martial artists fail is that they expect that perfect reverse punch to hit its target EVERY TIME. This is a goal of training. An idea, like finding the perfect cherry blossom or the perfect cheese steak; the one shot, one kill can be translated any number of ways. Again, the Japanese language is comprised of a lot of synonyms. It could mean, when you get the opportunity- make it count!

In your training you need to replicate the frustration when you train. If you are hitting your training dummy perfect every time- go harder and faster. If you are being too successful- push the people around you. Get them a little agitated (I’ll leave that to your imagination). If you don’t, you will be setting yourself up for a big let down. When it really counts- YOUR instincts will not be ready to fight through it. Just like that child, you will look to back away and quit because that’s what you were taught.
What do you do when you get frustrated?- you train harder and fight through it.

Remember: Life is Training

Training enables you to handle what life hands you better. Experience is what you get after you deal with what life gives you. Your experience gets put back into your training.

You are constantly training and teaching- whether you like it or not. No matter what you do you are shaping your behavior and the behavior of people around you. People affect you the way you allow them to.
But that’s a whole other discussion.

Copyright 2003 www.thetruthaboutselfdefense.com ©

Damian Ross is the owner of Zenshin and instructor of Tekkenryu jujutsu and Kodokan Judo. He started competing in the combative sport of wrestling in 1975 at the age of 7 and began his study of Asian martial arts with Moo Duk Kwan Tae Kwon Do at the age of 16 in 1984. In 1989, Shinan Cestari gave a seminar at Sensei Ross’s dojo. Sensei Ross has trained under Shinan Cestari’s direction ever since. In addition to Tekkenryu Jujutsu, Judo and Tae Kwon Do, Sensei Ross has also studied Bando. Sensei Ross continues his study of Judo under the direction of 8th degree black belt Yoshisada Yonezuka and Tekkenryu Jujutsu under it’s founder, Carl Cestari. Below are is a list of some of his title ranks
Yodan (fourth degree black belt) Tekkenryu Jujutsu under Carl Cestari
Shodan (First degree black belt) Kodokan Judo under Yoshisada Yonezuka
Varsity Wrestling Lehigh University under Thad Turner
2nd Degree Black Belt Tae Kwon Do

We all have a good foundation in the basic blows and combinations.

Think about adding the following drills to your basic syllabus.

These can be trained as “stand alone” combinations OR worked into existing “Defendu” combinations either “before” or “after”.

1. HARD left lead to chin (mental foramen)
HARD overhand right to chin (opposite side)
then: HARD upward right knee to fork.

Repeat punching combo.
Then: Side step with right leg (out and to the right 45 degree)
LEFT knee to fork.

2. HARD left to chin. HARD right to solar-plexus.

Then the knee smashes as above.

3. HARD left to SOLAR-PLEXUS. HARD right to chin.

Then the knee smashes as above.

4. HARD left to solar-plexus. HARD right to SOLAR-PLEXUS.

Then the knee smashes as above.

Basically it’s a series of drills to train the TWO most fundamental punches to head and body, followed by a knee smash to the nuts, practicing with either knee.

Give it a try.

NO BITCHING about “hurting” your hands! NO “Nancy” boys (or girls) allowed here!

________________________________________

Now try this:

For the sake of the drill “visualize” an attacker moving in with a straight left lead right to your snot-box.

What realistic possibilities exist:

1. Side step IN to your LEFT and 45 degrees.

2. Side step DIRECTLY to YOUR left.

3. Side step BACK to LEFT at 45 degrees.

4. STEP directly to the REAR.

Any of these FOUR “inside” shifts/footwork maneuvers will allow you to avoid/evade the straight left and COUNTER from the OPEN or INSIDE line (his right/your left).

EACH of these sidestep/back step maneuvers HAS both advantages and disadvantages. Depending on environment-obstacles and/or multiple assailants, etc. EACH can be useful if NOT the only choice possible. FIGURE THIS OUT!

Now add the FOUR basic combinations. You NOW have TWENTY-FOUR drills to use and abuse. TWO HARD PUNCHES - A KNEE or KICK to the NUTS and FOUR footwork maneuvers and YOU have enough material to LAST FOR MONTHS or daily training.

AND THIS is only for YOUR LEFT SIDE!

SOOOOOOOOOO………How do we train this and REALLY LEARN from it:

Face your main striking tool (Bob, Spar Pro, Heavy bag).
VISUALIZE the STRAIGHT LEFT LEAD and THE BODY POSITION of your IMAGINARY attacker. The bag now becomes THAT assailant - Left hand snaking out to crush your - LEFT foot forward, BODY turned to a 45 degree.

OK? Get IT?

NOW practice sidestepping as above and then IMMEDIATELY countering. EACH FOOTWORK pattern will allow you (or FORCE you) to make adjustments in order to close in and HIT with POWER, speed, accuracy and BALANCE. WORK THIS!!!!!!!! Your common sense and BODY will TEACH YOU THE BEST WAY to do THIS!

NEXT………………………Place an OBSTACLE like a chair at various points to YOUR left or the bags right. This represents either a REAL obstacle OR a SECOND adversary.

NOW, figure OUT which BODY maneuver will GET YOU OUT of DODGE and still ALLOW for a HARD and FAST while GIVING the “second” opponent the LEAST chance of successfully attacking OR how you would have to move to AVOID a REAL WORLD obstacle.

And this is JUST the beginning! Imagine how GOOD you will become if you TRAIN EACH INDIVIDUAL technique like this!

Make a COMPLETE study of a KNEE smash, edge of hand, chin-jab, tiger-claw, side boot kick, groin kick, elbows, punches, and on and on!
Master each INDIVDUAL attack covering ALL OPTIONS both left and right sides and LEFT and RIGHT body shifting!

THEN start with combinations!

Just think of the SKILL, SPEED, POWER and MASTERY you will acquire over EACH attack method, and THEN consider how well you’ll move with your combinations!

This is what we worked on yesterday at Ralph’s.

Like I always say……………YOU are YOUR BEST TEACHER!

Get something REALLY GOOD to HIT.
Attach a rope or belt or anything that you can SEIZE HARD and YANK with your left hand.
Now take your right fist and PUNCH AS HARD, AS FAST, AS POWERFULLY as YOU CAN REPEATEDLY. FASTER and HARDER.
WITH AS MUCH INTENSE EMOTION, ANGER, RAGE, HATE, FURY, VENOM, FEROCITY and KILLING INSTINCT as you CAN!

Copyright 2003 www.thetruthaboutselfdefense.com ©

Carl Cestari began his study of the martial arts with judo at the age of 7 under the direction of Yoshisada Yonezuka. During the past forty plus years Carl has dedicated his life to studying the martial arts, hand to hand combat systems, history and religion. He is continually improving himself through his studies. What makes Carl unique is his combination of martial arts, law enforcement, military and real world experience. Carl has been exposed to a multitude of people with a wide variety experience. Below is a list of some of Carl’s ranks and honors.

Shinan (Founder)Tekkenryu jujutsu

Ryokudan (6th degree)

Koshinkai Karate under John Burrelle

Godan (5th degree)Jujutsu under Clarke of the World Jujutsu Fedaration (now
defunct)

Sandan (3rd degree)Nippon Kempo under Narabu Sada

Nidan (2nd degree)Judo under Masafumi Suzuki

Shodan (1st degree)Judo under Yoshisada Yonezuka

Shodan (1st degree)Shukokai Karate under Kimura, Kadachi and Yonezuka

Shodan (1st degree)Daitoryu Aikijujutsu

Instructors Certificate-Charles Nelson System of Self Defense under Charlie Nelson

Walk into most martial arts schools and you’ll be likely to see classes full of kids. You might even see classes mixed with kids and adults. Sights like these turn many adults away from the possibility of actually training themselves and even reinforce common misconceptions about martial arts. There are so many great reasons that disprove these misconceptions, and you owe it to yourself and your body to read this article and to open your mind to at least the possibility of training martial arts.

1. You may think you’re too old to start.

You’re never too old to start training martial arts - whether your 18 or 78, your body will thank you for it! There are so many physical benefits to training martial arts; it’s difficult to know where to begin. First of all, training martial arts increases flexibility. Increased flexibility will give you better posture, more ability to relax your muscles and lower occurrences of injuries. Even if you’re currently physically active, martial arts will bring your physical conditioning to a new level. You’ll be working your entire body and reaching a variety of muscle groups with each workout. When training martial arts, there isn’t a need to “alternate” muscle groups because the workout is always changing. Finally, training martial arts is a great way to burn those extra calories and to lose weight.

2. You suspect that you’re not in the physical condition necessary to do such an activity.

If you find the right school and the right instructor, your training will move at a pace that’s compatible with your abilities and conditioning. This will allow you to move as fast or as slow as you need to remain comfortable in your training. Training martial arts with the right instructor will also lessen your chances of suffering an injury. Your instructor will be there to monitor your moves to make sure you’re not making a mistake that could potentially be injurious.

3. You think it will be easier to just join a gym and lift weights.

You could get many of the same benefits of training martial arts by joining a gym, but there are some benefits of martial arts that cannot be replicated elsewhere. Martial arts give you a full body workout - both cardio and conditioning - at every session. At a gym, you have to plan ahead to make sure you’re reaching every muscle group during conditioning and still have time to do a cardio workout as well. In addition to that, training martial arts with an instructor is like having a personal trainer with you at all of your workouts.

Training martial arts also gives you a mental workout like nothing else. While most people say that any physical activity can reduce stress, martial arts goes one step further. The inner balance needed to participate in these activities puts you in tune with your body, better than any other physical activity. You cannot do martial arts while reading a magazine or day dreaming about your upcoming vacation. You will be focusing on the here and now and that will help you clear you mind and better be able to deal with the daily stresses of life after your workout.

4. You don’t want to have a class with a bunch of kids.

If you cannot find a school that can give individual instruction, you can look for classes that are strictly for adults. Classes like this often become people’s highlight of the week. You’ll soon find yourself looking forward to the fun and excitement of getting together with your “group”.

5. You don’t think you have the time to spend on a new activity.

The focus and concentration you develop while training martial arts will carry over into all parts of your life. You may not realize it now, but the hours during the week that you spend training in your martial art will actually help you make better use of your time outside of your training. You’ll be able to focus on your job, home and family. You’ll be able to concentrate and get your tasks done more efficiently. Training martial arts is also a spiritual experience that can help you have inner peace - yet another quality to help you get through your busy schedule more easily.

Still not completely convinced that adults can successfully start martial arts training? Do some research and find a great school in your area to give it a try. I’ll even make it easier for you. Just contact me and I’ll send you my free guide on how to choose a martial arts school.

Sincerely,

Mr. Robert Jones
Master Instructor

The Academy of Kempo Martial Arts

Robert Jones runs three successful martial arts schools located in Bellevue, Lynnwood, and Kent, Washington. He has been helping families make positive changes in their lives through martial arts for over 20 years. He has also written two guides on how to pick a martial arts school. One for adults and one to help parents pick the right school for their children. He can be reached at http://www.kungfutemple.com info@kungfutemple.com or at The Academy of Kempo Martial Arts 800-508-6141.

Let’s put the non-lethal fantasy to rest.

1. Never trust your assailant. No matter what they say, no matter how believable they may sound. If they need a ride some place or need you to go into a hallway or a room. No matter what- don’t move. The real reason your assailant wants you to move is because he can’t do what he needs to do in your present location. Since he can’t do what he wants to you in your current location he needs to move you. A more recent example is the BTK killer Dennis Rader, the serial killer who terrorized Wichita for 31 years, naming himself BTK for “bind, torture, kill”. Rader would convince his victims that he was only going to rob them and steal their car, but he needed to tie them up so they wouldn’t call the police right away. Once the victim was tied up, he was able to do as he wished.

2. Your assailant will have a distinct advantage. You will most like be alone and out numbered. Your assailant already has a plan. So you better have one too. They pick the time and place. Whether it’s a weapon, accomplices or sheer size; you’re picked as a likely target because your attacker feels he has a great chance of imposing his will on you. You’re not to blame: you’re just in the wrong place at the wrong time. That’s it.

3. Simply running away solves a lot of problems. FBI studies show that would be victims who simply ran from a potentially violent encounter survived; even when the assailant used a fire arm. Rarely were the victims even fired upon. An in the small percentage of victims that were hit, all of the wounds were superficial. Have an evacuation plan.

4. Empty hand combat is the lowest rung of personal protection. The idea of dispatching all comers with a flick of a finger is a romantic fantasy. People that know better, prepare. Even if you look at how jujutsu practitioners of the 1800’s armed themselves. In Serge Mol’s book Classical Fighting Arts of Japan: A Complete Guide to Koryu Jujutsu you will see that these men carried a variety of knives, horse stirrups (used as brass knuckles) medal fans (see black jack), spiked rings and throwing shuriken or spikes. Even these men knew that hand to hand is and always will be a last resort or the situation was not life threatening. So you should take advantage of personal protection devices that will allow you to escape and survive a situation. It should be noted that the less lethal your intentions the greater the risk of your failure. Pepper foam, personal alarms, edged weapons are the next step up from empty hand methods. As Yonezuka sensei says “If you’re really serious about self defense, buy a gun.”

5. The myth that weapons can be taken away and used against you. A lot of so called “experts” subscribe to this myth. The idea of opting not to use a weapon and going to hand to hand technique is insane. People who promote this type of behavior should stick to movie choreography and romance novels. The use of a knife is the prime target of this comment. I suppose if you were to spar with the knife or even threaten with the knife (See West side Story, the Musical) maybe it could be “used against you”. But if you are angry, and down right pissed off, you grip that thing like you were strangling it to death and proceed to plunge it into your target over and over again. I don’t think there’s a ‘Grand Master’ out there that will take it away from you. And in a grappling situation, as we say in jersey, Fageddaboudit, a knife is your best buddy. By the time the skel realizes he’s being carved up like sushi, it’s too late.

6. You will be in the fight of your life. It will not be clean, look pretty, poetic or feel good. You will have to scrape, bite, gouge, kick and claw your way to safety. You will be injured. And you will be exhausted. Keep in mind, an adrenalin burst lasts about 30 seconds and then you need about 3 minutes to recharge. So make that 30 seconds count. Check out Lt. Col. Dave Grossman’s On Combat.

7. Specific Defenses don’t work. The idea that you will be able to recall a specific response to each individual situation is not going to happen. The idea that if he does this, I do that or when he grabs my wrist I do one thing, when he grabs my arm, I do another is another fantasy propagated by my fellow martial artists. You will be lucky to recall only a handful of behaviors at best, so you better make them count. And when you’re stressed you never really know what will come out so you better make sure it’s the most effective ones. Any technique must be applicable to a wide variety of situations and positions and require a minimum amount of skill and effort. The best advice anyone can give you is to “fight like hell”. And just try to destroy what’s in front of you by any means necessary.

8. Plan for the worst and hope for the best. Last night I was discussing the merits of pepper spray with one of the guys I train with who is a Port Authority police officer. He was recalling times were he sprayed targets and the pepper spray had little or no effect. The common misconception about pepper spray is that it will end the assault. As you may or may not know, a lot of emotionally disturbed persons (EDP) will just walk off the pepper spray. Most times, it only serves to enrage them further. Now what? Should you throw out your pepper spray? Of course not! Don’t expect the pepper spray to end the fight. DO expect the pepper spray to afford you an opening to inflict greater damage or escape. Even if the spray simply causes your target to blink, it’s done its job. All it has to do is create an opening, a little hesitation in your assailant’s plan of attack; just enough to let you seize the opportunity, gain the advantage or escape.
When you train in close quarters combat/ self defense, always train with multiple, lethal strikes and have a variety of weapons in your arsenal. The same goes for empty hand technique. Don’t depend on every technique you throw to hit its intended target or end the fight. You will miss a lot more than you hit. That’s why you train with OVER KILL. You should go about two or three steps past what you would normally perceive as the “end” of the fight. Remember, it’s better to be pleasantly surprised that gravely disappointed.
Realistically, hand to hand or empty hand techniques are best served when working in conjunction with weapons. The strike, kick or hold will allow you an opening to secure or use a weapon to end the fight as quickly as possible against any assailant.

PS. Check out these books as well:
Strong on Defense by Sanford Strong
The Gift of Fear by Gavin De Becker
Tough Target by J.J. Bittenbinder
On Combat by Lt.Col. David Grossman

©2003 www.thetruthaboutselfdefense.com

Damian Ross is the owner of Zenshin and instructor of Tekkenryu jujutsu and Kodokan Judo. He started competing in the combative sport of wrestling in 1975 at the age of 7 and began his study of Asian martial arts with Moo Duk Kwan Tae Kwon Do at the age of 16 in 1984. In 1989, Shinan Cestari gave a seminar at Sensei Ross’s dojo. Sensei Ross has trained under Shinan Cestari’s direction ever since. In addition to Tekkenryu Jujutsu, Judo and Tae Kwon Do, Sensei Ross has also studied Bando. Sensei Ross continues his study of Judo under the direction of 8th degree black belt Yoshisada Yonezuka and Tekkenryu Jujutsu under it’s founder, Carl Cestari. Below are is a list of some of his title ranks
Yodan (fourth degree black belt) Tekkenryu Jujutsu under Carl Cestari
Shodan (First degree black belt) Kodokan Judo under Yoshisada Yonezuka
Varsity Wrestling Lehigh University under Thad Turner
2nd Degree Black Belt Tae Kwon Do
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