THEY JUST DON’T GET YOU (Originally posted Wed. July 3, 2013 to http://appliedfighter.blogspot.com)
Sometimes I worry that in demonstrating the simplicity of a natural self-defense concept, some people may think that simple equals easy (which must be easy because it is watered-down). Just to be clear, in my opinion, complexity is a watered-down approach, and simplicity is the concentrated original form.
I have instructed many students who come to my talks and seminars looking for a paint-by-numbers approach to defense. I choose not to teach this way because of what I know about the reality of violent attacks.
Let me talk to those of you who are seeking realistic abilities (not just a collection of colorful belts). The vast majority of commercial martial arts and MMA instructors to the public don’t get you. They know your choices (while far more numerous now than in decades past) are limited. You have to choose between the dojo down the street or an exercise/martial arts program at a local gym. Let me repeat myself. These instructors don’t get you.
They think their way is the only way, and that in order to protect yourself, you will have to take on their superior personality (alpha-dog), learn their way of responding to a threat (aggressive and confrontational), all while memorizing their technically superior style of fighting (repetition and muscle memory). This is how they learned, so why shouldn’t you have to go through all that?
Well for starters, you are not anything like them. Okay, that’s presumptuous of me. But I think I’m probably right. You are reading this because you want to actually be able to defend yourself when attacked. You don’t want to go around bullying people, starting fights, showing off, and building false “fools” pride.
You don’t have to become anything you’re not. You shouldn’t develop a new, more aggressive personality. You don’t need to be an animal to walk around safely. Be yourself, and train with people who are genuine as well.
You don’t need to change who you are. You can Awaken Your Inner Warrior™. You already have abilities that can form a strong foundation for self-defense.
Part of the problem of the “They Just Don’t Get You” message is that these instructors I’m picking on have not been on your path in life. It's not really their fault either. They (most of them) are ex-military, competitive fighters, or trained law enforcement professionals. Professionals! Is that you? Well maybe, but that doesn’t mean you want to strut around with your feathers propped up.
How can a naturally violent (read aggressive, confrontational, etc.) professional fighter understand where you are coming from? Will they empathize with your challenges of fear, hesitation, anxiety, and uncertainty under the stress and friction of a violent encounter?
You need to learn from someone who has stood where you stand and has progressed through the challenges you are facing to come out at a place of proficiency, confidence, and power. So forget commercial martial arts and MMA training (most of them anyway) for self-defense training. They just don’t get you.
Stand!
For information about Richard Moore and Applied Fighter, visit http://appliedfighter.com
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