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This section is designed to give the student an understanding of Ninjitsu combat procedures, principles and theories. Obviously, no one can be expected to take time out during a fight and take note of what the details of life might be. You will have to develop the ability to take time out without taking time out. That is to think without thinking, fight without fighting, etc..We will need to develop this skill just as you do when learning to drive, walk or ride a bike. These are the A-B-C-D’s to learning anything. Our goal is to reach level D.
A. Unconscious incompetence
You do not know that you do not know.
B. Conscious incompetence
You know that you do not know.
C. Conscious competence
You think and you do.
D. Unconscious competence
You don’t think and you do.
Combat Reality
What does realistic mean to you? What it means to many martial artists is not what we would expect. I have researched long enough to see martial artists and styles around the world teaching students what they call a realistic system of combat. It is sad to know these students will have little help in defending themselves with some or most of these techniques. Of course we must realize that the martial arts are just, arts right? Well, if your are going to study an art, keep it that way, do not tag on realistic or practical if it’ s not.
The biggest advantage a martial artist can have, is knowing the difference between realism and show. I n self-defense, it will be possible for the student to use perhaps the aspects of self confidence he/she learned in the dojo, but it is the techniques themselves we are talking about.
I are not trying to limit those superior martial artists with enough skill to
perform intricate maneuvers in combat, our goal is to open the eyes of the
average martial artist, and don’t get me wrong: even the master has enough
sense to stick to a safe practical defense in a life or death situation.
When should we fight?
Think about that one. When would you fight? If someone has a tiff with you because you stepped on his foot, then maybe you could perform a flying spinning back kick since, if you screw up, he will probably only punch you, laugh and walk away. However, you should only fight in a life or death situation. I do not want to influence any form of violence when it can be easily avoided, we do not gain wisdom by punching someone in the face for spilt milk. Save your luck for a time it is truly needed. Follow these steps and you will prove a wise and long living Total Warrior. Remember: to win a warrior only needs to survive.
What is a natural reaction?
In a dangerous situation, you will have no time to evaluate and come up with a multitude of logical defenses. Your body must move reactively. When practicing, you must perform maneuvers over and over until your body will react and no pause for thinking is involved. Evasion can not be categorized into technique since it involves so many natural elements.
How can I improve my overall success?
In order for one to excel, it is important to keep fit and train. Training does not just include physical exercise. The food we eat and the way that we eat it is also important. In order to train we need energy and digestion is the number two consumer of this fuel. If we help our bodies by eating right, we can have more energy for training and feeling good.
What is equal justice?
When someone threatens to take a life, they are accepting the risk that their own life is now on the line. Draw a knife to kill, and it is equal justice to kill in self-defense, any way possible. However, go only as far as to stop the attacker. Continuing to beat on the assailant far after he has been immobilized is assault. Let the laws of the state take care of this criminal or you may be the one who ends up behind bars. There will be very heavy emotional factors involved if it is a relative or good friend that was victimized. No one has the right to take another persons life. If you must kill your attacker to stop him, then it must be done.
What is the best strategy for self-defense?
To win without fighting is a realistic and practical strategy. This knowledge has been passed down for centuries through Sun Tsu’s book, The Art of War. World famous strategists use this theory. If you use it, perhaps you will live to tell about it.
Reality of fiction
Too often in the martial arts, students learn self-defense that is unrealistic and possibly detrimental to the defender. When it comes to practicality, fight with facts, do not be fooled by your training. Below is only a small list of realities that you can use as a guide to build a better basis for your protection.
- Most fights end up on the ground.
Prepare by improving your grappling skills.
- There are no rules and no judges in combat.
If it works, use it, and do not stop until it does.
- Kicks above the waist are unrealistic.
It is better to be safe than sorry.
- How you train is how you will fight.
If it is not contact you will be surprised.
- Point sparring is not realistic for true combat.
Pull your punches and pull your chances.
- Most people punch to the face or head.
Get used to hooks and crosses, wild and fast.
- Attackers do not hold their punch in the air.
Learn to control your opponent, not dance around a frozen one.
- Everything is forgotten in a fight.
All defenses will be natural reactions from years of practice.
- Punches and kicks can hurt you too.
The attacker might also be prepared, do not underestimate an
opponent.
- Most punches and kicks are off target, thus useless.
Do not waste energy, focus on primary striking areas.
- Reality is nothing like a movie.
Survival is the name and it is not a game.
Four Step Guide to Self-defense
Step one: Avoidance
Simply avoid the possibility of an attack ever occurring by staying away from potentially dangerous areas, such as dark alleys, bars, crowds, etc. Do not hang out with people who are lost in life and need stimulation by causing trouble, drawing attention to themselves or hurting others. Be aware near big groups and try not to stand out, blend into the surroundings. When you feel it might be necessary for you to travel someplace new, go with a friend and do not be afraid to ask for help.
Step two: Evasion
Action of evading the attack to escape contact.
- Side step:
Moving aside to evade the attack.
- Pivot:
Twisting to allow the attack to pass.
- Take away:
Remove the target completely.
- Rolling:
To broaden your distance and confuse.
Step three: Attack
Direct assault on your part to your opponent’s vital areas.
- Eyes:
Finger strike, dirt, keys, etc.
- Throat:
Hand strike, choke, cut, etc.
- Groin:
Rising kick, punch, grab, etc.
- Knees:
Side kick, club, firearm, etc.
Step four: Control
Handle and control your attacker when possible.
- Arm bar:
Used to pinto the ground.
- Wrist:
Take down, remove weapon or manipulate.
- Pin:
Ground hold to keep opponent down.
- Choke:
Pressure to carotid arteries.
Body Movement
In order for one to be proficient in combat, you must learn to use proper body movement. This can be done by shuffling, shifting, stepping and peddling, etc.Below are a few diagrams that can be used to help show the basic movements, angles and direction that the body can perform. The eight directions of movement can help you to practice. This area should be practiced diligently in order to achieve natural body movement.
Directions of movement
- Jamming:
Moving into or triangulate toward the opponent
- Evading:
Moving in a sideways direction from the opponent
- Running
Moving in a backward direction away from the opponent
Note, body movement:
These movements utilize tactics of skipping and rolling from strikes without telegraphing the sudden change in angle of attack are considered specialized body movement. Most attacks are avoided by using circular motions. Mastery of this circular movement will lead to a better understanding and application of combat maneuvers.
If you haven’t done so already, please read Rick Tew’s Intro to Magnificent 7 Self-Defense Foundation by following the link below:
Magnificent 7’s
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