The Reality of Self-Defense Programs

Ask the question, "who do you recommend for self-defense classes?" You'll get a huge assortment of answers; "Brazilian Jujitsu is the best!" "I've done Kickboxing for years!" "This school is the best out there!" "You don't need self-defense, carry a gun instead!"

In reality, all Martial Arts classes can be used for self-defense. Even it it's just so you get in better shape so you're able to run away if need be. What you really need to do is find the program, class, and most importantly, the instructor that fits YOU. 

However, if you're reading this, you want the lowdown on what is Good self-defense vs Bad self-defense. So with that, we go into types of martial arts. They fall into a couple of categories:

1. Sport ... if there are rules involved then it is a sport. You are matched up against someone with the same size and skill in a controlled environment. Jiu-jitsu, Boxing, Kickboxing, Judo

2. Traditional ... wearing a uniform that looks like pajamas. With a lot of focus on bowing, prearranged techniques, and oriental weapons. Tae Kwon Do, Karate, Kung Fu, Kenpo,

3. Reality based ... focus is on street specific techniques; grabs, pushes, strikes, modern weapons, with the goal of getting away. It is designed to be simple and effective. The goal of these programs should be to give you the skills to defend yourself if necessary, but more importantly, de-escalate the situation.

There are good and bad in all of the above and as stated before, most of them can be used for self-defense. As you are researching and trying out programs look for the following.

**Focus on Physical, Mental, Verbal, and Legal Self-defense. Don't settle for just one. The program you choose needs to cover all of the above.

**Not going to the ground. The ground is NOT a good place because of environment, weapons, and multiple attackers.

**Realistic training. This is not a sparring or grappling match. Your training needs to have the element of surprise built into it, with the recognition that there are no rules.

**Dealing with violence. A self-defense situation will be violent and the program you choose needs to prepare you for that reality.

The biggest advice I can give you is to talk to friends, visit schools, and try out a few classes. If you feel it's not for you, go somewhere else.

Eric LaLone is head of TrainWarriors.com, the director of FearNOBully.org, and Chief Instructor of the Sei Shin Jitsu Headquarters; Empower Training Center. 2021 marks 25 years of teaching in Southern Colorado. LaLone has developed Stick-jitsu for realistic defense and Freestyle jujitsu for combat sport. 

Choosing a Kid's Martial Arts Program

"My son and daughter want to take karate, who is the best and where should I go?" 

Parents are always looking for the "best" for their kids. But what does that mean? With all the movies and TV shows that feature martial arts, plus all the schools in any particular town, it's hard to know what is good and what is not so good. 

Let's start by saying that Martial Arts are great for kids. The correct program will teach your child to be a leader, help them with conflict resolution, as well as training them to punch and kick. Now it's just a matter of figuring out what you want for your child and what your child is interested in learning. Are you looking for an after-school activity, something to help them with self-defense, or a sport to harness their competitive spirit? It could also be a combination of these things.

When looking for a school there are a couple of things to watch for:

1. The Instructor ... Are they knowledgeable? Are they too strict? Do the kids like them or are the kids scared? While experience matters, the instructor doesn't have to be a 10th degree Black Belt. The most important thing is that there is a good connection with the kids.

2. An Age-Specific Program ... Are all students lumped into the same class or are they separated by age? A 4-year-old shouldn't be working out with a teenager, just as a 9-year-old shouldn't be training with an adult. Kids learn differently at varying ages. You also don't want someone getting hurt because of the difference in physical maturity.

3. Trial Class ... Is your child allowed to try a class or two before making a decision to join the school? This way they can interact with the instructor and the other students to make sure it's a good fit for them on all levels. This way you can also make sure the instructor is teaching what it is that you are looking for, whether it's self-defense, sport, or an activity.

4. Long Term Contracts ... Do you have to sign up for a year? 6 months? Is there a cancellation fee? Kids jump from activity to activity. That's why there are seasons in sports. Not so in the martial arts. You don't want to sign up for a long-term contract only to have your child decide they no longer enjoy the training. Also watch out for the hidden "processing fees," large "equipment and uniform fees," and hefty "belt testing fees."  

5. Make sure the class is FUN ... While learning and knowledge are great for your child, you want to make sure they are having fun. If it's not fun, and they don't have a smile on their face, they won't want to continue with their training.

As a professional martial arts instructor, the biggest advice I can give you is to talk to friends, visit schools, and try out a few classes. If you feel it's not for you, go somewhere else.

Eric LaLone is head of TrainWarriors.com, the director of FearNOBully.org, and Chief Instructor of Empower Training Center; the headquarters of Sei Shin Jitsu. We have been in operation in Southern Colorado for over 25 years. LaLone is also an International Coach traveling with USA Kickboxing for both the World Championships and Pan Amercian Championships. You can reach him at 719.368.6434.