The College of Martial Science - Ninjitsu Combat Reality

COMBAT AND SELF-DEFENSE

This section is designed to give the Ninja 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 ABCDs 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.

Ninjitsu 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 you're going to study an art, keep it that way, don't 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. In 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. We 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 don't 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'll 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, don't 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 don't 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 don't 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.

Don't waste energy, focus on primary striking areas.

Reality is nothing like a movie.

Survival is the name and it is not a game.

Breakdown of combat and hostile situations:

Observation

Balance

Break up

Technique

Finish

Observation

Above are the six phases before, during and after a close quarter combative or potential dangerous situation.

Actual attack (someone punches you):

a close quarter situation.

Possible attack (thugs enter environment):

a potential threat.

Observation phase

This is the first step of your defense, before we can take action we must look around and take a quick note of options, possibilities and environment. Examples of what we might notice in an environmental situation are: the room, location of doors or exits, possible weapons, ground or terrain, light, obstacles, etc. Examples of what we might take note of in a close quarter situation in view of an opponent or opponents are: hair, clothes, weapons, boots, size, abilities, etc. Take a look at where you are now, observe the environment and think what you could do or use there. Remember the master's motto.

Balance phase

This next phase is used to give you balance or preparation for the defense. In close quarters where an attack is immediate, you gain balance by lowering your center of gravity. This can be done by widening your stance, giving you more control and balance over your opponent. In a not yet combative situation, let's say you are in a restaurant eating lunch and a trouble maker comes in, you can gain balance by placing yourself in a logical position and maybe prepare some table items to use as weapons such as fork, knife, salt, drink, etc. Balance is gained by preparing and securing our position and possibilities.

Break up phase

This phase is designed to control the focus of our enemy. By distracting or changing their current focus we can better handle the situation. There are four specific areas that we will cover in controlling another's focus.

A. Indirect control: verbal use in combat

"Look! The police!"

"Do not think of your untied shoe!"

B. Direct control: use of pain or physical force

Punch assailant in the biceps

Poke opponent in the eyes

C. Visual control: use of changing visual focus

Throw an object

Fake a punch

D. Emotional control: use of a specific desire

Take advantage of the five desires

"Okay, I'll tell you where the money is"

By applying a break up you have created a diversion causing a loss of concentration in your opponent and giving you the upper hand.

Technique phase

This phase is where you take action toward your objective. Lets take the following as an example: You were punched, but you first observed that your attacker was drunk. You then gained balance by dropping your weight. You changed his focus by slapping him in the eyes. Your technique was a duck and a side step to avoid. What your goal or outcome in a situation is will determine the type of technique you will need to achieve that result.

Finish phase

Exterminate the attack or attacker. Control the attack or attacker until further help has arrived or the situation has ceased. Escape the situation altogether, usually by running.

Using the example from phase four (technique phase), after you have avoided the punch, your finish might have been to attack from the rear and apply a rear choke to control your opponent (waiting) or your drunken assailant will pass out in which case end the threat.

Observation phase

Return to phase 1 and review your surroundings. Make sure that the situation is under control and be prepared for another attack.

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. Don't 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 don't 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 pin to 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.

Combat Defenses And Techniques

Students will center their learning around the below seven areas of defense or what we call the "Magnificent Seven." These groups will offer techniques to get a basic understanding of combat, movement and applications. On testing, students will be expected to have learned more variations and will be asked to demonstrate their skill. Techniques should not necessarily be fast but more so fluid and natural. Memorize the categories and use them as a basis for learning the basics to self-defense.

The Magnificent Seven

1. Punches (all hand and arm strikes)

2. Kicks (all leg and foot attacks)

3. Restraints (grabs, chokes and holds)

4. Charges (pushes, and lunges)

5. Grapples (wrestling and ground fighting)

6. Throws (offensive and defensive)

7. Weapons (angles, size, blades and blunts)

In your notes you will be expected to write down the techniques you learn in class, this can be done in the following example:

Defense against a straight punch

A. Step to the outside at an angle, strike the groin with a ridge hand.

B. Apply a knee to their plexus

C. Knife hand strike to the back of the head; head takedown.

D. Head stomp, roll away and multi defense stance.

The defenses should be filled in with your own notes that you can understand. Use any code or shorthand that gives you enough information to understand clearly what to do when seeing it in the future. You need at least three defense per group when you test for a blue belt.

Personal combat skills

Self defense is the ability to do the best you can when protecting yourself or others. Too often people confuse self defense with the illusion of television action stunt scenes. You can not expect to be 100% effective in combat. The purpose of self defense is to increase your percentage of survival. For example, if you started training with a 10% chance of defending yourself the skills you learn may increase your ability to a 20% chance. Twenty percent may not seem like much but it is double what you came in with. If you get attacked and beaten and were unable to defend yourself or others it does not necessarily mean that your training is ineffective, it means your percentage was not high enough and perhaps you would have gotten beaten worse if you had not trained. So our goal in self defense is to increase our self defense percentage. We can start by listing our strengths, weaknesses and strategies based on those two areas. By increasing our current strengths and working on our weaknesses we can begin to develop a base percentage increase.

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In conclusion - Ninjitsu Combat Reality and Real Self Defense