The relevance of traditional Jujitsu training to self defence.
by Peter Ratcliffe.
It is a concern to me that some jujitsuka assume that the training drills they follow are an accurate rehearsal of real self defence and close combat situations. This may be due to their lack of experience of violent situations or worse, the instructor may lead them to believe this is the case.
Let me put forward a few of my own ideas with the following illustration.
Picture if you will, a jujitsu dojo with students practicing techniques. They are paired off, taking turns to act as attacker then defender.
The defenders techniques proceed as follows:
a. adopt defensive fighting stance and await attack.
b. block or evade incoming attack.
c. strike to stun opponent (light or no contact in training)
d. throw or takedown.
e. lock to restrain and/or strike to finish.
Sound familiar?..... Yes, me too!
As a means of practicing in a traditional context there is nothing wrong with this. It provides training in the application of the many and varied techniques in the modern jujitsu syllabus. BUT, there is always a but. This is NOT realistic training for self defence or close quarter combat!
The best way I can explain is to address each of the above points in turn.
a. to adopt a fighting stance and await an attack is a waste of a potential escape opportunity. Remember that self defence is NOT about having a fight, but surviving a threatening situation. A seasoned street fighter will recognise a fighting stance as an indication of your intentions and seek to deceive before viciously attacking.
In training, identify escape opportunities, even if you don't take them.
Practice COVERT stances which provide all the normal benefits but without telegraphing your readiness.
b. blocking is easy when you know what is coming and in training you usually know, oh yes you do. A seasoned attacker will enter your space , line you up with disarming patter then launch an attack which a world class boxer would fall foul of. The same comment is true of trying to evade at the last minute. Do NOT place your faith in your ability to block or evade the attack!
c. a strike IS the appropriate technique at this stage. A PRE-EMPTIVE strike, generating as much IMPACT as possible to end the situation here. Do NOT attempt to measure impact to STUN. Many instructors will say this is designed to take the initiative, unbalance the opponent and set up the following technique. A real situation is not the time to demonstrate you favourite combination.
You may only have one opportunity to land with a strike, MAKE IT YOUR BEST SHOT....STOP HIM NOW!!
It is legal to act pre-emptively if it is your HONEST BELIEF that a physical assault is imminent and unavoidable.
d. Throws and takedowns are legitimate close combat techniques. My only warning here is not to try to manipulate the distance in order to get into throwing range. If standing grappling range is the one in which you find yourself, then fine, use a throw or takedown. Any further away, keep blitzing away with the strikes until he is no longer a threat, then GET OUT!
e. A good impact technique to finish will provide escape time. My preference is KNEE DROP TO RIBS or a STOMP TO ANKLE OR LEG. The stomps to lower limbs reduce the risk of being grabbed and brought to ground and knee drops make you less vulnerable to an assault by a third party. (Doormen beware!)
Locks for restraint have NO place in self defence. There is no obligation to arrest or control an attacker. This is the domain of law enforcement, prison and health service personnel. Ask them.... they work in teams to effect control, you are on your own!
Please take a little time to consider some of the issues I have raised here and invest a small amount of training time to REALLY improve your self defence capabilities. This way you can ENJOY your traditional training and develop the other skills we tend to take for granted as well.
Further advice is available on my other article, on the MENU of this site as CLOSE COMBAT ARTICLE 2.
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