The Four Basic Truths of Violent Assault-Part 1

Sgt Rory Miller's book, Meditations on Violence: A Comparison of Martial Arts Training and Real World Violence,
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details (among many other extremely useful concepts) what he calls the "Four Basic Truths of Violent Assault." These are, specifically, that violent assaults happen CLOSER, FASTEr, MORE SUDDENLY and with MORE POWER than people realize.

Let's look at #1, that attacks happen CLOSER than people realize.

Most "self defense" courses rely on such techniques as defending against a jab, cross or haymaker hook. That's fine, but in training they ASSUME that the attacker will face them head-on and throw punches like a trained fighter. I don't know about you but every fight I've seen starts where the two people fighting are close enough to kiss each other, and every sucker punch or bum rush I've seen looks nothing like the defense for a boxer's cross or jab. Honesty in training is key, and while drills designed for the "defender" to pull off a snazzy move looks great and is fun, they offer next to nothing visadequately preparing someone to address the reality of a violent encounter.

Remember, to quote David Carradine in the old Kung Fu TV show, "men do not beat drums before they hunt for tigers." If someone is going to attack you, they will wait to do so until they think you are unaware, unprepared and unable to resist.
However, following the guidelines set forth in the White Collar Warrior Self Protection Skills Home Study Course (available at www.whitecollarwarrior.com/Products.html)you can train in a way that allows you to react no matter what situation you find yourself in.

Take Care, and Be Alert!

Bobby