Questions tagged [self-defense]
Self-defense or private defense is a countermeasure that involves defending oneself, one's property or the well-being of another from harm. Anything not related to a specific martial art, any hypothetical situations, and anything related to the law are off topic.
44
questions
56
votes
20
answers
12k
views
Which martial arts focus on self defense?
I'm trying to make sure I ask this question in a manner that doesn't make it subjective or argumentative.
While all martial arts have merit, I believe those merits lie in various areas. Which ...
- 1,110
75
votes
16
answers
7k
views
How do you prepare for the stress of a real self-defense situation?
How do you prepare for a real stress situation, in which you are forced to defend yourself or others? I'm not talking about avoiding conflict, but a scenario where resolving the situation without ...
user72
14
votes
10
answers
17k
views
What are the main uses of aikido in self-defense?
So what are the main, real life purposes of aikido that work? Anything specific? Short range? Long range? blocking? striking? etc? What are the most likely times one would probably use it?
- 171
7
votes
3
answers
1k
views
is Jun Chong TKD a legitimate TKD dojo for self defense?
I wanted to sign up for TKD, and I really like Jun Chong TKD. However, I heard by some that TKD isn't a realistic means of self defense because a lot of the places teaching are "mcdojos." I've heard ...
- 554
7
votes
3
answers
2k
views
Why do we teach unrealistic bunkai?
When we teach basic bunkai we often show impractical techniques and unrealistic situations for example blocking a mae geri by turning into the kick and using gedan barai. This is obviously not ...
- 613
4
votes
6
answers
6k
views
Effectiveness of Bujinkan Ninjutsu
There is a lot of mixed feeling online whether ninjutsu would work well in a street fight or a self-defence scenario. Ninjutsu is a very unconventional form of martial arts; it's ancient and outdated ...
- 43
18
votes
13
answers
3k
views
When should I run away?
What are the criteria I need to evaluate in order to conclude that I should run away?
Sometimes the right answer is to walk away, sometimes it is to give them your wallet... When is it time to leg it?...
- 5,796
18
votes
9
answers
42k
views
What are effective self-defense martial arts for smaller woman?
I'm looking for self-defense martial arts that will be effective for me. I've taken a few classes and they seemed geared more towards the average man.
What are effective martial arts for a smaller ...
- 183
5
votes
8
answers
2k
views
Looking for a martial art to do, self defense without causing pain?
I would also like it not take a lot of work to pick up, I mean, it shouldnt take long before I am able to defend against the average person. I am willing to work at it to improve from there.
Also my ...
- 103
15
votes
11
answers
1k
views
Choosing a Target When Cornered by Multiple Attackers
I would like to know which (if any at all) contemporary system base their tactics in deciding who to attack first in order to create a escaping route.
Scenario:
Cornered in a place where 4 ...
- 726
10
votes
3
answers
924
views
Learning not to turn your back on ground?
As a judoka, I've the bad habit of turning my back when ever I get in trouble in groundwork.
In competition judo, you only get points for throwing your opponent, and landing stomach down doesn't ...
user1221
4
votes
1
answer
202
views
"Warrior Gaze"? Where to look when training and fighting?
I was taught to practice what was termed the "warrior gaze" by a martial uncle. This is described as how to look when in hand to hand combat. Essentially, I was advised not to focus on any ...
- 3,149
-2
votes
5
answers
946
views
For what martial arts is the chance of being injured while training less than the chance of being injured by assault?
For many people who take up martial arts, self defence is one of the main reasons. However actual cases of physical assault ("violence with injury") as recorded by the police can be relatively rare ...
- 3,380
32
votes
10
answers
75k
views
Are there legal ramifications to being a trained martial artist? [closed]
One common urban legend that tends to be passed around from time to time is something along the lines of the following:
Black belts are considered lethal weapons by the law!
Which might also be ...
- 1,225
20
votes
14
answers
31k
views
Self-defense against a bigger charging opponent
What options do you have against a bigger opponent charging like a lineman? (not just punching or kicking, but using his body-weight to overthrow you).
- 201
13
votes
7
answers
1k
views
traumatic experiences causing martial arts skittishness
I am kind of new to martial arts, and have only been involved for about a year. One time when my teacher was away from class for personal reasons, a boxing ranked student of his allowed me (an 18 year ...
- 421
13
votes
10
answers
9k
views
Low kicks vs high kicks in street fight
Many martial arts spend time in practicing high kicks, for instance to the face. Is there a situation in a street fight where high kicks would be the best choice? Why not prefer low kicks? With low ...
- 1,587
12
votes
6
answers
3k
views
Is martial arts training 'inadequate' for the real world?
I have heard this sentiment a handful of times before, and most recently when I was reading "The truth about Violence" by Sam Harris.
The gist is that real world violent attacks happen with ...
- 309
12
votes
6
answers
3k
views
Self defense with one hand tied behind back?
I'm completely new to martial arts. I would like to know if there are techniques that can be used in self-defense if you had one hand tied behind your back or in the case you lose your hand?
- 121
10
votes
7
answers
907
views
Measurement of the practicality of a martial art
Is there a concept or a theory to define how to measure the practicality of a martial art?
For example, is there a measurement, dimension or a rating method to check how effective BJJ or any other ...
- 641
10
votes
7
answers
4k
views
Close quarter's defense: when you stand face to face with an attacker
What can we do against a harasser who comes at a distance of two inches of you with a clearly menacing attitude. What strike could be applied at the distance of two inches standing face to face (I ...
- 348
8
votes
3
answers
575
views
Is it expected that all training stances/positions will have direct fighting applications?
Is it generally expected in martial arts systems that all training stances/positions (horse stances, front stances, drop stances, etc.) will have direct fighting applications?
Questions such as Is ...
- 14.3k
7
votes
3
answers
17k
views
How do you release yourself from an arm being locked behind your back?
Suppose someone catches your hand from behind, locks your arm and controls you. (As can be seen in second 11 here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bvm_vhe24hY). Is there a way to release from this ...
- 1,587
7
votes
9
answers
21k
views
Best to learn for self defense: Wrestling, Boxing, or Jiu Jitsu
I did a season of folk wrestling in high school. This was about 5-6 years ago. I'm trying to diet and exercise properly to reach my low body fat goal. Also, I want to learn some basic self defense. ...
6
votes
4
answers
11k
views
To punch with keys or without?
I know that some people hold house keys in their fist while walking through the dark streets. It is meant to increase damage inflicted on an attacker's face, like an improvised knuckle-duster.
Can it ...
user46147
6
votes
3
answers
2k
views
Is 'pressure point' striking a useful skill to know in a street fight?
And if so how far into human anatomy should you go? I know obviously aim for the jaw or back of the ear, and know certain spots on the body like the liver and solar plexus for winding the person. Does ...
- 303
5
votes
1
answer
92
views
How to shut down bullies? (Teenagers)
Many boys grow up wrestling and fighting—brothers are notorious for this—although it is not gender exclusive. As one gets older, what was a safe activity becomes increasingly perilous for a number of ...
- 3,149
5
votes
5
answers
430
views
Multi-opponent martial arts systems and strategies?
We often think about self defense in terms of a single opponent, but, as anyone who has ever been "jumped" knows, real world situations can easily include multiple opponents.
Are there ...
- 3,149
5
votes
1
answer
171
views
What is the proper technique to draw a gun?
I've been toying with an airsoft pistol. The mental context is reacting to a home invasion a la Memento: multiple armed but misinformed that the flat is going to be empty assailants, very aggressive ...
- 592
4
votes
4
answers
1k
views
Is a fist with a kubotan effective and does it endanger the user's hand?
As I understand one of the ways of using Kubotan is wrapping it with your fingers, wrapping it like a fist. If you use your fist while holding the Kubotan, do you endanger your hand and fingers? On ...
- 1,587
4
votes
3
answers
379
views
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu against multiple attackers
This is something that has been on my mind for quite awhile now, so I'm hoping I can get a clear answer. Say that I was getting attacked by more that one person and I know BJJ, would it be my best bet ...
- 1,533
4
votes
2
answers
2k
views
Is "taking off your jacket" still recommended as the go-to strategy for knife defense?
Is taking off your jacket still recommended as the go-to strategy for knife defense?
I’ve had many martial uncles & brothers, including several with not insignificant real-world combat experience,...
- 3,149
4
votes
3
answers
670
views
What should I look for in order to develop self-defense skills as quickly as possible? [closed]
What should I look for in a school or training program that would indicate that I will develop self-defense skills very quickly?
Does my body weight or height or any other physical characteristic ...
- 1,306
4
votes
3
answers
1k
views
Danzan Ryu Jiu-Jitsu for self defense?
Is this an effective art for self-defense? I've been doing it for fun and recreation.
I'm thinking for actual self-defense, I should learn catch wrestling and Brazilian jujitsu.
- 51
3
votes
2
answers
1k
views
Groin attack danger in full guard (especially stages 3, 4)?
How much is the groin open for an attack in full guard in different stages?
(Bruce Lee in Way of the Dragon)
Especially, in the stage 3 of the Gracie system:
It seems like groin is quite open, for ...
- 547
3
votes
3
answers
1k
views
what is the real history and purpose of silat in a fight?
I'm sure you've all heard of Silat, an Indonesian, Vietnamese, Thai, Cambodian sort of martial art. I hear it is very effective, almost like krav maga. It's supposed to be intense and when I look ...
- 554
2
votes
4
answers
5k
views
Is it effective to use a carabiner as tool in real fight?
Following this video.
Is it effective to carry and use a carabiner as self defense in real fight? Does it endanger your knuckles and could it break them when you hit your opponent? If it is ...
- 1,587
1
vote
3
answers
410
views
Attacks against intoxicated individual with high pain tolerance
I've seen a person being stabbed to death, and yet he wasn't in intolerable pain; he could actually stand up and walk normally despite his injuries (until he collapsed, 30 seconds later). I am ...
- 153
1
vote
2
answers
680
views
Effectiveness of Shorinji Kempo and acupuncture pressure point attacks
Please refer to the following YouTube video.
Do these techniques work well when defending in a street fight or in pressure point/acupunture attacks?
How can someone learn what is the way to attack ...
- 1,587
1
vote
2
answers
461
views
Optimal stance for self defense / street fights?
What is the optimal fighting stance when confronted by an opponent(s) in real life? Currently I'm not quite sure what stance I should use, but I felt like the Wing-Chun stances are safer guards ...
user11733
1
vote
2
answers
153
views
"Kill, incapacitate, or come along quietly?"
Has anyone else every heard this maxim in any form?
I was taught by an experienced combatant that:
"Killing is the lowest level of skill. The ability to incapacitate without killing is a ...
- 3,149
-1
votes
2
answers
218
views
Are injuries from Assault more Severe than those Sustained During Martial arts Practice?
When I asked my previous question regarding injury rates in martial arts practice and assault, some users pointed out (quite rightly) that it didn't take account of the severity of injuries sustained.
...
- 3,380
-2
votes
2
answers
855
views
Is there an effective way to defend from a nunchaku?
If someone attacks you with nunchaku, what is the best way to defend yourself?
- 1,587
-2
votes
1
answer
189
views
Best way to control a gun holder from his back [closed]
An assailant with a gun is threatening someone from a distance. You are behind the assailant. What is the best way to use Krav Maga techniques to control and disarm him so that he won't harm you and ...
- 1,587