We read all the time about the constant attacks in the streets, in the parks – indeed even in our homes and bedrooms. Worried people are joining self-defence and martial arts clubs trying to learn how to protect themselves against these constant threats. Many leave it too late and find themselves stabbed and murdered in their own doorways or raped in their bedrooms.
Times have changed. Innocence has gone. Weapons, Drugs, Race…
If we don’t protect ourselves, no one else will. The police mean well and do a good job – but minutes or even hours after the attack. They simply cannot be everywhere all the time.
Life isn’t like that. We have to take action ourselves.
But how can an elderlyman or woman survive when attacked by a vicious street mugger perhaps wanting money to buy drugs or whatever. And not caring how he gets it. To him a knife slash across your face means nothing.
To you, devastation, scarring, blinding or even death.
And how can you expect a middle-aged or elderly man or women to have the skilled knowledge to know how to handle this kind of attack?
What are the legal implications?
How far can you go to stay alive and unbroken?
Self-defence classes are of very little value. Martial arts classes are of literally no use at all. Karate, Judo Aikido – all are a complete waste of time if you are the wrong side of fifty and wanting to survive a mugging next week, tomorrow, today. If you decide to train in the martial arts, or decide to study self-defence in classes, do you know how long it will take you to reach the level of skill where these techniques may work?
Let me tell you:
It will take you at least three years of determined and constant study.
At the very least. Training three times a week. Really working at it. With all the energy, strain and time involved. Because this is how long it takes to reach BlackBelt level of skill The level where defences are automatic and instinctive, where you react without having to think about what to do in any given circumstance.
But wait – there are many levels of Black Belt. The first degree is 1 st Dan Black Belt . Probably won (yes, won!) after perhaps three years of constant training. But what does 1 st Dan really mean? It means that you are now ready to be taught! That you have reached the level where you can at last profit by skilled training.
It most certainly does not mean that you are competent to any practical and effective level.
The level of skill in the martial arts at which you can consider yourself to be really competent and to know what you are doing in the self-defence or martial arts field is – 3 rd Dan Black Belt . Nothing less than that. Beneath 3 rd Dan , you still very much a student.
An alert and teachable student, but still – a student.
I myself started the martial arts at age 14, in 1946. I won my 3 rd Dan Black Belt in 1965, some twenty years later. After defeating a line-up of 14 other Black Belts, one after the other at the Crystal Palace . In full competition – two 2 nd Dans , twelve 1 st Dans .
Is this what you are prepared to do?
Of course not! It simply does not make sense. Time, age, urgent need – if you want to survive in a personal attack situation, don’t delude yourself by studying and training in the martial arts or in formal self-defence methods. You need the knowledge now! You need the skills now!
