In this video lesson I explain how to train for a self-defence fight. Unless you are a sports fighter, most of your martial arts training should be geared towards the self-defence aspect. That is the reason most people start training in the first place.

It is for martial artists and self-defence students who want their training to hold up in a real situation.

A Self-Defence Fight Is Not a Sport Fight

A sport fight has rules, a referee, a known opponent, gloves and a start time. A self-defence situation has none of those. It is usually sudden, close, short and chaotic. There may be more than one attacker, there may be a weapon, and you may be surprised.

So your training has to prepare you for those conditions, not for a match.

What To Train

I would focus on a few areas:

  • Awareness and avoidance. The best fight is the one you never have
  • Close range. Most attacks start with a grab, a push or a swing at close quarters
  • Simple, gross-motor techniques that still work when adrenaline ruins fine skills
  • Taking balance so the attacker cannot keep coming
  • Targets that cause a big reaction without needing strength
  • Escape. The goal is to get away safely, not to win

Train Under Some Pressure

Techniques that only work on a cooperative partner will let you down. Build up step by step: correct first, then with movement, then with resistance, then with surprise and noise. Starting from bad positions, such as being grabbed or pushed against a wall, is very valuable.

Train with control. Strikes to the head and neck should be light in practice, and partners should agree on the level of contact.

The Law Matters

Anything you do must be reasonable force for the situation. That means doing what is needed to stop the threat and get away, and no more. Walking away when you can is always the best option.

Take It Further

My Pressure Point Self Defense Course is built for exactly this kind of training. If you are older or less athletic, see Fight Like An Old Man.