Warning: You may not like what I have to say in this post, my hope is that you will read this with an open heart and mind. My hope is not to offend, but to bring forth a movement of grow, personal development and change.
That being said, lets move on: First, allow me to say that I have no personal qualms with traditional martial arts. I just don't believe that systems like Karate and Tae Known Do are enough, to save someone from the average attacker today. Especially one who uses a scooter, wheel-chair or crutches. The typical high block and and punch just won't cut it when it comes down to high stress situation.
As much as I love arts such as Akido, or small circle Jujitsu, I highly doubt that that by its self would be enough when it comes down to protecting your own life or the life of a loved one. Again, please here me, I'm not taking away from what traditional martial arts systems have to offer. In terms of self esteem and self confidence these systems are great at what they do. And for that they must be honored and celebrated.
If one is looking for ways to improve their over all mobility (and again) self-esteem, confidence and over all greater health. Then yes, pursue traditional karate or T.K.D. Judo even has some great things to offer in terms of practical self defense.
But if there is one thing that boxing, thai kick boxing, traditional point fighting and modern MMA have in common, it's that they all clinch. What I love about modern MMA is the art of dirty boxing. Even when two fighters clinch up, their most likely fighting in close with punches, elbows and knees. They even throw in takedowns and submissions.
I believe that when it comes to adaptive defense, the three C's must come in to play:
Cover: every human being has a startle reflex, this means that we as humans use are arms to cover our heads from incoming danger. With time and practice, the startle reflex can be altered to become a deadly weapon.
Crash: People using adaptive defense methods, most be able to use their everyday startle reflex as a means to crash into their attacker with forward momentum.
Clinch: this is where a person uses their arms to grab a hold of an attack, in this case, depending how the clinch is performed, rapid striking or take down with submission comes into play.
This is what I believe is the best for modern adaptive defense. In the coming days I will make it a point to put up a video covering the three C's. In the mean time, I wish you all blessing and peace.
