History of Self-Defense
The need for personal protection is a pressing concern for everyone. Understanding the legacy and scope of self-defense training will give you a better understanding of the foundation of our academy and how we can help you commit to your goal of personal safety.
Self-defense is as old as history itself. It involves physically protecting yourself, your loved ones, your possessions, and your accomplishments from others. From the most primitive methods of self-defense there evolved delineated systems, or what we call “martial arts”. There really is a style of defense for everybody whether it’s women’s evasive self-defense or full martial arts.
Self-Defense for Everyone
In our turbulent world, it’s a good idea for everyone to be prepared with some kind of self-defense. The main philosophy behind self-defense, regardless of the form, is to escape unharmed without hurting the other person unless it is absolutely unavoidable. Elite Training Center successfully teaches LOTAR-enhanced Krav Maga to men and women. Many of our students have never had martial arts experience in the past. They choose to learn martial arts not to be aggressors, but to have the peace and confidence that comes from knowing others are far less likely to be able to harm them.
Self-Defense via Martial Arts
Elite Training Center teaches martial arts primarily as self-defense. LOTAR-enhanced Krav Maga is one of our most popular courses of study for both men and women. In these classes, you’ll learn both soft and hard skills to stay safe. We offer an extensive curriculum of skills such as choke releases and joint locks (controlling the other person and giving them the opportunity to stop), as well as punching, kicking, knees, and elbows. We also extensively cover how to escape or disarm an attacker carrying a weapon.
Our goal is to teach anyone how to defend him or herself in a safe, fun, learning environment. Elite Training Center teaches appropriate levels of aggression for the situation in addition to situational awareness methods of diffusing situations without fighting. You can learn basic skills quickly, then refine your skills while getting more physically fit and mentally alert.
Self-Defense for Children via Martial Arts
We have courses in Kid-Jitsu for young children as well as Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) for older youth. Both systems are designed to teach martial arts along with discipline and respect while keeping everything fun and engaging.
Basic Woman’s Self-Defense
Women are often smaller in size and may have less physical strength than men, so they can have a vital need for self-defense. Women’s self-defense can employ many techniques from several different styles of general defense, including but not limited to martial arts. The goal is for women to protect themselves against attackers, generally with evasive maneuvers rather than aggressive techniques, which allows them to evade a fight and remove themselves from the situation. While women’s basic self-defense can usually be taught in just a few classes, an increasing number of women are taking true martial arts classes, including Krav Maga where the potential size and strength advantages of attackers can be mitigated in proactive ways.
Street Fighting (Brawling)
Street fighting is another form of self-defense that can sometimes be taught in classes, but to its namesake, is more often learned on the street or in some random situation. The sole purpose of street fighting is to bring down the opponent and incapacitate them so they are not able to attack again using any means available. If that means a throw to the ground, then that is what must be used. But at other times, more desperate or harsh methods are required.
Basic Principles
Self-defense is not a singular martial art. It is a term that describes any action that is taken to protect oneself or one’s possessions, and almost all martial arts can fall under this loose definition. If you are interested in taking up self-defense, it is extremely important that you choose a self-defense technique that is appropriate to your goals and personality.
Dimensions of Self-Defense Training
Elite Training Center teaches techniques of situation avoidance and observation that help you stay away from potentially harmful situations and have the confidence you need to handle a situation if it escalates.
The following are basic steps in dealing with issues as a mature martial artist:
- Common Sense
Can this be avoided? The best solution is one where a fight is avoided. Also, knowing what behaviors on your part may end up in conflict situations and ways around them. - Diplomacy
Do you need to fight or can you resolve this peacefully? Can you talk, negotiate or trick your way out of it? Give the attacker your wallet rather than risk the consequences of a fight. Fight only when there is no other way. In addition, it’s important to know the legal ramifications of fighting so you can balance the situation with potential legal issues. - Fight Strategy
Knowing how to fight and when, where, and how to strike. Knowing how to counterattack for maximum results appropriate for the situation and as a justifiable use of force. - Tactical Striking
Attaining maximum effectiveness while minimizing injury to yourself, and ending the fight so you can get away.
