Self-Defense Training Tips For Those Starting out
I started my self-defense learning a small town in Georgia soon after high school in the early 90's. I was a skinny kid that experienced scuffles all of the time growing up. Therefore i figured it only made sense. And well, I have been previously training off and on since. - Security
Unfortunately I have not reached ninja status or anywhere even close (not Karate Kid status), on the other hand have learned a few things other than techniques... What I've learned are some very important tips that can help other people starting their training in self-defense. I guess you could say I've gained some wisdom.
Slow it Down
The first tip I have is to simply decrease while training. Seriously, enter sloth mode. So many people starting in self-defense training would like to learn a technique as quickly as possible... And this just isn't a good idea whatsoever. For one, you need to invest some time with every technique so you learn it correctly. Unless you take your time and be patient, it is possible to pretty much bet you won't master the technique. This implies basically you have wasted your time and efforts and money.
Secondly, if as a beginner you move too fast, the probability of injuring your training partner skyrockets. Think about it, you have someone who has just learned an arm bar, and as an alternative to taking it slow, they jump on you without any control and fully execute a leg bar. Bam! See ya later elbow!
Just Listen
You'd think listening would be a given. So you would think listening would likely be the respectful thing for young students to do. However, more and more people that start off training need to provide the class and the instructor with their inexperienced opinion on the reasons why a certain technique will not work or whatever else... They need to say things like, "Who would ever grab you prefer... ", "How would the job if... ", "This is not realistic because... " Okay folks, here's the contract, you need to just become all ears when it's time to train. I will almost guarantee that if it is all said and done, and you're looking back, you will understand why your instructor taught you they did. That's the case for me.
Always Practice
In case you normally need a partner to rehearse your jiu-jitsu, aikido or whatever discipline you could be studying, whenever you are away from the dojo training, explain to you your techniques in your face. This will help commit these details to memory. As well as for any striking arts, shadow box. And that's all I have to say about that.