How Real is Your Reality Training?
Through consistently realistic martial arts training we become familiar with how attacks happen. Such a training program must be far bigger than just learning techniques.
Through simulation training where an aggressor comes at us and we do not know what will happen until it happens, we become more sensitive to an attacker’s intent. We learn to pick up hints conveyed through body language, facial expression, voice tone, weight shifting, muscle tensing, and other subtle factors. We practice maintaining composure under assault, and we learn to find the right response at increasingly earlier stages. This dojo simulation training improves our chances of successfully handling dangerous situations in the real world.
Certainly, in the relative safety of our dojo, we may not always experience our body totally electrified and adrenalized by fear or anger as we would in a truly violent confrontation. But well-done simulation by trained professional To-Shin Do instructors brings up the intense survival responses we practice how to recognize and channel towards winning.
It is also true that the kinds of attacks we could face are becoming more sophisticated. Some of the most damaging attacks against us can even be carried out remotely. How do we as martial arts practitioners train to handle cyber crime, identity theft, and cyber bullying where lives are diminished by cruel personal attack slanders. In your opinion, are protective measures against such remote attacks within the realm of self-defense study? The reality is that ever-changing social and cultural landscapes require heightened alertness, ability to discern subtle threats, and tactical adaptability.
2 comments to “How Real is Your Reality Training?”
Just as we are more likely to fallover, than we are to meet a sword weilding Samurai, and so logically emphasize ukemi. It is logical to expect more remote and verbal attacks than physical attacks in our (relatively) civilized socities.
I dont think any self protection system can call itself complete unless it includes the preparation of verbal and remote attacks. There is no doubt in my mind that the kuji training (for example) is more relevant today in the technologically advanced West than it ever was in the past lifetimes of the East.
Martial arts and self defense needs to sdjust with the times. If i am not prepared to deal with all of todays threats then it’s not complete self defense. The masters who created and perfected all martial arts systems in ancient5 times had different threats. They had no idea the internet would exist, so it’s up to us to add that training for future generations. Of course we cannot forget the basics or history either.