Today I need to rant on the continued discussions I am having with folks “interested in learning self defense”, but expecting to achieve proficiency in a single one-hour class or seminar. I am truly amazed at how anyone can view the various acts of violence reported on throughout the world, and still believe that a few “tricks” is all you’ll need to stay safe.
As Imi told his students, just like water runs from a spilled glass in different patterns, so no two attacks will ever be the same. (I am fortunate to have been told this story by two of his direct students).
A one hour class or seminar may cover a handful of ideas on movement, striking, self defense techniques, strategies, etc. The sheer volume of variables of an attack, however, require that a serious student spend countless hours learning the techniques, and even more working those same techniques under the duress of various conditions and body types of attackers.
My point is not to marginalize the concept of seminars. They are a crucial entry point to learning specific material in self defense. A truly interested student needs to use these seminars as their onramp to learning the volume of material it takes to truly be proficient. They are not your destination point.
