Reality based self defense (RBSD) is the term that describes fighting systems based on what police, soldiers and other combat specialists understand about self-protection. Unlike martial arts, which are often practiced in a vacuum and have priorities other than simple self-preservation, RBSD systems focus on getting you home safe to your family.
Differences
The chief difference between RBSD and traditional martial arts is intent. Combat instructor Paul Vunak, who teaches both kinds, says that RBSD is based on self-preservation, while martial arts training is based on self-perfection. The motions and drills used in martial arts training build confidence, strength, flexibility and mental awareness. The motions and drills in RBSD build only combat prowess.
Simplicity
One chief difference between RBSD and martial arts training is the simplicity of the motions. Martial arts moves are intended to be challenging, to better develop the student. Because the stress of combat can interfere with dexterity and higher order thinking, RBSD motions are very simple and easy to recall. They are often based on motions people practice on a daily basis.
Sample Techniques
Two good examples of RBSD techniques are "Knock on the Door" and "The Swimmer." In "Knock on the Door," a defense against a grab, the defender raps hard, as if knocking on a door, against the small bones in the back of the aggressive hand. This causes great pain and can sometimes break the bones of the hand. "The Swimmer" is a defense used when grabbed and lifted by an attacker. The defender kicks her feet, as if swimming, into the attacker's groin a dozen or more times per minute.
Training
Training in RBSD is also different from martial arts training. Where martial arts schools usually work to make students feel comfortable and confident, many RBSD programs go out of there way to discomfit their students. Since the goal is effective survival of a real attack, many RBSD teachers feel their best practice is to help students train while uncomfortable and under stress. This can simulate the adrenal dump of a combat situation and help students learn how to make good decisions under those circumstances.
Avoidance
Martial arts teacher Dave Coffman always stresses avoidance as his favorite self-defense tool. As he puts it, "I'm an experienced martial artist and a good fighter. I have about a 90 percent chance of winning any fight I get in. But if I avoid the fight altogether, I have a 100 percent chance of coming home safe. I like that extra 10 percent." Both martial arts and RBSD programs often have components that teach awareness and observation techniques to helps students avoid trouble.
Full-Circle Safety
Tom Callos and Jason Brick, both long-time martial arts instructors, take the concept of reality-based self-defense one step further. The statistics on violent injury and death show that most people will never be hurt or killed by an attacker. The real killers in modern life are lifestyle related: heart disease, diabetes and obesity, for example. As Callos' website points out, "eating right is self-defense".
References
- "Tom Patire's Personal Protection Handbook"; Tom Patire; 2003
- Dave Coffman; Martial Arts Historian; Bushido Martial Arts; Hillsboro, OR
- Tom Callos, Martial Arts Industry Consultant, Hilo, HI
- "Full Circle Safety Self Protection Curriculum"; Jason Brick; 2008
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