Although there is no replacement for live training from a qualified instructor, sometimes reality dictates that you need to learn skills from home. Learning self-defense at home is much like any other distance learning program. You need to follow a lesson plan, learn techniques, practice techniques and review techniques to make sure you're doing them properly.
Step 1
Choose a self-defense course. According to self-defense guru Tom Patire, the best defense skills are simple and easy to remember. For this reason, military and police combatives courses like Krav Maga and Systema are better for defense than artistic martial arts like kung fu or taekwondo.
Step 2
Find video instruction. You can order DVDs and tapes from self-defense trainers, or use online training videos from sites such as YouTube.
Step 3
Buy books or magazines that cover the same style as your video. Don't get material on different styles, as you'll often receive conflicting advice. The truth is, there are many different valid approaches to defense; however, conflicting information during your training will only slow your progress.
Step 4
Commit to learning new material two days each week. During these sessions, go over a single technique from your materials. Do one technique each week, learning it on day one and reviewing it on day two.
Step 5
Practice your material a minimum of two additional days every week. During your practice session, practice your material in the air, on your punching bag and, if possible, on a live training partner. Each session, go over the current week's technique, the previous week's technique and two other techniques from previous training.
Step 6
Get feedback whenever you can. If you don't have access to an instructor, try martial arts and self-defense web forums. Post videos of yourself performing the techniques. Although you will need to be ready for the Internet's standard fare of immature abuse, you should find a few pieces of legitimate advice among the chaff.
Tips and Warnings
- Look for opportunities to train live with a qualified teacher. If you live in an area without a self-defense school, look for nearby seminars and other martial arts events.
Things You'll Need
- Computer or video player
- Internet access
- Punching bag
- Bag gloves
References
- "Personal Protection Handbook"; Tom Patire; 2005
- "The Gift of Fear"; Gavin DeBecker; 2006
- Dave Coffman, Martial Arts Instructor, Bushido Martial Arts, Hillsboro, OR
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