Self Preservation Or MMA

In Self Preservation training the fight exsists for the
fighter. In Mixed Martial Arts the fighter exsists for
the fight. In Self Preservation the fighter fights
because he has to. In MMA the fighter fights
because he wants to.

We all understand the nature of combat but the
application of that understanding is where we
differ, quite dramaticlly. Throughout the centuries
people have laid out their views regarding the
underlying principles of self defense both
theoretically and practically. Modern practitioners
have tried to demonstrate, in a practical way, the
essentials of the more recent developments in
functional tactics and training methods. This has
been beneficial to all who observe the trends and
implement the usefull additions of various schools
of thought. We must be aware of and beware of the
"halo effect" (the beleif that any change is a good
change).

MMA, though important and positive, is not the
pinnacle of current martial ideology. It lacks the
potential for response to higher threat levels which
are by no means out of the realm of probability in
todays world. Threats regarding firearms,
weapons, multiple attackers, home invasion and
the like are not on the agenda of MMA. Striking,
clinch and ground fighting are of great value and
are areas that must be trained, understood and
developed. From there, pre fight psychology, OC
Spray, firearms, impact weapons, white light,
bladed weapons and more must become part of
the training. Spending some of your valuable
training time on each of these areas becomes a
normal part of your routine. Gaining a degree of
proficiency in these areas is what self Preservation
is all about.

MMA is geared toward glory. Self Preservation is
geared toward avoiding violence. MMA operates in
a ring. Self Preservation operates in a hallway or a
living room at 2:00am. MMA is about winning. Self
Preservation is about escaping.

In my opinion, progessive methods should include
physical tactics and psycological applications but
should ignore the spiritual altogether. A practitioner
must be prepared to endure long periods of
physical and mental concentration and focus.
Training is fun but also very serious. Tacking on
some spiritual mysticism to muddy the waters is
adding insult to training injury. Far to often there is
a mystic guru who everyone can sit around and talk
about. Circular logic can be fun but it is generally a
distraction.

Self Preservation is concerned with the individual
and not the organization or group. Self
Preservation is not concerned with figure heads
and hero worship. Self Preservation strives to
impose peace.

Self Preservation exsists somewhere between
tight black shorts and camaflauge pants.

I'd still rather see someone do MMA instead of
traditional martial arts any day. I just question
peoples motives when they train. Do you exsist for
the fight or does the fight exsist for you.

Demi

www.DemiBarbito.com

Awesome post, Demi.

MMA and Self-preservation don't have to be separate, but they are certainly different (as you pointed out).

From there, pre fight psychology, OC Spray, firearms, impact weapons, white light, bladed weapons and more must become part of the training. Spending some of your valuable training time on each of these areas becomes a normal part of your routine. Gaining a degree of proficiency in these areas is what self Preservation is all about.

where can you learn these thingsthough? ive only ever heard of one day seminars that cover such topics. One day seems pretty pointless thats why i think alot of ppl train mma, its something they can do on a consistent basis. Not one day every now and then.

There are instructors out there like Demi and myself that cover things like you mentioned. You simply have to locat such an instructor

Demi,

When you teach impact weapons, is it always towards a lethal force application?

I've got your "Killing Giants" DVD and the baton/stick vs. various other weapons shown there would be for lethal force defense/counter assault.

I was wondering if you teach it for civilian application for intermediate use of force, targeting only the strike pressure points of the arms and legs in a less than lethal situation.

If so how would you defend that in court.


S. Godsey



Hi Sean,

Good to hear from you.

We just did a new DVD called SUDDEN IMPACT. It covers
BASIC - INTERMEDIATE and ADVANCED tactics and
training for fighting with impact weapons including single
and double baton, baseball bat (two handed weapons) and
SureFire lights. This is the video I SHOULD have done
BEFORE Killing Giants.

Info can be found here:

http://www.demibarbito.com/suddenimpact.html

As far as legal defense...

This is covered in the very nature of what we do at the CSPT.
We stress that one should strive to AVOID all the violence
you can (threat recognition). You train to "escape" the
situation offering whatever force is needed to do so. If it is
unescapable your goal is to impose "peace", not win or beat
your opponent.

We do not strive to look innocent, we live innocently.

Demi

I just ordered the Sudden Impact video to check out your newer work. I do incorporate your stuff in my classes. We finally got thai bags and shin guards two months ago. Everyone is pretty much sold on the (x-thick)thai bag vs. the large asp strike bag for personal weapons repetitions and drills. They are great for allowing the trainees to counter strike with 100% force incorporating footwork while acquiring target acquisition and then finishing the drill by controlling and restraining the suspect which is our ultimate goal for LEO work. We use a pre-assualt indicator or the real assault(initial attack movement) to start the drills.

Thanks,
Sean

Thanks Sean.

It will go out today.

Demi