Best Martial Arts For Self Defense

When people ask me which is the best martialdefense is that one has to respond to what the
arts for self defense, I often wonder if they doattacker is going to do, and then control the
understand the difference between winning a fightassailant's options and perceptions to prevent any
and a self defense situation? I think to get theharm to self.
right answer to the original question; the questionThe 5 phases of any self defense strategy using
should be rephrased into which self defensemartial arts involve the following:
strategies would be right for me?1. Observation
There are plenty of thoughts and opinions on theThis involves watching carefully whether your
issue of the 'best martial arts', be it for selfopponent is setting up for grabbing or striking. If
defense, or otherwise. Some believe that when itthe assailant has already struck, then you have to
comes to self defense, there should not be anydiscern where he is taking you with regard to
pre-set strategy. However, you can considerbalance, direction and control.
putting to use some of the best karate moves,2. Avoiding
known as kata. A successful self-defenseThis involves you trying to evade his forthcoming
strategy is aimed not at winning any competition.strikes and take control of your balance and dilute
More often than not, strategic thinking is moreor neutralize his moves. This stage is not about
important than moves.hurting him in return. Simple dodge and let his
If you are structured in your thinking, you maymoves get lost.
prefer to know which of the martial arts3. Putting him off balance
techniques to use and when to use. Firstly, thereAfter we have regained balance and control it is
are essentially two lines of approach in martialtime to get into the combative mode. It is not
arts when it deals with self defense. They are thetime to attack the opponent but simply unnerve
karate or kata approach and the free responsehim making it difficult to continue with his
approach.strategy. Putting him off balance can be done
While the kata approach involves learning a hostemotionally, physically or mentally or use a
of pre-determined karate moves called 'kata' orcombination of all the three.
'forms' , the free response approach involves4. Bring him down
learning how to get the 'feel' of the attacker andWhen we have taken control of the balance of
the combative situation through the effective usethe attacker, usually he would find it difficult to
of intuition. Here you are allowed to develop yourremain erect. It is at this stage the attacker can
own and unique 'style' to handle any self defensenot leave you nor get at you. You are left with
situation.two choices: to make him leave or put him on the
Strategic thinking in martial art techniques for selfground. Karate techniques can be used depending
defense involves getting more 'result oriented'on your preference and the situation.
rather than concentrating purely on the perfection5. Wait and watch
of techniques used. There is no competitive edgeNow that you have effectively dealt with the
by using trickery or force. When you are dealingattacker, it is time to wait and watch his next
with intuitive tactics, the strategy involvesmove. Our next course of action would depend
knowing the exact way a fight or attackon whether he decides to run away or willing to
progresses; from start, escalation, progressiongive it another shot.
and so on till it comes to a defeat of theWhile these are not 'steps' or 'action plan', they
attacker.are simple control phrases which allows us to
These are not based on any one's imagination butmanipulate the attacker's intentions, energies and
the observation of a real attack situation andtechniques to drive him away from us- all within
gauging the strategies which should be put in placemartial arts guide lines.
for effective self defense. The truth about self