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What are Combatives?
Combative(s) is a modern term derived inside of the Self-Protection community that has come to mean the collective name for tried and tested principle-based concepts and methods driven by mindset and attitude for the purpose of countering real world violence. Like any other physical response to violence though, Combatives relies on intel in order to counter violence proactively and whilst combative methods are applicable in response to most forms of violation, they tend to focus primarily on the social/anti-social settings where they reign supreme. They will also focus areas of their training in options of facing potential deadly force or sever threat disparities such as, multiple assailants, weapon bearing assailants or acts of terror. To some this may appear extreme, but it has its place under the correct context in the modern world.
If you do your research, you will most probably see there is strong support and opposition for Combatives as a primary method of self-protection in equal measures. It really depends on who you speak to, who is presenting it, their level of understanding and what exposure they have had to it. There are good and bad representations, just like there are with any other physical formats out there and sometimes it’s case of doing a bit of digging to find the good ones. If you are familiar with Lee Morrison's Urban Combatives then this will give you an indication into the practicality of Combatives as a primary method of the physical elements from both a proactive and reactive perspective. I have known and trained under Lee since 2017 and I consider myself fortunate to say I am a qualified UC instructor allowing me to present his material to those who seek to learn it.
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Understand though, being principle based, Combatives are not a style or system that rely on techniques or are governed by rules. This means that there is scope to adapt and improve should a better way be found. Most principles will be workable for most able-bodied persons and employ a 'gross motor' skill set, which is more easily retainable under stress by nature. However, like anything, some will find certain things more combatively efficient than others. Ultimately take what works best for you and hone that skill, then look to adapt to you what doesn't.
Distance Learning
There's nothing like in person training, but for some that's not always possible. Wherever you are on your Self-Protection journey, our distance learning options give you the advantage of being able to work and learn at your own pace, at a time suitable to you. We offer online training programmes in all areas of Self-Protection from individual informative downloads, lessons, demos and bespoke courses through to topical lectures/presentations, advanced teaching modules and Self-Protection student and instructor programmes.
So, for example, if Western Boxing is your bread and butter and you are well seasoned in striking left and right then why would you seek to change that? Well, the short answer is 'You shouldn't' as that is your go to and it's unlikely that this will change under real fight duress. Therefore, hone those skills into proactive, principle-based responses, rather than the application required for the sporting platform of the ring and focus on education, understanding and developing the psychological characteristics required to deal with real violence.
Combatives origins are mostly born out of warfare, real violence and criminality where what works effectively has been used for generations. The difference being the good person would only implement such methods should they be facing a serious threat to life and the possibility of escape or de-escalation is not available. As opposed to the predator/criminal who employs such ways for an agenda, personal gain and criminalistic motivations.
The one aspect usually present in any good combative training programme is the understanding of violence psychology and cultivation of 'Mindset' which is fundamental for dealing with violence i.e. the mental conditioning to prevail in the face of violation no matter what. If you develop nothing else other than mindset then you've still got a possible chance of countering violence, because all the skills, fancy moves and tactics are completely redundant without it. Conversely, there are many case studies where those with the mindset and sheer willingness to prevail have managed to successfully do so in the face of potential violation. Therefore, it would make sense to possess a combination of the correct mindset and physical skills in order to give yourself the best chance should avoidance and escape not be possible.
In conclusion any 'principle or concept' that has proved itself to reliably work under non-compliant fight duress conditions, therefore epitomizes exactly what Combatives are.
Important Notice
Like any product or service there is good and bad Self-Protection So before you part ways with your time or any money, I would encourage you to do a bit of research before you start. Any credible form of Self-Protection should always emphasise the importance of prioritising your non-physical options including avoidance, awareness, conflict resolution and de-escalation prior to any physical applications. There should be teaching modules to include violence psychology, mindset, predatory behaviour, strategies and tactics and all should be presented with the correct context. What is taught should be based on research, evidence and statistics and when it comes to the physical components these should be gross motor, principle-based concepts and skill sets. You should feel free to ask questions, query things and disclose any prior trauma or apprehensions should you so wish without the risk of ridicule. All this should be the bare minimum you should expect from someone teaching Self-Protection, claiming their primary motivation is to help
others over any potential financial gains.
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