A group of our instructors recently attended a training seminar put on by a national organization. These instructors all have many years of training and teaching experience. So, like many of these professional development conferences, they not only learned some new things, but also identified some weaknesses in some of the concepts or techniques being taught.- Awareness - the first step to effective self-defense is to increase your awareness of your surroundings. Increased awareness can keep you out of dangerous situations. It should be a regular part of any self-defense situations.
- Movement - We have a common saying at our school that sums up our approach to self-defense: "If you don't want to be hit (or kicked), don't be there." The idea is to not be a stationary target. If you can recognize the type of attack you can position your body so you can avoid the attack and deflect the blow.
- Protecting Yourself - It should be self-evident that self-defense training should be about personal protection. However, it is surprising that many techniques being taught actually increase the exposure to physical harm rather than minimizing it. If a technique does this, we don't advise using it.
- Efficiency - It is unfortunately true that many instructors have forgotten he value of simplicity. They teach self-defense moves that require many, often complicated, techniques. Why do something in 8 moves, that you can do in 5? Or why do something in 5 moves that you can do in 3? The goal of self-defense is not to show how good a fighter you are, but to quickly and effectively escape or subdue your attacker. Efficient techniques are the best.
- Effectiveness - It should be obvious that a good self-defense technique is one that actually works. However, some instructors spend time teaching techniques that simply don't work. Here's a good tip on identifying a problem with the technique: if the instructor is consistently the only one in class who can adequately perform the technique, it's probably not very effective.
- Capability - Self-defense instruction should be tailored to the actual ability of each student. If you are over 40, you're probably not going to be doing a bunch of spinning heal kicks, or leg sweeps. Teaching techniques that students can actually perform in a real-life situation is a must for self-defense instruction.
- Practice - The old saying that "Practice makes perfect" is especially true for self-defense. Simply coming to class a couple of times per week and learning a technique in a carefully managed situation isn't adequate for really mastering self-defense. Working at home, practicing with a spouse, sibling, or friend, and experimenting with the technique in a variety of situations is what will allow you to truly understand how and when to use it.
- Simulate Reality - At some point, it is important to practice the technique in way that will simulate reality. Speed is one of the most effective ways to do this. Constantly working on performing the technique as quickly as possible, and in as many situations as possible, will give you the confidence that you will be able to use it if attacked for real. If your training is always in "slow motion" you are not being adequately prepared for reality.
- Responsive Instructor - Although an instructor has to manage the class and ensure that they are able to teach the lesson on time, they should not shut down questions. If they can't take the time during class, they should make time after class. If an instructor consistently ignores or avoids questions, it's a good sign they are not fully confident in what they are teaching.
- Common Sense - Rule #1 of Effective Self-Defense: Don't abandon your common sense. If something seems dangerous or ineffective, it probably is. If it seems overly complicated, it probably is. If you're being taught techniques that are outside your physical abilities, that's not good instruction.
There are a variety of martial arts disciplines and all have something valuable to offer. However, regardless of discipline, these 10 guidelines should be used to judge the true value of the self-defense instruction being taught. If you have any questions regarding self-defense instruction or would like to know more about the self-defense techniques taught at All American Martial Arts, contact us at (405) 601-0639 or by e-mail at aama2010@usa.com.
At All American Martial Arts we recognize that not everyone has the opportunity to train at our facility. So we thought we'd provide a "Top 10" list to help you choose the right Martial Arts school for you. We hope you find it useful and enjoyable. And, if you are looking for a school in our area, please come compare us against our checklist.
- Friendly & Courteous Staff - Does a staff member greet you and offer assistance when you enter the door? Do they show an interest in you by asking questions?
- Professional Instructors - Do the instructors manage their classes well? Do they know what they are teaching? Do students respond well and enjoy the classes?
- Family Friendly Environment - Regardless whether just you or a child is training, or if the whole family is, does the staff create an environment that welcomes your family and friends and treats them with respect?
- Convenient Schedule - Does the school offer a variety of classes at times that can fit your schedule. These may include early morning or daytime classes, as well as traditional evening programs.
- Multiple Programs - Does the school offer a variety of training programs that can enhance the students' experience as they progress? Do they have different programs for youth and adults?
- Appropriate Facilities - Is there enough space to adequately train? Is the facility clean? Do they have an area for parents with small children to watch the floor? Do they have enough training equipment?
- They Expect a Commitment - Many schools will lure you in with the "No Contract" appeal. Here's what we know - a school that doesn't expect a commitment from you, will not make a commitment to you. They are out for the "fast buck" and have little concern about your progress. Look for a school that expects a commitment from you. They'll give more to you in return.
- They Emphasize Life Skills in Classes - This is especially important for younger students, but also adults. The Martial Arts have been and should be about more than just kicking and punching. A school that fails to embrace the character-building nature of the Martial Arts is giving its students tools, but no guidance on how to properly use them.
- They teach practical, effective, Self-Defense - At All American Martial Arts we believe every discipline has something of value and can be learned from. But when it comes to self-defense, we believe practical, real-world techniques should be taught. Schools that ask you to abandon your common sense, or teach overly complicated techniques make harder to defend yourself.
- Demonstrate Value - Whether it's in their youth or adult programs, self-defense or competition programs, or enhanced programs like a black belt clubs or master clubs, the school should be able to clearly demonstrate that you are getting good value for the time and money they are asking in return.
If you have any questions or would like to know more about how to choose a good martial arts school, please feel free to contact us at (405) 601-0639 or by e-mail at aama2010@usa.com.
A group of our instructors recently attended a training seminar put on by a national organization. These instructors all have many years of training and teaching experience. So, like many of these professional development conferences, they not only learned some new things, but also identified some weaknesses in some of the concepts or techniques being taught.
There are a variety of martial arts disciplines and all have something valuable to offer. However, regardless of discipline, these 10 guidelines should be used to judge the true value of the self-defense instruction being taught. If you have any questions regarding self-defense instruction or would like to know more about the self-defense techniques taught at All American Martial Arts, contact us at (405) 601-0639 or by e-mail at aama2010@usa.com. 
