Self defence courses | ||
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We do not teach self
defence courses
Newcastle Tai Chi does not offer self defence courses. We don't believe in
them. People expect to learn something
functional after a couple of hours. It doesn't work like that.
You can't address fear, confusion, panic, accuracy etc in a session or two.
Be reasonable
Self defence courses are supposed to be for introductory
purposes only. They give untrained people a taste of what street violence is
like. Their principle aim is to wake people up.
They don't teach combat skills. They teach an awareness of danger/risk.
Serious attacks
If you want to cope with a knife attacker,
a gang or full-blown combat you need on-going tuition in a recognised
martial art.
Can you drive a car after only 3 lessons?
Expecting a higher level of competence from a
self defence course would be akin to taking 3 driving lessons and hoping to
receive a driving licence. Would you really be qualified to drive?
Bag of tricks
People are often looking for a 'bag of tricks' that will protect them from
harm. They want a few self defence tips & pointers... skills that will work
on everyone. There is no such thing.
Without formal, prolonged training you cannot reasonably defend yourself.
The marker pen game
Many martial arts classes like to use a red marker pen to simulate just how
many times a real life knife attacker will cut you. The marker pen person
attacks, the defender tries to protect themselves.
Typically the defender is cut to ribbons.
No guarantees
Try the marker pen game before a self defence course. Then try it again
afterwards. You may find that the results are just the same.
Face the truth: some dangers cannot be mitigated; they remain serious and
terrifying, no matter what training you undertake. In real life street
combat there are no guarantees.
An introduction...
A self defence course provides an introduction to self defence and nothing
more. It highlights the tendency to panic, tense-up and exposes naive,
ineffective ways of perceiving the situation.
The student is challenged by the reality of being in a situation they cannot
hope to control.
Awareness
The best thing a self defence course can offer is a greater degree of
awareness. Instead of naively entering blatantly dangerous situations,
students learn to be more cautious:
• Evaluate the risk
• Avoid taking chances
• Recognise the dangers
The street
The gritty reality of street combat is quite different to watching people
fight on TV. There will be no soundtrack. No rules. You will not be a hero.
It is unlikely that anyone will actually help you out.
No time for bravado
Admit your shortcomings. Increase your powers of observation, understand how
range & reach will affect you, be honest about your combat skills and your
ability to run.
Know how to use your body more effectively. Make the time to plan your
route, to consider contingencies, worst-case scenarios, the availability of
help. Prepare.
Syllabus
The self defence training offered by our school is part of the
tai chi syllabus studied by school
members who pay fees by standing order.
Without formal training, the larger and stronger naturally defeat the
smaller and weaker. Therefore, a basic premise of training must be that the
methods employed should make it possible for the smaller and weaker to
defeat the larger and stronger.
(Tim Cartmell)
deterrent grappling self defence courses study syllabus
Page created 25 August 1994
Last updated
3 November 2007
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