- by Cori Tyler
We’re big on
self-defense training at LLDT. Go
figure. I mean, what’s in a name,
right? So, it’s not really surprising
that I’m going to write about training some more. What might surprise you, though, is the type
of training I want to talk about this time.
My experience is as an empty-hand tactics instructor. I’ve seen it called a lot of different names
over the years. Defensive Tactics,
Control Tactics, Combatives, Hand-to-Hand Tactics; you get the idea. We’re talking about ways of defending yourself
against an attack when you find yourself unarmed, or unable to deploy a
weapon. Somewhat misleadingly, use of
sticks/batons/canes, and knives also falls into this realm.
But, that’s
not the training I’m going to talk to you about today.
I think it’s
important we discuss something that will give anyone forced into any physical
conflict an extra edge: Physical
conditioning.
That’s
right. I’m going to talk to you about
exercise today. First, I think I ought
to let you in on something that isn’t a very big secret if you know me. I haven’t been very good at staying in
shape. In fact, I’ve never been super
physically fit, but in recent years I’ve gotten worse than before. Recently, though, I’ve decided, for a number
of reasons, to rectify this situation in earnest. I’m three weeks into a workout program, and I
can already see and feel the differences.
I think it’s important to share some of those, for the sake of the discussion
I want to have.
Already, my
flexibility – which was not one of my weakest areas – is improving. My strength and endurance in the lower back
is much better, too. Overall, stamina is much better, and I think
maybe, just maybe, I’m already feeling stronger. The greatest benefit, one I didn’t expect, is
how much regular exercise decreases my stress levels. My family says – in so many words – that I’m
much less of an ass-hole when I’ve been working out regularly. Of course, lowering my daily stress levels
also prepares me better for times when stress might be elevated – like facing
physical conflict.
I’ve found,
with the program I’m doing, that some exercises also offer me a little
opportunity to practice some of my empty-hand techniques. Certain movements are identical to knee
strikes, punches, or other types of strikes.
Others are similar enough that it doesn’t seem to change the workout’s
goal if I modify them to match those strikes.
As I move around my floor, there are a lot of opportunities for
practicing body positioning and movement.
I can often hold my hands and arms in a ready position, my feet and legs
in a ready stance. If I change
directions of movement, changing the positioning of my body accordingly provides
some practical exercise, making the workout twice as beneficial.
Now, there’s
a challenge I’ve found. I have to focus
on what I’m doing. I have to be careful
to keep my energy geared toward the goal of the exercise, while also
concentrating on not getting sloppy with the technique I’m practicing. As the session goes on, and I get more
fatigued, this gets tougher. There is an
adage that says as we train, so shall we fight.
If I’m gasping for breath, sweating like a whore in church, and shaking
in the knees, it’s a pretty good simulation of the physical stresses that are
part and parcel in a fight.
What I run
into with my workout program is, sometimes it wants me to move in ways that are
counter to my training and experience. I’ve
chosen to modify the movements in those cases so they fall in line with my
defensive training. For example, an
aerobic workout that includes punches delivered without both feet on the ground
do not jibe with how I’ve learned and practiced punching. Anyone who’s studied any form of unarmed
physical defense knows that planting your feet is essential to delivering a
solid strike. I just can’t make myself
go against that.
It seems to
me this approach might work for a number of different things we choose to learn
and practice. There are probably lots of
ways to adapt daily exercises or activities to provide practice toward
something else.
Any ideas?
