An extremely important aspect of self-defense training that is often neglected, particularly in most conventional martial arts schools, is the use of the environment, with most self-defense courses and lessons focusing on neutralization techniques. of an attack. Very few teach students how to use their environment to their advantage.
Two of the best reference texts on fighting strategy, whether at the campaign or individual level, are the Book of War attributed to a Chinese general Sun Tzu around 500 BC. No Sho (Book of Five Rings) by Miyamoto Musashi (1584 – 1645). Both commentaries place a strong emphasis on the environment in both the preparation and execution of battle strategy and provide a solid foundation for a tactical foundation upon which self-defense training should be built.
To develop complete street self-defense skills we must include this essential element in our learning experience.
By environment I mean both the environment (ground) and the objects in it. Additionally, for maximum effectiveness in our self-defense training, these factors must also be considered from both offensive and defensive standpoints, including:
1) How to position yourself to restrict your attacker’s attacking ability.
for example, putting a barrier like a table between you and the attacker.
2) Put yourself in a position where the environment cannot be used against you.
For example, standing with a ladder behind you so that the assailant can push you down.
3) The use of 2) above to put your attacker in a position that is dangerous for him, so that he can use the environment itself to deal damage.
For example, the same ladder as above or position yourself so that there is a large glass window behind the assailant through which you can lead them.
4) The use of objects in the environment both to defend and to attack.
For example, the use of objects such as: chairs, glasses and billiard cues to hit the attacker, and also pay attention to positioning yourself in such a way that the attacker cannot access such objects or make access difficult.
We must ensure that our self defense training includes situational scenarios where we are exposed to the different environments and terrain that we may experience. This will give us the mindset to be aware of what we have available, the dangers to avoid, and the useful factors that we will have at our disposal in case of need.
By developing and training these responses in our self-defense training, at a level of unconscious proficiency, so that we automatically move into positions that take us out of potentially dangerous positions and place the attacker in those positions, we will greatly improve our ability to survive. in a life-threatening situation.