Myths and realities of street combat (part 1)

Myth no. 1: "A few lessons are enough to become a fighter".

"Myths and realities of street combat" is a series of articles dealing with the myths present in the conscious and collective unconscious about street self-defence.

Many people think that an intensive course, a few lessons or even online tutorials are enough to become an effective fighter.

This idea, widely spread by action films and some dubious advertising, is far from reality. Learning self-defence and combat sports involves much more than simply assimilating technical moves: it requires rigorous work on automatisms, emotional management and adapting to situations of intense stress.

The myth of express learning: "You only need a few lessons to become a fighter".

While it's possible to learn a few moves in a short space of time, executing them effectively in a real situation is an entirely different matter. Combat, and self-defence in particular, is based on reflexes and automatisms that can only be acquired through constant repetition. A technique performed in a controlled environment will not have the same effect under the pressure of a real attack, where fear and stress can completely inhibit the reaction.

The physiological impact of stress and fear.

When you find yourself in a dangerous situation, your body becomes a veritable war machine... or almost. It triggers a series of automatic reactions to prepare you for action.

Increased heart rate

Your heart starts to race, as if you've just run a marathon and you haven't even moved. This increase in blood flow is designed to supply your muscles with more oxygen, preparing them for any heroic action.

Adrenalin rush

Adrenaline, the famous stress hormone, floods your system. It gives you a boost, amplifying your reactions. However, it has a side effect: it reduces your fine motor precision. In other words, your movements become less precise, which isn't ideal if you need to defuse a tense situation.

As a result, it is important to base training on gross motor skills in order to mobilise large muscle masses.

Blocking or paralysis

Sometimes fear can leave you frozen in place, as immobile as a statue. This reaction is natural and can affect anyone. Without proper training (or even with it), this sudden freeze can make any attempt at defence as effective as a foam sword.

That's why it's essential to train yourself to manage these reactions. Self-defence practitioners simulate real-life situations to learn how to control their stress. By rehearsing these scenarios, you can condition your body and mind to react appropriately, even under pressure. After all, it's better to sweat in training than to bleed in a real situation, isn't it? "Hard training, easy war

For a more in-depth look at stress management in self-defence situations, here's an interesting video for those who speak Churchill's language 😉 :

The need for repetition and muscle memory

There's more to mastering a technique than learning it intellectually. To react effectively, the movement must become a reflex thanks to muscle memory. This means that the body must perform the action instinctively, without the person needing to think about each stage of the gesture. This automation requires months or even years of regular practice.

In short, to have a "Special as my mate would say Mike.For example a left, right, hook or a left, right, low-kick...

But are you even in shape? "A few lessons are all it takes to become a fighter... Really?

One crucial point that is often forgotten is physical fitness. You can learn the best techniques in the world, but if you're out of breath after two punches, you won't get far. Self-defence and combat sports require stamina, strength, responsiveness and good coordination, which is also why combat sports enthusiasts are so critical of self-defence...

If you've never done any sport, don't expect to become Bruce Lee in just three classes. A good workout also includes muscle strengthening, cardio and mobility. So remember to run a little, do some push-ups and keep fit. Because when faced with an attacker, it's not just your techniques that count, but also your ability to stand up to the shock and move fast.

Regular courses, yes! "A few lessons are all it takes to become good at urban self-defence! Myth or reality?

You can indeed learn techniques on a course. But let's be honest: a single course is not enough. The best thing is to take part in several courses throughout the year.

Not only does this allow you to see how well you've assimilated what you've learnt, but it also allows you to test your stamina and your development, and to test yourself against different arts to find the one that suits you best.

A course is also an opportunity to see how good you really are. Do you feel comfortable in class? I feel great. But can you apply these moves against a tough, unpredictable opponent? Are you unsure? Then keep practising and be honest with yourself. Self-defence is also about being aware of your abilities and your limits.

Conclusion

"A few lessons are all it takes to become a fighter"... We'd like to, but no.

Of course, not everyone aspires to become a seasoned fighter or has the time to train five times a week. However, it is essential to prepare realistically for potentially dangerous situations. Taking part in training based on realistic scenarios can greatly improve your ability to react effectively in the event of an attack.

These sessions confront you with real-life situations, enabling you to develop appropriate reflexes and better manage your stress. So even with a busy schedule, taking this type of training can significantly increase your chances of reacting well to the unexpected.

To illustrate the importance of these training sessions, here is a video from Lee Morrison with practitioners confronted with realistic self-defence scenarios:

Rather than looking for quick, illusory solutions, it's better to adopt a realistic, pragmatic approach, gradually building up effective reflexes and strengthening your ability to react under pressure, as well as your heart rate, which, as you can imagine from watching the video, goes up very quickly.

Above all, be honest with yourself! If you realise that you're struggling to hold a routine, that you're out of breath in five minutes or that you're over-stressing in the face of opposition, it might be time to review your preparation. Because, yes, it's all very well to learn how to fight, but you still need to have the means to do it effectively!

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