What Is Aikido and How to Use It for Self Defense

Today, you are faced with a lot of choices as to what method to use particularly when you speak of safety or self-protection. The market is filled with pepper spray or self-defense guns that are designed in various ways. But aside from personally having your own device, you can also learn from different kinds of martial arts. It is not only a good activity to optimize physical health but more importantly your tool for added security.

Founder Of Aikido

Aikido is one of the martial art that is widely adapted by people from all walks of life across the globe. Its origin dated back in the year 1925 when Morihei Ueshiba, a martial art professional created and developed this method in order to coordinate the spiritual and physical life to philosophical growth. He had enough experience to create quite a few numbers of techniques which can be learned by anyone who aims to protect the self from opponents especially those larger in size.

In the year 1941, this form of martial art was recognized in Japan. He established a dojo or training school which taught this method. From there on, the art of Aikido reached the Western countries. It was in the year 1953 when France adapted this method and was considered the first Western country to establish a training school. Just after France, Germany and America recognized the art also. The descendants of Ueshiba then continued the training school particularly his son and grandson upon his death.

This method of martial art is not intended to inflict harm but only to incapacitate the person attacking you with the use of different techniques. It is termed as the Art of Peace. It works just like the phone stun gun which is designed to cause temporary incapacitation and not permanent body damage. There are 20 basic techniques which can have countless combinations and they involve holds and body throws that can be executed depending on the movement and force of your attacker.

The attacks in Aikido which are called "atemis" are directed on specific pressure points of the body wherein if they are hit will cause pain and temporary immobilization. Discipline and proper use of the techniques are taught on students learning the method most especially that it can cause death when used for different purposes. The main aim of the art is to create a complete distraction and generally defend you by just disarming the attacker and not putting his life in danger.

Aikido is a form of defense that does not use any weapons. But there are some students who try to incorporate this method with the use of a wood stick or a wood sword. Some teachers in training schools believed that it becomes more effective when you learn the method using sword strikes. So anywhere you go when you can just grab on to something like a stick or an umbrella for instance, you can defend yourself at all times.

The art of Aikido is indeed an effective form of martial art and self-defense. The techniques will keep your attacker immobilized even if they stand taller and larger than you.

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Choosing Self-Defense Classes - Consider Your Needs

Martial arts and self-defense classes are popular for a variety of reasons, be it sport, fitness, hobby, or socialisation. These classes are actually a lot of fun for people and provide excellent exercise, but when selecting a self-defense class it's important that you choose one fitting to your own needs and purpose.

If your primary goal is to learn how to defend yourself in the event of violent physical assault, some of these classes may be better suited for you than others are. Some of the popular exercises, such as kick boxing, could help you fend off an attacker but they don't provide you with well-rounded training for personal safety.

So, try to identify the true purpose and objectives of any self-defence program before you begin enrollment in its courses. Is its focus on spirituality or on physical and mental defense tactics? Does it promote fun and fitness?

Does it promote competitive martial arts? Or, does it specifically focus on personal safety? You will still get plenty of fun, challenge, and exercise from an effective self-defense program, so it's really a matter of identifying one that focuses on your real-life personal safety needs.

The exercise portion of self-defence training should be in the simulations of real-world attacks. A mock assault gets your adrenalin pumping and is a perfect (and safe) opportunity to practise effective physical fighting techniques. By simulating real violent assaults, instead of having you perform routine defence movements, an effective self-defense class helps you learn to embrace and use your fear response for personal protection. The mock scenario is a strenuous physical workout for you, which is excellent, because fitness is a critical component to avoiding and overcoming an assailant.

In addition to safely practising physical fighting, you'll want to learn how to avoid and escape attackers in real, normal life situations. A self-defence class should focus on psychology and assault prevention, and not solely on the combat manoeuvres needed to dominate another person. In some martial arts and self-defense classes, the primary objective is to win in a competitive battle. In true self-defense, the primary objective is to avoid and escape a dangerous situation. The goal is not to beat the attacker, but to win by preserving your life and wellness.

By attending self-defense classes that focus on your personal safety, you'll gain so much more than fun and competitive exercise from your efforts.

Looking Out For Your Safety in A Self-Defense Class

Some people hesitate to take self-defense classes because they're worried that it's dangerous to practise fighting techniques in a class full of other students. This is a reasonable concern, as there's always a possibility of injury when you're physically exerting yourself, but qualified self-defense instructors always look out for your safety in their classes. Your safety should be their number one priority.

The reality is that it's much more dangerous to go without self-defense training. The fitness exercises and simulated attacks that you perform in self-defense class can be the key to avoiding and overcoming a real-life dangerous situation. These classes do involve a lot of hands-on training and strenuous exercise, though, so a visit with your physician beforehand is one safety precaution that you could consider taking for the class.

If a medical examination shows that you're physically fit for intense activity, there's little reason for safety concern when taking self-defence classes. If your physician notes that some forms of activity should be limited due to prior illness or injury, inform your self-defense instructor about the limitations before the class begins. By enrolling in a course that limits its class size, you have a better guarantee of receiving one-on-one personal care and attention from the instructors.

The simulated attacks they perform are intended to prepare you for the real-life adrenalin rush and physical movements you would experience in an attack, but they do not actually harm you in these mock scenarios. For example, if an instructor pins you to the ground and places his hands around your throat, he won't actually squeeze your throat to the point that you can't breathe! Simulations aren't always gentle, but they're not a real threat to your safety and well-being, either.

To feel your best when taking self-defense classes, eat nutritious foods, work toward better physical fitness, and use relaxation techniques. These are good practices at all times, because mental and physical health is one of your best defenses, but they'll also aid your comfort and performance in self-defense training. Wear comfortable clothing and stay well hydrated for class, and you shouldn't have any problems with the training.

When taking classes with a qualified self-defense instructor, you should have no worries about your safety within the class. Discuss any concerns you may have before enrolling in the course, and your instructor will help you minimise and overcome any sense of hesitation.

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Martial Arts : Self Defense Anatomy

Self defense moves represent excellent methods to help protect yourself from incoming attacks and attackers, however, in order to fully grasp the impact of these self defense techniques, you must first understand some basic anatomy principles. Most self defense moves are based on the weaknesses of the human body and this is the article where I share with you some of the main secret areas in the human body, that can cause pain, lack of conscience and disorientation to the furious attacker.

We will start from the top to the bottom and I have to say that the head is filled with such places. First of all, the eyes represent one of the weakest points in the human body. It will sound cruel however in a life or death situation you must act. A direct blow with the fingers to the attackers eyes will leave him in extreme pain and complete incapacity. He will most likely run away or collapse from the pain. Also behind the ears there is a bone that in placed directly over the balance center of the body or the inner ear. A direct blow with your palm or elbow to that area will leave an attacker with limited or no balance, causing him to fall.

Another weak point the human body has is located directly under the nose. A cartilage is located there and if receiving a direct blow, that cartilage will send out extreme pain sensations to the brain and activate the tear glands of the eyes, thus the attacker will not see and will be temporarily incapacitated. Also a special spot which only men have is the Adam's apple in the neck. A straight punch to that are will leave a man without breath and can actually be fatal if delivered with too much power.

Moving down a bit on the body, we reach the liver. It is considered to be regenerating organ and filters all the impurities in your body. It is located in the lower right side of the abdominal cavity and when punched properly, can cause the attacker to collapse in extreme pain, have almost total lack of breath and even loss of consciousness.

The last weak point taught by self defense classes on the human body, is represented by the knee. It holds you leg together as a principle joint and is covered by a very hard cartilage known as the patella or the knee cap. Upon receiving a direct blow, this injury can cause an attacker to instantly drop and experience pain. All these techniques may seem cruel and unfair, however they must be used only in critical situations and are only for protection.

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Krav Maga and Self Defense

During the mid 1930s and late 1940's a man named Imi Lichtenfeld developed a fighting style for close combat. He had founded these techniques by deriving them from his street fighting skills that also includes his training for boxing and wrestling. Later on, his fighting styles have been adopted by the Israeli Defense Forces where his method was named as Krav Maga. This style has been so popular nowadays that there are hundreds of Krav Maga video tutorials available.

Krav Maga is a unique martial art as it employs tactical defense skills. It is not considered a sport and so therefore it has no competitions or tournaments. It is however very useful in dealing certain immediate danger and neutralizing the enemy. Krav Maga is a very methodical training system and that is why law enforcements such as FBI, British Special Forces and Mossad adapted it. Fortunately, it has evolved to be used by civilians and not just the military. Its methods and techniques are available to the public by the Krav Maga videos.

The guiding principles of Krav Maga highlights the following: First, you should avoid getting hurt; Second, make use of the natural reflexes of your body; Third, take advantage of all the vulnerable parts of your enemy's body; Fourth, get yourself any available object that you can use as a weapon; Fifth, swiftly counteract the attack; And last but not the least, be flexible to switch from defensive to offensive positions.

Krav Maga based its training in real life scenarios such as attacks on crowded area like pubs or on the streets. It includes simulations wherein you are against a group of people and still be able to protect yourself or your partner. Also their training can almost cover worst case settings like for instance fighting with only one arm or while dizzy and against several armed opponents. Plus they encourage distractions while in lesson to prepare students to ignore them and concentrate on the needs of the circumstance. This fighting style is aim to develop an awareness in your surrounding for you to be able to predict potentially threatening situations and act accordingly.

Furthermore, Krav Maga training relies heavily on using the protective pads to assist students in maximizing their full strengths with their maneuvers while ceasing to injure the other sparring party.

As for their exercises, they are a mixed anaerobic and aerobic workout. It usually begins with warm up to increase your heart rate and proceeds to stretching.

I wouldn't suggest this kind of workout if you only need it for sport. As I have mentioned, this doesn't have any tournament where you can join and get a trophy. This is basically a defense system that is very useful in perilous circumstances.

Nevertheless, this is a great learning for you because unlike other martial arts, Krav Maga style with its Krav Maga Videos are easy to gain knowledge of and become accustomed to. They are well suited for people who don't have time to learn all the complex moves offered by other martial arts style.

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Learning Self-Defense Psychology To Protect Yourself

When the primary objective of a self-defense class is to help you protect yourself from violent assault, a core component of the training should be on the art of assault prevention. Your use of combat man oeuvres can save your life in the event of violent assault, but it's best to avoid any situation in which you would need to use them. Therefore, your understanding of the psychology of violent behaviour is just as important as your physical training in defense movements. This will make a real difference when defending yourself in a real life situation.

Before taking a self-defense class, find out if it offers you training and education on recognising the different stages of physical attack. An assault doesn't occur 'out of nowhere', and if you learn to recognise the warning signals that one might occur, you're better prepared to escape a dangerous situation in one piece.

The violent behavior portion of self-defense training should include information on:

Body Language - Your body language sends signals to those around you, as does the body language of a potential attacker. Self-defense classes should teach you the movements and attitude that you must assume to avoid the 'victim profile'. They should also teach you which movements to watch for from others, such as posturing and stalking behaviors, so you can recognise them.

Attack Initiation - If an assailant has targeted you, he will try to approach you, talk with you, distract you, or manoeuvre you into isolation. It's not too late to avoid assault if this happens to you, but you must recognize it for what it is and get out of the situation. A self-defense class covers the communication skills and escape tactics you'll need to stop the attack from progressing.

Attack Escalation - It's not always possible to dodge a swift attacker in the initiation stage, but you still have a chance of avoiding assault if you recognise and effectively handle an escalating situation. By studying the psychology of aggression in self-defense classes, you'll immediately notice the warning signs of an impending attack-and know effective strategies for diffusing the attacker.

The hand-to-hand combat man oeuvres you learn in self-defense training are only a last resort for protecting yourself in real life situations. By also providing you with knowledge on the psychology of aggression and violent behavior, a self-defense class teaches you the art of avoiding and diffusing attackers before they launch a violent physical assault.

Martial Arts Self-Defense - 2 Vulnerable Areas To Attack If An Assailant Has Grabbed From Behind

Being grabbed from behind is a common self-defense scenario. Not knowing who has grabbed you and what their intent is can cause one to panic and lose focus. Even if you are not a trained martial arts expert there are two simple and highly effective self-defense techniques to use as a means of escape. Using either can cause the assailant enough pain to release their grasp.

Self-Defense Release Tactic 1

The human foot contains 26 bones. Many of these bones are quite small and can be broken fairly easily when struck with substantial force. A number of ligaments, tendons and nerves are also in the foot. Even if a bone in the foot is not broken, striking these areas can cause enough pain to the attacker to release their hold. If you have ever had anyone accidentally step on the top, or instep, of your foot or you accidentally dropped anything heavy on it you know the type of pain there can be.

The top of the foot is the most vulnerable to attack using this self-defense tactic. The toes are also vulnerable to attack. Although more force must be applied, especially if the attacker is wearing heavy shoes or boots, the toes can be dislocated or broken. The ankle is not the preferred point to attack. It contains much heavier bone and muscle than the foot. Although if struck at an angle with enough force the ankle can be dislocated or broken.

If your lower arms are pinned, attacking the assailants foot might be the only recourse. Your self-defense counter attack must be performed quickly to avoid being picked up or thrown to the ground. Stomp the top of their foot with your heel. You cannot be sure what type of covering is on their foot so maximum pressure must be applied. Using full force, drive you heel through their foot all the way through to the ground.

Self-Defense Release Tactic 2

If your lower arms and hands are free attack the assailants fingers. The human fingers and thumbs are not especially strong individually. One effective self-defense technique involves using one or both of your hands to grab one finger. The small finger is the weakest, however any finger will do. After grabbing a single finger pull it back towards the top of their hand. With enough force the finger will be dislocated or broken. The pain inflicted should be enough for them to release their grasp.

As with any life threatening situation, after a self-defense or martial arts technique has been successful, leaving the scene is preferred. There is no good reason to stay if the attacker has released you. They will be in substantial pain and probably no longer a threat if the technique was properly applied. Leave quickly to avoid others that may be in a position to attack. Locate and notify law enforcement as soon as possible.

Do you want to learn more about protecting yourself in a real-life self defense scenario?

Go to http://selfdefense-techniques.com/ and download Pete's free Intelligent Guide For Self  Defense.

Most traditional martial arts classes do not train you for real life encounters. Learn to avoid getting yourself into a bad situation. But if you find yourself face to face with serious injury or death, you will have mastered the skills to survive by following these simple systems.