I’ve been in the fitness and self-defense “game” for many years, and like many others who have spent decades exposed to a particular field, I think I’ve seen a lot, and almostheard everyone. When I first became interested in these fields, and in unarmed combat in particular, I couldn’t help but be moved by those instructors who declared that anyone could beat another in a physical altercation, as long as they knew the correct techniques. When I was young, in my teens, I wasn’t short, but I was skinny…what would no doubt be called skinny…so I was neither the greatest nor the strongest of the young. I was well-liked, in general, so I didn’t have a lot of run-ins with other guys in the past, but I remember thinking during that time that if I was going to be viciously attacked by someone much bigger, I’d probably have a really hard time defending myself. I didn’t like the feeling at all, and early on in my travels down the fitness and self-defense paths I decided I would spend as much time getting bigger and stronger as I did training in actual martial sports and self-defense.
The plain fact is that anyone who claims that any given person can defeat any other person with the “proper” training…is trying to sell you a list of goods. Whenever you see martial arts demonstrations in which a much smaller person is neutralizing an attack by a larger person, you will usually find, if you look closely, that the reason for the smaller person’s success has a lot to do with the fact that that what you re witness is, in fact, a demonstration, which means that it is highly choreographed.
On the occasions when I instruct someone in these areas, I make sure to present them as symbiotic components of each other. That is, if you are all physical, with no technique, you will be less than a fully prepared fighter, and by the same token, if you are skilled in self-defense or martial arts techniques, but not as well rounded for combat. -No matter how conditioned you are, you will still be something less than what you could be, as a fighter. However…and I say this as someone who has been around martial arts and artists for decades…if I had to choose mastery in one area over another, I would would do choosing to be physically imposing rather than technically sharp.
That said, it would be a serious mistake to misconstrue what I just said to conclude that proficiency in self-defense techniques is inconsequential compared to physical strength and power. However, if one truly wishes to become a formidable opponent to anyone who wishes to harm him, it is important to recognize the importance of physical progress in achieving that end. The simple and “resulting” reality is that even without special combat training, a person who possesses great strength and speed can often defeat a smaller and/or weaker person who is technically excellent, that is the reality.
So what does this mean for women? After all, women generally carry greater disadvantages in the realm of natural physique, compared to men, don’t they? It means two things: women should strive to improve their own physical abilities…strength, speed…as much as they can, but they should also accept that they will be well served to maintain any particularity. Benefits they can. For example, if legally carrying a firearm is an option where you live (and you shouldn’t live anywhere It is not), then it would be smart to take advantage of the proper training and do it. One of my favorite slang terms for a weapon is “equalizer,” because that’s precisely what the weapon can do: level (and more) the playing field between a small person and a large person.
While your height is really the only part of your physical frame that cannot be improved through training, you may getting thicker, stronger (which is normally a function of getting thicker), and faster through physical conditioning, so it’s smart to focus on achieving the best and highest results you can in those areas. The point is that as you seek to be as capable as possible in self-defense, don’t be fooled by the idea that another’s physical superiority doesn’t matter, as long as you’ve cultivated combat skills; pay close attention to your own physical conditioning and development, and spend time becoming a true physical specimen; in the end, that will be as important a component to your physical security as anything else, included sharp combat skills.
The information contained herein is for general information purposes only. Bob Yetman disclaims responsibility for any liability or loss incurred as a result of the use or application, whether directly or indirectly, of any information presented in this document.