Some Thoughts on Self-Defense and Training
by John McSweeney

The following is an excerpt from John McSweeney's book "Street Karate" (used by permision).

Self-defense is not like a competitive boxing match of many rounds, nor is it usually a knock-down, drag-out fight to the finish.

In most cases, one or two powerful strikes to key targets are all that it takes to deter an aggressor. That is why it is worthwhile for even a small woman to become proficient in karate strikes. If a woman learns to hit hard, her violent response will so surprise an attacker that he may think twice about continuing his attack.

Judo and wrestling methods of self-defense tie you up with the aggressor and can result in long, drawn-out affairs. Karate strikes, on the other hand, are quick. They also give you room to maneuver or an opportunity to escape, an honorable option for anyone. However, you must learn to hit hard if you want your strikes to be effective, and this requires life-long training.

Do the Tiger Moves every day and practice your strikes two or three times per week. There are many powerful strikes in this book, as well as key targets to hit. Pick out 15 to 20 strikes that appeal to you and hit pads or a heavy bag, or simply hit through the air for at least 15 minutes each practice session.

You must work to develop speed in your strikes. Impact = Mass x Speed Squared. Since speed is squared, any increase in it will have a dramatic effect on impact.

As these case studies illustrate, attacks occur everywhere and often when you least expect them. Awareness, therefore, is the most important aspect of self-defense. Don't jog at night. Don't listen to music on a headset when you jog. Don't walk in dark alleys. The list of don'ts is endless, but if you want to be fully aware, you should strive to become as cautious as a warrior. A warrior is cautious at all times and in all circumstances; he always expects trouble and is, therefore, seldom surprised when trouble comes his way.

There is only one tactic to remember, and it is very simple: Hit the closest target with the closest weapon.

If you take the trouble to become proficient in self-defense it will make you a stronger, more confident person in every aspect of your life, and you will never allow anyone to dominate you.

Good luck, and as my Irish ancestors used to say, back in the days of the shillelagh faction fighters: "More power to your elbow!"