There are a lot of self-defence systems out there promising the earth and most have marketing tag lines to match:

“the most comprehensive reality based self-defense system in the world today.”

“Global leaders in self-defence.”

“the most effective self-defence system available today.”

“the most eye-opening & rewarding self-defense system for the REAL world.”

All the above taglines are taken from the marketing material of different self-defence systems. But it begs the question:

Which should you choose?

In this article, we look at what you need to consider when choosing a street self-defence system and also look at what makes Defence Lab so good.

 

No Returns For Faulty Goods

If you buy a TV or any other item, and it does not work, you take it back.

Also, when you purchase a service, you stop paying if it does not live up to expectations

However when it comes to self-defence training, you pay with the goal of it working if you ever need it, it is a bit like house insurance.

Because of this, people can invest in years of training with no idea if the product is going to deliver on its promise. So how do you know if the training you are receiving works?

The answer is ‘you don’t’.

This leads us to the ultimate question: If you don’t know which system will work, how are you going to choose?

 

How To Choose A Self Defence System That Works For You

When I was a young man I boxed two days a week, did Vale Tudo on Tuesday and Judo on a Friday.

By anyone’s standards, this  is a lot of training, and as you would expect I was pretty good at looking after myself. However now I am 37 things have changed.

I have two kids, and I can’t just go out of the house six days a week, and to be honest, I don’t want to go to the local MMA club to fight and train with 20-year-old lads who want to be the next star of the UFC.

This is the first part of choosing a self-defence system. It must fit in with your current lifestyle.

Now this is different than trying to do the minimum. I know of people who sell 6-hour self-defence courses that create a false sense of security into the student.

The self-defence industry has to have morals, otherwise, it is merely selling imagination and not reality.

If you truly are concerned about your safety or your ability to protect your loved ones, you will not find solutions in a few hours. You need to realise that it can take years to become really good at self-defence.

So when picking a self-defence system, you must take into consideration that you will have to dedicate some time to training.

 

You Must Choose A System That Is Physically Right For You

After you take a look at your lifestyle, you need to look at how a system fits in with your physical ability.

For example, I do Judo as well as DL. Judo can be hard on the body. I also did boxing for years as well, and that can be tough on the face.

If you work in certain jobs, the thought of coming into work with black eyes might not sound appealing.

Also, if you have hip or back issues, then certain activities are not going to be right for you.

Assess the risks by speaking to the instructor and checking things out.

 

Choose A System That Addresses Reality

If you get this far, and you are looking at a system that seems to fit your needs, there are two more hurdles.

Does the system address reality?

Now many people take the term ‘reality-based self-defence’ and think of just their reality.

However, a good system will address all aspects.

Knife Defence, gang attack, grapplers, strikers, MMA skilled opponents and more.

 

Evolution Is A Must

The final aspect of what makes up a great self-defence system is evolution.

Does the system you have chosen ever evolve?

This is something that is focused on a great deal in Defence Lab. As a result of many closed-door sessions, Andy Norman is evolving the system so that everyone has more tools in their arsenal of self-defence skills.

 

So Why Did I  Choose Defence Lab?

A lot of people come to me for advice and one of the questions is “what self-defence system should I do?”

The answer is Defence Lab. I never say any other style is better.

For some people, this is a tough pill to swallow. After all, many people cling to self-defence systems like an Alien Face Hugger attaches to its next victim!

After 17 years of police work, boxing, Judo, Russian Sambo, KFM, and Vale Tudo Training I know that Defence Lab is the best system of self-defence out there.

Why?

Because it addresses everything that you need to know about defending yourself.

That is not to say that other systems won’t evolve, or that they don’t also address everything. However, from MMA, to group attack, I am yet to see a more complete system of self-protection on the market.

Sure, people can think I am telling lies, or that I have been paid to say this. However, if that were the case I wouldn’t be teaching my son Defence Lab at home, would I!

Now this is of course just my opinion, and many I am sure will disagree. However for those on the fence, you will be able to see inside Defence Lab for the first time in the coming months.

The DL-Online University will be opening its doors and you will be able to see what makes me so proud to be part of Defence Lab.

Packed with techniques and training by Andy Norman himself, you will be amazed and it is on its way.

Thanks for reading

The Shape Shifter  Team