Do you watch Game of Thrones? If not then its the worlds biggest TV show based on the books by George R.R. Martin and it has developed a huge following. It is the story of the mysterious land where everyone wants to be king and every one uses a range of tactics to get what they want!
Whilst the show has a lot of action the real drama unfolds as the many plots and agendas start to be unveiled and come to pass. So in essence it is all about tactics!
Self Defence, life and business is no different and you need tactics to survive!
Tactics- The Brain Work of Fighting
If you train at Defence Lab or any other self defence system then tactics will form part of what you train. However behind this you will need to start to think about your own tactics because everyone is different. DL for you will be different than DL for another because we are unique, we are human beings of all shapes and sizes and our opponents come in all shapes and sizes too. You need to consider how your techniques would be affected with a taller, shorter or stronger opponent..
As your journey in self defence training starts to expand your mind will naturally try and consider ‘realistic’ application of that self defence training. You will start to look at what you are doing and gauge how it will work ‘in a real life situation’. It is that very thought process that fuels the constant on line forum debates of ‘which martial art is best for self defence’ or ‘what techniques work’.
The truth is that every technique could work but not all will work! It is only via training that you will be able to expand your mind to see the potential variations that exist. The more skilful you become then the more tactical options that you will have at your disposal and you guessed it this only comes from regular and consistant training
Andy Norman the founder of Defence Lab exposed himself to training in a variety of martial arts and you can see a picture of him above with BJJ legend Rigan Machado, it was from that exposure he was able to grow his own knowledge and this combined with his life experiences has resulted in the amazing Defence Lab. In short Andy earned his knowledge and skills from years of hard work and training! and just like Andy you too are on your own journey now!
But as much as we would all like it, Andy is not likely to be there as you face 2 street thugs on a Friday night! So it comes down to you! How you react, what techniques you employ and even what you say all comes down to you and there is no one else that is accountable.
Would You Walk Down the Alley?
The above image is a dark alley? Would you walk down it? Maybe, maybe not a lot depends on yourself however have you ever considered what techniques you would use if you were attacked in the alley?
I’m guessing you havent, however now is the time to start and it is from these inner conversations that the tactical part of your brain will grow. The brain like anything else is a muscle and via exercising it will develop. So how do you actually improve your tactical brain?
Well part of this is training, we have already said this however another part is visualisation. This cannot be underestimated. When you are training it is yourself that makes the training ‘real’. It is only via your mental attitude that your training will develop and you will see those improvements in your technique.
A good boxer wont just hit a punch bag, instead they ‘see’ their opponent. When doing shadow work you shouldnt just see the room, instead you should start to see the alleyway, the 4 guys walking towards you with bottles or the 10 guys kicking you in your head as you are on the floor. Make the training real in your mind!
Footage form the DNA training pack
The great thing about developing tactics is that you can start to train this all the time, even out of class. When your sitting down in a restaurant consider what you would do if a person attacked you when you are seated at a table. As you are walking along the road then think what would you do if a car suddenly pulled along side you and 3 guys got out and started to attack you. All of these situations have happened in real life to lots of people!
The mental visualisation allows you to train out of class, and no one will ever know what you are doing.
The Correct Mental Attitude in Business, Martial Arts and Life!
The reality is that you are unlikely to ever have to use your skills in real life and that’s great! However there are people out there who are nasty, we know this. Your physical training will prepare you for this, however equally important is that you have the right mental attitude. This in itself will help you to lead a healthy and happy life.
Walk into any D Lab across the globe and you will find the same amazing training environment that mixes hard work with great fun! You will see people pushing themselves to learn skills to keep them safe but having fun at the same time.
You wont find any attitudes or egos in Defence Lab, the purpose it to train hard and have fun at the same time. We welcome newcomers into the Lab like old friends and it this approach which is taking DL to new levels of growth.
Having the right attitude mentally is a tactic in itself. Are you the type who looks for trouble? Are you the type of person who is angry all the time? If that’s the case then this mental attitude will seriously effect you and potentially ruin you. It will have a negative impact on your life, your business and of course your martial arts training!
If you have ever met any of the Defence Lab team you will know that they are extremely professional and positive. This is the Defence Lab way and right now we are looking for more people with that same type of attitude.
This weekend we have a unique opportunity for you to find out more about our training and in particular our instructor training because there is going to be an exclusive webinar for people in the UK who are interested in becoming an instructor. All you need to do is click here and register. it takes place this Sunday and places are limited so book up now!
Its Your Journey Start It Today
Now although tactics are hugely important with regards to self defence situations and training it is also important to have a plan for you overall training.
There are lots of people out there who have moved from one martial art to another and have never settled and in the end they become that person ‘who did some martial arts’. However your journey can be so much more than that and your Defence Lab Instructor is there to help you make the most of that journey. They will help you to define and reach your goals. You might just want to get to the level of Black belt, pass your next grading or perhaps you want to become an instructor. Either way Defence Lab wants you to succeed.
You need to mentally focus on what you want from your training so that you get the most out of your experience. So sit down and have a think about what you want and go for it! There are only the limitations you place upon yourself.
To Finish off we have a quote that explains Tactics. It comes from the Art of War by Sun Tzu:
“Everyone Knows the form by which I am victorious, but no one knows the form by which I ensure Victory”
Your tactics will ensure your victory in life, self defence and in business, so its time to start developing some of your own. Other people wont know your own tactics, they are like a personal play book just for you but others will see your success. So when you face off against those 3 men in the alleyway and afterwards you look back at them crumpled on the floor, give a thought to that quote!