Rapid - Attacking - Integrated - Defense

The R A I D Combat System is a dynamic, effective and fully integrated method of self-defense and personal protection that is dedicated to providing real-world survival tools to civilians, law enforcement, executive protection professionals and military operators worldwide.

The R A I D Combat System is not only an effective method of self-defense, but also a path of personal growth that uses self-defense as it's vehicle. Founded in 2005, The R A I D Combat System was not designed to be a "System of Systems". It's also not just a mere assortment of techniques removed from various martial disciplines...Quite the contrary. R A I D is a perfectly structured and defined unity of concepts, principles and techniques that is the direct result of a rigorous and tested introspection.

Saturday, July 26, 2008

The 'Flinch' Response

I recently read a post in another blog (which will rename nameless) that talked about the best ways to prevent being a victim of violence. The posting suggested that the best way to prevent being a victim of violence was to keep our awareness at the highest level at all times; Impossible!!

In the world of street defense, we all know by now the importance of awareness and the need to applying a pre-emptive strike when you know an impending attack is upon you. But we can't walk around 'switched on' all the time, no matter how hard we try. There are going to be times that you may have mentally let your guard down.

This means a would-be attacker WILL get the drop on you and you will have to rely on your reflexive skills in addition to your self defense tactics. You MUST train these instinctive skills regularly so that you can call upon them when the heat is on.

If you are attacked, you will be initially back on your heels and the 'flinch' reflex is an important, and natural survival tool. It is the impulse that pulls your hand back from the heat of a fire or makes you shift back quickly from a barking dog. It's nature's way of protecting you, so you MUST use it to you advantage. Some self defense instructors see the reflex defense as a weakness; they feel they should stand tall and always be prepared face of danger but this is not always possible...

If you are caught with a surprise ambush attack, you will always flinch. It's how FAST you react from this flinch that will determine the effectiveness of your self defense tactics. Periodically in my training, I make my students stand with their eyes closed and they cannot open them until an opponent grabs them in some shape or form, then they have to immediately focus on the attack and deal with it. This is the best possible way to simulate the feeling of a SURPRISE attack.

Remember, there will always be times that you are not 'switched-on'. It's not a form of weakness, it's not a form of unpreparedness..it's human. However, if you train yourself to deal with the vital seconds whilst your brain sends a message to the muscles to respond, you will be prepared.

Train Hard!

Jim Elmore

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