(Approx 2 minute 45 second read)

Real-world violence is nothing like what most people practice in the dojo. Throughout my life, I’ve had the unfortunate experience of facing real-world confrontations – both as a civilian and in my career.
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It’s important to remember that most martial arts schools today teach some form of dueling, not real-world self-defense. When you’re training with a partner who wants to learn with you or compete against you, it’s a completely different experience from defending yourself against someone who wants to stop at nothing to achieve their goal.
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Criminals don’t play by the rules. They use whatever tools they can to make their job easier. I’ve faced weapons several times, and I can assure you, no amount of training takes away the fear when you’re confronted with a deadly threat.
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Some people have commented on my articles and said the martial arts are useless for self-defense, just get a gun.
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It’s a very nearsighted mindset.
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I’ve previously written about dojo that teach ineffective knife defense, but what about those that claim to teach gun defense?
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To be honest, gun defense is far beyond the remit of the majority of martial arts schools.
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If you’re really looking to learn how to defend yourself against a gun, a martial arts school is not the best place to start, no matter how they promote themselves. Training in a dojo can only take you so far.
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Attempting to disarm someone with a gun, knife, or any kind of weapon is a high-risk, last-resort decision. And even for someone with years of training, it’s a terrifying proposition. In most cases, handing over your wallet or car keys is the smartest decision – give up your material possessions if it means walking away with your life.
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I remember years ago, teaching a basic self-defense class for children, parents, and teachers at a high school back in the UK.
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We broached the subject of possessions, and when I said you must hand them over – that your life is worth more than anything in your purse or wallet – one of the mothers fervently attacked the idea. “Never”, she said, “no one is getting my purse. I’m going to fight.”
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In my opinion, the only time you should fight an armed assailant is if you truly believe they intend to seriously hurt or even kill you. If they’re just after your wallet, give it to them. Nothing is worth risking your life over.
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A weapon changes the dynamics of any confrontation. No amount of martial arts skill guarantees you can defend against it. Your chances of surviving a physical encounter with an armed attacker are severely stacked against you, and it depends on many unpredictable factors. Relying on those odds is a dangerous gamble.
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Real-world self-defense is not glamorous, and it’s certainly not like dueling in the dojo. Facing an armed assailant is one of the most dangerous situations you can find yourself in. It should never be taken lightly.
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If you find yourself in this kind of situation, allowing your ego to take over could be fatal. Don’t be too proud, comply – hand over your belongings, live to see another day.
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No amount of martial arts training can fully prepare you for that moment, and very few dojo train for such scenarios realistically. The best way to survive any confrontation is to avoid the fight whenever possible.
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The martial arts remain a valuable practice, but when it comes to protecting yourself from real-world dangers, learning to avoid conflict and developing self-confidence are often far more practical strategies. The martial arts can be a useful tool, but the best defense is to prevent the need for fighting in the first place.
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It’s always worth considering whether what you’re training serves your needs, or whether you need to adjust your approach to self-defense if this is your priority.
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That’s why I keep my running shoes ready, just in case.
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Written by Adam Carter – Shuri Dojo