Can you learn self-defense at home? (serious)

[user23960508710788]

I've been looking into learning a bit of basic self-defense for some time now, not looking to become an MMA fighter or anything but I'd like to have enough skill to handle emergency situations.
I went to one-time free session at a local class here and there was really no hands on grappling going on between the people (what i expected), it was just the instructor going through various techniques and then us following along shadow-boxing style. He said there would be no physical contact between each other.

It got me thinking if I actually want to pay for that, isn't this just something I could do on my own at home? There wouldn't be much difference in watching a video and following along then watching someone in real life.

Has anyone learned a good amount of self-defense on their own?

[Imperfection]

Pick up some small circle jujutsu books

Focuses on standing wrist and finger locks which i feel are very usefull in self defense situations

[BakaNingen]

You can. But the real question is - should you? Sparring is 100x more effective then simply learning a technique. When it comes to self defense, the difference between knowledge and experience becomes a wide gap. Experience is definitely preferable when fighting.

[bionicseahorse]

get a heavy bag

[Sevada]

go get some krav maga instructional videos, in no time u'll be learning great self defense

[RatherBeLifting]

You can. But the real question is - should you? Sparring is 100x more effective then simply learning a technique. When it comes to self defense, the difference between knowledge and experience becomes a wide gap. Experience is definitely preferable when fighting.

X2, you will only be able to learn enough at home to get your self hurt.

[Mtguy8787]

it would be hard to do all by yourself. Your best bet would be to get some MMA/ hand to hand combat video course, and get a couple of buddies to practice with. Start off with the basics, work your way up, and practice them regularly until they become almost second nature. Of course, that isnt going to prepare your for the psychological response of a real fight, but its about the best you can do.


If you just watch it and memorize it, youre not going to be able to do anything in a real situation, especially with adrenaline pumping through your body.


"Wait, wait... I can kick your ass... I just need to remember how"

[user23960508710788]

No doubt, if I could get into some serious grappling I would but A. I have very limited time and B. My bodybuilding comes first.

Aside from the books & videos mentioned, would anything else be useful at home? I have a speed bag but no heavy bag (well I have one, but no place to hang it from)

I'd like to learn a few techniques but actually be able to put them through the motions, even if not on a real person. A while back I got into a confrontation with some nut-job who came up to me from my alley, I was able to knock his lights out but it was obvious that it was a lucky shot and I kind of hurt myself in the process b/c I'm sure my technique was horrible... I'd like to be more confident that I know what I'm doing if that ever happens again.

I just called another self-defense class and they don't allow physical contact... I really didn't expect the classes to be that way.

[BakaNingen]

Yeah, if you do take a class make sure there is sparring/contact involved. If not, you may as well just buy a tape on eBay or something and learn from that. Sure, an instructor will correct your form, but form won't help you in a fight - things happen far too quickly.

You may get bumps and bruises and maybe a bit worse on occasion from sparring, but its better then being creamed when going into a dangerous situation. First time I sparred I was sore for a week, but I learned so much more from one session then I did practicing technique and form.

[Mindripper]

Some self defense keys:

1) Remain vigilant and aware of your surroundings
2) Keep a low profile; always have an exit strategy
3) Vary patterns and schedules


and when the **** does go down; be better trained and highly motivated to end the threat in the shortest duration possible.

If that fails:




Dead serious...

[DYnomyte001]

To me a martial art is made or broken by sparring. And, yes you COULD learn at home, but you really shouldn't but if you do, have a partner so you can spar with.

I traded knowledge with a Tae Kwan Do guy the other day in return I showed him some greco-roman clinch work, judo and brazilian jiu jitsu , and honestly I wasn't really impressed. He taught me blocks, knife-hand stuff and some ineffective stances. All I could think was, this stuff in the heat of a fight is too technical and finesse. Granted, TKD kicks can be effective but I'll stick with Muay Thai. Afterwards he didn't want to roll with me even though I promised I'd go 50%

[Lord_Superior]

http://www.gutterfighting.org/WARNING.html
I need not say any more. ^^^^^ Learn.

[user17897704]

http://www.gutterfighting.org/WARNING.html
I need not say any more. ^^^^^ Learn.

that's actually a pretty good

[MacDaddy68]

get a heavy bag

x2

[ShakinU]

martial arts?

knife/gun/taser

much higher success rate with those.

[Imperfection]

get a heavy bag

Wont help unless you know how to train on it in the first place

[AUSTINSCOBRA]

Pick up some small circle jujutsu books

WTF, you want him to use the book as a weapon?

get a heavy bag

+ speed bag (double rope)

[Lord_Superior]

that's actually a pretty good

It's good, cuz it has things that the average person can learn and do.

[muscleman420]

martial arts?

knife/gun/taser

much higher success rate with those.

and my fav...bear spray!

[jckedup616]

Get a Bas Ruten video. He will teach you everything you need to know about bar fighting/street fighting.

[7Happy7]

i was actually looking into goign to a BJJ class (no homo) but didnt understand how it would work. since everyone is varied in time/experience, how would i learn without being paired with other beginners joining at the same time as me?

[Malodrax]

can't learn without practical experience... you need to spar.