Self Defense Video

6 Ways to Get the Most From Your Self Defense Video

There a lot of ways to get self defense training, and in many people's eyes, a self defense video is one of the last choices they'd make. It's true that one-on-one hand to hand combat training from a street fighter or a sensei can't be beaten, but there are a few tips you can use to get the most out of the self defense tactics on a video or DVD.

If you've already purchased a self defense video or DVD, you can't really take full advantage of all of these tips, because a couple of them are about selecting the right video. But the last few tips, about how to use the videos properly, will still be useful.

Look at the credentials. There a lot of fake combat self defense teachers out there -- so many that there are entire websites devoted to exposing the frauds. Be sure that, just like if you were taking a class from a sensei in a dojo, your instructor has the chops to be teaching what he's teaching. Hand to hand combat training is a must for any instructor, whether it's martial arts experience, street fighting cred, or (preferably) military training.

Check the source. Even if the instructor checks out, if he's working for a company of ill repute, you probably want to check elsewhere. Self defense training is self defense training, no matter the packaging, but a company that doesn't care for it's customers and provides a cheap product will end up disappointing you in other ways.

Pick your style. Combat self defense -- like Sambo or Krav Maga -- is very different from martial arts self defense or what they somewhat-denigratingly call 'women's self defense'. Pick the self defense tactics that you're most comfortable with: the level of violence you're willing to inflict, the amount of strength and speed you have, etc.

Get a partner. This is the single most important thing you can do to put a self defense video to good use. Get a partner who is willing to play both roles (attacker and defender) with you, back and forth, until you have a good understanding of each of your video's self defense tactics.

Schedule training, and stick with it. The big benefit to a self defense video is that you can use it on your own time -- but the big downfall is that you have to use it on your own time. Schedule a time when you and your partner can get together and engage in some hand to hand combat training, and don't screw it up. The fastest way to make your investment useless is to not use it at all.

Spar. No, seriously spar. Get your partner, get some gloves if you need them, and work your way from half-speed/half-impact sparring to full-speed/half-impact sparring to full-speed/full-impact sparring. There is no better way to learn to keep your cool when you're under attack than to be under attack. Combat self defense requires combat, period.

Heed these tips, and you'll find that a self defense video can be an incredible tool when it comes to learning to protect yourself.