Martial-Arts Scenario, Real Consideration, and Home Protection
Martial-artists often look for scenarios to practice that mimic reality. The closer they can get to mimicking a real emergency in practice, the better their chance of responding efficiently in a real self-defense encounter. The following scenario consideration is just what the martial-arts practitioner ordered…
Defending Doorways and Hallways, “Stage One”
In many of my articles, and even one of my books, I suggest that you practice defending your loved ones. You put them behind you, for example, down a hall or on the other side of the door. Then you keep your practice partners from getting past you to your relative or significant other.
This is a good place to start.
Grab a stuffed animal, your favorite teddy bear, and put it behind you. It will represent your family member or loved one.
Now, take about five steps forward. Position your partner in front of you, and keep him or her from getting past you to the fuzzy critter.
Where Do You Live?
Defending from a hall or doorway is a good start, but now it’s time to make your practice session even more practical. By practical, I mean tailored to your living situation.
Take a moment and think about where you live. Your home will become the location for your scenario practice.
Can you get a practice partner to train at your house? Defending your own domicile lends itself to specific problems… and benefits.
The Entrance Itself
Does your door open inward or outward? If you are going to use the door itself as a weapon, then it makes a difference.
Do you have a wide doorway or a narrow one? If you want to push your attacker into a door frame, then you need room to maneuver.
Is your door a single or a double? A double door can be both a blessing and a curse, depending how solidly locked the second door is, or whether both can swing freely.
Also, doorknob placement and style will make a difference, if once again, you are using the door as a weapon or as an object to throw your attacker against.
Note: Be careful during practice. You don’t want to injure your practice partner. Take safety precautions, please.
Martial-Arts Inside and Outside
Besides the door, look at your entrance. Would you be able to push your attacker down stairs, into a locked bicycle, or against a mailbox? You could even push an attacker into a handrail.
Also look right inside your doorway. Is there a table that would prevent you from moving into a good defense position? Do you have room to move and to prevent your aggressor from getting inside?
If you practice now, maybe you’ll be able to efficiently shut and lock your door on a real intruder.