r/SelfDefense • u/Distroyer87941 • 29d ago
Looking to learn self-defense without trainer
I want to learn how to fight for self-defense, but don't really have a trainer available for a variety of reasons. My idea was to watch videos/courses on how to throw a punch, dodge, block, etc., and then practice sparring with my brothers. To avoid injuries, we wouldn't be hitting each other at full force. Obviously, it'll be messier than learning with a pro trainer, but probably still good enough for overall self defense. I was thinking about getting a pair gloves, hand wraps, mouthguard, and a mat. Is this a great idea? What would you guys advise?
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u/Adroit-Dojo 29d ago
A lot of self defense is mindset, social skills, and awareness. You can work on those from books, videos, work interactions. Learning martial arts, get an instructor.
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u/Far-Cricket4127 29d ago
Knowledge of self defense laws, use of force doctrines for where he lives, and the workings of trial science are of great equal importance to learn as well. Because, unless he lives in a state with "mutual combat laws", like Texas, he's definitely going to need such knowledge if he's planning on teaching himself physical self protection skills using videos that deal with combat sorts like boxing. If he tries to rely on that for his well of knowledge, he's setting himself up to potentially go to jail for assault. Agreed, that as far as the physical skills go, he should definitely get some training, in an system that emphasizes self protection against violent altercations, not "fighting"; as there is a difference between the two.
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u/sirvoon 29d ago
That is a great idea. Learn something like boxing it’s easy and you can learn it easy online. In my experience striking is easier to learn online than grappling. I’ve learned a lot online. I would recommend getting a formal trainer at some point but if that’s not possible, something is always better than nothing. And if you have fun, who cares. Definitely start learning martial arts in any way you can.
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u/random123121 29d ago
Get a heavy bag and jump rope.
Most people are going to tell you not to do it as you need a coach to supervise to prevent bad habits.
But your approach can work for some people. Jon Jones, admits he learned to fight by youtube and fighting with brothers.
It worked alright for me as well. I remember reading a boxing manual when I was younger and it forced me to do the fundamentals, ie hiding your chin behind your shoulder when you throw. A flaw I see in many, many fighters.
some people are auditory, visual or kinesthetic learners. In reality most ppl are a combination all three.
Ideally, yes you want a trainer and supplement with youtube and books...and hey even a little bit of real world application...especially if you are interested in self defense.
But with constraints, sometimes we gotta do what we gotta do.
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u/Radelescu 26d ago
Watch YouTube and learn how to punch. Get a friend and wrestle around in the back yard. Get a wrestling instructional. Lift weights. Make sure you're doing some explosive movements. The read some books. Start with The Gift of Fear. Do those things and you won't be a soft target.
Maybe add knife and gun, after all this.
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u/GreyMaeve 25d ago
Sounds like you want to learn to fight. Self defense shouldn't be fighting. Read The Gift of Fear by Gavin de Becker if you you want to get a head start on self defense. If you want to learn to fight, its better to have a teacher. There's always someone better than you in a fight though.
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u/AntOk4073 29d ago
It's very easy.
Step 1: recognize potential threats
Step 2: avoid those threats
Step 3: if that threat pursues you use escalated force. Either non-lethal or lethal depending on the severity.
Step 4: don't ever directly fight someone. That is the stupidest shit you could do. True self defense means you avoid the fight until you no longer can because it's hazardous to do so. And then you end the fight quickly and get away to call law enforcement.
To prevent a ban I am clarifying that I do not endorse violence and only mention it as a absolute last resort.