Frequently Asked
Questions
General Info
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The Dynamic Combat™ Family
of Programs
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Studying Dynamic Combat™
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| Reality-based Martial Arts |
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 Who is Richard Ryan? ^
TOP
Richard Ryan is the founder and master Instructor
of the martial art of Dynamic Combat™, and
the designer of the Tactical Defense Training™ and
Tactical Weapons Training™ systems as well as
Quick Defense™ Personal
Protection Programs. A pioneer in the field of reality-based
martial arts and defensive tactics, Ryan has created some of
the most sophisticated
and practical
fighting systems ever invented. He is renowned
for his comprehensive knowledge of martial arts, firearms and
self defense and for his highly scientific approach to interpersonal
conflict and combative encounters. A master of hand-to-hand and
weapons
combat with more than thirty-five years of experience in both
traditional and
non-traditional martial arts, Ryan is an advocate of the reality-based
approach and has provided thousands of students with
life-saving knowledge and training over his more than twenty-five
years teaching reality fighting. (Learn
more)
What is DCM? ^
TOP
DCM is an acronym for the Dynamic Combat
Method™, or Dynamic Combat™ for short. DCM is
a hard core, sophisticated reality-based fighting art
created
by martial arts master Richard Ryan through more than 30 years
of
scientific
research, reality testing and personal development. Dynamic Combat™
is the end result of a personal quest in which Ryan sought to reach
his maximum potential as a martial artist. To do
so, he had to create a comprehensive martial arts system
that worked in the real world – in any situation and against
virtually any opponent. For years he toiled looking for the truth.
He studied, experimented and tested his theories and concepts for
decades without seeking any publicity or financial gain. He perfected
and revised his techniques and tactics over and over
until
his goal
became
a reality.
The
result
is a highly scientific, four-limbed, explosive combat system that
is both devastating in application and comprehensive in scope.
After
more
than two decades of refinement, Dynamic Combat™ is one of
the world's most complete and impressive martial arts systems in
the world today. It forms the basis of Mr. Ryan's teaching and
the
foundation
for
all
other
training
divisions, products
and services within Ryan Defense Systems, Inc.® (Learn
more)
How is DCM different
from other arts? ^ TOP
In some ways Dynamic Combat™ is like other martial arts and in some ways
it is unique. Dynamic Combat™ is a unique fighting martial art primarily
because of its incredible sophistication and scientific origin. The system is
unique. Unlike many other martial arts, students of DCM can gain a working knowledge
in just a few short hours. For the advanced student, DCM offers the highest levels
of physical and mental fighting skills available anywhere in the world. DCM is
simply one of the finest combat martial art systems in the world. Why haven't we heard of Dynamic Combat™ much
sooner? ^
TOP
That is because Ryan never sought to make his art public during
the development phases of the system. As a result, Dynamic Combat™
was one of the best kept secrets in the martial arts. And although
Ryan has literally taught many thousands of people over the
last several decades he never sought to publicize his art until
later in his career. But Ryan and Dynamic Combat™ were well known
within many martial arts circles. Ryan had developed a reputation over
the years
as one of the world's most skilled martial artists for his hard core reality-based
approach to the fighting arts.
When was Dynamic Combat™ first publicized? ^
TOP
The
first mainstream
publicity directed at Ryan and DCM is credited to the
executive editor of Black Belt Magazine, Robert Young who published
an article on the art in the March 2001 issue of Black Belt entitled "Surviving
the Worst Case Scenario – Richard Ryan and the Art of Dynamic
Combat™." Since then Ryan has appeared on the cover
of the magazine and in numerous other publications. (Read the article)
Why the
name Dynamic Combat Method™? ^
TOP
The name Dynamic Combat Method™ was chosen because
it is the most descriptive definition of the art, with each word
having a
specific meaning and purpose.
Dynamic
In a strange way, DCM is a
paradox. On one hand it is a highly scientific system with a
path and a structure
that anyone can follow. On the other hand, it is also an art form
and, like all art forms, it is constantly evolving and changing
based on the acquisition of more knowledge, training and experience.The
word Dynamic is
descriptive of high energy, force and action. Something dynamic
is constantly
in
motion, in
evolution and change.
So it is with the art. Today master Ryan, continues
to push the art to its limits, constantly testing the boundaries
of human fighting skill and ability.
Combat
The word Martial art literally means war
art . Techniques, tactics
and strategies designed for warfare. In its most primal form,
DCM
is an art
of interpersonal warfare. It is a personal combat system. The
word combat implies anything
that has to do with battle, war, conflict, confrontation and
fighting in all its manifestations. The word combat was chosen
to describe
the
art because DCM is comprehensive in approach and application,
with
training in all areas of interpersonal confrontation and the
use of force.
Method
Dynamic Combat™ is not a martial art style. The word Style denotes
a personal approach and personal flair, which may not be reality-based.
Style can exist without being realistic. On the other
hand, a Method is defined as a
systematic and scientific way of achieving a goal, which
describes DCM's approach to the martial arts perfectly.
No
mysticism, no tricks,
no gimmicks just
a systematic method of achieving true fighting skill and personal
ability. Ultimately DCM is a scientific method of fighting
that provides specific
methodologies
that bring
immediate results.
Where can I learn Dynamic Combat™? ^
TOP
The Dynamic Combat™ Academy is located in Phoenix, Arizona USA. Programs
are taught at this facility year around with private students attending classes
on a weekly. This is the corporate office for Ryan Defense Systems and the location
where many of the training videos are shot on a regular basis. (Learn more)
What is RCO Magazine? ^
TOP
RCO Magazine was created by Richard Ryan to bring together
the world's top reality fighting experts into one monthly online
magazine designed exclusively for people interested in the truth
of the combative arts. It was created to become a source of information
for all who speak and seek the truth about the realities of real
fighting. Each issue is jam packed with hard hitting news, article
and features on reality fighting arts and artists. For more information
check out www.RealCombatOnline.com.
What
is Tactical Defense Training? ^
TOP
Tactical Defense Training™ or TDT for short is an integrated force defensive
tactics system originally designed for law enforcement and military applications.
TDT is derived form the martial art of Dynamic Combat™ and employs many
of the same principles and techniques. The difference lies more in application.
TDT puts greater emphasis on the use and defense of weapons in force-on-force
encounters earlier than that of Dynamic Combat™. The basics also include
more force options such as subject control tactics needed for the lawful arrest
and restraint of suspects in law enforcement applications. (Learn more about
TDT)
Where
is Tactical Defense Training™ taught? ^
TOP
TDT is perhaps the only defensive tactics system in the world that can say that
it is taught to every law enforcement agency in an entire state. TDT is the official
Defensive tactics system taught in every agency and to every officer in Richard
Ryan's home state of Arizona. TDT is taught to SWAT and Special Operations Teams
and civilians may learn it through seminar, training camps and workshops.
Is TDT
for law enforcement only? ^
TOP
No. Although it is ideal for law enforcement and military applications Tactical
Defense Training is taught to qualified civilians. Most who choose to train in
TDT over instead of (or in addition to) Dynamic Combat™ are usually more
interested in the integration an use of conventional weapons (especially the
firearm) in force-on-force encounters. This emphasis makes it ideal for law enforcement,
military, executive protection and professional security applications but interested
civilians may participate also.
What
is Tactical Weapons Training™? ^ TOP
Tactical Weapons Training™ is
similar to Tactical Defense Training™ but with a greater
emphasis on the use of weapons in combat. TWT courses focus
on the application
of Dynamic Combat™ principle and techniques with five
categories of weaponry; edged, impact, ballistic, flexible
and combinations. If you are interested in developing highly
effective weapons combat skills quickly and effectively Tactical
Weapons Training™ is the answer! (Learn more about TWT)
What
is Quick Defense™? ^
TOP
Quick Defense™ Personal Protection
Programs was created as a means of helping people stay safe
and protect
themselves in today's world. Quick Defense™ combines
some of the basics from DCM, TDT and TWT with a greater emphasis
on
simple, street smart self defense tactics, personal safety
and crime prevention strategies. Quick Defense™ is designed
around simple rapid learning concepts that allow almost anyone
to learn simple self defense tactics and strategies quickly
and easily. (Learn more about Quick Defense™)
What
is Ryan Defense Systems, Inc.? ^
TOP
Ryan Defense Systems, Inc. is a company
that provides cutting edge, state-of-the-art training, products
and services in fields of advanced combat martial arts, defensive
tactics, personal safety and security to the general public, law
enforcement and military. RDS programs include: Dynamic Combat™,
Tactical Defense Training™, Tactical Weapons Training™ and
Quick Defense™ Personal Protection Programs. (Learn
more)
How I
find out about your upcoming seminars and events? ^
TOP
The Dynamic Combat™ Academy schedules a limited number
of seminars and training camps annually. Additionally,
other upcoming seminar
and workshops are listed
in the RCO Magazine Events Calendar. (Upcoming
DCM Seminars) (See
RCO Events)
How
do I sponsor a DCM seminar? ^
TOP
Richard Ryan and his staff of instructors are available for seminars worldwide.
You, your school or organization can sponsor a seminar at your location year
around (depending on availability). (For
details on how to sponsor a Dynamic Combat™ seminar)
How do I sponsor a TDT, TWT
or Quick Defense™ seminar? ^
TOP
Tactical Defense Training™ seminars focus more on weapons integration
and use along with defensive fighting tactics. Tactical Weapons Training™ programs
focus exclusively on the use of weapons both offensively and defensively and
Quick Defense™ seminars are designed to teach simple, effective self defense
and crime prevention strategies to organizations and the general public. Setting
up a seminar or attending one are the same for each division of our organization.
How
do I attend a Dynamic Combat™ seminar? ^
TOP
That's easy! If you are interested in attending one of our programs. go to
our Upcoming Seminars page and complete
the training inquiry form. Indicate the seminar and date you wish to attend.
You can also call us for more information toll
free at 1-800-945-GET REAL (1-800-945-4387) or dial our academy
direct at 1-602-482-7252. Upcoming
DCM Seminars)
How long
are the training sessions and seminars? ^
TOP
All DCM programs can be learned three ways: hourly sessions, intensive workshops
or training camps or seminars designed around four hour or daylong blocks of
instruction.
Why
is private or small group instruction better for advanced training? ^
TOP
Because everyone is different. Learning real martial arts and self-defense is
about developing one's individual strengths (whatever they may be), and learning
to use them against an attacker's weaknesses. Huge impersonal classes don't provide
the type of in-depth quality of instruction needed to achieve this goal. Through
private or small group instruction students receive individual attention. This
allows the trainer to get to know the student personally and help develop his
or her potential. Since quality training is our primary goal, we feel that for
DCM, private and small group instruction works best for our ongoing classes.
Why
should I study Dynamic Combat™? ^
TOP
Dynamic Combat™ is a reality-based fighting art. It can not only teach
students how to survive a real fight but how to survive extreme violent encounters.
Learning a reality based martial art like Dynamic Combat™ is like taking
out a real personal life insurance policy. In fact, you can think of it as the
most direct form of life insurance there is. DCM teaches you how to control yourself
and your environment in the event of a crisis and how to fight for your life
or protect your loved ones if you have to. What is that worth to you?
Does
it matter if I have studied a martial art before? ^
TOP
No. People come to us from all walks of life and all levels of skill and ability.
Many of our students are police officers or seasoned black belts and Instructors
from other martial art styles seeking more realistic or more advanced training.
But good percentages are men and women with no previous training at all. DCM
is not like other systems, so whether or not you have previous martial arts experience.
How hard is it to learn Dynamic
Combat™? ^
TOP
With DCM, you will not be training for tournament fighting or kick boxing, but
for real fights in which you will likely be required to deliver an all-out effort
for no more than ten to sixty seconds. With that in mind, it's not the quantity,
but the quality of practice that matters. DCM training is intense and to the
point, focusing on mastering only those skills you will really need in a crisis.
There is a specific curriculum and private students are allowed to move at their
own pace. We believe that it is imperative to teach things that are immediately
useful in the beginning. As a result, the basic techniques and tactics of DCM
are simple, direct and both easy top learn a nd easy to apply in the real world.
Moreover, we believe in teaching concepts before technique so that students understand
the reasons behind their actions. This promotes a more complete understanding
why things are done instead of just how to do something. Over twenty years of
teaching has taught us that this conceptual approach to instruction produces
the greatest advances among students and provides for much greater retention
than other methods.
How
much is there to learn? ^
TOP
The art of Dynamic Combat™ represents a lifetime of research and development
in the field of martial arts and self-defense. The basics are easy to learn and
apply but the entire system of DCM is comprehensive, covering all areas of interpersonal
combat and personal protection. Each individual class or seminar is designed
to provide the maximum degree of knowledge, practice and hands-on training needed
to progress as fast as possible. Each time you attend you will walk away having
learned something very useful. With each course of instruction you will find
yourself less concerned about self-defense and more interested in the art and
science of the system itself. Many students that are accepted to study the art
do so for many years. It becomes a personal challenge to see just how fast, powerful
and skilled they can become. You can see a basic outline of the entire system
of Dynamic Combat™ at the Art and Science of DCM. Can
anyone learn DCM? ^ TOP
Yes, one of the great benefits of a science-based martial art is the ability
of the instructor to tailor the specifics of the course to the exact needs of
the individual client. You don't have to be young, strong or flexible to learn
DCM. Participation and the willingness to learn are the only prerequisites.
How
much do I have to practice to get good at DCM? ^
TOP
With DCM, the basics can be learned in just a few hours and because the majority
of the basic techniques are based on the correct application of physics and body
mechanics they are also easy to apply. In other words our basics work the way
the human body works allowing for fast assimilation and retention. Beyond the
basics however is a comprehensive combat art form and as with any comprehensive
art form it can require years to master.
What is the "CAT" System™ and
Action Templates? ^
TOP
Many people have heard to the Dynamic Combat C.A.T. System™. The C.A.T.
system™ stands for Combative Action Templates™ and
is a unique and highly effective way of developing close range fighting skills.
One of the most clever things about DCM is a its use of physical Action Templates – to
help accelerate our students skills. These are not Katas or Forms but bio-mechanical
efficient patterns of movement, that when taught and performed correctly
help to hardwire a DCM practitioners offensive and defensive moments
dramatically improving reactive fighting skill while simultaneously diminishing
training time. The basic Action templates taught in the system have to do with
striking actions both linear and circular and are practiced solo. The basic C.A.T.
System templates are practiced solo and soon progress into high speed partner
training similar to what you might find in Wing Chun Gung Fu (chi
Sao) – or Sticky hands, but have more to do with creating auto-kinetic
response patterns to sudden attack without having to make and maintain contact
with an opponents limbs. These templates are one of the world's fastest methods
to develop effective reaction for close range combat.
Is
your training more expensive? ^
TOP
Yes, the training at the Academy is more expensive than some schools but it is
still affordable by all who seriously want to learn real martial arts. However,
our seminars and training camps are comparable to what most martial arts professionals
charge. There are many karate schools that claim to teach reality-based
martial arts street self-defense but in reality they do not. Many teach a hybrid
of techniques and tactics – some of which are reality-based and some are
best left in the worlds of sport or theatrics. Despite claims to the contrary,
there are not as many true reality-based martial arts today as you would think
at least in terms of ones that can really teach you how to survive life and death
encounters. Many leave a lot to be desired when it comes to application in the
real world. Unlike these arts Dynamic Combat™ is firmly reality-based.
It is an elite fighting martial art. DCM is not a game or a sport and if you
ever have to defend yourself for real, wouldn't you want to know that what you
paid for really works? The bottom line is that you get what you pay for.
Can Dynamic Combat™ help
me with other martial arts? ^
TOP
Learning Dynamic Combat™ in conjunction with other martial arts can definitely
be an advantage. Dynamic Combat™ training focuses on the effective use
of speed and power through the correct application of physics and body mechanics.
This can be a great advantage in the application of force, especially when it
comes to sparring and reaction training. There have been many instances in which
instructors and students of other arts suddenly excel after in other martial
arts after just a short time training in DCM. Some Instructors even supplement
the curriculums at there traditional schools with special classes in Dynamic
Combat™ taught to adult in the evenings and on weekends.
Why
don't you wear Asian uniforms or bow like other martial arts? ^
TOP
Fancy uniforms, belts and bowing are all
part of the mystique of the martial arts and have nothing to do
with whether or not a person can really fight. The truth is that
many black belts are good or even great fighters while others literally
can't fight at all if it came right down to it. A black belt (whatever
degree) or a designation of Master or even Grandmaster does
not automatically equate to fighting skill. Today people and organizations
hand out rank based more on money, politics or time invested then
on actual ability. The bottom line is that the school, its rituals
or attire do not make a system good or bad. What matters is the
techniques, tactics and teaching methodologies – i.e. their
approach to the realities of interpersonal conflict. We consider
DCM to be a modern combat martial art system. It is not designed
for sport or exhibition but for survival. As such, we dispense
with many of the traditions and rituals we consider unnecessary
to the learning process and outdated in today's world. Although
we do have formal uniforms – they are most often
reserved for demonstrations, formal seminars or videos and photo
shoots. Most of the time students wear comfortable athletic clothes
and Dynamic Combat™ tee shirts to class. We do teach some
of the traditional martial arts values like humility, respect for
others and and a code of honor both in and out of the academy.
The bottom line is that we care more about function than form.
What works when the chips are down always takes precedent over
pomp and circumstance. We feel that being relaxed and comfortable
in class and with your instructors and fellow students is more
conducive to rapid learning and assimilation than military-like
discipline, fancy uniforms or displays of ego-driven rank and file
among students and instructors alike.
What are the levels of rank
in Dynamic Combat™? ^
TOP
DCM awards rank in three main categories: Combat Technician, Combat Practitioner,
Combat Expert and Combat Master. In addition, it recognizes different levels
of instructorship: Assistant Instructor, Apprentice instructor, Instructor, Expert
instructor and Master Instructor.
How
do I become a Dynamic Combat™ Instructor? ^
TOP
Not everyone can or is allowed to become a Dynamic Combat™ Instructor.
Unlike some arts, we are not willing to let just anyone teach our system. Many
arts will certify anyone with enough cash to get in the door and as a result
their arts become diluted and often ineffective with time. DCM is still an elite
martial art system and we intend to do everything we can to keep it that way.
Becoming a Technician Level DCM Instructor requires that you attend one of our
Instructor training programs and successfully complete the course which includes
the ability to perform the required techniques with proficiency and successfully
pass a written examination given at the completion of the course. It is essentially
the same for Practitioner Level Instructors but with more in-depth training.
Beyond that (Combat Expert and Combat Master Level Instructors) require that
you attend programs given exclusively by Master Ryan either by seminar or by
attending courses at the Dynamic Combat™ Academy.
Are
there different types of martial arts? ^
TOP
Yes, today there are three distinctly different types of
martial arts; Sport, theatrical and reality-combat arts.
Although related,
each has its own distinct functions and characteristics that
mark it as different from the others.
Sport-oriented
martial arts are designed for competition and have rules
governing what you
can and cannot do in practice. They also tend to have technical
and tactical preferences based on their sport applications. For
example a Tae Kwon do competition rewards the ability to kick
over
other techniques regardless of effectiveness. In real combat you
cannot always choose your response. Sometime kicking may work and
sometimes it can get you killed. Sport-oriented arts are limited
to the rules of engagement and focus on winning the match or tournament.
In the real world the only thing that
really
matters
is effectiveness. Now in fairness, there are many mixed martial
arts and artists who do both sport and reality-based training.
And the more brutal the sport (such as cage fighting) the closer
to reality it becomes. These arts are more realistic but they are
not real. Real martial arts are not bound by rules and referees
Theatrical-oriented martial arts are
designed to be exciting and crowd pleasing. They often include the
practice of extreme athletic abilities
that are more akin to gymnastics or dance than to real fighting.
Such manifestations of the martial arts are more suited to the movies
or
to exhibitions than to application in the real world. Anyone who
thinks that they can kick a knife out of an attackers hand or back
flip out of the way of punches and kicks has seen one
too many martial arts movies. Training to do complicated and extreme
martial arts like that and thinking that you can apply it in the
real world is ludicrous yet such arts do exist and worse, claim to
be effective methods of self defense. Theatrical-oriented martial
arts does require extreme physical and mental abilities but those
abilities is rarely translate to the sudden brutality of real violence.
Reality-based (combat) martial arts are
designed explicitly to learn how to fight in the real world. Reality-based
martial arts are are not for sport or theatrical application,
but for battle. They are war
arts that
focus on the art and science of interpersonal combat as opposed to
mass warfare. Reality-based martial arts are personal
survival systems
that
train people how to defend themselves against other predatory human
beings. Because of the extreme effectiveness of the techniques and
tactics they have no place in sport or competitions, nor do they
translate well into crowd pleasing theatrical exhibitions. True combat
martial arts are reality-based and spend there time training to deal
with conflict and violence in all its manifestations. Often such
arts are more scientific in their approach because they have to
be. Real fighting demands that you adhere to the laws of reality
or face the consequences which can include death.
How can I tell the difference
between the types of martial arts? ^
TOP
All martial arts have some effective techniques and all martial
arts are realistic to some degree. The question is how realistic
are they, and how much of what is practiced is impractical
or dangerous
if applied
in a real fight? Moreover, how comprehensive are they? Preparation
for real combat is more complicated than just learning katas, submission
holds or how to punch and kick well. Real fighting is fundamentally
unpredictable and demands the development of as wide variety of skill
sets from verbal self defense and confrontation management skills
to the ability to fight back against multiple opponents with weapons.
Does the art in question attempt to prepare you to be able to defend
yourself in all types of attacks, in all
environments and against all opponents? Are there any gaps in training,
technique and application? Does it take into account the possibility
of a worst case scenario?
To determine your level of reality in your
training ask the following questions:
- Do we constantly train with restrictive
rules excluding certain techniques and tactics?
- Are you required to practice high kicks
to the head as a primary offense or defense?
- Are the basics complicated
with intricate moves requiring finite motor skills?
- Do you spar
full contact or just train for point or touch sparring?
- Do you
practice a lot of forms and solo training as opposed to one-on-one
reaction-based interaction?
- Do
you train in grappling and ground fighting
as well as punching and kicking?
- In sparring,
do you limit the techniques and tactics that an opponent may
use or do you allow them to kick, punch, grab,
grapple, trap, throw, sweep, trip, or do whatever?
- Do you practice
pre-arranged defenses against static grabs
and other such attacks?
- Do you train with all
forms of weapons including firearms and unconventional
weapons such as pens, rocks or ash trays?
- Do
you train to gouge eyes, bite, claw someone's
face with the same science that you learn to kick
and punch?
- Do you
teach the psychological aspect of conflict
and how to channel and control your fear in a crisis?
- Do
you train against (and spar against) multiple opponents
on a regular basis?
- Do you learn about the
law and the legal/moral use of force?
- Do you work in environments
other than the Dojo such as cars or out on the pavement?
- Does
you art train at all ranges of combat from kicking to grappling
range with equal time?
- When you train with and against
weapons do you use protective gear and go all out full
contact?
- Does your art restrict freedom of expression
and experimentation in favor of form and style?
- Finally, do you believe that what you are learning prepares
you to fight anyone, anywhere, anytime and under any
circumstances if you ever had to?
If not, then you need to re-evaluate your training! These are just
some of the things you need to think about when determining
if your training actually prepares you for combat in
the real world? If you are in doubt about the answers to some
of these questions you need to get the training you need – at least
if your goal is to be a reality-based martial artist. Remember,
Murphy's Law is always in effect. It will be the thing you
neglect
to train for that will get you killed. The first step is always
to identify a need or weaknesses and then find
a
way to correct it. Remember, if you don't acknowledge reality
it will automatically begin to work against you. This is never
more
true then when learning combat-oriented martial arts. What constitutes a reality-based
martial art system? ^
TOP
Reality-based martial arts systems do not limit
themselves in either technique or application. They train for real
fighting where there are no rules except survival. A reality-based
system is by its very nature more comprehensive and complete than
either sport or theatrical oriented arts. Anyone can teach kick
boxing
or basic self defense skills, but that will not prepare you for all
of
the
potential
violent situations
people encounter
in the real world. On a technical and tactical level, reality-based
martial arts must train for the worst-case scenario.
This can mean learning clever ways to effectively fight and survive
against bigger,
stronger or faster opponents. But it also implies learning
methods to deal with multiple opponents, defenses against any
type of weapon as well as situational and environmental
problems.
A reality-based martial art must teach you about the legal and
moral aspects
of the use of force in order to prepare practitioners
for encounters that may lead to litigation after the conflict is
resolved. It must teach how to use various levels
of force and control tactics starting with verbal defensive skills and confrontation
management all the way up to the use of lethal
force if necessary. It must prepare students
psychologically for
violence in all its forms and help them deal with the inevitable
adrenal-stress overload that occurs in real encounters.
These are just some of the things that a true reality-based martial
art
must
teach
if
it
is
going to
prepare
its practitioners for real violent conflict. If they don't – they
are incomplete as a reality-based fighting art. Reality does not
let you pick and choose what you need to prepare for. To be truly
effective you must be ready for any and all possibilities.
Aren't all systems reality-based
to some degree? ^
TOP
Sure! All martial arts have value and all martial arts teach
some reality-based techniques and tactics otherwise they would
not be martial arts. The question is how realistic
are they and how much of what they teach is not reality-based?
For
example most arts teach effective kicking, punching and grappling
skills, but do they also teach eye-attacks, biting, clawing and
other
extreme moves with equal science? Do they teach the legal and
moral aspects of the use of force justifying all defensive actions
in a basic force continuum? If they don't then you might find
yourself in jail someday for excessive force or aggravated assault.
Do they spend equal time teaching you how to deal with fear and
stress overload? Do they drill you on the psychological and behavioral
aspects of conflict and combat?
If not, how do you
know you will actually be able to function under extreme duress.Do
they teach how to survive multiple attackers and how to use and
defend
against
all forms
of weapons
or do
they spend the majority of their time practicing pre-arranged
moves, touch sparring and learning to use traditional martial
arts weapons? The point is that reality-based combat martial
arts must be comprehensive in their approach if they have any
chance of working in the real world where people and situations
are fundamentally unpredictable.
Are
there many comprehensive reality-based martial arts? ^
TOP
Many arts teach effective techniques but few are comprehensive reality combat
arts. A least in relationship to how many people study and teach martial arts.
Although there are many great martial arts and martial arts teachers out there
many still fail to provide a comprehensive approach to reality-fighting and the
most blatant examples of this are in the areas of the worst-case scenario. Most
do not teach effective techniques against multiple opponents especially if those
opponents are armed. Most do not spend much time on the psychological aspects
of combat which are critical to being able to perform under stress. Most do not
train against other arts, systems or methods but instead spend most of their
time sparring each other using the same techniques and tactics over and over
again. Most shy away from working on extreme situations such as unarmed knife
and gun defenses.
What
are other reality-based martial arts and artists? ^
TOP
Other than DCM some of the more reality-based martial arts (and Instructors)
include some manifestations of Bruce Lee's Jeet Kune Do, especially Sifu
Lamar Davis' Hardcore JKD. Datu Kelly Worden and his Natural
Spirit Systems are some of the best in the world especially when it
comes to weapons. Sensei Walt Lysak's Sento system is a very
comprehensive reality-based fighting art. Others include Tony Blauer's
Chu Fen Do, Marc Davis and his version of Kajukenbo, Brad
Steiner's Combato and some versions of Ed Parker's Kenpo, Krav Maga
and some others.
What
if I have greater interests in other aspects of the martial
arts? ^
TOP
The truth is that the martial arts have a lot to offer anyone. Not all martial
artists are interested in learning a pure fighting art. Many people are more
interested in the sport or exhibition aspects of combat and some treat it as
any other activity like a dance or aerobics class and that is fine. Reality-based
fighting arts are not for everyone. They require a strict adherence to the rules
of reality without compromise if they are to be truly effective. It requires
that you strip away all unessential's and get rid of anything that is not useful
in real combat. They are by their vary nature non-traditional and some people
are heavily into martial arts traditions. Moreover the end result is all that
matters to reality-based martial artists. Function always takes precedent over
form. As a result, reality-based martial arts are not as flamboyant nor crowd
pleasing as many of its counterparts. Nor do they require the extreme athleticism
that many martial arts do today. For tradition, sport and theatrics you will
have to go elsewhere. But if you want to learn how to really fight you need to
seek out a reality-based fighting arts instructor. Are reality-based martial arts just about fighting? ^
TOP
No, of course not! But that is a common misconception. It is true
that reality-based martial arts do focus on application in
the real world
but that
does
not mean that they do not teach many of the other values and traditions
common
in many other martial arts. But the best war
arts are not just about winning war. They are about becoming
effective people as well as effective warriors. Anyone can learn
to fight, but to truly
master combat requires much more than just technique. Sincerity,
commitment and humility are are what get you through the door. Discipline,
focus, and courage are are the source of a warriors power and are
honor,respect and integrity are the foundation of the warriors spirit.
All these attributes are required of the true warrior whether it
be now or a thousand years ago. Throughout history man has recognized
that to be
a warrior requires a strong spirit, commitment and virtues beyond
what is demanded of other endeavors. The mind and the mind set
of a warrior are the core of a warriors ability – not just effective
technique.
What about the spiritual aspects of the
martial arts? ^
TOP
Certainly any endeavor in which people are required to invest their hearts and
minds into can result in personal enlightenment. Taken to an extreme, such experiences
can be viewed on some levels as spiritual. However it is usually not
spiritual in the western sense of the word (which usually denotes religion).
The development of the spirit in the martial arts has more to do with the development
of internal strength and personal resilience and fortitude. Reality-based martial
arts are first and foremost fighting arts and that is always the focus but the
byproduct of mastery of such art are in a sense spiritual. But this has more
to do with the individual studying the combat art and not the art itself. ^ TOP
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