The Test

"Will this work so that I can use it instinctively in vital combat against an opponent who is determined to prevent me from doing so, and who is striving to eliminate me by fair means or foul". ~ Rex Applegate

It really does NOT matter one iota what style, system, method, or technique you MAY wish to apply to your personal survival training.

What DOES matter is, if "whatever" it is that you choose passes the above TEST.

This requires HONEST self-appraisal first and foremost. Forget how you would LIKE the world to be; see the world as it really is.

And look at yourself in the same light.

I've "learned" thousands of techniques over the years. I practice about a dozen (striking and grappling) on a daily basis.

I have been ruthless in rejecting ANY technique or method that DOES NOT pass Applegate's "test".

We can take a page from "combat" sports here:

Boxers, wrestlers, and Judokas ALL have that one "Sunday punch". One technique that they have drilled and practiced and drilled and practiced. And generally these "techniques" as applied to each specific sport are repeated over and over.

Why? Because these few methods have the BEST overall track record of success.

Even the NHB and UFC type matches reflect this pattern. Watch hundreds of these bouts and you will see a definitive pattern of decisive winning techniques. And they are very few in number.

So it is with boxing, wrestling, Judo AND street-fighting.

Georges Carpentier was a champion Savateur and boxer. He was KNOWN for his right hand KO power and technique. He called this punch his "whip punch"; his bread and butter, his Sunday "best". He said that it took him TEN years of hard work before he felt he really "mastered" this ONE technique.

There is a vital fundamental lesson there.

So the next time you "learn" some technique, run it thru the mill of the "test". And be honest about it.

Copyright 2003 www.thetruthaboutselfdefense.com©

Carl Cestari began his study of the martial arts with judo at the age of 7 under the direction of Yoshisada Yonezuka. During the past forty plus years Carl has dedicated his life to studying the martial arts, hand to hand combat systems, history and religion. What makes Carl unique is his combination of martial arts, law enforcement and military and real world experience. Carl has been exposed to a multitude of people with a wide variety experience. The following is a list of some of Carl's ranks and honors.
Shinan (Founder) Tekkenryu jujutsu
Ryokudan (6th degree) Koshinkai Karate under John Burrelle
Godan (5th degree) Jujutsu under Clarke of the World Jujutsu Fedaration (now defunct)
Sandan (3rd degree) Nippon Kempo under Narabu Sada
Nidan (2nd degree) Judo under Masafumi Suzuki
Shodan (1st degree) Judo under Yoshisada Yonezuka
Shodan (1st degree) Shukokai Karate under Kimura, Kadachi and Yonezuka
Shodan (1st degree) Daitoryu Aikijujutsu
Instructors Certificate- Charles Nelson System of Self Defense under Charlie Nelson
http://www.thetruthaboutselfdefense.com