RBSD
What is REALITY-BASED SELF DEFENSE?
Wikipedia defines it as "a blanket term for an approach to self defense training that focuses on practical application. RBSD practitioners emphasize training that directly relates to the most dangerous of all possible situations. To accomplish this, training includes but is not limited to scenario and weapons (including guns, knives, and batons) training. In RBSD training prime importance is placed on gross motor skill training and simple, high-percentage moves. Furthermore, RBSD schools minimize or eliminate elements of martial arts training that are not directly related to practical application, such as acrobatic or aesthetic techniques, rituals, ceremony and kata. In their techniques, many RBSD systems draw on military systems, especially World War II combatives."
If you were to google "Reality-Based Self Defense," you would get a bunch of websites with people claiming to be the "original masters" who not only coined the term "Reality-Based Self Defense," but who also claim to be invincible in every which way and form. It is very difficult, especially nowadays, to trust what is on the internet. Anybody can claim to be whatever they want, and if it is in writing, some people may buy it. There are also internet moneymakers who try and sell you products such as DVD's that teach you "all the things that the Navy Seals don't want you to know!"
This is from an actual website, verbatim: "FINALLY! Battle-Tested Close quarters Combat Secrets that will INSTANTLY transform you into a 'Human Wrecking Machine!'...For FREE! A secret trick to remain completely calm in the face of danger-even when some enraged maniac is right up in your face-and then launch a vicious split-second attack like flipping on a switch! A 2-inch 'hidden' target that when you hit it, will shatter bones, instantly overwhelm his size and strength, and leave him utterly defenseless! The one move I've personally used...in REAL FIGHTS against larger attackers...that's worked 100% of the time!...How to unleash brutal, unstoppable power into all your strikes...no matter what your size or skill level! And More-A LOT MORE!"
This website is just one out of the many internet scams to get your money. I will pick on this one, for no particular reason, to exploit their flaws. After presenting you with this AMAZING DVD offer FOR FREE!, they make you give them your email address and first name. Not bad, but once you get the email they make you click on a link to confirm the free offer. Once you get to the link, you then find that it actually isn't for free. They will still charge you $7.00 for shipping and handling. They will then, using top-notch selling tactics, try and reel you into their "Gold Membership," by paying them $39.95 per month for six months, to complete their online "modular training program."
Here are just a few of the many flaws:
1. You cannot learn Reality-Based Self Defense from the internet, without hands-on training. Even with a partner, there is no instructor present to make sure your unique body is doing everything right.
2. THERE ARE NEVER OVERNIGHT RESULTS in anything! Especially learning how to be a killer! You cannot learn "instantly" how to "unleash brutal, unstoppable power" on street thugs "no matter what your size or skill level." That is NONSENSE!
3. "Human Wrecking Machine"...instantly? Mmmmhhh, BULLCRAP!
4. Nothing "works" 100% of the time!
Don't believe me? Here is the link to their website:
http://www.defeatlargerattackers.com/
Here's another one (just copy and paste or click on the link)
http://www.closecombattraining.com/cctraining/start.php?gclid=CPPDyIO-xZ...
I could make a huge list of them, but I will let you use your own common sense to stay away from this garbage.
Okay, there are good websites dedicated to self defense. Here is one that I DO RECOMMEND:
http://www.nononsenseselfdefense.com/
I do not sell anything online. I provide free articles and free videos for those interested in learning some basics. I do not claim to turn you into a "Human Wrecking Machine" overnight. You have to train with me in person, for a long time, to learn how to effectively handle yourself in a street-combat situation. Even then, there is no 100% guarantee that you can handle EVERY combat situation. I don't care who you are or how trained you are, if 10 (or even 3 or 5) grown men with knives and guns attack you simultaneously...you will die. You may kill a couple first, but you will die.
As you will see in the website that I DO recommend (see above), most of self defense is self-awareness. Just being aware of things. Preventative action. Noticing "red flags."
I highly recommend that you read the contents, articles, and videos from that website. It will not teach you secret, government-leaked combat moves that will kill any attacker irrespective of the situation. It will give you good information on how to live safer. Martial techniques are great, but the use of them can be prevented. It's best to not get involved in combat if you can avoid it. It is as simple as that. I don't agree with EVERYTHING the site says, but, for the most part, it is very legitimate.
It would be a complete injustice of me to say that there are no exceptions to learning off of the internet. Is it ideal to learn from trained professionals? Yes! Do some people live where they do not have access to proper training? Sadly, yes. Instructional videos are usually best used as supplements to actual hands-on training.
Have a "tapping" system and follow the safety guidelines to the letter. Make sure you consult a physician before engaging in any physical activity that may be too strenuous for you.
In a nutshell, I've done three things: #1 I've defined Reality-Based Self Defense. #2 I gave you a brief rundown on the business and exploited some internet clowns who actually dupe people into buying their ridiculous scams, and #3 I gave you a good website from which to gain some knowledge on how to live safer.
--Patrick Asay