Standing Defenses

People practice martial arts for a variety of different reasons. One of the main reasons that most people get into the martial arts is the concept of self defense. However, not all martial arts address self-defense effectively.

Two facts to consider when speaking of self-defense. First - it is a fact that over 90% of street fights end up on the ground. 2nd - it is a fact that an equally High number of fights start standing up.

Many martial arts schools have self-defense patterns that are practiced. Well this is not bad in and of itself, the practice of such a pattern, without addressing a resisting partner, can leave the student to a false sense of security.

Furthermore, many schools practice self defense patterns against attacks that are just so rarely used. For example - adult students will spend hours upon hours practicing escapes from a wrist grab, when those are rarely used against other adults.

The following defenses are absolutely essential for any true self defense program:

1. Haymaker punch.
The Haymaker punch is the most common punch use an actual fights between two adults.

2. The headlock.
While not the most technical finishing hold, the headlock is very commonly employed. Moreover, a complete novice can grab onto somebody's head and hold on for dear life. It is essential that the self-defense practitioner know how to escape this with a takedown and while standing.

3. Boxing punches.
Somebody with training in boxing, Karate, Kung Fu, or some other stand-up striking art will have more precise punches than a mere Haymaker. A true martial art will address how to maintain distance, successfully navigate the punching range, as well as defenses for said punches.

4. Double Leg Takedown / tackle.
With the advent of MMA, as well as many people having trained in grappling arts, it is imperative to study how to defend against the double leg takedown. If your martial arts school's first line of defense against the double leg is to apply a guillotine choke, you need to look elsewhere. Sprawl, baby.

5. Guillotine defense.
If you are Learning Tree self-defense, then a big portion of that is how to Grapple with someone. This will include, among other things, the ability to take down an opponent from a body clinch, as well as using leg takedowns. Failed attempts at Double legs, single legs, and body clenches can sometimes result in the opponent grabbing onto the head in a guillotine choke. This is not a possibility, this is an eventuality. You must learn how to negate this hold.

Summary
If your martial arts school does not practice these techniques, that's okay. Just don't deceive yourself into believing that you're studying real martial arts for self defense. Defenses against these five attacks are absolutely critical. These are the most common attacks from standing when two adults are involved in a conflict.

Honorable mention to bear hugs and waist locks, as these often happen while standing.