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This set of DVDs is for anyone with an interest in Pencak Silat.
Go here and order: Bambang Suwanda

Over the years one can see trends in martial arts. They tend to revolve around the new kid on the scene. A lot of that ripples out across what we train. The next big thing drives established schools to adopt these trends or aspects of them in order to stay fresh.

These fads take hold for a few years and play out. On occasion they gain a foothold in a wider circle. However, even that wider circle maintains a niche clientele. Heck, even what comes to the mind of the everyday person as martial arts (tae kwon do, karate, gung fu) are a niche.

Regardless of style studied, there is a trend coming down the pike to have a better understanding of violence and its effects. For years, the group I hang out with from time to time has discussed the various aspects of not only the physical but the psychological aspects of what Rory Miller calls, “training to create cripples and corpses.”

Some schools will see this as an opportunity to cash in on the next big thing without seeing the long-term advantages to their students. The flip side is the students will take it in without seeing the long-term advantages of the knowledge. What I mean here is the vast majority of the students will listen to the message, take it in, but not use it when they need it most.

Knowing something two or three times a week for class or rank testing is not putting into practice. Even practicing doesn’t hit the mark directly. My friend Buddha (short, bearded guy, not the plump-bellied dude you see in some Asian establishments) likes to point out, “all plans go to shit on contact.” He’s got it right. You could train every day and feel pretty good about what you do, but all that goes out the window when the shit hits the fan due to a variety of factors.

More and more schools need to bring in people to discuss the reality of violence and the understanding that it comes in so many varieties. It is best to be prepared the best way you can be, but the limitations of knowing that what happens may not be what you are training for.

Instructors need to be upfront and frank about what their goals for their students are. If you teach primarily for fitness and competition, you owe it to your students to make them understand that goal and draw a massive line in the sand about what they are learning.

Too many factors go into violence to say, “this will happen and you do this.” I think if you want to be well prepared, learn how to be aware of your surroundings. Awareness is one of the best skills you have, and you can train this skill easily. Start by being aware of places where bad things are known to happen, and avoid these places. If you are in a situation where bad things can happen, be aware of exits. Look at the people and pick out who may be doing what you are doing. You are looking for those who are scoping the crowd and in doing so, you show you are aware of what is going on around you. That step alone could help you be passed over by those intent to do bad things.

Pay more attention to places you are familiar with as well. Your routine may be being watched and made note of by bad people. What are the exits at your workplace? Is the parking lot monitored? Do you unconsciously go from the store to the car?

What are some other suggestions you can come up with to make yourself and others more aware?