Self-Defense Concepts

Most people when they think of serious self-defense for their home and family think of acquiring a gun.

• The logic of such an acquisition is compelling; simplicity, ease of use, firepower and the finality of results.

• The role of guns in our history is profound and historically well documented.

• "The right to bear arms" is embedded in our constitution and the very notion of freedom and liberty is closely associated with firearms.

• Guns are considered equalizers. Anybody, regardless of status, size or physical power becomes a potentially formidable threat when in possession of a firearm.

• Given the availability and prominence of guns in our society, most people tend to scoff at the need to train in martial arts.

• Why spend years of time and commitment to forge our bodies, minds and spirits in the ways of the warrior when all one has to do is acquire a firearm

People don't realize guns are just tools and with such powerful tools comes great responsibility. Any tool used in the wrong way can become a threat to the user and to society. Training is required even in the domain of guns. Legal issues, safety issues, control, effective deployment and use of this tool is critical to the existence of a safe, secure and functional society.

If training is not important then why do our elite protection agencies such as law enforcement groups and military forces engage so extensively in it? The prestige and reputation of various agencies is determined by the amount and type of training each has received. Special military forces such as army rangers and navy seals are held in higher regard than the average soldier because of their higher level of training. For the same reason the FBI and Secret Service is held in higher regard and status than the average municipal police officer.

Wing Tzun principles and firearms

A gun is a relatively simple but sophisticated tool for firing small projectiles at high velocity to penetrate the target along a straight trajectory. In a similar fashion, WT is an unarmed system designed to achieve similar results. WT trains the body to be like a GUN.

•  The hands accelerate explosively along a straight path to the target with the centerline1 analogous to the barrel of a gun.

• The forward steps serve as the gunpowder, or charge for the projectiles, as well as being the flight path for the attacks.

• In addition, the hands are likened to bullets or soldiers. Man sau, or the front hand, is likened to one's perimeter defense. Wu sau, or rear protective hand, is likened to rear defense.

• The value in guns and soldiers for self-defense is their offensive firepower to protect targets.

• In WT, when the limbs are sent into "battle?" and hand attacks are "Chained" together, an "army" is created.

The invention of guns and firearms changed the whole philosophy and approach to warfare. In Medieval times very heavy body armor was worn and consequently large heavy weapons such as the claymore, broadsword and battle mace and axe were used to penetrate this heavy body armor. Mass and power were the order of the day. With combatants dressed in chain mail and plate mail empty hand attacks were just not practical. The invention of firearms rendered bulky metal armor and chain mail obsolete as well as the use of heavy hand weapons. Rapiers, sabers and hand held muskets evolved and developed. Speed and mobility became more important, and in that regard, fencing was the principle form of swordplay that came into being.

Ironically, because of the developments set into motion by firearms, modern empty hand boxing became a practical supplement and alternative means of self-defense. Straight combination hitting, kicks and shorter upright mobile stances became the foundation for modern empty hand combat. Additionally, grappling arts evolved with modern times, and in this arena speed and mobility are also paramount.

Firearms also continued to evolve and develop in terms of improved materials and design. Modern guns possess greater firepower and have higher capacity clips and magazines. Today's preferred handgun of choice for most police officers are semi- automatics, as opposed to the standard six shot revolver. Similarly, modern assault rifles also have large rates of fire. These types of arms have proven the most effective on the battlefield.

Wing Tzun and Escrima are designed much like today's modern firearms.

• Both arts stress great mobility with their footwork and put emphasis on rapid rate of firepower.

• Chain punching in Wing Tzun can be likened to a machine gun, and with its fast and flexible footwork, it simulates a mounted machine gun on a mobile turret.

• Additionally, the low thrusting kicks can be likened to a pump action shotgun, with their powerful blast like effects on the mid section, thighs, knees, shins and insteps of an enemy.

• Escrima teaches the practitioner the concepts of zoned hitting; to never swing the weapon out of play. This enables the practitioner to quickly re-chamber the weapon for multiple rapid deployments and hitting.

Martial Arts Training to Supplement Firearms

As previously mentioned, complete, total self-defense based entirely on firearms is not sufficient or even adequate for today's needs.

• It has been well documented that many a law enforcement officer has been disarmed by determined criminal assailants when taken by surprise in close quarters.

• There has been much discussion on weapon retention techniques and programs. These in fact, constitute a study of martial arts.

• It is also known that most savvy, veteran law enforcement officers, carry a backup smaller pistol, in the event that their primary firearm fails, or is lost to them.

We in the civilian world can only learn from and emulate our better trained brethren. The average citizen does not go on daily or weekly military maneuvers yet martial arts training is an undervalued, misunderstood and unappreciated tool for survival.

The preservation and protection of our health is the foundation of our very existence in this world. The laws of nature are harsh and the so-called civilized human world is not exempt from them. Just like wild nature, human predators and prey abound. In every sphere of being, it is important to know where one is and to hone our instincts and intuition; to avoid, escape and, if necessary, fight predators. Self-protection and the protection of our family, loved ones and nation are primal instincts, desires, and responsibilities of everyone. Military and law enforcement are there to supplement our self-protection needs, not the reverse. Learning the ways of the warrior are necessary skills to our survival and growth, for we are all on the "food chain" whether we are aware of it or not.

In some states it is relatively easy to legally acquire a firearm for hunting or self-protection. In fact, more states allow a concealed handgun permit for law-abiding citizens.

• Even in these states, where people have exercised their rights to possess firearms, it is not always practical or convenient to carry a firearm.

• In addition, within a personal radius of 10-15 feet, unless one's firearm is deployed, it is not a useable option, and in fact, in a close encounter, it could be readily taken from and used against the owner.

• In addition, not every self defense encounter legally and morally justifies the lethal, final results that firearms produce. Martial art training gives the user many greater options of control.

Similar to veteran officers and warriors, martial arts training is the "backup pistol" we all need to invest in our survival and well-being. In this regard, EBMAS WT/Escrima is the perfect defensive tool for every contemporary citizen. Besides the aforementioned technical features that virtually make EBMAS resemble a gun, the accompanying physical and spiritual training of the programs make it the best value of this century.

• The average person of modest physical talent and ability can effectively and readily employ EBMAS to protect and improve the quality of their lives on a daily basis.

• Not every martial arts style or program can truthfully make this claim. Many styles and systems require excessive physical power and ability, rendering them impractical for the average person.

• The EBMAS programs are fun, logical and train the students on multi-levels in a short period of time.

• They strengthen the body and the balance, and hone ones physical, mental and spiritual abilities.

• Strategy and tactical skills are also taught and further integrated into an understanding of philosophical and legal arenas.

• The EBMAS system is based on an ingenious integration of mathematics, physics, chemistry, psychology and philosophy. It continues to grow and evolve based on its scientific and Buddhist, Confucian and mainly Taoist philosophical roots.

In summary, firearms are effective self defense tools but you need EBMAS training to supplement, access and retain your firearm.

"Do you have your gun on you right at this moment?"

By Sifu Dave Lesser (4 TG EBMAS)