Combatives is a term for a particular kind of anti-violence training.

   Other terms for this training are “Reality Based Self Defense” or “Street Self Defense.”

   Combatives has as its goal 1) the complete avoidance of violent encounters when possible, 2) de-escalation of, and escape from, potentially violent encounters if initial avoidance isn’t possible and 3) only when absolutely necessary, the use of effective counter-violence (physical self-defense) against violent attacks, but only when there is no other choice.

   Combatives is not a martial art or a combat sport. Though physical self-defense methods are taught in Combatives, equally important are the “avoid, de-escalate, and escape” priorities we emphasize. “Fighting” is the second-to-last thing we want; the last thing we want is to be seriously injured or killed by violent people we haven’t learned to defend ourselves against.

   When you train in Combatives, imagine a scenario in which you may face a bigger, stronger aggressor or aggressors, perhaps armed with weapons, who are willing to hurt or kill you to get what they want.

   The aggressor follows no rules, and nobody is coming to help you. You are on your own.

   In these situations, martial arts and combat sport training by themselves isn’t enough.

   Ask yourself: What would I do? What could I do? What should I do?

   These questions are the starting point of your self-protection journey.