Why Train in Combatives?

Why Train in Combatives?

Training in Combatives is different than other types of martial arts training. At Combatives Academy our focus is singular. We train to survive and overcome real world violent attacks, what we call "total violence". Although most self defense schools have a similar goal in mind, it is difficult to acknowledge all of the skill sets required for total violence, even by most martial arts schools. Schools that focus on a particular system for example, might find it difficult or impossible to teach the full array of combative skill sets. Combatives is much more than just a mix of martial skills. It is a specific set of skills

Core Competency 

All martial arts schools have a core competency that they teach. Some schools may be excellent in striking but lack grappling, other schools might have an outstanding MMA program but lack weapons training. For Combatives training, a full range of skill sets are required, from striking, to grappling, to hand fighting, to take downs and throws, to in depth weapons training. It is critical to train in systems that are battlefield based rather than competition based or dueling based. Battlefield arts acknowledge multiple attackers and weapons. Finding the right systems to learn critical battlefield skills can be difficult to do. In our case we use Bahala Na Escrima as our blade and stick training system because the Bahala Na system teaches a battlefield blade system that was used as recently as WWII. If the core competency is not battlefield based, certain important skill sets are typically not taught in dueling or competition based martial arts styles. 

Focus in Training

Combatives training must focus on training the mind, body and fighting spirit completely. Training in various popular martial arts styles such as Tae Kwon Do, or Judo or Krav Maga might be useful and effective, but not all schools will have the singular focus to deal with total violence. Many schools will focus on teaching the art over teaching effectiveness in the context of Combatives. The skills sets from Combatives should work even if you're exhausted or during a adrenaline dump. The focus in training fora Combatives student is to train every part of yourself to effectively deal with multiple attackers and armed attackers with an intention to cause severe or permanent damage and injuries.