This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Health & Fitness

Beware of the "Self Defense" Frauds! Part #2

Beware of the “Self Defense” Frauds Part #2

I will not say that video training has no value, because it does have it’s place. However, it is limited. Videos are a great for adding to your knowledge base, not as your knowledge base. There is nothing like training under the guidance of a bonafide expert. 

Here’s where I have my issue. These “Self Proclaimed Experts” purport that just by buying their DVD set and training in your basement, you will be able to thwart any attacker of any level! Some of them go on to claim that just by practicing what they “teach” you, you will be able to destroy a Professional MMA Fighter in mere seconds! That’s about as realistic as telling someone to watch your video on swimming and stating that you’ll be able to swim; without ever getting in the water! More than that, they are essentially telling you that you’ll be able to beat Michael Phelps! What utter nonsense! 

Find out what's happening in Ridgewood-Glen Rockwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Most of these “Experts” are very convincing. They may have trained for years, many have had some measure of ring or mat experience and have gone through the true rigors of training. However, they want you to think that this is how they got that good. Just like the jacked fitness model leading you to believe that he/she got in that condition using a “BowFlex.” Most of these wonder machines wind up being nothing more than ugly clothes hangers. 

These unscrupulous scoundrels know that it’s very difficult to run a school based on valid principals and even more difficult to have people face their own reality. The reality of “THERE ARE NO SHORTCUTS!” You have to put in your time with a real instructor, a real partner and some real fighting. That’s the ONLY way to attain REAL RESULTS!

Find out what's happening in Ridgewood-Glen Rockwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Look, combat sports were designed so people could practice their skills against another live human being in a non-lethal fashion. There is nothing like developing “man to man strength” and the reaction to an uncontrolled opponent. This can only be developed through real combat practice with another live human. It is impractical (not to mention illegal!) to practice these so called “death techniques” on a live person. So how do we practice? With Sport Combat. You disallow techniques that maim and kill, focus on positioning and reacting to movement, eliciting movement and toughening yourself through being hit. Yes, actually being the willing recipient of a punch to the nose or a kick in the stomach. You also practice executing, but “pulling” the technique without employing full power to the defensive tactics techniques. You don’t need to employ full power. You execute control. This helps you develop your focus and ability to temper the amount of force that you apply. I’ve been in combat arts for almost 40 years. I still spar, roll and train with the aforementioned methods. I have never had an issue of employing successful street technique in real life defensive tactic situations. I will also state that I have had more real life encounters than most of these “Experts”.

These “Experts” are misleading you. You see the way that they move and defend themselves flawlessly. They attempt to convince their pigeons that they will move like them and be able to protect themselves just by practicing the moves on their videos. In their disingenuous marketing ploy, they attempt to dissuade unsuspecting customers by preying on their fears. Most of these people are in fear of being assaulted or may have already been assaulted and are easy targets for these hucksters. These easy targets don’t know any better and they are lulled into developing a false sense of security. It’s a travesty. These poor, frightened people are duped as these guys lining their pockets with their “victims” hard earned cash. It doesn’t end there. 

They will often times “give” you the first video and then you just pay for the shipping. However, once you accept the video, you have “agreed” to their membership terms and will continue to receive videos, newsletters, etc... all while be charged a monthly fee. If you call to dispute the charges, the phone rings unanswered. They also bill under different company names and in different amounts to further confuse you. Not only are you being ripped off by being sold a bad bill of goods, but you are also being scammed. Unfortunately, it’s all 100% legal. It’s immoral, improper and misleading, but it’s not illegal. So, let the buyer beware. 

You need to abide by certain axioms in life. If it sounds too good to be true, it is too good to be true. There are no shortcuts to success. If something is too easy, it’s worthless. You only get out what you put in. 

Be smart, be cautious and train with purpose!

Coach Phil Ross - Strength & Honor

Download the movie

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?