So what does this term actually mean? To me personally it is a catch all, generic term, that best describes the stuff we do. It is not a particular martial art or style but a compilation of the most effective teachniques and concepts. It does not just include punching or kicking or grappling or any one way of doing things but advocates a multi purpose approach to self protection. It allows you to be versatile and does not rely on fixed patterns or archaic mysticism. Many instrcutors of traditional arts claim to teach self defence but their 'styles' often fall short when it comes to the 'real deal'.

Now i do not pretend to be a 'know it all' nor do i believe that traditional martial arts have nothing to offer. But it does really tick me off when instructors make bold claims about their style then show you a round house jumping back back flip sommersault through the air matrix eat your heart out keanu reaves kick, then state 'i teach self defence'. yeah right of course you do.

I ask you this; when was the last time you or anybody else you know was actually attacked by somebody using a back jumping spinning kick?

What a surprise a resolute 'never'. Why? beacuse the average street thug is not going to go out and buy a 'gi' and prance around a hall all day. What he will do though is get a couple of his mates and a screwdriver and 'hold you up' WHY? beacuse it's easier. The whole point behind the concept of combatives is to teach people a set of fighting techniques that will allow you to survive a REAL LIFE ATTACK not a take from the MATRIX. It consists of eye gouges, open hand strikes, elbows, knees, headbutts, low line leg kicks, grappling, edged weapon defence,

gun disarms and anything else that relates to real self protection.

I like using this term beacuse i am not confined to paying homage to a particular instrcutor or association, it allows me to be creative and evolve. Many of the WW2 combat instrcutors used this term because it sounds positive and pretty much summed up what they and their systems were all about, REAL LIFE COMBAT.