It’s not how much you know that counts, but how much you can recall under stress.
.
Most effective self-protection practitioners, have a ‘main toolkit’ which gives them something they can use in most situations, plus a larger collection of more specialized techniques that they may use if the right circumstances present themselves.
.
It is far more important to be able to do a few things well, than a lot of things adequately. Against a highly determined brutal attacker, or someone who has some form of weapon, adequate will NOT be enough.
.
This is where many martial artists go astray, judging their ability on how many techniques they know.
.
Endlessly drilling the same simple movements is boring, but it is exactly those ‘gross motor’ type skills that will be useful when needed.
.
However, your decision making ability is the most important tool in your toolbox. Learn how to handle stress, so you improve your odds of making sensible decisions. Things are easy when your pulse rate is 60 and you’re sparring in the dojo. When hormonal induced stress bumps your pulse rate to 170–190 in a few seconds, EVERYTHING is difficult.
.
Keep in mind that your goal is to NOT be in the fight….. That’s right. NOT to fight… Despite what many people say.
.
If and when the opportunity arises you should go for avoidance, de-escalation and escaping.
.
If you are assaulted you are NOT in a sporting competition where you need to ensure that you can go several rounds. A real life fight is typically a matter of seconds of highly stressed anaerobic activity.
.
Do not expect a fair fight. People typically assault others from a perceived position of advantage, such as size, numbers, weapons or surprise. You should expect multiple attackers and weapons; did I say weapons….. and you should act accordingly.
.
It’s worth paying serious attention to the principles that make any given technique work, and not just the technique themselves. Many students, and inexperienced instructors, neglect the underlying principles behind their techniques, and then fall short when trying to use them under times of extreme stress.
.
No matter what techniques you know, your physical condition and what tools you have at your disposal, it is down to your ability to make the right decisions. Failing that part will make everything else have no practical relevance.
.
Train right…. Make the right decisions…. Be safe. 
.
.
 Photo credit: Mazi Heydary
.