SELF-DEFENCE
THE ART OF FIGHTING
Our starting point when developing training for self-defence is the realities of the kind of violence you may face in everyday life.
We call this kind of violence ‘non-consensual’ fighting. In other words, an individual or individuals have attacked you or others you are with when you have no desire to fight them.
The aim of self-defence in these situations is not ‘to win’ like it is in combat sports but to ‘resolve the situation’. This may mean that you can avoid the fight before it starts or make a tactical withdrawal – but if this is not possible you will need to utilise violence yourself in order prevent harm – before removing yourself from the situation.
Fighting in self-defence is typically chaotic as so many factors are involved and the variables are many. What we need to cultivate is the ability to improvise and create good habits and muscle memory that operate on an instinctive level.
We take a conceptual approach to training, working from basic principles – distance, timing, movement and so on. We develop two key areas ‘body mechanics’ and ‘attitude’ that drive our technical actions. All ranges and areas of fighting are covered from long range attacks such as kicks to shorter range attacks such as punches and elbows and then grappling and the ground.
Our training aims to build an ability to counter our opponent’s actions whilst overwhelming them with our own in a given moment in time. Our training method is derived from Keysi, which is itself derived from many sources, particularly Jeet Kune Do, kali and silat. This method is based on understanding our vulnerability in the fight, particularly when facing more than one opponent.
Our training is for the ‘everyman’ or ‘everywoman’ seeking to protect themselves from the damage caused by violence.
KEYSI IN ACTION
Take a look at Keysi in action!
KEYSI: THE ORIGIN
Here you can see the origins of Keysi and how Justo developed its essence for the street.
Video of Christian Bale using Keysi in batman!
