On browsing my site you could be forgiven for thinking that we are nothing but a bunch of bone-heads spoiling for a fight. The fact is that this could not be further from the truth.
We are interested purely in the study of martial arts for their aesthetic properties and for their practical adaptation as a form of self-defence.

This last aspect is what brings most people into martial arts in the first place, they then gain interest in the classical and historical side which can serve to hold the students interest and keep them on the mat.
If however the student decides to take a sporting route they will fined it doesn't take much to adapt what they have been taught.

Martial arts are over complicated for
self defence:
When studying a martial art you will often encounter 100s of techniques, the complexity of it all can baffle the beginner! For the purpose of practical situations however all is actually needed is a handful of well honed techniques and a lot of adrenaline.

My suggestions are:
1. To study the entire martial art syllabus which will bring you many other benefits in addition to self-protection skills.
2. Keep a sharp end of the most useful techniques by practicing them as often as Possible.
3. Keep it simple, there are know points for spectacular movements on the street. Best to bring things to a speedy conclusion with the most simple direct techniques you know.
4. Use minimum force, you could be on CCTV, you don't have to stand on there head and do the river dance, just do enough to get away!

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Above: Down but not out, Mick Barry demonstrate a takedown using the legs

Left: Steve Diggle uses a 'Hara-gatame to disarm a knife.