Week 7

DLS Weekly Progress

87.5%

Recap on – Strikes and defense, human body, pressure points, Body Positioning, Ranges, grabs, holds, chokes, Survival skills – weaponizing yourself, close quarter techniques, multiple defenders, Deadly Force, Daily Wear, ground work techniques, multiple defense and Crowd pshycology.
Pressure point and how the body reacts
scenario and Confidence training

The Lesson

Week 7 Lesson

Human body and how it works – more pressure points and Nerve Endings

We are recapping on pressure points because of how important it is to most techniques we perform at DLS. The course focuses on a set of pressure points and Nerve Endings, these points and endings have been incorporated into the moves so as to guarantee its effect. Some points we focus on at DLS are eyes, neck, and shin. Other methods we incorporated into the techniques is joint manipulation – we focus on those limbs and joints that are easily accessible and can cause damage to threat and change their intent – example is the big tor or the index finger.

The Human Body, despite its strength and resilience, has inherent vulnerabilities. This course introduces you to the basic structure of the body and how it reacts to pain, particularly at specific pressure points and body joints helping you understand vulnerabilities of the body and exploiting them with regards to self-defense.

Pressure points – The notion of pressure points originally began in Japanese martial arts. It was Minamoto Yoshimitsu, a Japanese samurai who lived from 1045 to 1127, who reportedly was the first to introduce the idea of pressure points into martial arts fighting.

The Human Body – The Human Body consist of systems, a simple understanding of them, will in turn show the effects of disrupting its normal flow with regards to DLS techniques and methods.

The circulatory system is to move blood, nutrients, oxygen, carbon dioxide, and hormones, around the body. It consists of the heart, blood, blood vessels, arteries and veins;
The body’s muscular system consists of about 650 muscles that aid in movement, blood flow and other bodily functions.
The reproductive system allows humans to reproduce. The male reproductive system includes the penis and the testes.
Our bodies are supported by the skeletal system, which consists of 206 bones that are connected by tendons, ligaments and cartilage.
The respiratory system allows us to take in vital oxygen and expel carbon dioxide in a process we call breathing. It consists mainly of the trachea, the diaphragm and the lungs.
The skin, or integumentary system, is the body’s largest organ. It protects us from the outside world, and is our first defense against bacteria, viruses and other pathogens.

DLS Pain & Pressure point Ranking

Group A – Can hurt will not cause any damage, just pain. Mainly used for DLS distraction techniques
Group B – This category is the lasting damage, it causes pain and most cases will leave a permeant effect, example breaking of a bone.
Group C – These falls under Deadly Force category, and will cause in most cases death.

The Human Body and how it works – more pressure points and Nerve Endings: We are recapping pressure points because of how important it is to most techniques we perform at DLS.

scenario training – with everyday clothes, shoes and situations

scenario training is a method where we at DLS try and simulate/create the provoker’s intent or threat, and we encourage the defender to engage with all they have learnt or know. This session helps remove the fear and gives us a more reactive response to threat.

We train/practice in our daily clothes – yes, your actual everyday normal clothes – this gives us the feeling of being on the street and also prepares mind and body for the difference in training.

Doing a front kick with heels or even a fast Jab can be affected by foot wear (shoe) or the skirt or hijab. The idea is to have a feeling of how day to day clothes feel and give you an idea of how the clothes may affect your technique, it also opens your mind to different daily clothes you can use as a defensive item.

Overview

This week emphasizes scenario-based learning to simulate real-world situations where self-defense is needed. Practicing techniques while wearing everyday clothing adds authenticity and highlights any limitations posed by regular attire, such as limited movement in jeans or longer jackets. In this section, you will engage in scenario-based drills that involve common settings (e.g., a sidewalk, a parking lot) to build confidence, adaptability, and quick decision-making in real-life contexts.

Key Aspects of scenario-Based Training

Adaptation to Everyday Clothing
- Explanation: Regular attire may impact movement and access to self-defense tools. Understanding how different clothes affect flexibility, reach, and quick movements can prepare you for actual self-defense situations.
- Goal: Identify any restrictions from your clothing and adapt your movement and responses to accommodate these limitations.
- Example: If wearing a tight jacket limits arm movement, practice how to defend yourself by focusing on lower-body Strikes or using items in your environment as defensive tools.
Environmental Awareness in Everyday Scenarios
- Explanation: Practicing in familiar environments such as a store, a parking lot, or a hallway helps you assess surroundings quickly and identify possible escape routes or barriers.
- Goal: Develop the ability to assess an environment and adjust positioning, using exits, barriers, and available tools effectively.
- Example: In a parking lot scenario, note where cars and light poles are situated and practice using them as cover or escape points if needed.

Building Reflexive Responses
- Explanation: scenario-based training reinforces reflexive actions, preparing you for real encounters where you must act quickly and without hesitation.
- Goal: Develop instinctive responses by simulating realistic situations that require immediate defensive actions.
- Example: Practice a scenario where an aggressor approaches unexpectedly. Focus on pivoting, sidestepping, or engaging quickly to establish boundaries before an attack escalates.

scenario training – with everyday clothes, shoes and situations: scenario training is a method where we at DLS try and simulate/create the provoker’s intent or threat, and we encourage the defender to engage with all they have learnt or know.

Confidence training

In class methods of confidence building – this is done by putting different situations forward and you come up with the best Strategy to diffuse them– this is done mainly to build confidence and empower class.

Confidence goes a long way and, in some cases, guarantees safety. Let’s face it, if you throw a stone without confidence (knowledge of self), you throw the stone and hope to know where it lands, but a confident throw – you will have a fair idea of where the stone will land, how it may land.

Confidence training: Building Mental Resilience

Overview

Mental resilience is a key component of self-defense, enhancing your ability to remain calm, confident, and focused in high-stress situations. Building mental resilience involves developing self-assurance in your ability to respond effectively, maintaining control under pressure, and using assertive communication to set boundaries. This section covers exercises and techniques to strengthen mental fortitude, helping you respond calmly and decisively in real-life scenarios.

Core Elements of Confidence Training

Self-Belief in Physical Ability
- Explanation: Building confidence in your physical abilities helps you approach confrontations with less fear and hesitation.
- Goal: Reinforce your knowledge of techniques and responses through repeated practice, so they feel natural and instinctive.
- Example: Regularly practicing defensive moves helps to reduce self-doubt, making you feel capable and ready to handle unexpected situations.
Managing Fear and Staying Calm
- Explanation: Fear can impair judgment and response time, but learning to manage it allows for clearer thinking and controlled reactions.
- Goal: Develop techniques for calming the mind in tense situations, allowing you to act rather than react.
- Example: Practicing deep breathing and visualization can help slow your heart rate, creating a calm and focused state that prevents panic.
Assertive Boundary Setting
- Explanation: Setting clear, assertive boundaries reduces the likelihood of escalation by signaling confidence and control.
- Goal: Learn and practice assertive language and Body Positioning to communicate strength and deter aggression.
- Example: Practicing firm verbal commands, such as “Stay back” or “Leave me alone,” paired with confident eye contact and Stance, conveys self-assurance to potential aggressors.

Drills for Building Mental Resilience

I. Visualization and Mental Rehearsal

· Objective: Enhance mental resilience and reduce stress response by mentally rehearsing self-defense scenarios.

· Execution: Find a quiet space, close your eyes, and visualize a specific scenario. Imagine yourself responding confidently, maintaining calm, and using defensive techniques effectively. Envision each action and the steps you’d take.

· Goal: Create mental “blueprints” that make actual responses more natural and controlled, reducing fear and hesitation.

II. Controlled Breathing Practice

· Objective: Learn to control your stress response by practicing steady, deep breathing.

· Execution: Practice the 4-7-8 breathing technique (inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 7, exhale for 8). This exercise slows the heart rate and clears the mind, preparing you to handle pressure calmly.

· Goal: Improve your ability to reduce anxiety quickly, ensuring a clear mindset in stressful situations.

III. Assertive Language and Body Language Drill

· Objective: Practice assertive communication to set boundaries and project confidence.

· Execution: Stand in front of a mirror and practice direct statements such as “Stop,” “Back off,” or “Leave me alone.” Pair these with assertive body language: shoulders back, direct eye contact, and firm Stance.

· Goal: Build confidence in using verbal commands and assertive postures that deter potential threats and communicate strength.

In-Class Quiz

In-class Quiz for Generic Courses Week 7

This quiz is geared toward helping the student recap what has been done in class over the course of week 7

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Confidence training- In class methods of confidence building – this is done by putting different situations forward and you come up with the best Strategy to diffuse them– this is done mainly to build confidence and empower the class.

Week 7 Quiz

In-class Quiz for Generic Courses- Week 1

This quiz is geared toward helping the student recap what has been done in class over the course of week 1