What is a Karambit?
From a self-defense standpoint, the smaller, single-edged versions of this knife tends to be more intuitive to an untrained wielder, when used with the standard grip. The type of damage is also theorized to be more conducive in defending oneself, where lethality is less important and can even be a liability. Stab wounds or “slicing” wounds from straight blades are often not felt immediately by an attacker because of epinephrine, allowing them to continue to attack even if fatally wounded. However, the claw-like blade of the karambit is capable of a much more painful ripping action when slashed across an attacker’s hands, arms and torso. It can be lethal if major arteries such as the brachial, femoral or cartoid are severed. The karambit can be used to trap an opponent's limbs by exploiting the natural instinct to avoid being cut.
There are drawbacks to the karambit, however. Inserting the index finger into the retention ring can take too long and can be difficult to do in the heat of the moment. Also, if the handle is not gripped properly, the blade can be wrenched by impact, which can injure or break the index finger.
What is Reality Based Self Defense (RBSD)
Reality Based Self Defense (RBSD) is a blanket term for an approach to self-defense training that focuses on practical application. RBSD emphasize training that directly relates to the most dangerous of all possible situations. To accomplish this, training includes but is not limited to scenario and weapons (including guns, knives, and batons) training. In RBSD training prime importance is placed on gross motor skill training and simple, high-percentage moves. Furthermore RBSD schools minimize or eliminate elements of martial arts training that are not directly related to practical application, such as acrobatic or aesthetic techniques, rituals, ceremony and kata.
In RBSD the overall efficiency and effectiveness for the average person will override any consideration of style, and that priority should be given to those tactics which allow the unarmed individual to safely and efficiently arm themselves as quickly as possible during a confrontation.
Gross motor skills - are simple, large-muscle group actions like squats, push-ups and push/pull-type movements. This includes basic fighting skills like a straight punch, a hook punch or a Thai boxer's knee strike for example. Unlike fine and complex motor skills, gross motor skills do not deteriorate under adrenalin stress. in fact, they may be enhanced by the effects of fear and adrenaline stress.
One of the main aspects that make RBSD training so powerful is the biological fact that adrenalin changes everything. Adrenalin results in an increase in heart rate, a pooling of the blood out of the extremities to the center of body mass, an increase in strength (large muscle mass strength), a decrease in fine motor movements, and most importantly, a lowering of a person's ability to engage in cognitive function. Adrenalin is a natural biological function which the person has no control over. The part of the person's mind that is in control under adrenalin does not have the ability to discern a fake from a real assault.
Additionally, since fine motor movements are generally not available under adrenalin, the training utilize vital targeting and simplistic techniques using headbutts , knee's, and elbows with strikes to the eye's and groin for maximum effect.
RBSD also utilize verbal strategies and conflict immersion scenario's to prepare students to deal with violent encounter's which are imprinted under adrenalin. People who assault other people use various strategies to break down the other person, long before the fight starts, and Impact students are taught extensively (or imprinted under adrenalin) how to de-escalate the situation and get away safely.
Another aspect of RBSD is that fights start off at the level the student is capable of doing, no matter how old or young, how injured or not, or what emotional things going on, and imprints on that student a deep seated idea that she will survive and respond appropriately.
What is Close Quarters Combat (CQC)?
Close Quarters Combat (CQC) is a type of fighting in which small units engage the enemy with personal weapons at very short range, potentially to the point of hand to hand In the typical CQC scenario, the attackers try a very fast, violent takeover of a vehicle or structure controlled by the defenders, who usually have no easy way to withdraw. Because enemies, hostages/civilians, and fellow operators can be closely intermingled, CQC demands a rapid assault and a precise application of lethal force. The operators need great proficiency with their weapons, but also the ability to make split-second decisions in order to avoid or limit friendly casualties. CQC is defined as a short-duration, high-intensity conflict, characterized by sudden violence at close range.
Criminals sometimes use CQC techniques, such as in an armed robbery or jailbreak, but most of the terminology comes from training used to prepare soldiers, police, and other authorities. Therefore, much CQC material is written from the perspective of the authorities who must break into the stronghold where the opposing force (OPFOR) have barricaded themselves.
Although there is considerable overlap, CQC is not synonymous with urban warfare now sometimes known by the military acronyms MOUT (military operations on urban terrain), FIBUA (fighting in built-up areas) or OBUA (Operations in Built Up Areas).
In CQC the emphasis is on small infantry units using light, compact weapons that one man can carry and use easily in tight spaces, such as carbine, submachine guns, shotguns, pistols, and knives.
What is an Improvised Weapon?
Any object that can be picked up and used by one to cause bodily harm to another can be considered an improvised weapon. For common, ready-at-hand weapons, they can include:
- Common sports equipment (baseball bats, golf clubs, pool cues)
- Any object made of glass with a grip (beer mugs and bottles)
- Clothing accessories (walking sticks, umbrellas, belts )
- Jewelry/high end products self defense jewelry
- Keys
- Tools (hammers, wrenches,crowbars, nail guns)
- Construction Materials (re bars, bricks,pipes,2x4's)
- Kitchen Utensils (knives, forks, meat cleavers, ice picks,frying pans, rolling pins)
- Farming and gardening tools (pitchfork, shovels, chainsaws, axes)
- Household accessories and decorations (fireplace poker, candlestick, curtain rod)
- Medical equipment (scalpels, syringes, defibrillators)
- Any liquid that causes pain upon contact with skin (Hot coffee, boiling water,battery acid)
- Natural debris (tree/bush branches,rocks).
Some tools are designed with the secondary function of being used as weapons for self-defense or for use by law enforcement or security personnel. Examples include certain pocket knife and some club-type flashlights.
Do I need any prior training or experience?
No, you do not need any experience or prior training. Lack of experience is actually a positive, as you do not have to break ingrained bad habits.
Here at EVO Tactical we strongly believe in individualism and adding to what you already know or what natural attributes you might possess.
Basically, it's a system of combat customized for you, not the other way around as with most traditional systems.
How long does it take to become proficient?
Varies, per the individual but, my philosophy is this; if a technique cannot be learned in as little as 5 minutes it's useless as a true self defense measure. Now, this does not mean this technique is not valid or functional but, it is of very little use to you immediately.
Is that really self defense? Taking years to become proficient?
Let's put it into perspective; If a technique takes a year to master, than what good is it until then? At EVO Tactical what you learn today will be applied today so you will be functional today.
It takes hours not years.
