Self-defense knowledge and skill is important for every single person no matter your age or gender.  For persons employed in the security industry it is even more important. While on the job, security professionals, face the possibility of being assaulted, or having to restrain someone who may "wish to be left alone" or outright attacked.  Verbal confrontations are a constant occurrence as well.  The best way to gain self-defense skills is to study a Martial-art at a quality school. When choosing a Martial-art style to compliment your security industry/law enforcement career There are some things to consider.

There are many different martial-arts styles. Some that are household names like Karate or Tae Kwon Do. Other styles are more exotic.  Genrally  speaking, all martial arts styles fall into one of two categories or a little of both. These two categories are often referred to as "hard" and "soft"  or "striking" and "grappling" style of a given martial art.

The Japanese martial art of Karate and the Korean martial art of Tae Kwon Do are examples of "hard" or "striking" martial arts styles. They have an emphasis on kicking and punching or other hand or finger strikes. As an example, you would never want to  ask someone who studies this type to "take their best shot".    

The Japanese martial art of Aikido and the Korean martial art of Hapkido are examples of "soft" or "grappling" martial arts styles. They have an emphasis on joint manipulation and throws and redirecting an attack (which usually ends bad for the attacker) and pressure points. To grab a hold of someone proficient in such a style, no matter where or how hard, you risk having your bones broken or your joints damaged.

All martial-arts styles have their own value, and each have pros and cons depending on your own views and abilities.  However, their is a reason that most law enforcement training standards around the globe often include techniques from the "soft" or "grappling" martial-arts styles: Logic.


For many situations when force is required a "kick to the head" or a "beautiful turning side kick to the chest" or a nice "elbow to the jaw" will most  likely quickly exceed the "necessary force laws" in a given Country or State. 

The  "soft" or "grappling"  martial-art styles are better suited for most situations for those in the security industry and law enforcement. With such styles you can use techniques that will allow you to control someone so that nobody gets seriously hurt. Manipulating a joint and "locking" it allows cuffs to be put on or the person to be held in place until help arrives.

Just like every style has it's pros and cons so does every martial-art school.  Twin brothers could each open a Karate school and differences for better or worse would abound in each.  So choose wisely. Always take advantage of  a school's trial period. Even if your charged a fee of some kind for the trial lessons it is better than being stuck in a year contract at a bad school.

It takes years of training with quality instructors to be truly proficient at a given martial-art. Learning a few things in the backyard from " a buddy who knows..." will do more harm than good.  You would be better served attending some seminars or  introductory courses  by a qualified instructor at your local community center. Just learning a few techniques and principles well (which is what the average police cadet does) will help a great deal. Yet, if security and or law enforcement is your career choice, you better serve us all by being proficient in a martial-art that is of the "softer" variety. 


For much more information about all martial-arts visit one of  the world's best authorities BlackBelt magazine