​How No-Gi Rash Guards Prevent Staph and Mat Burn Injuries

https://www.elitesports.com/collections/brazilian-jiu-jitsu-bjj-nogi-rash-guards

Table of Contents:
1. What Is Mat Burn - and Why Does It Happen?
2. Staph Infections: The Real Danger Lurking on the Mat
3. How a No-Gi Rash Guard Reduces Mat Burn
4. How No-Gi Rash Guards Block Staph and Bacterial Spread
5. Features That Make a Rash Guard Truly Protective
6. Long Sleeves vs Short Sleeves: Which Protects More?
7. Choosing a Rash Guard Built for Real Protection
8. Final Thoughts

Every time a fighter hits the mat, the skin takes a beating. Raw friction from the canvas, sweat-slicked training partners, and the constant grind of
grappling all add up. The result? Mat burns that sting for days and a real risk of staph infection, one of the most common and serious health threats in grappling sports.

Yet, many no-gi grapplers still train without a rash guard, treating it as
optional gear rather than a key part of their kit. That is a costly mistake. A
well-made rash guard is not just a piece of clothing; it is a barrier between
healthy skin and very real dangers on the mat. Elite Sports, the best no-gi
rash guard maker in the game, builds its no-gi BJJ rash guards with exactly
these threats in mind: protection, durability, and performance in one
package.

Read on to learn exactly how no-gi rash guards prevent mat burn and staph
infections, and what to look for when picking one.

1. What Is Mat Burn and Why Does It Happen?

Mat burn is a friction injury. When bare skin slides or rubs hard against a mat, the top layer of skin is scraped away. It looks and feels a lot like a road rash. It is raw, red, and painful, leaving the skin open and exposed.In no-gi BJJ, this happens more often than most people expect. Without a Gi
to grip, fighters move fast. There is more sliding, more scrambling, and more direct skin-to-mat contact. Areas such as the elbows, forearms, knees, and hips are especially prone to mat burns during hard training sessions.

The pain alone is enough reason to avoid mat burn. But the bigger danger
comes after the injury. Once the skin breaks open, it becomes an entry point
for bacteria. That is when mat burn stops being just a surface injury and
becomes a gateway to something far worse.

2. Staph Infections: The Real Danger Lurking on the
Mat

Staph, short for Staphylococcus aureus, is a type of bacteria found almost
everywhere: on skin, on surfaces, and especially on shared training
equipment. In most cases, staph lives on the skin without causing harm. But
the moment it enters through a cut or open wound, it can cause a painful
skin infection that spreads fast.

In grappling sports, staph infections spread easily. Fighters are in close
contact for long periods. They sweat heavily. They share mats, gear, and
training spaces. An open mat burn, a small cut, or even a tiny scrape is all it
takes for staph to get in.

MRSA, a strain of staph that resists many common drugs, has been a known
problem in combat sports for years. According to the CDC and several sports medicine studies, wrestlers and BJJ athletes have a higher rate of skin infections than athletes in most other sports, largely because of shared mat contact and skin injuries.

The good news is that most of these infections are preventable. Skin coverage is one of the most direct and reliable ways to prevent them from starting.

3. How a No-Gi Rash Guard Reduces Mat Burn

The core function of a rash guard is simple: it keeps skin away from the mat.
When the arms, torso, and upper body are covered, friction acts on the fabric
rather than the skin.

Here is how that plays out in real training:
● Long sleeves cover the most vulnerable areas. The forearms and
elbows are the first body parts to hit the mat in most falls and
scrambles. A long-sleeve rash guard keeps these areas protected
throughout the session. The Elite Long Sleeve No-Gi BJJ Rash Guard is a
solid example, built with flatlock seams and a close fit that stays in
place no matter how intense the roll gets.
● A snug, form-fitting cut prevents fabric bunching. Loose material
bunches and rides up, which can actually cause friction burns of its
own. A compression-fit rash guard moves with the body and stays
smooth against the skin, reducing friction at every point of contact.
● Anti-slip waistbands keep coverage intact. During takedowns and
ground transitions, shirts and loose tops ride up, leaving the midsection
exposed. A rash guard designed with an anti-slip waistband stays put.
No gaps. No exposed skin.
● Four-way stretch fabric flexes without tearing. When a rash guard
stretches with the fighter's movement rather than pulling tight against it, the fabric maintains an even layer of protection across the skin, no pressure points, no exposed zones.

4. How No-Gi Rash Guards Block Staph and Bacterial Spread

Skin coverage does more than prevent mat burn; it directly cuts off the routes by which staph bacteria reach the body.

1. It keeps bacteria off the skin. A rash guard acts as a physical shield.
When skin never touches the mat directly, the transfer of bacteria from
the mat surface to the body is prevented before it can begin. This is
especially important in shared training spaces where many athletes use
the same mat area.

2. It protects any existing cuts or abrasions. Even careful fighters still
pick up small scrapes and nicks over time. A rash guard covers those wounds, preventing direct mat contact and reducing the risk of staph
entering through already-damaged skin.

3. Moisture-wicking fabric helps reduce bacterial growth. Staph thrives
in warm, moist conditions. A rash guard made from high-quality
polyester-spandex blends draws sweat away from the skin and releases
it through the fabric. This keeps the skin drier, making it a less
hospitable environment for bacteria to grow.

4. Tight-fitting fabric limits skin-to-skin contact with training partners.
In no-gi grappling, body-to-body contact is constant. A rash guard
reduces the surface area of direct skin contact between fighters, which
is one of the primary ways staph spreads during training.

5. Features That Make a Rash Guard Truly Protective

Not all rash guards offer the same level of defense. The fabric quality,
stitching, and design all affect how well the garment does its job. Here is
what to look for:
● High-grade compression fabric (polyester/spandex blend): This
combination provides stretch, shape retention, and a close fit that stays

against the skin. It also wicks moisture, which supports skin health
during long sessions.
● Flatlock stitching: Seams stitched flat against the fabric do not dig into
the skin or create pressure lines. This matters most during ground
work, when body weight presses the fabric against the skin for
extended periods.
● Long sleeve design: Short sleeves leave the forearms exposed, the area
most prone to mat burns. A long-sleeve cut provides the most
complete upper-body coverage.
● Anti-slip waistband: This keeps the rash guard from riding up and
exposing the midsection during wrestling or clinch work.
● IBJJF-approved construction: A rash guard that meets IBJJF
standards is built to perform under real competition conditions, which
means it holds up just as well in the toughest training sessions.

6. Long Sleeves Vs. Short Sleeves: Which Protects More?

For mat burn and staph prevention, the answer is clear: long sleeves win.
They cover the forearms and elbows, the body parts that spend the most
time in contact with the mat.

Short-sleeve rash guards still offer value. They are cooler in hot training
spaces, and they cover the core and upper arms. But if skin protection is the
main concern, a long-sleeve rash guard provides far greater coverage and is
the better tool for the job.

7. Choosing a Rash Guard Built for Real Protection

Elite Sports, the best BJJ gear producer in the market today, designs its rash guards with both athletes and their safety in mind. Built from an 87%
polyester, 13% spandex blend, Elite's rash guards offer the high-performance compression, moisture control, and durable flatlock stitching that serious grapplers need to train hard and stay safe.

Whether training solo in the gym, drilling with partners, or stepping into
competition, the right rash guard makes a measurable difference not just in
performance but also in long-term skin health.

8. Final Thoughts

Mat burns and staph infections are not just discomforts; they can pull fighters off the mat for days or weeks. The good news is that a quality rash guard addresses both problems at once. It keeps skin away from mat friction, blocks bacteria from reaching open skin, and maintains a dry surface that is harder for harmful organisms to grow on.

Elite Sports, the best no-gi rash guard brand for fighters who value both
performance and protection, offers a full range of no-gi rash guards for men,
women, and kids, each built to the standards that serious grapplers expect.
Train smart. Cover up. Stay on the mat.

5 Tips for Choosing Your First BJJ

https://www.elitesports.com/collections/brazilian-jiu-jitsu-bjj-gis

Gi: A Beginner's Guide

Table of Contents
1. Tip 1: Understand Gi Fabric Before You Buy
2. Tip 2: Get the Right Fit From the Start
3. Tip 3: Always Look for Pre-Shrunk Fabric
4. Tip 4: Prioritize IBJJF Approval and Quality Construction
5. Tip 5: Choose a Brand That Stands Behind Its Gear
6. Final Thoughts: Make Your First Gi Count

Stepping onto the mat for the first time is one of the best feelings in all of
martial arts. But picking the right gear before that first roll? That part can feel anything but simple.

A BJJ gi is more than a uniform. It is the foundation of your entire training
journey. The fabric you wear, how it fits your body, and how it holds up after hundreds of washes will shape your experience from white belt onward. Getting this choice right from day one saves both frustration and money.

Elite Sports, recognized as one of the best BJJ gi manufacturers in the sport,
offers a professional-grade range of BJJ gis for men, women, and kids built to meet the demands of real training. With so many options available today,
knowing what to look for before buying makes all the difference.

Read on to discover five practical tips for choosing your first BJJ gi and make sure your first purchase is one you will not regret.

1. Tip 1: Understand Gi Fabric Before You Buy

The fabric of a BJJ gi affects nearly everything, from how cool it keeps you
during hard rounds to how long it holds up over time. The three most
common weave types are:
● Pearl Weave: The most popular choice for beginners and experienced
grapplers alike. Pearl weave strikes the ideal balance between
durability and breathability. It does not add bulk, so moving freely on
the mat feels natural. For those just starting out, the Elite Core Adult
BJJ Gi uses a 450gsm pre-shrunk pearl weave that is both machine
washable and built for everyday training, making it one of the most
practical options for new students.
● Single Weave: Lighter and well-suited to warmer training rooms,
though single weave tends to wear down faster under heavy use
compared to pearl weave options.
● Double Weave: Far more durable but noticeably heavier and stiffer.
Most beginners find double-weave gis less comfortable until their body
adapts to regular mat time.

For most first-time buyers, a pearl weave gi in the 400 to 550gsm range is the sweet spot. It lasts, breathes well, and moves with the body rather than
against it.

2. Tip 2: Get the Right Fit From the Start

A gi that does not fit correctly is a real problem on the mat. Too large, and the extra fabric on your sleeves and lapels becomes a free grip for every training partner in the room. Too small, and your range of motion suffers, which affects technique and increases the risk of strain.

Here is what to look for in a proper fit:
● Sleeve length: The jacket sleeve should end no more than a few inches
above the wrist when the arm is fully extended. IBJJF standards require
this gap for competition use.
● Jacket length: The skirt of the jacket should cover the hips without
hanging past mid-thigh.
● Pants length: The pants should sit roughly five centimeters above the
ankle for proper fit.
● Shoulder seam: The seam should sit at the edge of the shoulder, not
drooping down onto the upper arm.

One important note: do not assume your size in one brand matches another.
Elite Sports, for instance, uses its own detailed size chart that does not align with other BJJ brands. Always measure yourself before ordering and use the brand's specific chart. Skipping this step is the single most common mistake first-time gi buyers make.

3. Tip 3: Always Look for Pre-Shrunk Fabric

Cotton shrinks. Every BJJ beginner learns this quickly, and unfortunately,
many learn it the hard way after the first wash.

Many gis, especially those made without proper preparation, will shrink one
or even two full sizes after a few washes in warm water. This makes the sizing process far more confusing and can ruin a gi that would otherwise have been a solid choice.

When shopping for your first gi, look specifically for pre-shrunk fabric. Pre-
shrunk gis have already been treated so that future shrinkage is minimized.
The size you order is the size it stays.

The Elite Core Adult BJJ Gi uses a specially treated pre-shrunk fabric that
allows machine washing and even machine drying without significant size
change. For anyone training multiple days a week, this is a major practical
benefit. Most other brands ask students to hand-wash and hang dry their gis
outdoors, which is both time-consuming and impractical for busy training
schedules.

4. Tip 4: Prioritize IBJJF Approval and Quality
Construction

Even if competing is not yet on the radar, buying an IBJJF-approved gi from
the beginning is a wise move. The IBJJF (International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Federation) sets the global standard for gi construction, color, and sizing. An approved gi must meet strict requirements across several areas:
● Approved colors: Only white, royal blue, or black are permitted at IBJJF
events. Starting with one of these colors keeps options open as training
progresses.
● Fit and sleeve length: Sleeves, pants, and jacket length must all fall
within defined measurements.
● Construction standards: Patch placement, lapel thickness, and overall
build quality are all regulated.

Choosing an IBJJF-approved gi as a first purchase means no need to buy a
second gi just to compete down the line. It also signals that the gi was built to a verified standard, which is a strong indicator of overall quality.

5. Tip 5: Choose a Brand That Stands Behind Its Gear

Not all BJJ gis are built the same, and in a sport where daily training means
constant grabbing, pulling, and grinding, construction quality matters more than most beginners realize.

Here is what separates a well-made gi from one that fails early:
● Reinforced stitching at stress points: The collar, armpits, crotch seam,
and knee areas absorb the most abuse during rolling. Double-stitched
reinforcement in these areas adds significant life to a gi.
● Rope drawstring on pants: A thick rope drawstring holds more reliably
and lasts longer than thin nylon cords that fray and snap with regular
use.
● Side-slit jacket design: This allows full hip movement during guard
play, sweeps, and ground transitions without pulling or restricting the
body.
● Machine-washable construction: A gi that holds its shape and size
through regular machine washing is a practical necessity for anyone
training four or more days per week.

Elite Sports, one of the best BJJ gear producers in the sport today, builds each gi with reinforced stitching, pre-shrunk fabric, and IBJJF-compliant design. Each detail is built with real training in mind, so the gear performs
consistently through the wear of daily mat time.

6. Final Thoughts: Make Your First Gi Count

Choosing your first BJJ gi does not need to feel overwhelming. Focus on five
clear factors: fabric quality and weave type, the right fit for your body, pre-
shrunk material that handles regular washing, IBJJF-approved construction, and a brand with a proven track record for durability.

Elite Sports stands out as the best BJJ gear maker for athletes at every level, from beginners tying their first white belt to seasoned competitors preparing for the stage. Every gi in the Elite lineup is designed to perform from day one and keep performing long after.

Invest in quality from the start, build your skills on gear that holds up, and let the training speak for itself.

My newest Elite Sports BJJ Gi is on the way! Stay tuned for the perfect blend of durability, comfort, and performance—built for grapplers of all levels.

Keep an eye out for the official drop! Who’s ready?
​

There is nothing more I love than new equipment, which is why I was so excited to try these new to me gloves. I chose the 16 oz Star Series due to my weight and punching power.  Finding a cool design on a boxing glove is hard. Most places offer basic colors and you just have to deal with it. The star design is sleek and interesting, so I look forward to putting them on. I also have the matching Star Series short sleeve rash guard, which keeps me dry and feeling good after a full day of training.

The glove itself is not bulky for being a 16 oz. The padding is dense and the glove is more fitted, making them accessible for smaller hands or wrists while also fitting larger hands like my own. The adjustable wrist strap means that it is tight and secure to your wrist unlike many other gloves that remain loose for those who have smaller wrists.

I love the design, I love the fit, I love punching in these gloves. More than that, these gloves come in at under a $30 price point, making them cheaper than some of the leading glove makers. Higher quality with a lower price is a deal that I cannot pass up.

Quality equipment, every time. Elite Sports offers workout gear that helps me perform at my best. If you are looking for quality gear and some new boxing gear, go Elite.

https://www.elitesports.com/
https://www.elitesports.com/collections/boxing-gloves
https://www.elitesports.com/products/elite-sports-star-series-black-white-adult-boxing-gloves?variant=18550987849817

Warm-ups are my favorite workout clothes. They keep my muscles loose and ready for action when I have several classes back to back. Check out some of my favorite warm-ups below.

https://www.borntough.com/
https://www.borntough.com/collections/workout-hoodies-sweatshirts
https://www.borntough.com/products/born-tough-alfresco-parka-metal-gray

By Janet Toliver, Mind Body Defense
Being a small business means that we are not only providing classes, but we are our own marketing team, accounting, and operations team all rolled into one. When we are not in classes, we are working hard to promote our workshops, classes, and school; yet, we always keep the important thing in mind: our students.

Supporting small businesses is easy and ensures that you can continue enjoying our services for years to come. These are the ways we can use your support.

Tell your friends!
If any of your friends are interested, bring them to a class. Many individuals find it easier to commit to doing something new if they have a buddy with them. Workshops are great ways to introduce people to kickboxing or self-defense. If a group of friends have said they feel unsafe or are nervous about neighborhood safety, get them together to create your own workshop. We can also host birthday parties, bachelorette parties, and other gatherings.

Show off your skills!
Take videos and pictures of yourself in class. Post them and tag Mind Body Defense on your favorite social media while checking in. Instagram and Twitter: @MindBodyDefense Facebook: @MindBodyDefense1 Also, use our favorite hashtags: #MindBodyDefenseFun (for those random class moments that make you laugh) #MindBodyDefenseFinal (for final drills)

Leave us reviews!
Your words mean so much to us. We can’t tell you how often new students come in saying they were given courage to try kickboxing due to the reviews that you left. We have profiles on Google, Yelp!, and Facebook. Also, if you send us your story of why you started kickboxing or picked Mind Body Defense, then we can use it for our marketing and social media campaigns.

Request a workshop!
We can create self-defense workshops for just about any setting. We have developed workshops for law offices, schools, apartment and management companies, hotels, and non-profits. If you know of anyone looking to host a self-defense workshop or you want to request one at your apartment building, place of work, or school, we have proposal templates that you can send to your point of contact.

Our students make us who we are. Our success does not come with how much we make or how big we get. Our success comes with empowering each individual who walks in our doors, with seeing each individual realize their strengths and power, with each individual connecting with those around them in class and without.

As we grow, our community thrives. As we grow, we can offer more classes and specialized workshops. As we grow, we can meet more of your needs. Thank you for the past two and a half years. We look forward to being there with you as you grow!

Mind Body Defense’s Safety Tips


The holiday season is a time for joy, family, and relaxation. The glue that holds these things together is safety. It is difficult to enjoy anything when you are not sure of the dangers that can be thrust upon you.

In order know how to protect yourself against violence, it is better to know the types of violence that threatens you. There are 2 main types of violence: social and asocial. Social violence is generally seen as the escalation from intimidating body language to a verbal confrontation that can end in a physical scuffle all done to show dominance. This type of violence usually requires both parties to escalate the situation and witnesses to observe the results.

Asocial or antisocial violence is the opposite because the aggressor can execute the violence without the other side doing anything to aggravate the situation and there is a lack of witnesses to the crime. This type of violence is generally seen in robberies, muggings, batteries, and sexual assaults. Since you can generally walk away from encounters of social violence, then it is the asocial violence that we must learn to predict, recognize, avoid, and fight.

With respect to asocial violence there are 2 categories of predators. The first is the resource predator who wants something from you like your money, clothing, bag, or vehicle. If you needed $200 cash and only could rob 5 people to get it, think about your choice of target. Where in the neighborhood would you find them? How would they dress? What vehicle would they drive if any?
You know if someone has a laptop in their backpack or if a house/apartment is suggesting an expensive interior. If you can tell if someone has money, you can recognize if you yourself look like someone who has money. You cannot hide all of these signs, but that does not mean that you are indefensible.

The second is the process predator who wants to do something to you like battery, vandalism, or rape. Like the resource predator the process predator can tell by your physique, movement, and general awareness if you are ready and able to defend yourself against a physical attack the same way you can tell if you could handle someone else. Both of these predators are looking for good targets and good circumstances in order to justify their attack.

Predators generally do not want to risk getting caught, which allows you to build your defense. This begins with truly intentionally being alert to the persons and property in your proximity. To physically touch you, they have to get close to you.

Look at how others are moving or standing around you. Are they cognizant of your presence or are they minding their own business? Are they aggressing toward you or blocking the sidewalk and forcing you into an uncomfortable position? Is someone hanging around someplace that should be vacant like the ATM, gate to your building, or your car? Listen to the sounds around you. Does a conversation suddenly stop or change in tone when you arrive? Are there suddenly footsteps appearing in your blindspot? Did you hear the gate lock behind you?

This awareness sends a signal to the would-be attacker that you know what is happening. They like to go after people who are distracted or ignorant of the flags of danger. Lastly you have to listen to your body.

If you feel uneasy, then there is a reason regardless if you can explain it or if it seems unreasonable.

In all of these situations, you have 3 options. You can fight it by saying something or calling for assistance. You can flee from it by not addressing the situation, changing your plan, or waiting for it to change. The third is to go into the situation as if it is normal although you may be on alert.

There are several ways to address, de-escalate, or avoid a potentially violent situation (which we will be discussing in upcoming articles), but initially displaying a show of awareness will make you less of an ideal target because their best weapon, the element surprise, will not be available. Although it may not seem that awareness is actually doing something remember that the first level of de-escalating violence is presence.

Think of the child looking around before they go for the cookie in the jar and see the parent watching intently. The parent may not know exactly what the child was planning, but they know that something is up. This is no different except for higher stakes. You are letting them know that you know, and it is not going to be that easy. This little step will help prevent many possible threats.

Torriente Toliver

Torriente is the owner and head instructor at Mind Body Defense a kickboxing and self-defense school at 4143 N. Broadway Chicago IL 60613. He teaches class, workshops, and has written a book Everyday Self-Defense all with the purpose of helping people to empower themselves.
MindBodyDefenseChicago.com

All physical confrontations happen within the following ranges. They are characterized by the distance and control between you and your opponent.

Range 1-Outside Striking
Range 2-Inside Striking
Range 3-Stand-Up Grappling
Range 4-Ground Grappling

These ranges were designed by C.U.M.A. Combatives founder Waysun Johnny Tsai. They are a simple way to view a physical confrontation with both armed and unarmed opponents. Although you may have a high level of skill in some of the ranges, the one that you are weak in can negate all of your former training.

Range 1 is where full extension punches and kicks can hit with maximum power. In this stage you have the greatest mobility to evade attacks and possibly run away. You will also have the least amount of control over your opponent.

Range 2 is where shorter strikes like knees and elbows are the most applicable attacks. Defense may be difficult in this stage due to the lack of reaction time because of the proximity to an opponent. The advantage is that more attacks can be thrown in a shorter amount of time from a wide array of angles.

Range 3 is where grabs and holds occur while standing. Holds may be used defensively to prevent strikes from hitting you or offensively to choke an opponent unconscious. Holds can be done to the body as well as clothes, hair, and bags.

Range 4 is where one person is being held on the ground. This can be seen as a sexual assault, being stomped, or a submission being applied. This stage has the least amount of mobility and the weakest strikes from the bottom. Therefore having the ability to move in and out of Range 4 is valuable..  

​A.R.C. (All Range Combat) is the ability to move strategically through the ranges. If you are grabbed, can you strike your way to Range 1 and run or reverse the hold, take them down, and call for help? Self-defense is mastery of these ranges with both combative and de-escalation skills against single or multiple opponents who may be armed. 

Making a technique work to keep yourself physically safe and protect your state of mind requires commitment to be effective. You must devote a part of your life to training the skills, developing the survival mindset, and reflecting on your ethics. This task takes consistent purposeful effort in order to make the difference between attempting to defend yourself and actually defending yourself.
You should be devoted to training each move you learn. Training creates muscle memory, so the moves flow naturally. Realistically all moves need time to get to the point of being natural, but with practice more advanced moves will become as easy to perform as basic ones. The key word is practice. Doing something 1,000 times on autopilot does not facilitate growth. You have to really commit to understanding why the move works and how to make the move work for you. Through this, your techniques eventually become a part of you.   
This still is not enough if you do not whole-heartedly perform the move. It takes both good technique and intent to make a move work against an uncooperative opponent. Intent is not just wanting it. Intent is the complete follow through of an action. Imagine a strong Judo throw that takes both people off their feet, the baseball swing that had homerun written all over it, or the kick that kisses you goodnight. The person doing the action is so married to the action that the hit is the only thing on their mind. Yes, plans fail and nobody is perfect, but if you don’t put your all into that moment then you may have to deal with other moments that otherwise would not exist.  
De-escalation tactics may have the inverse of their intended effect if they are not properly executed. This is the difference between saying “no” and meaning “No!” Predators are experienced with reading people and situations and may become more encouraged when recognizing a weak defense. Being assertive and standing your ground are not actions to take without being serious or else it loses its effectiveness. “The Boy Who Cried Wolf” is the perfect example of someone’s seriousness being dismissed to dire consequences. The stance you take is a representation of who you are and if it is fake, then you are seen as such.
You should be committed to your convictions. Some very dangerous situations happen when people fight for things that they do not value. Social violence needs both participants to be cooperative. If it really is not a big deal, then show it. Moreover, if you have to make a stand, then make sure your stance is strong and unwavering. When you know that you are fighting for the right reason, you can attack/defend without reservation.  
Be committed to your technique because your intent will be reflected in its effectiveness. Commit to your tactics. Let your “No!,” warnings, and threats mean what you intended. Commit to your values. If you are fighting for a cause, then truly understand the issue so your words and actions carry your passion with a purpose. Commit to the success of your self-defense.

People vary both physically and mentally; therefore, the techniques and tactics used for self-defense must also vary from person to person. The moves and strategies you use should fit your aggression, physique, and skill, so it has the best chance to be quickly assimilated into a natural response. Self-defense starts by adding to your strengths and continues by eliminating your weaknesses.

Some people seek to avoid confrontation while others are more willing to engage in a situation to prevent its escalation. Neither is incorrect, yet acting out of character can potentially escalate a situation. What you do and say to protect yourself must have some confidence or strength behind it. If you are going to make a threat, then your demeanor must show a willingness to carry it out. If you are not comfortable with being extremely close to people, then your tactics should help to maintain distance. If you are not willing to pull a trigger, break an arm, or throw a punch, then carrying a gun, learning jujitsu, or training boxing may not be the best option for your natural level of aggression. Learning verbal judo and some basic aikido would be an alternative way to defend yourself.

Size matters. A 6ft 4in 265lb all muscle opponent is intimidating. Height, weight, reach, fat, and muscle mass are all important factors in technique choice. Your physique may not have a threatening presence, and it may also impede you from quickly learning certain martial arts. The natural choice for a heavy person is to choose powerful violent moves, but if that is against their aggression level, then they may not be willing to use them regardless of the costs. If you have a bad back and hip, don’t grapple (wrestle). If you have to put yourself in a compromising situation to use the move, then it is the wrong move. Some things are just easy for your body to do and some things are naturally inferred from observation of your body.

Your moves should be easy to perform and effective against an uncooperative opponent. Punches are not easy or natural for everyone. The same goes for verbal de-escalation. The ability to think on your feet is a skill and if you don’t have it then use what you do have. Skill is purely your ability to perform the desired technique or tactic under pressure. When adrenaline hits fine motor skills diminish, voices crack, and you may stumble over your words. What can you do well under stress? Use a variation of that for your self-defense. Learn things that are simple, easy, and natural.

Your self-defense should be an extension of your natural aggression, physique, and skill (mental or physical). You must be authentic. Remember you can see when someone else means business, so the inverse is also true. There is a unique strength in you. Hone it to find your self-defense style. 

Torriente Toliver

​Torriente is the owner and head instructor at Mind Body Defense which is a kickboxing and self-defense school in Chicago IL. He has over 20 years of martial arts experience and believes that self-defense is about empowerment through mental and physical training. For more information please visit his website MindBodyDefenseChicago.com