Criteria for New Techniques
By Dave Vaughan

We're all subjected to new information every day, some good and useful, some bad. Everyone needs to judge for themselves as to what will work for them. Here are my personal criteria for evaluating new input & ideas concerning self-defense (and most of life).

Does it set off the B.S. detector?
We all have the instincts to make an educated guess as to what will probably work for us, particularly if this is balanced against experience. This does, however, require you to have an open mind. Take an honest look at the technique, without a preconditioned bias because it is, or may be, different from what you do now and are used to. Your comfort zone has no relevance here. Look at everything and you will learn.

Does the source/expert set off the B.S. detectors?
Unfortunately many sources / instructors / experts are primarily bullshit artists. Just because someone is a "teacher" doesn't mean that they really know what they're talking about. This is particularly true in the firearms and self-defense realm. Some consider this to be a very "manly" occupation, and will do anything for this artificial ego boost. The truth is actually just the opposite a true instructor (master) has little interest in his own ego gratification, and is focused on learning and perfecting skills, no matter what.

Is it difficult to do right in less that 30 repetitions?
If it can't be done right within 30 dedicated & correct tries, it probably can't be done very well under stress, not without lots of practice. You have to ask yourself how much time you have to do this. There are also some things that, no matter how much you practice, will never work well under the stresses of a real fight. I'm not talking about the normal stresses we can condition ourselves to, but the stresses like; you're in EXTREME pain, you're about to lose consciousness, the opponent is about to sink an axe in your head, and GOD seems to want you to lose badly today. That kind of stress. If it won't work in under good circumstances, it definately won't work here. By the time it gets to this point, ANY technique had better be well rehearsed, or it will probably fail. If it can't be nearly learned within 30 reps. (and then be hardwired into the system through many more reps.) it will almost surely fail, and probably drastically.

Can the source explain why this is a better way?
If the source of this "ultimate technique" can't explain why it is better, both from a physical and stress standpoint, your B.S. detector should go off, very loudly. Many '"experts" just parrot what they've been told by others, without the knowledge of "why". Some of the "gurus" teach what someone originally taught them because they're enamored by the originals personality and delivery style, or they actually managed to live through a fight and used this technique,. Therefore it must be the ultimate. Does this mean that this technique would have been the only way to survive the situation? Could it be they might have just gotten lucky and still survived? Does this mean that we should stop evolving and thinking about other possible ways to prevail in desperate circumstances? Personally I THINK NOT!

How applicable is it to all situations?
The ideal technique would fit all circumstances and all situations. This technique has not been found in the 5 billion years since Earth has existed. I suspect it may not exist. However, certain skills, and automated responses, do fit many situations that may threaten our lives. These are not cast in stone, but I feel some may be;

When in doubt MOVE !!!

The less I have to think about a response, the better.

If it's complicated it probably won't work.

The later you have to branch (decide on a course of action), the better.

Please! Never stop learning and searching for a better way. There are no absolutes. All of the above are just my suggestions and thoughts. However, if anyone ever tells you " My way is the only right way" I'd suggest you RUN AWAY! RUN AWAY !

Dave Vaughan