The official web site of Shinjido inventor Danny Da Costa

Shinjido for Self Defense

Self Defense is to a high degree a matter of common sense. Having said that, common sense is by no means common and taken out of one’s comfort level in any situation, often results in a non sensible response whether verbal or physical. One must also allow for the fight or flight syndrome caused through a sudden adrenalin rush when confronted by a physical threat. Unless you have had the experience this can be confusing. You may feel very weak, you may feel angry. You are likely to experience that “butterflies” that a fighter or stage performer has to contend with. Understanding that this is a natural response can be helpful. 

Awareness 

The first consideration is not to put yourself at undue risk. Obviously the level of risk will be determined by a person’s ability to defend themselves. A situation that might be daunting to an 8 stone teenage girl would not seem so threatening to an 18 stone doorman. It is sensible to be aware of potential danger just as you would if crossing a busy road.

Without becoming paranoid I could give many examples of risk awareness. I am reminded of a boyhood hero, Wild Bill Hickock. (I realize now that he was a great self publicist who exaggerated his deeds of daring.) Wild Bill sheriff of Abilene etc., always sat with his back to a wall, so that he could not be taken by surprise. One fatal day he was playing cards in a saloon, much as the modern day player might play in a casino or online at sites like party poker, and he neglected his cardinal principle – result he was shot in the back of the head. The cards that he held are known as “the dead man’s hand.” Consequently in spite of being a lovable person, I always take a seat facing the door!

Non Physical Response

Talking yourself out of a difficult situation is preferable to fighting. Your attitude should be confident but non confrontational. Aggression can sometimes be dissipated by humor, provided the intention is not to humiliate. Humor after all is non threatening but at the same time it does imply a measure of self confidence. This could give the aggressor pause for thought. Only a fool would attack someone that they thought could give them a good hiding.

Now I digress. I live in Torquay and at one time our business was confectionary shops selling lettered rock and clotted cream sweets etc. One night just after 10pm, I started to cash up in readiness to close. A couple of louts entered and started messing about with our largest sticks of rock, letting them fall back on the shelf. “Normally we do not charge for breakages but in your case I am making an exception.” I called out. They approached the counter menacingly. One of them spouted out that he did Kung Foo, Yung Dun, Bing Wang and something else I had never heard of. (This was in the 60’s after all.) I stepped around the counter and started to put my key in the lock. “What are you doing?” “Well” I said “I only do one thing but let’s see how well it stands up against the things you do.” They dashed out of the shop as if pursued by a hive of bees. The moral of the tale – many bullies are also cowards.

Awareness includes judging the risk potential in your environment, having a planned exit should trouble arrive and noting potential weapons (every day objects) that could be used if the situation warranted.

Avoidance

This is the first stage of a physical response. Not to be struck or grabbed keeps you safe for a moment. There are body placement skills that can be learnt and practiced on the Judo mat. A consideration taken from Aikido is correct distance for safety. If training partners extend their fist, the distance between them will require a step to either punch or kick. Theoretically if you maintain this distance and were able to back off to infinity, you would be safe. In reality this is impossible unless you have open space and then you might just as well turn and run.

The avoidance move should be one of entering off line so that your body is placed to the side or rear of the antagonist. At this stage it is assumed that the level of threat may not necessarily result in a battle for survival. Without putting much pressure on the aggressor you can place a hand just behind their elbow. The other hand can rest lightly on their far shoulder. This is a command position. You cannot be grabbed or struck but you are in an ideal position to attack, as you have passed their guard. Naturally the aggressor will move in an attempt to come face to face. If you move with them and maintain the command position you should be safe and you are buying time. While you are moving in this way it is possible to reason with the potential assailant. Should they make a serious attempt to face you, give way a little more than they anticipate and put them down. You now have options, a rapid exit, strikes and/or a restraint according to circumstances. This manoeuvre is difficult to explain but is very clear in my DVD – Da Costa Shinjido.

Counter Attack

If the threat is perceived as being more serious, it is appropriate to get your retaliation in first. If this can be done from the side or behind it is like fighting without fighting. However the average person will be reluctant to attack first. The most likely scenario is you avoid the grab or punch as you enter to the opponent’s side and immediately apply a technique. This can include striking or putting someone down, followed by a restraint or further strikes while the assailant is not in a position to retaliate.

There are numerous techniques that can be employed in various situations. However one should be aware of certain pit falls. Your potential assailant will not be bound by any rules of engagement. Taking a two handed grip for example, can put you at risk. Your throw will not be immediate and you risk being punched or kicked etc. Forward throws though spectacular can also put you at risk. By necessity you give your back to the opponent, who can strike or even use a weapon. Forward throws are also more difficult to achieve. Not only do you have to throw the opponent down, you have to turn the over, whereas a backwoods throw only requires throwing them down. Most practitioners of Judo and Jui Jitsu will feel a necessity to grip, however fighting with open hands allows for more speed and flexibility including striking.

Shinjido is a system of self defence using throws and strikes. It is based on sound principles.