I'm excited to dive into the formal concepts from other disciplines, starting with the 10 Commandments of Self-Defence as they have been stipulated by Prof. David James, Vee-Arnis-Jitsu (VAJ).
What I really love about this integrated system:
- The image and the presence of the of the style's founder, Grand Master Professor Florendo Visitacion (Professor Vee), are still alive and maintained
- VAJ is a Reality Based Street Self-Defense System FIRST! because Professor James wants the most practical information that will aid you in a street situation to be taught immediately
- If a person wishes to invest more time, they can take the classical (the art) part of the system
- Even the art part is updated to the reality of the street (TE#1 For The Street Judo - Ju-Jitsu)
- Professor James expects all of his students to master the practical concepts of the 10 Commandments because those principles will always serve them during any/all street confrontations; also he expects from his top instructors not only to master the legacy but also to come up with new techniques and improvements (it’s a live system).
These Laws or Principles work regardless if we know them or not, if we understand them or not; they can be used against us, or we can use and apply them in our favor. I personally prefer the latter.
Each Principle works synergistically with the others making a whole. Being Universal Concepts, they can be integrated with any martial art system.
The footage is older than 15 years, and the video resolution is low, but the quality of the information is timeless and valid. Very interesting is the idea of organizing a checklist, a summary of certain steps and actions which will guide you all the way and save you from a life-and-death situation.
1. Evaluate The Situation
You have to evaluate the surroundings, the aggressor(s) you have to deal with, the witnesses, weapons access, and exits.
Be aware of things that help you (improvised weapons, obstacles in front of the aggressor) and things that can hurt you..
2. Follow the Three-Foot Rule
If the aggressor has to take one step to come close to you, he will project his aggressive intentions and thus give you a chance to act preventively. Usually, the advantage stays with the one who goes first; the reaction being slower and subsequent to the action.
As soon as the distance is closing, you can be hit, but you can also make a move of your own.
3. Start from a Non-Threatening Manner
Use deceptive body language and an intonation of your voice by which you can control the aggressor and the given situation. Make sure you don’t look threatening. and the aggressor will relax.
During the transition, be ready to attack on your own terms.
4. Control the Focus
Draw your opponent’s attention with words, eye movements, body movements, and then strike.
This will help you to surprise him with your proactive reaction.
5. Motion Causes Motion
Your actions will cause a reaction, your technique will determine an instinctive response, but pay attention that the opposite is also possible.
Ideally, the aggressor will have predictable behaviour (he will lower his arms when you strike low), and thus you’ll get a chance to strike decisively by changing the level (use in combination with principle number 9. Use The High & The Low Concept)
6. Use the Element of Surprise
Strike where, how, and when he expects the least.
Prepare your strikes using deceptive techniques and the element of surprise.
7. Strike From the Closest Point
Remember to use the closest (the nearest) weapon that you have (hand, foot, elbow, head) in order to strike the closest target.
Thus, it will increase your chances of applying strikes consistently and repeatedly.
8. Change the Focus
Strike the aggressor in the face and remove his attention from you in order to put him in an inferior situation where it will be difficult for him to see you.
If he cannot see you, he cannot attack you, and you’ll be able to control the situation.
This will give you the possibility to remove the aggression as quickly as possible.
9. The High & The Low Concept
Because nobody can defend themselves against simultaneous attacks at different levels, you can win by alternating the technique level.
In this way, not only will you surprise him, but the aggressor's brain will be bombarded, overwhelmed by multiple, contradictory information.
10. You can Move Faster going Forward than a Man can Move Backward.
When you make him go back, pushing him backward, you’ll ruin his focus and balance.
He cannot move faster than you while going backward, especially after several steps, and at the same time, have control and react to what is happening to him (possible obstacles).
Thus it will become difficult for him to think, regroup himself, and in general, continue the aggression.
I am on a mission; I promised Prof. Vee, my personal promise to him before he died, I make his system a household name, and I will do what he wanted me to do, which is to get VAJ into as many people as possible, people who are looking for reality-based training.
He told me I would like the common man to get it, not the martial artist. I would like the school teacher, the principal, the fireman, and the father who wants to teach his son or daughter. I want them to know some of our information.
Because this information is universal, it will work all over the world.