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Cristiano Greco on Personal Defence
Speaking of self-defence, the first disciplines that come to mind are, alas, Krav Maga and Wing Chung. As you know, I disagree with this as the martial arts are vast and what makes a self-defence course effective is first and foremost the method in which they are taught and not directly the type of discipline practised.
Among the various martial arts that can be learnt is Keysi, full name Keysi Fighting Method, which is perhaps less well known but is for all intents and purposes a method of self-defence.
Keysi, born in Spain in 1980, became popular thanks to the spectacular fights in the film ‘Batman Begins’ and later ‘Mission Impossible III’ and ‘The Dark Knight’.
In Italy, Keysi was made known by Cristiano Greco, the Italian coordinator of KEYSI for years, and it is with him that we go to talk about Personal Urban Protection
Christian a little introduction to the Keysi Fighting Method, what kind of martial art is it? How does it originate?
KFM is driven by the real human instinct for Personal Protection.
It was born in the Spanish streets and is an Unconventional Urban Fighting Method structured to counter Multiple Aggressions.
It has nothing to do with sports, but it succeeds in transforming people from Prey to Predator.
It was created by Justo Dieguez’s thanks to life experiences encountered on the streets, influenced by years of study and research in other martial arts.
I personally did some research and on the The Self Defence expert porta it reads:
is a very very good art.
Keysi is a very good style for anyone, regardless of their background, because it is simply a translation of violence into a training format. Of course there are some things I don’t like, but as a system it does a very good job. In fact, right now I think it is the most practical system a person can train with and get results in a few weeks.
Let’s get into the topic and discuss with Cristiano his views on Personal Defence
Self-defence, what makes an effective course?
It would be interesting to get your perspective on what self-defense really is versus what is generally taught in gyms.
Everyone today teaches Personal Defence.
So much theory and so little applicability.
Too few Instructors come from Sport or Contact Martial Arts backgrounds, and therefore, unfortunately, cannot have and/or provide the right information.
What makes an effective self-defense course?
The constant verification of the effectiveness of each sequence learnt during the lessons.
I have to get out of my comfort zone.
What I have learnt must always work, regardless of location, aggressors, situation… etc. If I never verify, I’m wasting my time!
Self-defense, the more suitable martial art
For self-defense, is there, in your opinion, one martial art more suitable than others? Why?
NO… but there is a little scheme (drawn up by me) :
” INEFFECTIVE PERSON + UNSUITABLE ART
EFFECTIVE PERSON + UNSUITABLE ART
EFFECTIVE PERSON + SUITABLE ART “
Often, induced by our Master, we have the conviction that we are Effective and that we possess the deadliest Art in the World. I repeat: verification is always missing!
In this regard, I recommend reading previous articles such as this one
Athletic preparation
Is athletic preparation important?
Decent physical fitness is recommended, for the sake of having a little better chance if attacked. But it must not become a fixation.
Aesthetics must never take precedence over ethics!
Psychological preparation
Is Psychological preparation important?
A person must come to possess a well ‘square’ mind and the right ‘attitude‘ in everyday life. Basically, he/she must always refuse to be subjugated to any kind of violence, all seasoned with a good civic sense!
These aspects are also learnt in class!
Self-defense, the main techniques
What are the main techniques to know?
A mix of elements: good body biomechanics, understanding how to protect ourselves with ‘Defence in Attack’, being proficient in working on the 4 levels (standing, kneeling, sitting, on the ground), all-round area control, the use of urban scenarios and that of occasional weapons, understanding how to become blunt…etc.
Self-defense, the role of ground fighting
Is it important to know ground fighting?
As I said before, urban ground (and not the padded Tatami) is inevitably a possible scenario during an attack. I also have to learn to move on asphalt.
Self-defense, argue against a knife
What to do in case the attacker is armed with a knife?
Anyone who sells knife disarming techniques is selling illusions like bologna at the delicatessen. The intentionality of the attacker is of paramount importance: if he wants to do serious damage by impetuously hurling himself at the victim, there will be little chance of escaping unscathed. Conversely, if he aims the weapon with the sole purpose of extortion, I can play it safe. However, it will always be 50%-50%
Self-defense, tips
To conclude a few rules/suggestions for knowing how to defend yourself.
Take appropriate One-to-One Lessons (NO Courses), with professionals. Start on a path of personal growth, and do not always delegate your successes or failures to the teacher.
You are on your own with yourself!
By the way: always inform yourself beforehand (Google the information!) and do not choose for convenience the first stuff on the doorstep!
I would also add that it is useful to have a basic knowledge of the law, this helps us to act accordingly and avoid legal problems
CHRISTIAN GRECO, Who he is
Started practising Shotokan Karate with Hiroshi Shirai in 1979.
When he reached Brown Belt, he left traditional martial arts to devote himself to something more dynamic, he liked fighting.
He switched to W.A.K.O. Kick Boxing in 1987.
He competed in Combat Sports for the next 25 years, reaching the rank of Master Black Belt 6th DAN.
He competed in about 140 tournaments and 13 World Cups, in which he achieved appreciable results (4 Gold, 8 Silver, 1 Bronze).
In 2005, he discovered Keysi after watching “Batman Begins” and intrigued, he started taking private lessons. He immediately realised that everything he had learnt so far on the street was useless. “I won the world championship but I can’t defend myself”.
He switched to the study of KFM Unconventional Street Fighting in 2008, starting his trips to Spain where he trains with Justo Dieguez, the founder of Keysi. (direct to source!)
He has been an Elite Instructor, Teacher and Responsible for Italy of the KFM Method for years.
Today he dedicates himself to Training and Consulting on any subject related to Violence and its Prevention/Counteraction.
He holds Private Lessons and Workshops around Italian Cities.
Conclusion
Cristiano in his answers was very concrete and direct and brought us back to the reality of real combat once again. (I recommend reading the article with Sifu Joaquin Marcelo)
The choice of the course is fundamental, the result of a defensive fight is not the discipline chosen but the method of learning and the mental attitude.
Cristiano rightly emphasises that what you learn must always work, regardless of location, aggressors, situation…etc.
It is important to be critical and self-critical because in the end you will be alone with yourself and if you have not metabolised the technique and are not mentally prepared it will be difficult for you to come out victorious
