We hear the phrase “Train like you fight” all over in firearms training, and it is supposed to mean we should be training in the manner we intend to fight…pretty straight forward. The reality is that there really is no way to accomplish that, and when we look at many who are supposedly “training like they fight”, we find that they are accomplishing anything but.
So why is it we really can’t train like we fight, and the training we are doing really isnt how we would fight anyway?
The answer comes down to situational variables. When we fight, in the realm of armed self defense (even unarmed), we dont get to choose the time and place…our attacker does. What this means is it may happen in the parking lot of the super market, or in your driveway while unloading groceries, or when you are bringing your kids to a friends house. You will be alone, or worse with a family member, your focus will be elsewhere, and you will more than likely be taken by surprise. Your mind will be flooded with an unexpected number of things to process while your adrenaline is preventing you from thinking and in some cases reacting. It will be fast, violent, and potentially overwhelming. How we fight will be in complete reactionary mode with no time to figure anything out.
When we are on the range, every variable is known. The timing, the relative distance, the location of the target, how we will address the target, etc. We will be without stress and taking action…even having fun…the opposite of reaction. Even force on force training…we know we are going to get attacked, when its coming, etc. We are still not aligning apples to apples.
What we really should have as a goal is training TO fight. Isolating skills, developing them independently, then assembling them in varying combinations. It is this process of assembly that also needs development as it all resides in the mind….a mind that can easily be overwhelmed by sudden stress and biophysical reactions. Think of it as a toolbox. If you only have a hammer and a screwdriver, and your faucet breaks, you wont be fixing much. You could also have a full box of every kind of tool, but lacking in the knowledge of how and what to select, or how to combine each to make a fix. Making the fix requires not only the tools, but the knowledge and skill to use each independently, as well as in combination, and knowing which combinations are needed. Self defense is the same. Build your toolbox of skills, and develop your mind to be able to address any problem. Your biggest weapon is what resides between your ears…everything else is just an accessory.
Femme Fatale ARMS & Training has a carefully prescribed and systematic curriculum that takes into account physical, psychological, and biomechanical considerations, designed to build a solid foundation followed by progressive skill sets enabling students to peform effectively. From Basic Firearms Use and Safety through to our Protective Tactics classes…we can get you where you need to be.
Femme Fatale ARMS & Training is a woman-owned business that provides education and support to an over victimized and underserved segment of our population. We have programs to build confidence and skill without the intimidating aspects that tend to exist elsewhere in this industry. Our goal is customer satisfaction and loyalty. We’d appreciate an opportunity to show you how we are different, yet still, help you to accomplish your education and safety goals.
Anyone can shoot a gun, we train you to defend yourself!
Femme Fatale Arms & Training is located at 160 Malabar Road, Palm Bay, Fl. We are open Mon-Wed 10 to 5, Thurs and Fri10 to 6, and Saturday 12 to 4
