Sport Fighting-vs- Self Defense Fighting

For most people, the level of commitment to their survival will be much different compared to their level of commitment in a sporting event. Even in The Ultimate Fighting Championship or Pride, competitors can tap out. In a survival fight, you cannot.

Guidelines and Principles

Below is a partial list of the guidelines and principles of Tsun Jo^®. Students employ and embody these principles to adapt to whatever situation is at hand. That is fundamentally different from training to learn many separate moves. A person that tries to remember the correct move to use as a fight begins or progresses is not likely to function anywhere near as well as the fighter who can respond instinctively using ingrained principles which adapt in the moment.

• Step by step training methods
• Simultaneous offense and defense
• Using Gravity as a compliment to technique
• Working against the opponent's balance
• Maintaining a squared up position so both arms have equal reach to the opponent.
• Using contact as the primary means of response, i.e. “sticking” or "sensing" at close range.
• Sight becomes asecondary method of response at this range. At outside ranges, sight response is the primary tool.
• Simple, effective footwork is used to gain a positional advantage for counterattacking, closing the
  gap and sticking.
• Interrupting the opponents move before it reaches full speed and power is called "jamming" and is
  used extensively.
• The opponents force, energy or commitment is considered an asset to be taken advantage of
  whenever possible.
• Mental strategies that minimize delay causing decision processes are utilized.
• Understanding the positive and negative effects of fear.
• Understanding the emotional aspect of confrontation, self defense, etc.
• Moves are refined to eliminate wasted motion and to maximize speed, power and recovery.

Tsun Jo^®training methods and philosophy reflect real life needs. Moves are used that compliment or work with the natural structure and nervous system of the human body. Centerline mechanics or structure are used for offensive and defensive moves, which have a high degree of adaptability and can develop into backup moves if not immediately successful.

As a general rule, the legs defend against most kicking attacks, and the hands and arms defend against most striking attacks. The ready stance incorporates the elements of surprise, mobility, use of gravity and facing. The fighting posture and stance are designed to minimize openings and target areas. It provides a high level of mobility and is ideal for the integration of offensive and defensive moves. It is also ideal for striking, low kicking, sticking and standing grappling and is very effective for weapons use or defense against weapons.