A:  Thanks for the compliment on the site. We have some video projects underway right now that should help in your quest for realistic self-defense knowledge. 

It's interesting that you have reached the same point in your training that I did where it became apparent that many of the techniques weren't working in realistic scenarios. I see two parts of your question: 1) Is there a system or method that is superior for training alone? and 2) What system is superior for a life and death encounter? 

In the broadest context, I am pursuing my training in a modern version of the Samurai's training. They trained in swordmanship, spearmanship, running, swimming (with armor) and horsemanship. Looking at this same concept in modern terms, I train in empty-hand combat, shooting, running and driving. I feel that if you can fight, shoot, run and drive, you have covered yourself in almost every conceivable defensive area. If you take those four areas, you can break them down further: 

1. Empty-hand combat will cover striking skills, grappling skills, defending against weapons. Systems I like include Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, and Jeet Kune Do.  Ironically, my second-degree black belt is in Okinawan Shuri-Ryu karate which is very comprehensive, but it sure takes a long time to get competent and there are numerous extraneous areas that never made me a better fighter. You can gain more expertise in a shorter amount of time with Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. 

2. Shooting covers handgun, shotgun, carbine. I shoot pistol at the Master Level for my annual law enforcement requalifications, but I regularly participate in IDPA (International Defensive Pistol Association) matches for more realistic scenarios. I love my shotgun and carbine, but keep the shooting to quickly engaging multiple targets at close ranges. (I don't have the need or the temperament for long distance rifle or countersniper skills). 

3. Running is a mix of 100- to 200-yard sprints and 30 minutes of jogging. LAPD studies show that foot pursuits usually only last for 200 yards. That means you should train to sprint AWAY from trouble or -- when faced with multiple opponents – to string them out so you can fight them one-on-one. Because of my law enforcement involvement, however, I am training to CATCH the bad guys in the first 200 yards. I don't run for long distances. 

4. Driving is mostly counterterrorist type of driving (with j-turns, bootleg turns) and city driving with short, fast evasive cornering. I have been trained on open race tracks at high speeds, but find only a little crossover to defensive driving. 

Since you are looking at life or death situations, I would think you would concentrate on both sides of the lethal force equation – defending against lethal force and dealing out lethal force. That pretty much steers you towards using weapons or defending against weapons. The only empty-hand techniques I have that I consider to be lethal are chokes and strikes or kicks to the throat. Other than that, you pretty much have to use some sort of weapon to kill someone. On the other hand, if your attacker has a weapon, you are probably literally fighting for your life here. Now here's the problem that I have found and maybe you are finding the same thing…guys that are into firearms tend to ONLY concentrate on firearms and guys that are into empty-hand are ONLY into empty-hand. There doesn't seem to be much of a cross over. 

I would recommend getting Tom Proctor's tapes (go to www.defendgear.com for more info) and I hear Tony Blauer's tapes are good too.  I only have limited experience with the SCARs system you mentioned, having trained a little bit with Tim Larkin, one of Mr. Peterson's assistants in the first set of video tapes. 

I've trained with Tom Proctor and he is the real deal. He has worked his system in a number of underground fights, cage matches as well as real fights. He's been in some savage fights and has been shot and stabbed a couple of times, so he knows what he is talking about. 

That brings me back to the first part of your question…a system for training alone. I've tried it before and I have to admit, it is very difficult. It's like trying to keep up your tennis game by yourself. 

The dynamics of combat change so much that you need to face an opponent to keep your timing from getting rusty. Plus, training with someone usually pushes you more than you would push yourself. Ask around town to see if anyone is in your same boat. Check out some gyms or schools that will let you come in on a class-per-class basis. Keep an eye out for seminars that you can attend to keep your knowledge and practice fresh. 

Robert Pickett has been relocated a lot in his job and he has an interesting method. In every new town in which he gets relocated, he looks around for the scariest (his words) gym or dojo. Then he joins. He knows he is only going to be there for a couple of months so he doesn't get hung up in promotions, politics, etc. He just gets some real hard-core training. 

One thing to remember, as Tom Proctor points out, if you find yourself slipping into training for competition, you are not really training for the street. 

So, if you are really training all by yourself, I would suggest: 

1. Visualize various attack scenarios and how you would respond throughout the day; 

2. Shadow box (using all your strikes and kicks) regularly with an emphasis on speed, footwork and combinations; 

3. Work out on a heavy bag; 

4. Lift weights for explosive strength; 

5. Practice with your weapon of choice.

Brad Parker