Hello, ya'll! I'm new to the board. I've tried to find more information on basic self defense online and in the library and stuff. It's difficult because the results that usually come up are martial arts, boxing, street fighting, etc. I was wondering if there was another name or term used for the type of self defense that doesn't involve the Japanese art or competition. Anyone know what I mean?

You mean combative arts? Try looking at Jeet Kune Do, Krav Maga, American Kenpo. Otherwise not sure what you mean.

Not quite sure I understand. Are you looking for something like a self defense program? For example, http://www.fight2survive.com/ ? I've attended some of these classes to check it out and it's the first one that comes to mind of many similar programs.
These type of programs are not always associated with traditional "martial arts" but are often taught at the same schools. Their goal is usually to give you a quick exposure to a variety of defensive situations. They often do not have the depth of other arts but are geared toward faster assimilation. One of the best places to look may be your local MA schools and law enforcement agencies.
Am I even close or was this all way off target?

Um, I'm interested in " The Bourne Identity" kind of self defense (Not Hi-ya! stuff). Anyone seen the movie?

Cowgirl-take Kenpo and invest about 10 years.

cowgirl

You do understand that the Bourne Idenity IS "a movie" right?

Besides, the stuff you see probably IS the "hi-ya" stuff with other things mixed in--VERY carefully planned, diagramed and executed by professional stunt people.

Bourne Id was a demo of Kali/Silat like arts, which are thought of as Combat Arts. The more popular Trad Eastern arts if studied that way are also Combat Arts, very few techniques destinction in either only the intent separates Sport from Combat imho.

Brock is correct. Keep in mind that a series of classes or a few seminars is not sufficient to re-train your mind, emotions & body to react in a real SD situation. It takes years to accomplish this. That's why you must continually train, train, train. Sorry, it's not the popular answer you were hoping for.

BTW, where do you think Jason Bourne's techniques came from?
You betcha...a "Hai-yah" martial art.

I think you should look into Krav Maga or similar school/style & commit yourself to more than a few months. Look @ it this way:

You decide to start writing L-handed (assuming that you're R-handed). You need to use this skill to take notes in all your college classes where you're under pressure to write fast as you discriminate which points to take down & which to ignore. You're taking notes not just for yourself (so you can rely on your memory later) but also for a friend who couldn't make it to class (so you have to be precise). Could you accomplish this w/ only a few practice sessions?

Try it & see.

It's funny to most of us but there's a big market of DVD "masters" who are selling just what you described Brian. I own about 6 of these DVD's so you better not mess with me...unless you own 7 or more.
(Thank god I'm joking)

Cowgirl, the bottom line is you don't have to pick a hi-yah art to find good training, just a good instructor who understands your goals. And remember there are NO shortcuts.