Can You Be Sure Your Training Works When It Matters Most?
You practice martial arts. You train hard.
Maybe you teach self-defense.
But do you really know if the techniques you practice will hold up under real pressure?
Wouldn’t it be invaluable to know before an actual altercation if something didn’t work—instead of finding out the hard way?
“Experience is something you get shortly after you need it.”
A Hard Lesson in Reality
In 1993, I was on Coronado Island training a group of Navy SEAL instructors from the Advanced Combat Training Group. We were deep into week two of a custom training session when one of the SEALs asked, “Coach, will this move work while wearing full kit and body armor?”
I paused. I had never tested this particular movement in full gear. “How far away is your equipment?” I asked.
Minutes later, the guys suited up, and guess what? The move didn’t work!
Holy shit. What a great moment. I live for that type of reality check. That moment reinforced something I had already been developing for over a decade—scenario training isn’t about what works in theory, it’s about what works under pressure, in real conditions.
For a moment, all the SEAL instructors just stared at me, waiting for some modification, some correction to make the move work.
And isn’t that what so many people do when something fails? They make an excuse.
This reminds me of the immortal words of Bob Jackson, Jim Carrey’s iconic karate character, who, after getting stabbed by a student in a demo, exclaims:
“Like most beginners, you attacked me wrong!”
(If you haven’t seen the skit, I linked it below—but read this first!)
So, the move failed with body armor on, and there was an awkward silence as everyone looked at me. They expected the classic excuse—because most martial artists create drills to showcase the moves they’re practicing.
Reread that.
As I’ve written so many times before:
Violence doesn’t care what martial art you practice.
I looked at the SEAL instructors and smiled:
“Ok, everyone, make a note: This move doesn’t work in full kit. Don’t do it. Stop practicing it.”
They looked at me—and then started laughing. It was a wonderful moment.
If it doesn’t work in the real world, don’t practice it.
The Wake-Up Call We All Need
The significant reframe from this experience was this:
We, as martial artists and self-defense trainers, have a moral, ethical, and legal responsibility to ensure that the movements we teach—movements our students may one day rely on to save their lives—actually work.
We don’t get to hope our techniques will hold up under pressure. We have an obligation to test, vet, and prove them in conditions as close to reality as possible.
That’s where scenario training comes in.
But not just any type of scenario training.
For over 40 years, I’ve refined a scenario-based system that has been vetted by real-world warriors. Our system is proven and trusted, and I want you to learn it.
You don’t need to be an instructor or own a school to attend—though, wouldn’t it be great to add world-class scenario training to your curriculum?
An Opportunity, Not a Challenge
This course is not about changing your system—it’s about enhancing what you already do with a safe, scientific methodology to evaluate your techniques against real-world violence.
Whether you’re teaching Krav Maga, jiu-jitsu, Thai boxing, boxing, karate, kung fu, or any other style, this course gives you the tools to pressure-test, refine, and validate what you already teach so that you and your students gain an even deeper level of confidence in their training.
This isn’t about styles. This isn’t about ego.
This is about truth.
And that’s what we will teach you in the Evidence-Based Scenario Trainer® Course.
We Only Run This Course Twice a Year
The next one is at the end of March, and there are still spots available.
Space is limited, and we have multiple payment options, including financing.
If you’re serious about self-defense—if you want to ensure that what you teach has been pressure-tested before your students ever need it—then this course is for you.
Reply to this email and let me know if you want in.
And remember,
“Experience is something you get shortly after you need it.”
Our Evidence-Based Scenario Trainer® course ensures you get that experience in advance — before the fight!
March 29-30, New Jersey. Secure your spot today! Click here
Train smart,
Coach B
P.S. Have questions? Hit reply—I answer them personally.
LINK TO JIM CARREY SKIT: Watch Here.
