Fight like a Spartan

Over the centuries many people have tried to emulate the Spartan's warrior culture, and to say the least it isn't easy. It requires a whole society to be based around producing the best warriors and little else. Still though they have taught us much about how to prepare for combat and you don't need to stand naked in the snow to prepare yourself for combat in the modern world. Whether you just want to walk down the block to pick up some milk or patrol with confidence you too can train like the ancient Greek warriors. At the end of the day it is all about keeping it simple and brutal.

A Spartan warrior's training regiment rivaled many other warrior cultures of its day, and they started young. Now you don't need to abuse your children to toughen them up for the harsh realities of the outside world, but you can inform them of the real dangers. Let them know to find an adult when there is an emergency or approached by a stranger, and they're never too young to start learning the fundamentals of self defense. Train with your children so if your family is attacked they will react and get help while the adults protect them, and don't rely on just one family member to do all the fighting. Prepare yourself and your children to deal with the worst, and don't sugar coat things.

One of the reasons the Spartans were so successful in battle was that their tactics, and at Battle of Thermopylae their tactics were only enhanced by the terrain. When you get in a fight the conditions are seldom ideal, so practice in different environments. If your self defense techniques don't work in the snow or in the woods they aren't effective, so practice and find out what works in the most situations. When you're in a new place make note of your surrounding and look at your options for escape and defense. Nobody likes to think they'll get in a fight, but brawls can happen anywhere and criminals are always looking for opportunities.

Some martial artists have mastered over 30 different deadly weapons, and while that is impressive it isn't necessary to protect yourself. The Spartan warrior trained with his spear, sword, and shield almost exclusively, and by keeping his training simple he soon became the best with his weapons. When you train have a few primary weapons you practice with all the time, and make them practical choices. A swords and staffs are great weapons, but you can't take those weapons most places. Know your weapons well and practice with them regularly.

When it comes to self defense keep it simple and keep it brutal and the Spartans based their whole way of life around that belief. While you should always strive to be the best in your training you don't have to be the best to defend yourself. Learn simple and effective techniques and prepare yourself for the worse. By training you will make yourself tougher, and you will be confident in the face of danger just like the warriors of old.