This Months article is a very realistic evaluation of real-world self-defense. Many people train in martial arts to defend themselves and it is an excellent tool to keep people safe, but only when done correctly. To be able to defend themselves students need to practice in realistic situations. Close quarters and weapons defense are skills that are sadly becoming more and more necessary to stay safe. The author describes the importance of how to train and its impact on how to apply the things you practice. The author does provide a basic outline for how to stay close to an attacker safely. The author is a very accomplished martial artist and ex-law enforcement officer and his article is a very helpful guide for anyone training in martial arts. It gives a good description of the mindset students should have when training to stay as safe as possible.