Generalist or specialist, that is the question that is often asked of what to be in your Martial Science training.  Personally, for me, I am both.  Since the Martial Sciences are so broad I have a wide variety of training that makes me a generalist in many areas.  Meaning I have a lot of solid skill in multiple areas of combat.   This broad diversity allows me to have an advantage in many situations that your average person simply would not have.  It doesn’t mean however that I am not a specialist in certain areas with an expertise way beyond your normal person.  So I have a broad base of knowledge and skills that should give me an advantage in most situations and then a very specific expertise in other areas that should give me a huge advantage under the right circumstances.  You can be a generalist which is conducive to personal protection and self-defense but you can also specialize in certain areas of IRT which you enjoy more.  Our curriculum is set up that way.  Since we work with Weapons/Tools, Kicking, Hand Strikes, Trapping Hands and Joint Manipulation and Grappling you gain a broad based skill set right from the first day of training.  Yet, since each and every one of us will enjoy certain aspects of that training more you will specialize and or be better in certain areas over time.  This is natural and frankly, good!   Train and enjoy!  Get better, daily!  Make these skills yours over time and adapt them to your personality!

Brian R. VanCise

Note: This blog is opinion only and neither Instinctive Response Training LLC or Brian R. VanCise are responsible for any third party actions.