Training Self Defense?

There are many opinions and opposing views on self defense versus sport.  People take sides on which is better and instead of taking an objective approach to the subject.  Overall, you much approach your training different, because your outcome and environment will vastly differ.  Many of the techniques you use in both self defense and sport Jujitsu are similar.  The difference is that you are training for a different outcome, which requires different training methods.  All are good.  But it is important to distinguish the difference so you may train more effectively for your goal in mind. 

In sport, you have TWO fighters who approach each other straight on, in an honorable way to test their skills.  There is a cleared area with a referee to watch the safety of the fight. You GET IN with the sole focus of winning the fight.  At any time, you can tap knowing that you can safely walk away.  That is not your intention, but you can walk away knowing your opponent and referee are decent human beings.  I have become friends or good acquaintences with people I have fought in competition. 

In the street or bar, you do not have that referee to watch the safety.  Instead, the person you are fighting is not their to test their skills in an honorable way, but hurt you for real.  It is likely that you will come across a coward or street thug.  This person will have three things in common:  1) He will hit you when you are not looking or just turn away; 2) he will start the fight and his friends will jump in to beat you down - multiple attackers; 3) he will use a weapon.  Please note that you are facing a completely different indivudual that you would in sport!  This changes the dynamics completely.  When you understand this, you will change your approach in your training and the techniques you use.  

Multiple attackers can be their friends, a gang, or a bouncer at a bar that uses his position as a practice session than controlling the situation.  The area or environment might be littered with debris, chairs and tables, that would change the dynamics of the fight and techniques you would want to use.  You are more careful to use certain ground techniques where you would lie on your back, exposing your face to be stomped.  Therefore, you might instead modify an armbar so you are applying it from a kneeling position, instead of lying on your back.  This will allow you to get up quickly for the additional attacker, or escape the situation entirely.  Imagine yourself underwater swimming for the surface and the pressure of the water pushing you down.  It will be tough to get back up, but you must in a multiple attacker situation or be severly hurt.  You may be in a close quarter area (i.e. bar) where there are chairs and tables around you.   Therefore, do not use a sacrifice throw.  Use foot sweeps to take someone down to better position yourself for a QUICK FINISH.  As you know, you fight the way you train.  Remember, in sport, you want to get in and win the fight.    In self defense, you want to GET AWAY from the situation to keep yourself from bodily harm.  QUICKLY FINISH AND GET AWAY from the situation.  The longer you engage in a fight, the more chance you  have of being hurt.  If someone has a knife, and you are tied up, you can be severely injured.  So if your fight "goes to the ground", apply techniques that give you the advantage to get up and away quickly.  Remember situational awareness - multiple attacker, weapon, or clutter in the area to fall over - at all times. 

Whether training for sport or the street, you revert to habits you have created.  So what habit do you want to create?  When training for sport, do as your coach says and train for the specific fight or competition you will encounter.  When training for self defense, be clearly aware of the different situation WHEN YOU ARE TRAINING.  Similar techniques, different mentality and application completely.