Self defense techniques: Bojuka

There are various self-defense techniques to learn, but one I knew little about was Bojuka. A friend of mine teaches a Bojuka class in North Hollywood on Wednesday evenings.

Choice Skinner, who is also an actor and director, told me he had studied many forms of martial arts through the years and none has given him the results he has seen with Bojuka.

According to Bojuka.com, the technique is based on natural body movements and gross motor skills. It is a proven method of threat elimination through awareness, avoidance, or by physically defending oneself.  

“Bojuka offered me true confidence and personal protection in a tremendously short amount of time,” Choice told me. “I teach it because I know and am convicted that it is the purest form of self defense and with a short amount of time one can fully defend themselves in any life threatening scenario.”

I asked him if it was practical for people to learn self-defense.

“It’s strange to me that people would spend extremes amount of money on health insurance, car insurance and life insurance but no money on protection ‘insurance’. Violent encounters are on the rise nowadays and the likely hood of a person being attacked or raped is outstanding. Most people have an idea that they will never be in a violent encounter. That being said it opens a door for it to happen to the individual because they never take the necessary steps to prepare for the assault when it does come.

“I believe that every man, woman, child and elderly person has the right to defend themselves.”

Choice, who is from Brooklyn and has lived in Atlanta before moving to Los Angeles, says he has been mugged four times in his life. Find Choice on his Facebook page and learn about his martial arts-related projects and his current acting and directing projects.

What benefits are there other than personal protection?

The benefits are great. I always say let the martial arts revolve around your life and your life around the martial arts and there is nothing you can’t accomplish. Many martial artists and self defense practitioners stay healthier and younger due to the cardio involved. It all helps to keep the joints and muscles in great shape. Self-defense also empowers you to stay focused under stress, self motivated, confident and is a great stress reliever.

What do you say to people who may think that martial arts is violent?

I say have they ever seen a hockey or soccer match? The martial arts teaches self defense and self control. It shows you what the variables are and can be if you make a decision to strike a person out of vain or selfish desire. One will usually refrain from such a desire in the martial arts because they get to a level of not allowing themselves to come from a place of machismo. I teach my students that they must be justified in their actions. They are trained to only strike to defend themselves or to protect their loved ones and even in that regards they are fully aware and are taught of the legal ramifications of their actions be it right or wrong.

Why do you like instructing others?

Teaching is my gift. I’m good at it because I love seeing the growth in others. Greatness recognizes greatness. I always explain to my students that in order for them to grow they must pass on what they know. In order to teach you must be secure in your knowledge of what you are teaching.