What is RBPP?
A profile on the Reality Based Personal Protection system
Learn more about Jim Wagner's Reality Based Personal Protection (RBPP) system, what you can expect to learn and how it's different to traditional martial arts.
Jim Wagner’s Reality Based Personal Protection (RBPP) is the original Reality Based self-defence system and prides itself on not having any rules set in stone. Unlike some more traditionally mind martial arts RBPP is designed so that there is no distinction in training for men and women. This means that if a woman cannot do a technique properly then that technique should not be considered as a viable defence.
What is RBPP not?
RBPP is not a traditional martial art in that a) it originated very recently in the 1990’s in the United States, b) no uniforms are worn and c) no kata are practiced.
Nor can RBPP be considered a sport, and there are no specific uniforms, attire or competitions. Techniques are always designed with maximum efficiency in mind and for real-life conditions. The attacks and defences are intended for potentially lethal threat situations, with the aim being to end these and escape as rapidly and safely as possible. Sparring is not done to earn points or kudos, but rather to demonstrate how brutal an attack can be, to learn how to cope with that attack and to learn what it feels like to be an attacker.
What does RBPP teach?
Students are often taught how to defeat their opponents through attacks to weak areas of the body and techniques can range from groin grabs to head butts. Improvised weapons also play a big part in RBPP training as do defences against attackers armed with firearms.
Students of RBPP follow a set of guidelines whilst practicing, teaching and designing techniques.
- Neutralize the threat
- Avoid injury
- Move from reactive to proactive as soon as possible if on the back foot
- Use practical and instinctive techniques
- Strike at any vulnerable point
- Use any tool or object nearby
- Understand and abide by the Use of Force ladder.
As with any other Reality Based Martial Art (RBMA) RBPP stresses fighting under the most pessimistic conditions the instructor can devise. Scenarios often cover multiple opponents, working from the ground and working from the ground against multiple opponents for example.
Unlike the more traditional martial arts such as Taekwondo, defences are not set. This means that if an attacker throws ‘x’ technique, the student is not bound to throw ‘x’ block or ‘x’ technique back. They could throw any block, counter-attack, object or even just move out of the way. This not only means that students do not get comfortable with certain defences, it also means that they are completely free-flowing and do not have to rely on an attacker doing something in a set manner.
Jim Wagner also prides himself on teaching techniques that anyone can learn. Recent courses held in the United Kingdom have had serving Police, martial arts students, martial arts instructors, security contractors, OAPs and women training alongside each other. Every technique taught is designed to be learnt to a sufficient level of proficiency within as short a time frame as possible. Strikes are designed to be instinctive and so men learn to hit with their fists whilst women who attend the women only classes are initially taught to strike open handed.
Real-life scenarios play a large part in RBPP training sessions. Students can expect to experience scenarios that involve foul language, sudden attacks and the use of makeup, costumes and props.
It is the emphasis that is placed on the training area being made to look as normal as possible that differentiates RBPP from styles such as Taekwondo, Karate and Krav Maga.
