The CSPT was brought into existence with the idea of bringing together all the functional aspects of combat into one place, to further develop some of these areas and then to simplify and integrate them. An independent concept grew out of this process.

Maximum Output for Minimum Input.

It has been widely accepted that one must train for a lifetime to achieve martial arts mastery. This may or may not be true, in as much as I do not know what martial arts mastery actually is. I do know that when it comes to someone trying to protect themselves or their loved ones from naked aggression we cannot deal in lifetimes, decades or even years of training. We need to see results within a reasonable amount of time. In my experience, most people who can self motivate, focus and allocate a regular amount of time to training can progress into a decent level of form and function in a matter of months. For some this might be nine months for others it might be twenty months. This type of approach is facilitated by stripping away the non essentials and focusing on high probability tactics and functional training methods. This is how you can achieve maximum output for minimum input.

Now, when I use the term “minimum input” I do not mean that you are slacking. It simply refers to the minimum amount needed to get functional results. You won’t find many golden glove boxers who have only been boxing for three months. However, boxing itself, can be functional after only a short time of training. So someone might say “Your boxing isn’t all it could be” and that would be a true statement but the point is:

You can box and fight with weapons, OC spray, firearms, in the clinch, on the ground etc. to some degree of function. For many this is far more desirable than taking your boxing to the highest level possible. You cannot simply “dabble” in the various areas of training. You must spend some real time there and you must actually develop. this process can be accelerated by a good instructor, a good structure and some concentrated focus.

Maximum output means you are going to to get out of it what you put into it. This truth is inescapable. But this is greatly enhanced by using functional training methods, progressive resistance and realistic structures. This approach provides an acceptable level of results for those who live in the real world and cannot be fanatical about training.

It is from this approach that the term “Jack of all trades, master of SOME...” was born.

Of course there are those who can and do operate outside this type of approach. They spend years developing a few areas to a very high level. There is nothing wrong with this. It just isn’t possible or desirable for some to do this.

I guess it depends on what you're trying to achieve. Self Preservation training deals in broad generalities and uses no way as a way in an attempt to stop violence. Some argue that all you need is a gun. Others insist that it all boils down to striking, clinch and ground. Other consider knife fighting the best way to protect themselves. I can see the inherent flaws in these approaches, even if they can’t.