One of the most important factors in determining the outcome of a confrontation is often times physical fitness. Unfortunately, fitness is often neglected in self-defense training. A solid foundation of agility, balance, strength and endurance will be needed when in threatening situations. With a little planning and consistency, fitness can be a fun, routine part of your training regimen.
Self-defense has a serious implication. The term implies that you are on the defense, reacting to someone’s aggression towards you. By definition, you are at a disadvantage. It is always slower to react than to pro act. If you are reacting you are not in control. A well-planned offense is always better than a defense. Offense does not mean that you’re attacking people at will. Rather, you are proactive in implementing a plan, diffusing situations and avoiding confrontations.
Self-defense is just that, taking care of yourself. You must plan for no help to be available and for your plans to fail when needed most. If you are serious about self-defense, you must understand that you are the first responder. Police officers, medical personnel, and firefighters must be viewed as second responders. You must be an active participant in your own rescue.
As the new year approaches it is time to evaluate where we have been and where we want to go. It is time to get motivated, set some goals and enjoy the new beginning. Rarely, if ever, do we think of new year’s resolutions in terms of self-defense. There are 5 specific self-defense related goals I want to achieve in 2017. By sharing them with you, I hope to motivate you to set some goals and make 2017 a safe year.
Self-defense involves more than just ourselves. We must accept responsibility for the safety of our loved ones. Just as important, we must make them active participants in their personal protection. Here are some things you can do to make self-defense a family endeavor.
This morning I awoke to sub-zero temperatures. Cold weather is most often associated with being uncomfortable. Cold weather has serious implications regarding your self-defense that need to be mitigated. Your must test your self-defense plans and actions in all environments you will face.
With the holidays fast approaching shopping in crowded stores is inevitable. Crowded venues, especially shopping malls, are prime targets for thieves, carjackers and abductors. It’s easy to focus on quickly getting in and out of a store without paying attention to your safety. Keep in mind it’s your responsibility to safeguard yourself, your loved ones and your possessions.
When it comes to self-defense, the more simple the better. Under stress you must rely on gross motor skills and an instinctive reaction. A training regime involving complex techniques and prolonged decision making cycles will not serve you well. Keep in mind the KISS acronym – keep it simple, stupid.
Self-defense training is a journey that never ends. Learning is constant as we live in a dynamic world with new and adapting threats. One of the biggest assets one can have is an open mind. Very few things are constant or absolute. Expose yourself to a variety of training. Here are some areas of training and resources to consider.
Running outside is generally considered a safe sport. However, as with any activity that takes you out and about in the world, it definitely has its risks for predator assault. Women are especially vulnerable to assailants due to our strength and size. Women runners, therefore need to stay smart and balance personal safety practices with the way we love to run.
