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Self
Defense Strategies |
The most obvious benefit of Martial Arts training
is self-defense. If the occasion arises, knowing how
to defend yourself can save your life and the lives
of those you care about. Avoiding the occasion, however,
is a much better alternative.
 The
first benefit is vastly improved awareness both of oneself
and of those around you. You will learn to discern dangerous
places, routes, situations and people and this is your
first step to forming self-defense strategies.
Self Defense Strategies involve knowing how to prepare
yourself not to be a victim of a crime. Your Martial
Arts training not only prepares you for physical Self-Defense,
but it also builds character traits, such as self-esteem
and confidence, that can ward off would-be attackers.
If you feel vulnerable, you show it through your behavior,
physical appearance, and demeanor. If you have a poor
body image, it shows in your posture, movement and the
way you walk. If you have poor self-esteem, it shows
in your facial expressions and docile behavior. These
behaviors are to attackers what bait is to sharks.
 Body
language combats the first stage of an attack, when
the attacker is picking a target.
A Martial Artist shows a relaxed sense of confidence.
This starts with being aware of your surroundings and
thinking ahead. Plan to walk with others. Wear appropriate
clothing and shoes for walking. Walk in well-lit areas.
Your head should be up. This shows that you are alert
and aware of surroundings, not too tired or too afraid
to defend yourself.
You should look ahead in a relaxed way. Drop your shoulders;
do not hunch them up around your neck. Have an alert
step, not too long or too short. Keep your hands out
of your pockets. Keep a calm, happy expression on your
face to show that you are confident.
The second phase of an attack, the testing
phase, is combated using verbal Self-Defense.
The first type of verbal Self-Defense is assertive.
This can be used if your attacker is unarmed and doesn't
have physical control over you. You should express your
assertiveness without being challenging.
Use a firm voice and short, sharp words. Remember that
verbal Self-Defense is an extension of your body language.
Show them that you will not be put in the role of the
helpless victim.
 The
second type of verbal Self-Defense is cooperative.
This is best used when your attacker has a weapon or
is holding you in a way that makes it dangerous to fight
back at that time. The purpose is to relax your attacker
and possibly provide you with an opportunity to escape.
Remember, to be cooperative,
not submissive. The most
important thing for you to do is to stay calm.
Self-Defense strategies begin with your character traits.
A Martial Artist walks with confidence and with certainty.
You need to prepare yourself not to be a victim just
as hard as you prepare yourself for physical Self-Defense.
Escape or avoidance is always your first choice, but
if all else fails, you have your Martial Arts training
to back you up.
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