You have heard people say that ideas have consequences. I'm sure I don't have to work very hard to convince anyone of that truth. But for some reason, when it comes to martial arts and self-defense, students are quick to follow their teachers into almost any path of development. Of course, there are merits to following traditional methods of learning the basics and then progressing to higher levels of understanding. But the way we train, and the way we prepare mentally, can have more impact on real-world results than the techniques we learn. Ideas have consequences, and this truth has played out in politics, economics, and every other area of human experience.
On the street, where you will be when actually implementing martial arts skills, the way you think (psyche) will have consequences too. You will be at a disadvantage from the start. The attacker will have the element of surprise, greater strength, superior speed, or a higher level of ability; otherwise they would leave you alone. And consider the change in circumstance caused by the presence of a weapon such as a knife or handgun. The reaction your mind has under stress and the possibility of injury will determine, more than the step-by-step defense maneuvers you learned, whether or not you make it home. I'm not trying to scare you, but you need to consider the reality of a violent attack and prepare to survive.
If you are attacked and you are worried about getting injured, what may come of your family if something were to go wrong, the possibility of being either in the hospital or jail, or anything else, you will probably not b at your best defensively. You cannot worry about anything--it's distracting. The enemy only needs a fraction of a second's hesitation to get the jump on you. You cannot afford to let anything in your mind prevent you from doing everything in your power to overcome the attack and make it home safely.
You need to decide right now (before an emergency situation) what you are willing to do to another human being. Some people refuse to use violence, even when faced with violence. If that's you, that's fine. But the heat of the moment is no time to be considering options and weighing your moral dilemma. Think it through in all seriousness. Would you hurt someone who is trying to hurt you? Would you rather survive or behave in a civilized manner? There are many ways to look at this, but you must determine what is consistent with your philosophy, your heart and soul.
Nobody can tell you how you will react under pressure. No technique will just happen when you're scared. No muscle memory will overcome your natural instinct to protect yourself. So prepare for the worst and be happy when nothing happens. Will you be in your favorite stance when violence strikes? Will you be stretched out and warmed up? Probably not. You can become more aware of your surroundings and increase your chances. But take steps to get your mind on the same page as your body.
Don't be fooled by the teachers making robots out of their students. Everyone doesn't move the same. Everyone doesn't react the same. Train your body to respond to common attacks, but train your mind to be free of additional mental tension caused by stress. Because how you think really matters.
Stay safe,
Instructor Moore
No comments:
Post a Comment