Awareness is a critical component of self-defense. I mentioned a few items in my May 2008 blog. I will repeat some of the information here plus expand upon it because it is an important aspect of martial arts training.
First off, Club members should first try to avoid any and all confrontation and conflict. Books, classes, and instruction exist on how to attempt to do this through awareness, avoidance, and de-escalation strategies, among other methods. All Club members should seek out and become familiar with this information.
The best way to “win” in a situation that involves confrontation or violence is to be aware of and avoid the situation in the first place. Most self-defense experts agree the majority of situations (some claim 9 of 10) can be avoided if you learn to look out for dangers. Some things to consider:
* Human behavior (body language, tone of voice, heavier breathing, etc)
* Energy of a potential opponent
* Trust your instincts
* Do not make yourself an easy target
* Attract attention
I have listed several references ([1], [2], and [3]) which contain some good information on awareness.
In Gichin Funakoshi’s The Twenty Guiding Principles of Karate: The Spiritual Legacy of the Master [4], his 16th principle hits on this “When you step beyond your own gate, you face a million enemies”. He states: “Negligence is a great enemy when we leave the safety of our homes. If we are not in peak form in both our body and attitude, we will attract troublemakers and problems. Consequently we should adopt the attitude that when leaving our gate we are entering into the midst of many potential enemies and should stay mentally alert.”
Many weapons (fire arms excluded) are effective close in which means an attacker would need to be close to you to use it effectively. Therefore, if you are aware of your surroundings and the environment, then most likely you will not be placed in a situation where an adversary gets close enough where you are a target.
By no means and I advocating being paranoid by leaving one’s house. I am advocating being aware. Being aware means listening to your instincts if you feel unsafe, paying attention to the people and the events around you, and being aware when you are in areas that are unfamiliar to you or where you are more at risk (and avoiding them if possible).
Regards,
Kelly
“He will win who knows when to fight and when not to fight.” ~ Sun Tzu (6th Century BC), Chinese General, military strategist, and author of The Art of War
References:
1. Surviving Armed Assaults: A Martial Artists Guide to Weapons, Street Violence, and Countervailing Force by Lawrence Kane, 2006
2. Strong on Defense by Sanford Strong
3. The Gift of Fear by Gavin De
4. The Twenty Guiding Principles of Karate: The Spiritual Legacy of the Master by Gichin Funakoshi
5. The Art of War by Sun Tzu
