In studying a martial art, it is
important to learn correct technique and practice precisely so you are effective,
efficient and minimize any injury to yourself. If you have no other option but to actually
use the techniques you have learned in a self-defense situation, the most important
thing is to follow Master Yoda’s advice and “Do, or do not. There is no try. “
In
real-life, if you are attacked, you do not have time to think what is the best technique
or target, you must act, you most “Do”. Bruce
Lee is quoted as saying “Knowing is not enough, we must apply. Willing is not
enough, we must do." We must Do.
You
must “Do” and not stop until you feel safe.
And what feels safe can take the form of many outcomes (attacker is
disarmed, you have escaped the scene, police officers are on the scene and
taking control of the situation, etc.) and will be very dependent on the
scenario (location, time of day, who is with you, etc.).
Sanford Strong, retired Marine and career law enforcement officer, in his book “Strong on Defense” lays out several “Do’s” when you must defend yourself:
3. Never, never give up.
Your
attitude, your mentality, and your spirit are critical to safely surviving an
attack. Yes, your technique and skill
learned is important – they are your tools in self-defense. But if attacked, you must “Do” and have the spirit
of a warrior. In Sun Tzu’s book, Art of
War, he states “You cannot know
if you will be successful or not. You can only prepare for battle and it must
be done with all of your heart and with all of your consciousness. In that
manner, you will have an edge.”
So, as you
practice your techniques and train physically, ensure your spirit is also part
of your training.
Regards,
Kelly
"Spirit first, technique second." ~ Gichin Funakoshi
(1868-1957), founder of Shotokan Karate
