by Bruce Strong

Created on: May 21, 2010

Self defense is a term that is thrown around a little too freely these days.  Although it is an integral part of personal safety that every person young and old should learn, it is important to understand just what self defense is before jumping right in to just any self defense class.

First let’s look at what self defense isn’t.  Self defense isn’t merely yelling “FIRE!” and running in the other direction (even for kids).  Self defense isn’t carrying a firearm, knife or pepper spray (although these are recommended).  Self defense isn’t avoiding dark alleys at night.  The list could go on and on, really.

What self defense is at its very core is your ability (and your right) to protect yourself and your family.  This includes your home and your vehicle as well.  When we think of self defense, we forget about all that the term encompasses.  Self defense is not running; it is not kicking or striking; it is not yelling and causing a scene.  These are all aspects of it, but don’t make up the entirely of self defense.

To understand true, life-saving self defense, you need to think more along the lines of hand to hand combat training.  That’s right.  Self defense is a battle.  It is not played out on the battlefield of a foreign country; it is right in your town; possibly in your home.  Nonetheless, it is hand to hand combat.  And for that reason, a good self defense program is a combat self defense program.

Think about it.  When a bad guy approaches you, he isn’t going to announce himself.  No, he is going to look very approachable so you have no clue of his intentions.  He will catch you off guard if you let him, and he will get just what he wants.  This is the epitome of a hand to hand combat scenario.  You are being targeted, he is going to do his best to overpower you; and if you don’t know what to do, he will win.

In order to be able to protect yourself in any given situation, you’ve got to have a mindset of combat self defense.  This means that you know violence is violent.  You have prepared your mind and body to react and respond to the actions of another person.  You have trained your eyes to scan the area and your instincts to alert you to danger.  Combat self defense is more than just the fighting; it is also the mental awareness and preparedness you gain.

When you start out in your quest to learn personal safety with the understanding the violence is violent; you are way ahead of the game.  This acknowledgement will lead you to find the ideal hand to hand combat program that doesn’t sugar coat self defense; doesn’t promote simple sport martial arts as self defense.  When you approach your personal safety with a serious mind, you will be able to gain the knowledge and skill it takes to confidently walk through your life without fear of danger. 

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