C for Control

The ABC's of Self Defense

 

C for Control

We cannot control everything...even as much as we would like to.  That is just a plain fact.  In martial arts and self defense classes we are always trying to control an opponent.  The biggest, scariest opponent that we will ever face is ourselves.  Our goal in martial arts training is not to conquer another, but control over ourselves.

In many schools of martial arts, the beginner starts out with first learning how to punch, stand, kick, and/or roll.  These are all done by yourself, under the supervision of someone who has been trained well.  As we had spoken of before in the Basics post, you must first go slowly in order to go quickly.  We can say that until we are blue in the face, but the fact remains..."slow and steady wins the race."

"It is a martial arts class...right?  We are supposed to be learning self defense...right?"  The answer is yes to both questions.  Can we properly execute techniques on another person if we first do not have control over ourselves?  Not likely!  So back to the beginning...we must first aim to learn how to control ourselves, from the inside out.  Not an easy task at all.  

Let's say we are a great technician and can execute these techniques flawlessly.  When the defecation hits the rotating oscillator...we better have control over our emotions as well.  Martial arts training is not solely the training of physical body, but of the mind and soul.  This is the essence of control...from the inside out.

Next time we will talk about Determination

Ciao!

Mark