A for Awareness

The ABC's of Self Defense

A for Awareness

Everyone talks about awareness.  They tell you to look at your surroundings, to look at the path you are traveling, etc.  What I am talking about with regards to awareness is YOU!  

Let's start out with your mood.  Is is a good mood or a bad mood?  Generally speaking, a good mood conveys confidence and usually those who intend to do you harm, will wait for those who show a lack of confidence.  At my school Kaizen Martial Arts we speak about this all the time because we want all of our students to convey this air of confidence about them at all times.  This shows strangers that you are comfortable with who you are and depending on the situation, not someone to take lightly.

What about your clothes?  We always want to dress well and look presentable.  Depending on who you are meeting with and where you are meeting...you could stick out like a sore thumb.  Years ago when I went to Brazil for New Year's week, we were told not to wear any jewelry we wanted to lose.  I left the gold chain at home and the watch....no problems whatsoever.  

Your clothes can also have an impact on your self defense...if you ever have to use it.  I had a student who went clubbing with some friends.  She was wearing a mini skirt and heels.  She was looking sharp.  She had to use some of her skills that night with a guy who kept on putting his hands on her, even after she told him no.  She went to walk away from him and he grabbed her waist.   She touched his hand to make him relax and then BAM!  She grabbed his finger, pinned it to her body and spun, dropping him to the floor.  The bouncers stepped in to help her, but the situation was already "handled."  I asked her why she chose that particular technique.  She said, "Because of the skirt, I could not kick, because of the heels, my balance was not so great.  You always told us to attack what was attacking us...I just did as you trained me."

Next time we will talk about B for Basics

Ciao!

Mark