It can be very easy for us to feel scared in life. We might shy away from conflict, or somebody honking their horns at us when we're driving the speed limit can set us on a negative spiral, which is why we always should have the confidence and the ability to defend ourselves, whatever that may mean for us. The concept of self-defense is not just about martial arts, but about the right tactics that make you feel secure, which include the following:
Understanding the Use of Force
Many people might think that they need to be at their peak physical fitness in order to fend off someone or have an abundance of non lethal weapons in their arsenal, should the moment arise; however, we should only use the minimum amount necessary to protect ourselves. Knowing the legal and ethical implications of force means that we only take these tools out of the bag when we know it is the only option.
Practice De-Escalation Techniques
For people who fear confrontation in public places like a bar, effective communication skills to defuse confrontational situations like offering alternative solutions, acknowledging emotions, and prioritizing active listening are de-escalation approaches that can be the safest way to help yourself.
Developing Situational Awareness
Being attentive to your surroundings and trusting your instincts is crucial. If something feels unsafe, you should listen to your gut and take the appropriate actions to remove yourself from the situation. When walking at night, you could minimize distractions such as using your phone so you are alert to potential threats, as well as avoiding poorly lit or isolated areas and keeping personal items like keys easily accessible.
Building Your Confidence and Assertiveness
Much like in school, if a bully sees you as an easy target, that is why they will do what they can to you. Projecting an aura of confidence may be the thing that deters potential attackers. Practicing assertive communication and body language can discourage aggression, and you will see this in other areas of your life as well. For example, you will establish better boundaries and not fear somebody attempting to verbally shoot you down. This is why something like a self-defense class can be invaluable because it puts you into those worst-case scenarios and helps you believe in your abilities to protect yourself because you have those tools. Of course, with martial arts, the lesson is always about having this knowledge so you don’t need to use it, and this is partly about giving off that aura of confidence.
Basic Self-Defense Skills and Physical Fitness
While it's not necessary to prioritize your athletic performance, maintaining a level of physical fitness that enables you to react quickly in a self-defense situation can enhance your ability to look after yourself. Self-defense classes like jiu-jitsu can help you learn the basic techniques like evasion maneuvers, blocks, and strikes that allow you to create distance, escape, or incapacitate someone long enough to get to safety.
The best approach to self-defense in life is not being able to hit someone harder, but a whole number of methods.
