Did you know that a violent crime occurs every 25 seconds in the US? The world has become a dangerous place for men and women alike, with potential threats to your safety and the safety of those you hold dear lurking behind the next corner. In the modern world, self-defense is no longer an option, it’s a necessity.
Knowing how to assess the threat, how to defuse the situation safely, and ultimately, how to defend yourself without flinching can end up saving your life. We’re here to help you choose a realistic self-defense course and develop a fighting mindset is the pillar of self-defense.
Situational Awareness
Confronting the threat in your mind before it even becomes apparent can mean the difference between kicking some ass and having it handed to you. Developing situational awareness is key. The first thing you need to do is stop walking with your gaze fixed on the pavement and your shoulders slouched forward. Straighten your back, pull your shoulders back, and observe your environment at all times.
If you get the feeling that someone is watching you or that you are being followed, make sure to let them know you are aware of their presence. You can do this by casting a quick glance in their direction, preferably looking them in the eyes. A predator whose position has been revealed is most likely to give up his plan because the element of surprise is gone. Remember, be mindful of your surroundings.
Bravery and Aggressiveness
When it comes down to it, when all of your talking has failed to de-escalate the situation, the can be no quarter given, no holding back. The real world is merciless and it all comes down to kill or be killed. Not that you should ever kill a person, but you need to develop a feral mindset capable of inducing and aggressive fight response that will completely neutralize your opponent.
However, this is not something you can easily achieve. People are afraid to enter a physical conflict, and rightfully so. They are afraid of taking a punch, and they are insecure in their own ability to strike or subdue an enemy by taking him to the ground.
You need to be aggressive. So, forget that Jedi bullshit, as being aggressive will save your life in the cruelest of situations. But only if you learn how to channel that aggressiveness into bravery, perseverance, and unyielding resolve.
Be brave, be aggressive, fight for your life.
Not all martial arts were created equal
In the real world, there is no holding back, there are no soft punches, and there is no second try. With that in mind, certain martial arts will get you killed on the street and others will save your life. You need to decide for yourself which option is the most realistic one, and which looks nice on a YouTube video.
Among numerous self-defense systems around the world, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu stands out as one of the most effective ones. The sheer force and speed with which you are able to subdue an enemy paired with powerful and debilitating techniques to guarantee he will not be getting up anytime soon can prove to be lifesaving.
So make sure you try out different systems, find out what works, what hurts, and most importantly, what scares you. This will be the self-defense system for you.
Strength and physical fitness
With mixed martial arts classes, you will be able to develop a foundation of strength and physical fitness that is crucial for your survival in the real world. Unfortunately, size, or more precisely, strength does matter on the street. Forget about channeling an opponent’s energy against him and other popular dogmas, and work on getting stronger and more agile with every training session.
By developing physical strength, endurance, and agility, you will become more confident in your ability to withstand a physical assault. To subdue your opponent, and save your life.
Self-defense has become a necessity in the modern, increasingly hostile world. Be sure to implement these essential tips into your daily life and find a martial art that works for you, and you will have paved the road to a safe and happy future.
Peter is a men’s lifestyle writer at The Beard Mag and High Street Gent magazine from the UK. Besides writing he worked as a men’s grooming consultant for many fashion events. Follow Peter on Twitter for more tips.
About Peter Minkoff
Peter is a men's lifestyle writer at The Beard Mag (http://www.thebeardmag.com/) and Men-Ual magazine (http://www.men-ual.eu/) from the UK. Besides writing he worked as a men's grooming consultant for many fashion events. Follow Peter on Twitter (https://twitter.com/MinkoffPeter) for more tips.