| es show that a struggling economy yields a higher | | | | robbery, vandalism, etc.) are done with the goal of |
| incident rate of violent crime and general lawlessness. | | | | fighting. When someone robs you, they seldom want |
| That means you are more likely to find yourself in | | | | to fight. Martial arts students, prompted by fear or |
| potentially explosive circumstances that can lead to | | | | pride, will often react physically to an aggressive crime, |
| injury or death. A lot of martial arts students, including | | | | which escalates the threat. It prompts a violent |
| both children and adults, think their training gives them | | | | response from the robber or would-be attacker. |
| an edge during such confrontations. In truth, it does. But, | | | | The Difference Between Fighting And Self-Defense |
| not in the way many students believe. | | | | People fight for many reasons, though most of them |
| In this article, we'll explore the nature of violent crime in | | | | can be categorized according to two primary triggers: |
| the context of how martial arts and self-defense | | | | to attain something or protect something. This can |
| converge. I'll describe the mental game and the danger | | | | extend to private property, self-esteem, pride, or a |
| of emotions. I'll also explain the core difference | | | | vague sense of honor. These things have nothing to |
| between defending yourself and fighting; many people | | | | do with protecting yourself from physical harm. |
| think they're doing the former when they're actually | | | | Self-defense represents any action you take in order |
| doing the latter. Lastly, we'll discuss how you can | | | | to protect your person. The problem is, many martial |
| respond constructively to a threat of violence while | | | | arts schools unwittingly encourage their students to |
| controlling your environment. | | | | use the style they are learning to "protect themselves" |
| The Mental Game Of Self-Defense | | | | from criminals. There is a fine line between defending |
| Suppose an attacker is coming toward you. Your | | | | yourself from physical harm (a level to which few |
| instinct is to protect yourself. If you have studied | | | | crimes need to escalate) and fighting. The former is |
| karate, kung fu, or similar styles, you might be tempted | | | | defined by a preservation of personal safety. The |
| to respond physically. Unfortunately, doing so can result | | | | latter represents combat. |
| in injury, death, or criminal charges in the event that you | | | | A Constructive Response To A Threat Of Violence |
| overreact and cause excessive harm to your | | | | First, shed your fear and anger. A threat of violence |
| attacker. This is the reason it is critical that you are | | | | (for example, a firearm pointed at your chest) does |
| mentally prepared to respond appropriately to a | | | | not represent violence. Reacting to the threat because |
| confrontation. | | | | you are fearful or angry can lead to injury or death. |
| Your mindset plays a key role in remaining safe during | | | | Second, don't challenge the attacker unless it is likely |
| a potentially violent situation. In fact, the manner in | | | | that you are going to be harmed. If he is demanding |
| which you process your circumstances and calculate | | | | your wallet, give it to him. If he wants your car, provide |
| a response may represent the largest potential threat | | | | the keys. Regardless of how accomplished you are at |
| to your safety. Too often, emotions get in the way | | | | aikido, Taekwondo, or judo, it is a rare situation that |
| and lead to disastrous consequences. | | | | justifies using your martial arts as self-defense. |
| Understanding The Danger Of Emotions | | | | Third, provide your attacker with an exit strategy. If he |
| Anger and fear do more to escalate a confrontation | | | | feels cornered with no way out, he will react violently, |
| than any other response. Emotions are the antithesis | | | | often with deadly force. |
| of logic. They often obfuscate the reality of a given | | | | There is a time and place for using martial arts as a |
| threat, concealing possible paths toward a non-violent | | | | tool for self-defense. However, the key to remaining |
| resolution. | | | | safe in potentially violent circumstances is to recognize |
| It's worth noting that few crimes of aggression (i.e. | | | | that such occasions are rare. |