Self-defense and Power

We’ve been studying power and how to generate it in class for the past few weeks. A large percentage of our students right now are women, and I feel like it’s important for them to understand. I don’t want my students ever to be victims, and this subject is a vital part of that.

So, when it comes to striking, either with the upper body or the lower body (punching or kicking), speed is the primary factor in generating power. Muscle recruitment, absolute strength, the angle of attack, follow-through and targeting all play their parts, but none of them are as vital to self-defense as speed.

Like any skill, speed can be trained and improved. And, like any skill, it decays with disuse. We need to practice it and continually work to improve. Speed is also hampered by poor health, overeating, alcohol consumption, stress, and tension.

Now, with all of that said, let’s be real for a moment. Since we have so many young women in the school, I want to use this space to talk about personal power and self-defense. At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter how much I teach, or how much you practice, if you are caught by surprise or are in a situation where you are simply unable to protect yourself.

If you want to be able to defend yourself, should the need arise, you have to stay alert. Understand the implications of your surroundings, the limitations of your attire, and the social climate. Even one alcoholic drink will affect your judgment, meaning you would say and do things you wouldn’t ordinarily say or do, not to mention slowing your reaction times.

Even if you aren’t drinking, if you’re around people who are, you need to be aware that their judgment will be impaired. Don’t allow someone else’s poor choices to impact your life. Take responsibility for your condition. Be a leader in your social circle, not a follower. Be the one that others look to for good judgment.

I would never be the one to blame someone for getting into a bad situation. Sometimes bad things happen, and there’s nothing you can do about it. Living in fear of those situations is no way to live. I want my students to be aware, to live their lives on purpose, and to make choices from strength, not fear.