The Importance of Knowing Self-Defense

Self-defense is the use of reasonable force to defend yourself, or someone close by from
danger/harm in case of an attack by an aggressor. Knowing self-defense can allow you to
avert disastrous results, e.g. injury or even death. The world is an ever-changing place and it
can certainly be dangerous at times. Learning self-defense is one of the most valuable things
you can do for yourself.

Knowing how to defend yourself is not just physical. There is also a mental aspect to it. No
matter how agile or strong you are, if you lack the knowledge and mental toughness to
execute countermeasures when confronted with an aggressor, you will find yourself
overpowered. That’s why it is important to invest in some kind of self-defense training.
Following are some points that highlight the importance of knowing self-defense:

Building Up Strength

Self-defense helps you to gain strength both emotionally and mentally. If you lack good outer
strength, you won’t be able to defend yourself. Self-defense training teaches you how to
control your body movement, flexibility, coordination, and technique. If you have good
endurance but you lack strength, then it is highly recommended that you work on your
strength. And for your inner strength, train your mind to see the good in all situations.
Learning this requires commitment and time. It’s not easy at the beginning, but it’s worth it in
the end.

Building Up Confidence

Self-defense training builds your confidence. When you complete the training, you will have
built up the strength to stand up for yourself. Knowing that you can take care of yourself
builds you up in many ways in life. You will speak with more confidence, walk taller, as well
as defend your opinions in your daily encounters. Acknowledging your vulnerabilities and
embracing your inner strength will make you stronger physically, mentally, and emotionally.

Balance and Control

Every day, people find it difficult to do more things at the same time. As self-defense training
requires a lot out of your body, it teaches you how to focus on your target while controlling

yourself physically. By learning how to balance and control both your mind and body, you
will be well-prepared to protect yourself.

Self-Discipline

Self-discipline isn’t just about pursuing your goals. It is also an ability to control your
impulses and desires to stay focused for that effort to successfully achieve your goal. Every
technique and movement that you practice on regular basis during your self-defense training
lead you to be more disciplined. Sometimes taking small consistent actions is enough to
achieve your goals. So, understand your self-defense training, learn from it, acknowledge it,
and move forward.

Street Awareness

No one plans to get attacked but unfortunately, the world can be a dangerous place at times
and the evil usually comes in when you least expect it. Self-defense training efficiently
teaches you how to be aware of your surroundings and become a good observer to identify
danger and suspicious circumstances in time. You might get shocked for the first few
minutes, but thanks to your training, the right reactions will eventually flow.

Self-Respect

The core of every self-defense class is mutual trust and respect with the training partner
because the goal is to learn and practice adequate movements without actually hurting
anyone. In order to be able to respect others, you must start with yourself. And this is what
self-defense training teaches you. When you trust in yourself, your classmates will trust you
as well. Besides, you should never underestimate your attacker. You never know how hard
you have to fight to defend yourself.

Good for Physical Health

Self-defense training is also good for your physical health. Some of the self-defense training,
e.g. MMA, Jujutsu, Muay Thai, etc., offer a great body workout training. They boost up your
strength and stamina as well as help you stay fit. Not to mention self-defense training is also a
great way to burn calories. The specific physical health benefits you receive vary depending
on what martial arts you are taking.

The Bottom Line The Importance of Knowing Self-Defense

Self-defense training is certainly worth it. Not only does it teach you to identify and avoid
dangerous situations, but it also arms you with the knowledge and training to defend yourself
in case you are attacked. Some self-defense training classes are just a crash course that teach
the basics of self-defense while others are more detailed and in-depth. What works best for
you depends on the kind of situation you would like to be ready for and how much time you
want to dedicate to the training. Till next time! – The Black Sheep