Best Defense Against Attack

Mulling over a few thoughts today..it seemed like a good idea to address crime prevention and pass a few thoughts along to readers. Sharing insites from authorities in self defense serves to refresh, in reader’s minds, the very cornerstone principles that can be relied on 100% of the time.

The best defense against a surprise attack is not to be “surprised”!

Martial arts legend Bruce Lee taught that a martial artist must constantly be aware of his surroundings. He must train to be cautious and alert at all times. Bruce believed that the best defense is to be quicker than your assailant. To make this happen, you must practice diligently. All techniques must be done fluidly, with power and speed.

It would be impractical to suggest that all people should enter serious martial arts instruction to prevent being a victim of assault. Martial arts training is NOT for everyone. It takes lots of time and work to achieve proficiency in martial arts. They can give you an “edge”, but not always!

Core principles that Bruce Lee (and most other good instructors) teach, can give you a lot of help in avoiding attacks on your person and family.

We have discussed that one must be alert at all times. This may sound difficult but it’s no different than any other “habit”, or learned behavior. If you think about avoiding attacks and prepare yourself with information, before long, you will find yourself better equipped to live free of fear.

As Bruce Lee taught, the best way to avoid being assaulted is by using your mind first, and your body (or combative skills) second. I found a great article that discusses this process quite well. It is a paraphrase of a piece by Elijah Anderson in The Atlantic Monthly, May 1994. As a lifetime practitioner of martial arts I recommend you check it out. There’s not much that I would take exception to. Loads of good food-for-thought, and tools for survival in the streets and in your home.

If you don’t have $50 – $75 a month to spend on martial arts training, or you’re not inclined to that sort of pursuit, then you should give it a read, think about it, and you’ll see that just a little bit of thought, and assessment on your part, could very easily save your life! The intent of instilling fear and paranoia is not what we want to convey. Rather, that with a little common sense and foresight, you will be “expecting the unexpected” and not make critical mistakes in the streets, or in your home.