(Approx 1 minute 45 second read)

Confidence is something every martial artist needs. Without it, even the most skilled person can freeze when it matters most. I’ve written about this recently – the impact of how a lack of confidence can ruin any skill you may have.
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However, just as too little confidence is a problem, too much confidence can be just as dangerous. Maybe even more so.
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Some people believe that because they have avoided a fight, their martial art must be effective. But is that really the case?
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Maybe you’ve been lucky enough to never get caught up in violence. But eventually, that moment might come when you least expect it. Claiming your martial art works just because you’ve never been in a fight is like saying your house has never caught fire just because you have a fire extinguisher.
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Of course, avoiding a fight is always the best option, but it doesn’t prove your martial art works.
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In the real world, violence is unpredictable. There’s no such thing as a fair fight. The “common average person” you think you can handle might not be alone. They might have a weapon. They might strike first. And they may not play by the rules.
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The problem with overconfident people is they don’t think about these things. They assume that their training is enough to guarantee safety. But training without the ability to adapt? That’s a liability. Real self-defense isn’t just about knowing techniques; it’s about understanding how unpredictable violence can be.
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So, how do we avoid falling into the trap of overconfidence?
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The key is knowing your limits. Understanding what you can’t do is just as important as knowing what you can.
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You really should avoid complacency as it kills understanding. There’s always something new to learn. Never assume that violence will follow the rules, or that you’re safe just because of your training. Even if you have been training a lifetime, assuming an opponent is weak, or that a situation is under control, is a mistake that could have serious consequences.
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Confidence is great, but overconfidence? That’s a weakness.
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The martial arts should teach you how to fight when necessary, to avoid it at all costs – but if you’ve managed to avoid an altercation and stay safe, was it because your martial art is so effective, or was it just luck and circumstance?
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You have to question your assumptions. The moment you think you’ve got it all figured out is the moment it all goes wrong.
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Written by Adam Carter
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Photo Credit: Hohan Sōken – quote attributed to Sōken and his philosophy on training.