(Approx 1 minute 35 second read)

When I teach, or when I write an article, my goal isn’t to persuade anybody of anything; I’m here to present information or my opinion. What you do with that information is entirely up to you.
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However, if I can help just a few people consider something different, a different way to think about something, then it’s worth some of the condescending and sometimes profanity-laced comments and messages I receive.
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Recognizing and avoiding potentially hostile situations, or verbally de-escalating them, are crucial skills. Whether it’s online, or if your interest is for self-protection. Yet, a lot of the comments I receive seem to be from people who focus solely on fighting, online or otherwise.
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Back to self-protection. Relying solely on fighting skills is never enough. There are other essential skills to consider.
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Self-protection encompasses more than just fighting ability. It includes skills like situational awareness, verbal de-escalation, escaping, understanding the law, protecting others, and more. Unfortunately, many people overlook these aspects.
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I often emphasize this because many people misunderstand that fighting in a controlled environment like a dojo, gym, or tournament, is not the same as self-defense. While disciplines like boxing, MMA, Jiu-Jitsu, and karate are excellent in their own right, proper training requires the right context and mindset.
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Every day, news headlines showcase people who believe they can fight their way out of bad situations, only to realize their skills fall short. With experience in the military, law enforcement, and as a retired EMT, I’ve seen many injured individuals who overestimated their abilities.
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It’s astounding how many people lack logic and common sense regarding self-protection.
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The specific martial arts system or style is less important than the instructor and their mindset. How you train is almost more critical than what you train.
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If you’re serious about self-protection, start by identifying that an actual fight is about survival, not about standing toe-to-toe trying to prove yourself.
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If you want your martial arts training to be practical for the real world, you need to train accordingly, with the right context.
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Ultimately, self-protection, whether online or otherwise, is about preserving your safety and the safety of others. The best fight is the one you avoid.
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Photo Credit: Quote from ‘The Art of Peace’ – Morihei Ueshiba