Self Defense

          Consciously or unconsciously all individuals strive for security within themselves as well as in their dealings with others.  Our actions are governed by the desire to insulate ourselves from both mental and physical problems.  By accumulating wealth, excelling in our vocations or learning to use firearms we hope to overcome fear of the external environment.  When we are at peace within ourselves, our interpersonal relationships tend to be harmonious.  The secure individual feels no threat.  If a person gains self-respect, respect for others follows.  We gain this physical confidence in ourselves by learning self-defense.

          What is self-defense?  Self-defense is getting out of a situation that is or can be harmful or threatening to you and your family.  It is a means of knowing when to fight, how to fight, or any other means of getting out of the situation.

          Self-defense training is like an iceberg in that what one can see is only a small fraction of the total.  In martial arts, the rest is mental, lying below the surface hidden from view except from those who "know."  

          A person can only achieve an understanding of self-defense through training; it cannot be learned in a book.  Most people will purchase various types of protection through insurance policies (e.g. car, health, life, etc.) but they are unable or unwilling to admit that self-defense is an insurance policy as well.  The major difference between this policy and the others is that this investment requires time and effort.  Most people are willing to invest time and effort toward their education but they fail to do the same for their mental and physical well-being.  

          If we are taught to protect ourselves, then we learn to attack only in self-defense.  Self-defense training does not in itself develop a violent nature.  In fact it leads to just the opposite disposition.  Violence, by definition, is uncontrolled and irrational behavior, an unjust exercise of power.  On the other hand, self-defense training instills in the student discipline, strength of character and the confidence to control physical situations.  At Tai Chien Dojo we take great responsibility for teaching techniques, which may be used to defend oneself.  At the same time, tailor lessons to emphasize moral aspects as well.

          One of the most important principles of self-defense is that it is far more important how quickly one reacts to a self-defense situation than one's knowledge of clever or complicated techniques.  A person must always be aware of and confident in their physical ability to deal with aggressive situations.  However, it is far better for all parties concerned if such encounters can be defused without a punch or kick being thrown.  This method must be tried if at all practical.  There can be no honor in killing or maiming another, only sadness.  Between the extremes of life and death is a spectrum of possible choices, which we may adopt to control aggressive situations.  

          Our desire is to explore these choices and share their underlying principles, starting with our special Basic Self-Defense Program that all students must take.  The program will take three to four classes and you will definitely come away from this program with increased self-confidence.