As I approach the end of my 30s I think back at what has kept me interested in training in defensive tactics for over 17 years, I realize the importance of what true self defense is really about.
Ultimately there is ALOT more to self defense than merely learning to fight.
The majority of training programs and systems out there emphasize one main point, learning to take out an attacker, some do it with honesty and others use hype and marketing tactics to sell a product that is actually worthless.
Still, I feel after all these years that, teaching others ONLY to protect themselves physically will usually impart other benefits to most of those training.
But it's a shame if the skills necessary to think critically and feel compassion are left out of the mix.
Some people might ask what's the point?
Why would critical thinking and compassion matter in learning to fight?
Well, anyone who's been practicing for a few years will eventually figure out that in order to truly go beyond the level of somebody who can kick ass, to somebody who can affect the world around them in a positive way, becoming an "evolved" fighter, someone who fights for something more than just themself but who also embodies the skills he practices, is the unfolding potential of anyone who truly deserves to be called a fighter.
Surely you would ask yourself, what prevents you from simply becoming an enraged out of control thug that you started training to survive against in the first place?
Thinking critically and maintaining compassion are the immediate reasons that come to mind.
And this brings me to what has maintained my interest after all these years.
That ultimately self defense skills play a role in the bigger picture of not only learning to protect yourself, but of becoming a better person in the process.
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