Self-defense training is a multi-faceted training. It can and should involve the physical skill sets and techniques required to survive an encounter but it also must include the proper mental/emotional training to help a student recognize, react and respond.
Too many “self-defense” programs only teach the skills, the capability of defense. That’s the easy part. A real self-defense program will also teach the capacity to use those skills when needed. Are you capable? Yes, you have the skills. Can you do it? Do you have the capacity to harm a fellow human being? This sounds awful, I know. It is. But this is, essentially, the big question, fight, flight or freeze?? When violence is staring you down in the face, and you can’t run, then you MUST fight.
It’s easy to assume that you have the capacity to do it, especially when the “bad guy” looks and acts the part. But what if that part has some complications? What happens to your capacity when it’s:
your spouse/partner attacking you?
an elderly person?
a 10 year old kid?
a disabled person?
a pregnant woman?
All of these are specific examples that all need to be worked out in some form ahead of time in alignment with your capable skill sets. This is what we work on in class in addition to the physicality of training.
Self-defense training is very complex. It is not learned at the “Y” for an hour’s class. It will require your full understanding of yourself and your limits. It is truly a lifetime endeavor to master.