"Kokoro" is a Japanese term that is commonly translated as "heart". And although this is correct, it's not the entire picture. You see if you ask a translation app or use a dictionary, kokoro also comes up for "mind".

How you may ask?

We are taught from a young age to be nice to people. To help others. To be kind. And this is all true and good. BUT

So here is the situation...
 

It's 8:30 am on a Tuesday morning.
It's overcast, feels like rain.

I get a call as I am getting out of my car to go into a meeting.

Awareness of your self and surroundings begins with getting your head up!

Out of where or what you may ask?  

Let's cut right to the chase - if you are under attack do what ever you can do to get away. That being said, if you can avoid using your fists/knuckles you are probably going to be better off.

I can hear the cries now

When it comes to training in the self-defense arts you play the way you practice!
Let me explain.

Imagine practicing baseball but

Popular self-defense items are sold everywhere these days. Pepper spray is one the most popular tools that women/men can buy. Why? Easy to carry, easy to use, but....there's a catch.

In a crucial self-defense situation you always want to maintain your balance. To that end you have to be very careful about kicking.