What is the most useful technique for self-defence?
If I might go out on a limb, I would say that generally being aware of what is around you (so that you can avoid trouble) is the most useful tool in your toolbox.
It doesn’t really matter how well you can kick or punch, how well you can move your feet or avoid a blow, how well you can keep breathing after several minutes of exercise. What does matter is avoiding the problem before it begins.
- If you can be generally fit and healthy, this helps.
- If you can be calm under pressure, this helps.
- If you can be able to move fast when required, this helps.
- If you can take a hit and give a good hit, this helps.
- If you can carry yourself well so that you don’t look like a target, this helps.
- If you can have some self-confidence, this helps.
- Being aware of what is happening around you is crucial.
At our club, we want to help people become better at self-defence, and we use karate as our exercise of choice to start ticking all of these boxes. It is probably not any individual kick or punch that will keep you safe; but by improving yourself in general, you will give yourself the best chance.
The club opens on Tuesday the 1st of July at the St Mary’s Millennium Centre in West Derby. (And the opening session will be free of charge to everyone.)
We would love to see you there! Please suggest this to any of your friends who might be interested. You would be welcome to give it a go.