Throughout my life I have only had to physically defend myself 2 times from another person due to no way out situations. I have only had to verbally defend myself from another person a handful of times. But, I can’t count the amount of times I have had to protect myself against my own thoughts or my own actions. I now realize that I have been my own worst enemy in more situations than I care to count. I think it is safe to say that most people can relate to “being their own worst enemiesâ€.
Every day I am presented with situations that challenge my judgment. Is this right or wrong? Is this good or bad? Should I take or give? Do I judge or accept? Do I keep working hard or quit? Dozens if not hundreds of these choices and questions inundate my mind daily.
Receiving my 4th degree was one of the best days of my life.
Through my training and time with Pendo, I now realize making these choices is TRUE SELF-DEFENSE. Over the years as I have reached new levels in my teaching and training, my focus in martial art has become primarily a mental one. How I handle the decisions I make, or actions I take, is a greater challenge to me than any physical altercation I have ever encountered. Learning how to relax and clear my mind through training has been my greatest skill of self-defense. I may make a good choice, or a bad one, but what I do after my decision is where my training and discipline truly takes shape.
“When in doubt, work outâ€
