The reason for choosing to learn self-defense often goes unknown. Self-defense gives you a level of confidence that is unique, and it is unlike any other. Knowing that you have the ability to survive in a violent situation and are able to handle almost any incident is very comforting. Do not mistake confidence for ego. In reality, having an ego can be extremely dangerous. Ego plus self-defense is equivalent to an unguided missile.
Never underestimate the vicious and heartless nature of today’s criminals. An ego cannot protect you, but skill, ability and confidence can. The confidence that you will gain through self-defense will not only impact your life, it will impact the lives of the people around you. The knowledge you gain can be shared with your family and friends, and can one day be very beneficial. As a C.O.B.R.A. graduate it will be your responsibility to ensure that the people in your life will benefit from your experience and training.
The following scenarios are things that happen a hundred times a day, every day, across the world. The two examples both show the same crime and act of violence.
In the first example, the individual has had no self-defense training. He has also never been physically threatened or in a situation where he needed to make a quick decision to save himself. In the second example, the individual has also never been in a physically threatening situation, but he has taken a reality-based self-defense course. Notice the difference.
Example A:
A 37-year old man named Bob finishes dinner at a local restaurant at about 6:30 pm. Bob parked on the side of the building and is enroute to his car. As he rounds the side of the building, he notices a suspicious-looking man sitting on the car next to his. Bob walks to his car not making eye contact with the stranger, and proceeds to unlock his door. The stranger goes over to Bob and asks if he can have five dollars for something to eat. Bob apologizes to the man and says no. The stranger gets closer, and Bob pretends not to notice as he tries to get into his car. The stranger aggressively grabs Bob and takes him to the ground. The stranger strikes Bob repeatedly, knocking him unconscious. Bob is robbed and has his car stolen. The stranger is never caught.
Example B:
This scenario is the same up to where Bob walks out to his car. This time Bob notices the suspicious-looking man sitting on the car next to his. Bob looks directly at the stranger as he walks to his car. As the stranger gets up and asks Bob for the five dollars, Bob apologizes and says no, while continuing to make eye contact. As the stranger gets closer, Bob moves around the car to keep distance between them. The stranger lunges for Bob, and Bob yells “Back Off!” and at the same time, Bob steps to the side to deflect the stranger’s attempt at a grab. Bob then delivers two strikes to the head and one to the groin. At this point, people have heard Bob’s yells and have gathered to help, along with someone else calling the police. The police show up and the stranger is taken into custody and charged with battery. Bob is not injured and nothing was stolen. These are just examples, and any other situation could be more or less severe. If you were in this situation, which Bob would you want to be? The difference in the examples is clear. In the first example, Bob is in denial, turns his back on the stranger, and puts himself in a very bad position. In the second example, Bob recognizes a threat, puts space in between himself and the stranger, and maintains eye contact. When the stranger attacks, Bob is prepared. He knows to yell and is skilled enough to defend himself. He can also identify his attacker.
The main point in these examples is to give yourself a fighting chance by taking all precautions and being prepared to defend yourself if necessary. You need to be aware of your surroundings at all times, and know how to physically and mentally handle yourself when things go dangerously wrong.
