When facing a real-life situation that could prove dangerous or even fatal, most people panic and freeze in their tracks. When we’re overcome by fear and panic, our mental and physical abilities become greatly impaired. Have you ever been really nervous about an upcoming event, such as playing in a sporting event, or giving a big speech at work? If so, you know how it can put you on edge, or even fill you with fear. Now imagine being in a situation where your life literally hangs in the balance. Under such circumstances, fear can be paralyzing. If you don’t learn how to control it, your whole life can change in a second.
Fear and panic never completely go away – nor do you want them to. But by controlling our fear, we can use it to our advantage. When properly channeled, fear heightens your senses during a confrontation. It can also increase your strength and improve your reaction time.
What’s affected during a conflict?
• Vision
• Hearing
• Decision making ability
• Perception of time
• Memory
• Pain Perception
• Balance and Control
• Voice inflection
With training and experience you can access and use the effects of fear to your advantage instead of letting them impair your ability to function. So how do we control fear and panic? It’s not something you can learn in a classroom setting. It takes repeated applications of
stress to build up your nervous system and break down those paralyzing barriers. Realistic martial arts and self-defense training can help you deal with, and adjust to, fear and panic. Imagine going to a gun range for the first time. You’re at the front desk, and although you’re aware of where you are, you jump and become nervous when you hear the gunshots. Then you notice that the employees and regular customers go about their business like it’s no big deal. After a while, it won’t be a big deal to you, either. Or how about the first time you rode a roller coaster? You were probably filled with fear and at the edge of your seat. As you rode the coaster repeatedly, your senses and nervous system eventually adjusted to the situation, and you probably found yourself wanting to figure out where the cameras are so you could smile for them. Reality training has the same effect. When you train in a realistic manner, your body and mind will remember, and be prepared to react appropriately whenever you’re in a real-life altercation. You’ll still experience fear and anxiety, but because of the training you’ve received, you’ll be able to work through it instead of shutting down. You’ll be in control of your emotions and actions during a crisis, which will give you the upper hand in any situation.
The goal of scenario-based training is to give you the ability to make your fear your fuel. Let fear be a warning that prepares you, not an emotion that overwhelms you.
