Show night! Dark stage, colored lights and booming microphones. Me and my daughter were both there to take the stage.<\/p>\n
But unlike a theatrical event, we had already accomplished what we were there for. Six months ago, we had begun practicing our martial arts and today we were doing a show to end in receiving the next belt we had already earned.<\/p>\n
We were still nervous to perform our pieces for the crowd, but the knowledge had already been embedded in our minds and expanded our muscles.<\/p>\n
She\u2019s been learning karate, which is more a structured and stylized art. I have been practicing Krav Maga, which is a brutally practical art developed for the Israeli army.<\/p>\n
We talk about it: do what needs to be done to end the violence. There are devasting things I can do to an attacker\u2019s body to end the attack.<\/p>\n
I was not socialized to think that way. As a woman, my toolkit is smiles and distractions. Agreeable capitulation is encouraged\u2014nay, expected. Typical female aggression is passive.<\/p>\n
To my regret, aggression does come to me from time to time. Practicing martial arts has led me to consider how I would handle it. Capitulation is not the only option anymore.<\/p>\n
I have practices moves that would cause an assailant to lose consciousness: Disable. That\u2019s in my toolkit now.<\/p>\n
We have practiced blocking a fist, closed or wielding a weapon, grabbing their wrist and placing the arm where it can\u2019t harm us.<\/p>\n
We\u2019ve talked about deterrence. If a threatening person gets into my personal space, I can stand up and hold my arms out straight. I can yell \u201cSTAY AWAY FROM ME!!\u201d to deter a potential attacker.<\/p>\n
These are powerful tools. But my teacher sensei tell me\u2014tells us all! \u2014again and again the most powerful self-defense move.<\/p>\n
What do you do when you know you are about to be attacked?<\/p>\n
You ready?<\/p>\n
Don\u2019t be there.<\/p>\n
Avoid is the best tactic. They call it practicing run jitsu. Get away. No shame, no cowardice is getting away.
\nHere\u2019s my story: I went to class, and made a grocery list to do the family shopping after class. Drove over to the supermarket near the studio and walked up to the door in my black martial arts clothes. I noticed something funny was happening.<\/p>\n
There was a police car right at the entrance. Office was in the SUV talking with two very serious store managers who were totally focused.<\/p>\n
What is the situation here? I wanted to ask, but there was a gravity and intensity that made me hold off.<\/p>\n
I felt the grocery list in my pocket. I looked at the store automatic doors sliding open and shut as the customers went in and out.<\/p>\n
I looked back at the highly charged police car and all the somber people there.<\/p>\n
That grocery story saw my back walking away. I do not need to involve myself in whatever police action is going on. 7 months ago, I would have gone right in, quelling any nerves with the judgement that I was a coward.<\/p>\n
Nope. I have learned some serious facts. I am proud of my walk-away. It\u2019s just fine to avoid a situation. Maybe it was nothing. I am fine with never knowing.<\/p>\n
Discretion is famously the better part of valor.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Show night! Dark stage, colored lights and booming microphones. Me and my daughter were both there to take the stage. But unlike a theatrical event, we had already accomplished what we were there for. Six months ago, we had begun … Continue reading