Welcome to Episode #23 of the Fight for a Happy Life podcast, “Mind and Muscle in Self-Defense.”
With the popularity of combat sports like MMA and BJJ, it’s easy to think that every martial artist must also be an elite athlete. But that’s not true at all!
Sure, you can get into great shape through martial arts training, but is being fast and strong all it takes to be a self-defense expert? No way!
In this episode, Sensei Ando discusses the roles of both mind and muscle in martial arts training. He also explains how in the realm of self-defense, glorifying brawn over the brain might just get you killed.
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If you prefer reading, this podcast is based on the articles, “What It Takes To Be a Self-Defense Expert,” and “Martial Arts Are For Smart People.”
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Thanks for listening!
Ossu! [bow]
Listening to this was a great way to jump-start my day!
Yep, smarter can win over bigger. My daughter and I absolutely love showing the little kids what our weaknesses are, where we are vulnerable, and what tactics work against us.
Along the lines of smarter, I’m going to put in a plug for Escape School. Years ago, I got a free DVD but I’m not sure they do this anymore. My children and I learned several very smart tactics for dealing with kidnappers – anyone can do these things. What little information I can find is here: http://www.dignitymemorial.com/en-us/community/escape-school.page
Thanks for taking the time to record your podcasts!
[bow]
Osu and bow to you, Jo!
Thanks for taking the time to listen to the podcasts! Otherwise, I’m just a kook talking to himself.
That DVD sounds like a great resource. I hope your link will help someone track it down.
And as far as working with kids, I learn way more from them than they learn from me! They just don’t know it! 🙂
Ossu! [bow]
LOL, I’m glad you have plenty of listeners so you don’t have to feel like a kook.
Yep, I’ve definitely learned from kids – especially my own.
[bow]
I love listening to your podcasts! I learn something every time. And yey! I can beat the big mean guy. Yes, I can…. I love simplicity in defense. Nothing complicated needed.
And, next time I see a big, handsome, built guy, I’ll never assume anything 🙂
This is a great subject and I totally agree with you! That’s why I don’t worry about style and just call what I do Tactical Fight Strategies, because it fits any style and even no style.
I appreciate your insight and your humble outlook to things and its always great to hear or read your work.
Thank you very much, sir! Look forward to connecting again!
I like that story and its conclusion but I am not sure about what I have to think about the store manager.
What does the store manager more than what Sensei Ando has to be a better “body guard” in this story?!!!
The punks were maybe assuming that the store manager had guns?
Hi Ingrid!
To be fair, life is every man/woman for him/herself. The whole point of self-defense is to take responsibility for our safety. I give the store manager a pass! 🙂
Thanks, Ando for your answer. My brain was spinning!
Sorry for the typo in my previous comment. I meant:”What does the store manager have more ….”