…..I have noticed some thing through the years that I have come to describe as the Ostrich Effect! People in general know that there is a chance that they may be in a violent encounter. They get this information every day by watching the news, reading the newspaper or going online for news. Yet, most people take no action to protect themselves or their loved ones. None at all! As an example it would seem that they are like an ostrich in that they bury their head in the sand and hope nothing happens. The fact of living in our world is that violence happens every day and actually quite a bit. Though I will admit the percentage chance of it happening to you is small still there is a chance. Why not be prepared? People who practice the martial sciences not for hobby but for personal protection skills understand that their may only be one time in their life where they need these skills but they practice anyway to be prepared. That preparation in general makes them physically, mentally and spiritually strong. They are being proactive and not reactive. They acknowledge that violence happens and that they will be as prepared as they can be to survive a violent encounter. True martial ways really give you more than just this preparation and that is why people continue to train but always remember that these physical skills do diminish without practice so if you stop then you could become like the ostrich again. Do you want to take that chance? Bury your head in the sand and stand around and hope nothing happens to you or your loved ones? For me the decision is simple. I train every day to make sure that if I ever need these skills that they will be there for me. I will not bury my head in the sand!
See You On The Mats!
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Brian R. VanCise
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Brian,
Those of us who study martial arts understand but those whose minds don’t work that way sometimes don’t seem capable of getting it. My fiance came home last week and told me a story of the home invasion and kidnapping of her best friend’s boss’ family. While I was thinking about how I would avoid such a situation (besides keeping the back door closed and locked) she was wondering whether having weapons in the house would cause the situation to escalate….
Excellent point DocSerrada,
Maybe it comes down to the hard wiring unique to each individual.
Once in a while I am frustrated when speaking publicly to a group regarding
their personal protection skills. That ostrich effect some times is very,
very strong.
Thanks for checking us out and posting!
Brian