Nov 20 2008
Best Karate Defense Is To Not Be There
I have a habit of surfing Karate blogs, Karate websites…heck pretty much anything to do with Karate I typically end up following the links!
I have always stated that I practice Uechi-ryu Karate for self-defense, I am not against competition; I just choose not to focus on that element.
The endless debate of what the best system is, the best technique is etc. …. I read a lot of this stuff & truth be known I find some very interesting arguments for and against particular styles/moves.
The best block in my opinion is the ‘city block’. That is to not be near a battle when things ‘go south’. Simply put the mindset is to avoid situations where you would need to protect yourself & loved ones.
I am not saying to hole up in your house and never venture outside! I am saying that you can (for the most part) control if you are in position to be a victim.
An example is walking through the park after work in the late evening…..alone.
You are now placing yourself in a possible ‘jackpot’ of trouble, why would you do this? This is an overlooked skill of what self-defense training can teach you; to be aware of your surroundings.
If it looks like you should cross the road - do it; if it looks like walking through the park alone at night is foolhardy then take a cab or make 2-3 coworkers go with you.
Self-defense is not only about reacting with a physical attack; there is so much more to it.