Awareness & Recognition Keys to Self-Defense

At all American Martial Arts, we pride ourselves on teaching real-world, practical, and effective self-defense techniques.  While we hope none of our students ever have to use them, we recognize that some will.  We want them to be prepared and have the knowledge and skills to protect themselves.  Regardless of age, we teach our students to avoid a physical confrontation if possible, but don't be a victim.

However, the reality is that the most effective self-defense tools you have are your eyes, ears, and brain.  Knowing when danger is present, finding a route to escape or avoid it, and paying attention to your surroundings can keep you out of harm's way much more effectively than your fists and feet.

Awareness is a skill just as much as executing a roundhouse kick or a back fist.  And you develop it with practice just like those physical actions.  This can be done at the store, the park, or the office.

It doesn't take a black belt to be able to increase your awareness and recognition skills.  It simply takes effort and diligence.  And these skills can help keep you from having to use the more physical skills taught through the martial arts.  However, if you have to use those physical skills, your awareness and recognition can give you an important advantage.