Health and Fitness for Self-Defence?

Our new class – Health and Fitness with Self-Defence begins in a few weeks, so we have been putting the word out and beginning a conversation about what our approach is all about..

There is an image in most peoples minds of what a self-defence class involves, and the main question that people are asking is –Can a Health and Fitness based Class really help with self-defence?

The short answer is Yes – but the longer answer is a little more complex.

We usually consider self-defence to be a response to physical aggression. It can also apply to mental or psychological abuse.

Our natural response to aggression or conflict is fear and panic. i.e a rabbit caught in the headlights. Training your body to breathe, move and relax under stress, fear and panic is the best preparation for self-defence you can have.

The better condition your body and mind are in, the more prepared you will be to deal with a stressful or aggressive situation.

Obviously studying a martial art for several years and honing technical defence skills to a high level of proficiency will help in a self-defence situation, and there is a plethora of social media material on which style is the best. However, most martial arts are technique based, and self-defence to varying degrees is a side benefit, as is physical fitness.

This is not to knock traditional martial arts, they are brilliant. If you are interested, choose the one which suits you best and enjoy.

However, when someone attacks you in real life they usually intend to hurt you, and often the first thing you will be aware of is after you have been hit, winded or pushed to the ground. Where do you go from here? It is your instinct and natural behaviour and reaction which will save you, rather than a bag of techniques.

Good health and fitness are not enough on their own. However, our classes take the principles of Breathing, Movement, Relaxation and Posture as a holistic basis of self-improvement, which can be directly related to self-defence.

If this interests you and you want to learn more, why not come join us in Carrig-on-Bannow Community Centre, 7pm on Thursday 12th May…Wear something comfy, if you have one bring a yoga mat, and give it a go!