By Shawn Lebrock
Published Oct. 2, 2024, 1:30p.m. ET
Psychological combatives, a critical component of self-defense training, delve into the mental aspects of conflict. It's about understanding how your thoughts, beliefs, and internal dialogue influence your behavior and ability to respond effectively to threats.
The Power of Perception
How you perceive yourself and the world around you significantly impacts your self-defense capabilities. A negative self-image can undermine your confidence and limit your ability to respond effectively. Conversely, a positive self-perception can boost your morale and enhance your resilience.
The Importance of Positive Internal Self Defense Dialogue
Your internal dialogue, or self-talk, plays a crucial role in shaping your thoughts and emotions. Negative self-talk can create self-doubt, fear, and hesitation, while positive self-talk can foster confidence, determination, and a proactive mindset.
The Impact of Self Defense Language
The language you use can have a profound effect on your mindset and emotional state. For instance, using words like "victim" can put you in a vulnerable position, while using terms like "target" or "aggressor" can empower you to take control of the situation.
The Dangers of Defensive Thinking
Defending oneself passively can be likened to "losing slowly." It involves reacting to circumstances rather than proactively addressing potential threats. A defensive mindset can lead to hesitation, fear, and a reduced ability to respond effectively.
You are reacting to circumstances. Defending implies you go first then I go you go I go. Where as Counter Offensive or preemptive is I go I go I go home. Defending is waiting for confirmation of an attack to take place. Sadly the first indication of a threat if you wait is you getting hurt.
If you practice actionable thinking you are already pre-empting the threat by trying to mitigate the threat verbally or physically by moving out of the danger zone. If there is still a threat that should all the confirmation you need.
The Benefits of Offensive Thinking
Adopting an offensive mindset, characterized by preemptive action and counter-offensive strategies, can significantly improve your self-defense capabilities. By taking the initiative and acting before a threat escalates, you can reduce your vulnerability and increase your chances of neutralizing the danger.
Your not wondering or worrying what is the threat going to do to me. You are thinking of what you are going to do to them.
The Role of Actionable Thinking
Actionable thinking involves assessing a situation, identifying potential threats, and developing a plan of action. By practicing actionable thinking, you can preempt threats and take proactive steps to mitigate the danger, whether it's through verbal de-escalation or physical movement.
Using Physiology To Boast Your Confidence
Confident physiology refers to the physical manifestations of self-assurance and a positive mindset. It involves both conscious and subconscious body language cues that project confidence and authority. Here are some common examples of confident physiology:
Posture: Standing or sitting tall with shoulders back and chest open.
Eye contact: Maintaining steady and direct eye contact with others.
Facial expressions: Smiling, nodding, and expressing interest through facial cues.
Gestures: Using open and expansive gestures, such as spreading one's arms or pointing outward.
Voice: Speaking clearly, confidently, and at a moderate pace.
Movement: Walking with purpose and avoiding fidgeting or nervous habits.
Essentially, confident physiology involves projecting an aura of self-belief and control through your body language and demeanor.
Faking It Until You Make It? Not Quite
While projecting confidence can be beneficial, it's important to remember that true self-assurance is rooted in competence and skill development. Faking confidence is unsustainable and may even hinder genuine growth. Building genuine confidence requires active training, skill development, a positive mindset, and experience
The Importance of Self-Awareness
Understanding your internal dialogue and its impact on your confidence and physiology is essential for effective self-defense. By becoming more aware of your thoughts and emotions, you can develop strategies to manage stress, build resilience, and enhance your ability to respond to threats with confidence and decisiveness.
Violence Prevention and Self Defense Resources
As a 501(c)3 nonprofit, our mission is to prevent violence by building skills and inspiring individuals to be agents of personal, community & cultural change.
The Center for Violence Prevention and Self Defense (CVPSD) offers a variety of public training programs designed to empower individuals with practical self-defense skills and violence prevention strategies. These classes are open to anyone looking to improve their personal safety, ranging from beginners to those with prior experience. The courses focus on a holistic approach to self-defense, covering essential topics like verbal de-escalation, situational awareness, and setting boundaries, alongside physical defense techniques. Participants are taught how to recognize and respond to potential threats while maintaining a calm and confident demeanor. Whether through workshops, seminars, or hands-on classes, CVPSD provides the tools and knowledge needed to navigate real-world scenarios safely and effectively. These public offerings ensure that people of all backgrounds have access to life-saving skills that can help prevent violence in their everyday lives.