When The Storm Comes...

Self Defense starts with your mindset. You either want to survive this life, for as long as you can, or you don’t.

Now, everyone who read that opening statement will undoubtedly say that they want to survive it for as long as they can, but are they really pushing themselves in that direction? There’s a harsh reality, out there. The reality that there are bad people who are only making themselves stronger, and more capable of harming you, is a very raw one. It’s inescapable. The next harsh reality is that there isn’t anyone in this world who can protect you but yourself. At least no one that you can truly rely on. When the cards are all on the table, and you are standing in the midst of the storm, there is no one who can help you fight your way through it, but you.

Let’s face the facts:

• Violent crime is only on the rise; there is no sign of it slowing down.
• You don’t hear about all of the violent crimes, because many do not get reported to news outlets.
• Police response times vary from a minimum of 5 minutes, to a maximum of 15+minutes.

Now, what can we gather from these facts?

1. ​As violence rises, the chances of us avoiding it grow slimmer and slimmer
   
2. As violent crimes continue to go unreported, our scope remains cloudy, and we don’t know the whole truth. The chances that it could be lurking in our own back yards, and us not know it, are very high.
   
3. Even the police can’t help you, once the threat is at your door.
   

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The best thing that we can do is train. Cross training is the key to elevating your chances for success, should you find yourself in the midst of a storm. Cardio and weight training will certainly put your body in the best possible condition, from a conventional perspective, but handling yourself against someone who is seasoned in violence is a different ball game. You need to understand the worlds of striking, grappling, weapon defenses, and weapon fighting; but are you doing anything to prepare yourself in all of these avenues? The answer, sadly, is likely not.

So, what’s your next step? It’s time to find yourself a school to train at. I’m sure there are countless schools all around that advertise some form of martial arts. In an article to come, I’m going to list some of the key elements necessary for a worthwhile martial arts and self defense school. Until then, though, if you’re in the Tampa/Odessa/New Port Richey areas, look us up. I am Head Instructor Philip M. Lopez, and we are FearLess Nation.