In today’s hectic world, it is unfortunate that we are constantly surrounded by dangers and threats to our safety – everywhere you turn, you’ll find a brawl occurring on the streets or in a club, or someone preying on the innocent ones in society. Being able to protect yourself from these looming dangers in all situations is both a confidence booster as much as it is a reassurance to your overall wellbeing. If you are not convinced on the importance of learning how to defend yourself, here are some reasons why self-defense is so vital in modern society.

It Is Confidence Building

One of the biggest advantages of taking self defense classes is how it makes you feel afterwards. Sure, most people are relatively educated in how to protect themselves, but learning skills such as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu techniques can further boost your confidence and knowledge on how to ward off dangers should they head your way. Self defense classes will help you build confidence in yourself.

It Improves Your Situational Awareness

Self defense classes are a surefire way of developing your situational awareness. Whilst no one is ever planning to be attacked, self defense classes will help you stay alert and aware at all times, should a dangerous situation arise. Many classes teach you to think about where you could possibly be attacked and where your attacker could be hiding. Knowing these things can help you escape dangerous situations before you get tangled up in the middle of one.

It Teaches You Self Discipline

In order to learn and further develop your self defense abilities, it is crucial that you develop self discipline. You have to be highly motivated and dedicated to your practice. The only way to ensure you are ready to tackle any danger that comes your way is to keep practicing, and then practice some more. Going to class and showing up on time and on a regular basis helps you develop your discipline. Like with any other sport, practice makes perfect.

It Improves Your Overall Physical Conditioning

The whole aim of a self defense class is to prepare you for any dangerous situation that may bring harm to you or your loved ones. Physical conditioning is therefore one of the biggest factors when it comes to defending yourself. Lessons and training prepare you for that inevitable adrenalin rush that occurs when a fight or flight situation arises. When you experience an adrenaline rush, it only last a few seconds – what this means is that you need to be physically conditioned to appropriately deal with your situation. If you are not in good physical form, your body will not work as efficiently as you need it to. Physical conditioning will help work on your reflexes and overall strength.

Develop That Fighting Spirit

Turn open the newspapers or flick through the news on television and we are constantly confronted with the terrible things that are happening all around us. Such news can often kick our spirits down and leave us feeling negative about the world around us. Taking self defense classes will help you fight this feeling and develop a fighting warrior spirit. Should we ever be the victim of an attack, the last thing we would want to do is surrender to our assailant. Self defense classes give you a “never give up” mentality and prepare you for battle and survival.

Finally, It Gives You Peace Of Mind

Last but not least, being trained in the art of self defense is the best way to keep your mind at ease. Instead of worrying every single time you go to a bar or a club, you will be able to enjoy your time with your friends and loved ones as you know that you are ready to handle any sour situation that is thrown in your direction.

CONTACT AMERICAN KARATE INSTITUTE TODAY

At the American Karate Institute, we teach a way of life. Our Miami martial arts school and MMA Classes has developed a well thought out curriculum that teaches more than just the art of self-defense. We delve deep into our students’ technique, skill set, intelligence, intuition and overall physical fitness. Contact us today if you’re interested in mixed martial arts and self-defense classes and schedule your free-trial class!

About Angel Gonzalez

A 7th Degree Black Belt, Founder of American Karate Institute, Teacher, Inventor and Martial Arts Consultant. I have been involved with the Martial Arts for more than 43 years.

I was born in Havana, Cuba in 1956. In 1962 at the age of 6, because I was being bullied in school, my aunt enrolled me in Judo. I trained and competed as a child for 3 years with Instructor Heriberto Hernandez. In 1966 I immigrated to the United States to live with my aunt. I lived in several different cities before I moved to Tampa, Fl . At the age of 14, I practiced Uechi Ryu, a Okinawan style karate with Tom Alexander. In 1973 I began practicing a Japanese style of Martial Arts called GoJu Shorei under Sensei Mike Hayashi. In 1976 , after 3 years of hardcore martial arts training, I earned my Black Belt.

Sensei Hayashi’s traditional, intense, and disciplined Japanese training helped me develop a strong traditional martial arts foundation. I was one of the few students who stuck it out and earned my Black Belt. Regretfully, due to unexpected circumstances, Sensei Hayashi had to close the school down.

In 1976, after shopping around and visiting other schools just like you, my wife and I (read her story) enrolled at the Jhoon Rhee Institute of Tae Kwon Do with Master Bill Heimberger.

It took us seven years to earn our Tae Kwon Do Black Belts. We traveled to Washington DC to test directly under World Renowned Grand Master Jhoon Rhee where we were offered a teaching scholarship to become professional martial art instructors.

In 1981 we moved to Washington, DC to learn directly from Grand Master Jhoon Rhee. It was like going to college to learn a martial arts profession. We distinguished ourselves and found our true calling in life – teaching martial arts. After 2 years of intensive training, we moved to Miami, Florida to open our school and live the dream of having the best school not only in Miami, FL, but in the country.

We did not have the funds to open in a shopping center, but in 1983, American Karate Institute was established at the Ron Ehmann Park recreation center in Kendall adjacent to Killian High School.

Not only were we fortunate to have learned Martial Arts and become an instructor from the best, but we also made a great husband and wife team with a rare quality that cannot be taught – CHARISMA. Since we did not have the funds to advertise, we depended upon our charisma and teaching abilities to build the school by word of mouth. Charisma is a quality that often separates the best from the rest in the martial arts profession. There are a lot of instructors that teach martial arts, but there are only a few that teach it with charisma.

In 1989, due to a tremendous following, we were able to open at the location we now have today in the Crossings Shopping Village. Charisma along with a systemized martial arts program is what made the American Karate Institute the best kids program in the country.

In 1991 before MMA and UFC became popular, we made the switch to mixed martial arts. After meeting Royce & Rorian Gracie in Tampa Florida, I saw the value of mixed martial arts and knew that this was going to be the future.

In 2003, I was awarded instructor of the year by North American Grappling Association.

In 2010, I was given a US patent for the invention of the Ultimate Striker, a tool designed to help martial arts practitioners develop more power in their striking techniques and to increase their conditioning.

In 2011, I was given the Paul Harris Fellow award for my work in the community. This organization is devoted to the betterment of humanity.

The Importance of Self Defense