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THE MOMENT OF TRUTH - You find yourself in a situation where tensions have run high and you are faced with the possibility of physical combat. You know that you have trained in the Do-Jang, that you are a certain rank (which in and of itself should give you confidence), and that your conditioning is good enough, but your heart is racing a billion miles a minute, your legs are shaking, you feel like you cannot breathe, and FEAR OF FAILURE begins to set in. The questions begin: "What if I can't do this? What if I get hurt?" It may surprise you to find that these feelings are perfectly normal. Within everyone is this thing called the Parasympathetic Nerve Response. We know it better as the "Fight or Flight" Syndrome. When confronted by hostile forces, we seek to do one of two things: fight or run, sometimes both. How you are internally wired can and should have a big impact on how you proceed to deal with aggression. You must be honest with yourself on this...."Am I going to fight, or run and buy myself some time?" If you are a fighting type, standing there and "duking it out" with an aggressor might be the preferable mode of coping style, but not always the smart play. However, if you happen to be the type that walks away from violent aggression, you have probably learned to not turn your back to a hostile aggressor with bad intentions. While we always prefer that you walk away and forget the issue, this sometimes is just not an option. So we find ourselves at the MOMENT OF TRUTH. . . .WHAT SHOULD WE DO? How we should always approach these times is by checking our reactions. Remember that the other person (or persons) are going to do whatever it is that they are going to do and you have no control over how they think and react. You can, however, control yourself. First, slow your breathing using breathing techniques. Try to slow your heart rate. The slower the adrenaline is pumping, the better. Relax your muscles. You must put yourself in a state to where you can react the fastest and that is in a relaxed, but ready state. Then, and only then, should you talk to your opponent. Use a rational and calming tone. Do not be accusatory, but just state the facts. If things get too serious, tell that person that you are going to leave, "we will talk about this later". At that point you will take a few steps backwards, making sure that you are clear of a frontal assault, then turn and go - deliberately. Keep you ears open for footsteps behind you and watch for advancing shadows. If none come, great. You have survived to fight another day. Remember that most people walking around do NOT have your skills and would be defenseless in the wake of your battery. By walking away safely, you do yourself a favor and those others who care about you. As always, be aware of your surroundings, be alert to danger, and think about the consequences of your actions. PIL SUNG! Michael C. Mortell |
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