For Self-Defense: Strength, Fitness and Conditioning Count

When it comes to self-defense, fitness, strength, and conditioning count!  Don’t let anyone tell you any different when it comes to do anything physical. And fighting, or defending yourself, is physical. This does not mean that technique can’t overcome size and strength, it just means that if you want to be able to defend yourself to your best ability, keeping physically fit, strong, and conditioned will help.

This was a little from one of the chapters in Hard-Won Wisdom From The School Of Hard Knocks: How To Avoid A Fight And Things To Do When You Can’t Or Don’t Want To:

Dispel any illusions you have about technique making up for fitness. While it can, don’t count on it. I’ve more often seen fitness (speed, strength, endurance, etc.) make up for lack of technique. The simple truth is that the stronger, faster, more agile, and more durable you are, the better your odds of surviving in combat. Many times I’ve come out on top simply because I was in better shape. I outlasted my opponents.

In actuality, it has been my level of conditioning that has saved me in tight situations more than technique. Grabbing a guy and slamming him against a wall isn’t a common technique taught in martial art classes, but if you have the strength to do it, it sure is effective at times.

It just makes sense that the better conditioned you are, the better your odds of surviving a hostile threat. I once read an article by Mark Londsdale saying that the best thing you could do for self-defense training is to get started on a running program. You can increase your running ability a lot faster than your fighting prowess.

Additionally, a good fitness program enables a person to respond to many dangers and emergencies, not just physical attacks. Exercise also helps ward of health dangers such as heart disease. I believe that anyone interested in protecting themselves should be engaged in an exercise program. It’s a must! If all you do is stay in shape, you will be better prepared than unfit individuals, and by being in shape, you will be able to train in martial arts or self-defense programs to even better prepare to defend yourself.

Back to this post. (However, I strongly encourage you to check out the book for a lot of practical advice on self-defense. Signed copies available through this website and kindle version available on amazon. see below.)

It’s a simple truth that if you are interested in defending yourself, you should be interested in an overall fitness program that will keep you healthy and in condition to fight back if you ever have to physically defend yourself from an attacker. Yes, learn self-defense techniques, study martial arts if that is something you desire to do. However, along with those, make sure you are exercising regularly. This should include resistance type exercises to build muscular strength, some type of aerobic exercise for your heart and lungs (Interval training is highly recommended), and some flexibility training to keep you from getting hurt, especially if you also practice martial arts. And I agree with Mark Londsdale that it is easier to increase your running ability than your fighting prowess, and running away is a good option if you can run.

So work on your strength and conditioning while studying self-defense principles and techniques and you will be much better prepared to keep yourself and your loved ones safe.

If you like reading on amazon kindle, check out Hard-Won Wisdom here: