Defending my self over Easter.
So I was feeling pretty good after teaching submission and sparring techniques in class, followed by a couple of cold drinks and pizza with the students. Driving back along Darling St I could see that there were families out and people were enjoying the last of the warm weather. I was relaxed and attentive, slowly making my way home when I stopped at a zebra crossing behind another car. The car in front moved and I followed it across the crossing.
Just as I was driving past the crossing a large, rotund man, lunged and kicked at my car, screaming and yelling that I almost ran him over. I slowly drove off, assessing the situation, watching in my rear view mirror the scene unfold. The man was standing on the road taunting me, challenging me making a scene.
I was totally calm, not afraid and quickly came to the decision to move on and let it pass. driving away quite happy. As for the man acting out of his scared child on the crossing he really had no idea what was waiting for him behind the dark tinted windows had I been forced to act. It was his lucky day.
Before you lash out, have a quick think about whom you maybe upsetting.
You may be biting off way more than you can chew and it can quickly escalate over a minor trivial incident to a life and death altercation.
Remember there is goodness all around but evil can be just a thin veneer away and it can land in our laps with out provocation. Always be calm and cool and look for an out. Get distance so you have time to look back and assess.
Be scared but be sensible. If you have to defend yourself do so with direct intention and purpose.
Have a happy and safe Easter.
Andy Dickinson
andy@northstarmartialarts.com.au
Hi Sensei Andy, a poignant reminder for us all, to be aware and safe over Easter.
Regards to you and you family
In the 1930’s in Detroit city a group of black boys got onto a city bus. In the back seat was a black man sitting quietly by himself. Emboldened by the fact that they were 3 to 1, the group of boys began to taunt the fellow in the back, hurling insults and using threatening language. When it came to his stop, and without saying or doing anything, the man got up and moved towards the bus exit. It was then that the 3 saw just how big the guy was, and how easily he moved. Just before he got off the bus, he turned and gave one of the boys a card.
It simply read :
Joe Louis
Boxer.
In the company of greatness…they would never know how close they came to complete and total annihilation.
Same as the man at the zebra crossing…you just never know.
Thanks for that Andy Sensei.
Both of these stories are very inspirational. The power to walk or drive away has superseded the urge/need to fight. Only a person in full control of themselves is able to do this. This is the true teaching of martial arts. “The life giving sword”. The sword that CHOOSES to not engage. If you cannot fight there is no choice you ignore and walk away if you can. These two men have the power to annihilate, but choose not to. Am I on the right path Andy Sensei?
Thank you Andy Sensei for sharing a powerful message!
A great reminder for all of us especially over the Easter break when there are crowds around and people moving about hastily. Let go of the angst and forgive those who may have crossed your path.