I have found that often public preception of incidents are based on their understanding of how they would react in a given scenerio. Because some LEO’s, bodyguards, Budoka and survival folks have faced those that do not live by normal standards, they understand the complexity of sustained aggresion and action.

Training to a higher standard such as focus, ( a Crossfit standard) for example, reduces stress, increases the potential for reduced strikes, hits etc. to the threat.

When we encounter danger, understanding the survival learning aspects along with mindset will assist you in victory.  You must be comfortable in your thinking or you will cave in under the pressure of what others think. The better job is asisting them in what THEY should be thinking.

Define your intent and understand it. Thiswill hellp you become comfortable in your staying alive, and doing the right thing.

Pro-action, Re-action, Action and Sustained Action.

T.J.
My husband and I had a conversation with some friends last night in which we were attempting to place percentage values on mindset & training. We concluded that mindset is the larger factor in the survivability of any situation. My answer to that was, “Why can’t I learn all this in a classroom setting or from a book then? Why can’t I digest this information without the stress and emotional discomfort of a practical class?” I’m thinking of a scenario in which I can go over possible situations (with variations) in my mind to the point that I become confident that I can effectively react in any situation. I mean, most criminals are just not that smart or creative. It can’t be that hard to tweek the action when the scenario changes. (likely an incredibly naive statement) If I’m working on my fitness level in order to enable myself to make it through a sustained encounter, and I’ve got the knowledge, can’t I feel confident that I will react appropriately when the time comes?

I ask this question not out of laziness. I am a CrossFit disciple, after all. But after 4 months of kenpo class, I still feel like a complete idiot and find myself apologizing to someone every time I walk out on that mat. Does my lack of physical ability and/or willingness to assert myself in that context mean I won’t make it through a scuffle or, God forbid, a full-on attack?

Can you quantify mindset and training? I’m curious about your opinion.

for me and those I train I try to see it like this:
mindset is critical, but ineffective if your body dosent posess the training to accomplish the task.
We all spend a great deal of time talking about how we must be prepared to stay alive no matter what. Without training and a developed understanding of ability, mindset falls short. 
Mindset AND Survival Learning are key.

Example:  Releasing your anger to overcome a suspect is the idea behind agressiveness.  Effeciency of technique is the key behind superior skill building. A person that “thinks” they can simply become angry tand win, can be overcome by the stronger subject. BUT, a person thjat is angry, controlled and effecient WILL overcome a stronger subject.

I believe as I said that we struggle with right and wrong because we are not pre-disposed to violence.  Training allows us to harness our powere and use it under duress.  Mindset properly coupled with survival learning is the key.

You still feel apologetic in training because you still have mental indecision regarding action.
Try this:  look for nothing from your training except the history of the art you study. do not think of the couse of self defense in it. as you become more in tune with the “art” your health and then the benefits of aggression, you might be suprised at your ability to let go.

I know this is all very “zen-ish ” but your Sifu has a plan, you just have to let go and follow it. 

regarding training: we learn 80-90 percent faster by seeing and doing. Even those of us that are bookish, we still process faster via physical interaction, so you need the training to make it understandable.  You can reinforce it by reading it later. 

regarding the criminal. You are 100 per cent correct.  Most criminals are not smart. They do however do one thing and do it well: The crime they chose. The “practice” in real time to ensure their skills work.

We have to learn that from them to be better. “BE what you DO”

hope I didnt confuse you too much, I am typing this as I am working the streets.  HAPPY NEW YEAR..

Not the least bit confusing and very insightful. I recall the interaction of the two factors being mentioned repeatedly in the conversation that caused me to ask this question. It seems one is not sufficient without the other.

You’re right about learning. And I appreciate your idea about taking the pressure off myself with regard to performance. I need to learn to simply be there and acquire knowledge. This may prove helpful to me. I also remember you suggesting in another thread that I “just have fun.” Perhaps this change in focus will allow me to do so. We’ll see…

You’re also right about my Sifu. He has a plan. My life has already been transformed. And I am only one in a long list of people whose lives have been changed by him and his wife.

Happy New Year to you, and Be Safe!

Just remember Irish, the plan is long be patient.

Big D,
Thank you for always being encouraging. Remember, if it wasn’t for you pushing me to get off the rings, I would never have gotten around to doing a pull-up.