Welcome to Episode #10 of the Fight for a Happy Life podcast, Greatest Self-Defense Weapon.
People always ask me, “What’s the greatest self-defense weapon?” They’re always surprised when I tell them the best self-defense weapon is already in their possession, doesn’t require a permit, and never needs sharpening or reloading. So, what is it?
Give a listen and find out!
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Thanks for listening!
I quite agree with u Ando, even a small smile can not only change our life but also us . After I listened to you’re podcast I began or started to smile even a fake one everyday and I was….Amazed! I started to feel less stressed and grumpy to feeling more fresh and cheerful ! It is truly amazing how a smile can change our life . And Thankx 🙂 absolutely love your show;)
Hi Netra!
Your comment made my day! Yes, a little smile can absolutely change your mood and maybe even change the mood of people around you. It’s a win-win.
Thank you for the comment! Keep fighting! 🙂
“Smile! At the power!”
Hi Ando!
Thanks for this show and sharing your insights with us.
I understand your arguments and see where you’re going. In many aspects I agree.
But there’s another side to this.
For persons like me, who seem “cute” to many others, and are cheerful by nature, I’d rather recommend to put on a grumpy, or even menacing face every once in a while. It’s a very effective pre-emptive weapon as well. In my experience, you can create power with it as people will feel intimidated and not attack (in whatever way).
For example, if I’m in the subway, and I sense a guy wanting to molest a woman (happens rarely, but still), I look at him with a very grumpy face and take up more space. It works every single time. Might be they view this as unattractive in women 😉
Mostly, I would change seats immediately, which is of course even better.
This applies to other situations as well, but I think it is a gender thing; many people think that showing no or aggressive emotions is strong and manly.
Smiling is often viewed, in the wrong situation, as weak; especially for women. Unfortunately. Maybe I’m smiling wrong – but I do not think so. I think we should choose the weapon according to the situation.
The element of surprise comes in here. You did an insightful show on this as well.
Until next time 😉 Your shows make my grumpy day.
Karin
Hi Karin!
Yes, you’re right! We should the right weapon for the right situation. I don’t smile ALL the time, either! Sometimes a scowl is the right choice.
That said, if you look around, most people use their scowl too much! They are afraid to be friendly. That’s a shame. For me, martial arts has given me the confidence to smile MORE, because most of the time, it makes me feel better and makes other people feel better.
Thanks for your thoughtful comment. Keep smiling… most of the time! 😉
Hi Karin, it’s my second time listening to Sensei Ando and this time I’m aware of and am reading the comments.
I’m a smiley person and recognise that whilst some people have thought me as an ‘ignorance is bliss’ airhead, there are people who recognise it as having an inner strength they don’t have and want – or think that I am somehow pretending to be pure … and with unbalanced mental health may become a threat, but I hope you are aware of the strength you have, albeit all strengths can be weaknesses, you are aware of smilings few weaknesses and know when to use another tool.
I know it’s been years since you wrote your comment, but as responding helps me and I hope my response is received with love. My gran was a smiler and I’m so grateful for what I have because of her.
Sensei Ando, thank you for your continued sharing of your podcast after so many years.
My parents watch Strictly Come Dancing, so I’ll end with this … ‘keeeeeeeeeeep on smiling’ x
Positive words are always welcome here. Thanks for saying hello, Laura! 🙂
I totally agree with what you say about the “quiet confidence” and the serene people. I love how you express this. It’s true.
Yes, ma’am. Still waters run deep! Thanks for listening! 🙂
Another great podcast. I am going through a very difficult time in my life, this reminds me to be happy. This gives me the strength I need to keep going. I’m putting this quote “there is nothing more deadly and nothing more prof than a happy fighter “ everywhere so I can see it!! All your podcasts just exude this kind and loving energy! I love it!
Anna!
I hate to think of you in any pain… and yet, I know you will be wiser and more powerful because of it! 🙂
It’s funny how a cloudy day makes us feel like the sun isn’t there anymore… but it is! The sun is ALWAYS shining, we just have to raise ourselves up a little higher to see it sometimes.
So, keep smiling and keep shining, Anna! 🙂
“Let’s put a smile on that face…!” Joker (The Dark Knight)
HA! It’s true–I can sometimes come off like the Joker. Thanks for the comment, Kevin! 😀