The Fourth of July combines two of my favorite things: cherry pie and a lesson in self-defense. I mean, isn’t self-defense really what Independence Day is all about?
That’s what this video is all about. If it doesn’t play, check out the transcript below. Keep fighting!
Self-Defense and the Fourth of July
The American Revolutionary War was not a clash of the titans. It was not a battle of superpowers. It was an example of the little guy standing up to a big bully… and winning!
In 1776, a collection of thirteen colonies with a short supply of weapons, money, and experience, stood up to an empire that was bigger, stronger, and richer.
In martial arts terms, the Kingdom of Great Britain was a master fighter, a 10th degree black belt. The newly formed United States was a beginner, a white belt.
But to believe that the U.S. had no choice but to suffer under King George III’s rule until it was bigger, stronger, and better prepared for battle would be an error in thinking.
Instead, all that was required to spark a revolution was a decision. Once that decision was made, the tools and tactics would be found and forged.
The colonists fought for their independence and won not because they were prepared to fight, but because they were willing to fight.
In the same way, believing you are not capable of defending yourself in a self-defense situation without a black belt or decades of martial arts training is also an error in thinking. You can fight back right now… and win!
The fact is that men and women of every size and age defend themselves every day without any training whatsoever. For an inspiring example of that, check out Self-Defense Story: The Blonde-Haired Warrior.
How do people with no self-defense training protect themselves?
They make a decision to fight back. That’s it.
They don’t wait until they feel ready. They don’t wait until they know how. They simply charge forward and trust themselves to figure out.
The secrets to success and self-defense are will power and trust in yourself.
Self-defense is a decision. A decision that you will not submit to the will of someone else.
A decision to make a stand. To fight back.
A decision to move through fear into action.
Once you’ve made the decision to defend yourself, it’s just a matter of choosing the best tools and tactics to get the job done. Like the founding fathers and mothers of America proved, training and experience are not always necessary.
Your determination is a weapon all by itself.
So, this Fourth of July, and every day that follows, I challenge you to let go of any doubts and fears you may harbor of not being prepared or equipped for the battles that lie ahead.
Instead, spark a revolution in your life.
Sign your own declaration.
Make a decision to fight.
Trust yourself.
Win your independence.
Then celebrate… because life is short.
Eat a pie!
Fighting for a cause is always one of the greatest motivators of all. It seems that when people need to stand up for something bigger than themselves they are often more willing to do it. When it comes to standing up for themselves. as individuals, people often hesitate. But we need to love ourselves first before we can truly love or believe in any one or anything else. So yes, I agree with you Sensei Ando, let’s all declare our independence today and standup for the cause of “Me”! … Or You.
True. True. True. True. So much wisdom in one comment! 🙂
You, Sensei Dawn, are truly a worthy cause!
Ando, you know this blog really touches home for me! I have chosen on many occasions to fight back, although not necessarily for physical self defense, but it is the same concept, isn’t it? To not give up; to stand your ground; to do what you believe is right. Yes, when we all do that we are better for it and the world is a better place, too. Thanks for pulling it all together in a great 4th of July message.
You got it, Andrea! Standing up for yourself lights the spark… then you can enjoy the fireworks!:)