Your Physical Health: Self-Defense

The tragedies from last weekend should show us how important the practice of self-defense can be.

Even without experience, the capacity and courage to defend oneself can pay enormous dividends.

Good Morning.

With untimely news coming out of California this past weekend and earlier in the week, there are a few important takeaways that we can (hopefully) tie back to physical wellness in this week’s newsletter.

While the number of mass shootings this year totals more days than have been had, it’s worth noting that last Saturday’s — the deadliest of the year so far — could have been much worse if not for the courage of one 26-year-old coder Brandon Tsay. Tsay, who, to my knowledge, possesses no background in self-defense, successfully disarmed the Monterey Park gunman by tackling him and wrestling the gun away after identifying him as a threat.

Tsay likely saved at least ten more lives after apprehending the now-deceased shooter, who’d already taken lives before his trip to Alhambra. President Biden called him to thank him, saying, “You are America” in his thankful exchange.

President Biden @POTUS

A 26-year-old hero by the name of Brandon Tsay is responsible for disarming a gunman in Monterey Park, California – an act of incredible courage in the face of danger. I called him to offer him my – and America's – profound thanks and respect.

Self-Defense: More Than Just a Hobby

After a week of banter about the politics behind gun control, one thing is very clear: the future of gun availability in America is…unclear.

Where does this leave the average person? Many have expressed fears that shootings can — and will— happen in their neighborhoods because of widespread access to guns. It’s not the most practical solution, but I think it warrants a discussion in the Age of Guns.

Self-Defense. If you haven’t yet taken a class, it’s worth trying at least once.

Unless sweeping gun reform happens within the next couple of months, learning self-defense could be one of the more valuable skills available to you should danger strike. There are no guarantees even the best defense methods could stop a shooter before lives are taken. Still, physical intervention and action can prevent larger massacres from happening.

Take Krav Maga, an Israeli self-defense method, for example — gyms in Brooklyn have seen increased attendance in Krav classes because of recent spikes in antisemitism. The technique is coined as a “reality-based” self-defense practice that focuses on disarming attackers and providing ample time for either an escape or for authorities to come and take action. Some take these classes for fun, but more are signing up to prepare for action.

Where else does self-defense come in handy?

Along with the comfort of knowing you’re more than defense-less, practicing martial arts comes with various benefits. Increased focus, balance, and coordination will all go a long way for your mental and physical health. Depending on the self-defense class you take, punching, striking, and kicking are great ways to relieve stress, get endorphins flowing and reflect on anger.

As a fitness coach, I’ve grown to appreciate the creativity that gyms that offer self-defense programs have implemented. Specific programs are structured for women to fend off creeps in urban areas. Mixed martial arts classes combine various equipment, from large and small punching bags to one-on-one sparring. Many gyms would be wise to teach more than just a cardio boxing class and offer maneuvers for real-life scenarios that require hand-to-hand combat skills.