Security [Self Defense] is a Mindset

Security (Self-Defense) is a Mindset

Part I

I tend not to refer to personal security as self-defense for several reasons.  As security professionals we view things differently than the typical self defense, martial arts, and law enforcement perspectives.  As the old saying in the bodyguard profession goes, “Dead clients don’t pay.”  We cannot afford to be reactionary and thinking only "defense" or we will be behind.

In many peoples minds “self-defense” often conjures up images of Karate Gi clad instructors barking out cadence to punching or the angry tough-chick exacting overly enthusiastic revenge on certain male body parts. 

Given my martial arts and military background, I have had it instilled in me the importance of mindset and belief system.  For many, the term self-defense can automatically presume a defensive or reactionary mindset.  Defensive or reactionary for our way of thinking is weak, too slow and can be quite messy. 

Instead, we prefer to be pro-active, prepared, trained and assertive or on the offensive.  As a model in nature, predators tend to own territory, initiate early action and dictate terms.  Thus, their lives are less dictated by fear and more on thriving.  It's a mindset. 

Mindset is based on:

1.      Beliefs

2.      Experience

3.      Confidence

Ones beliefs should be based on facts and accurate information.  I have seen the results of distorted beliefs and operating on bad information.  Much inaccurate information continues to circulate in martial arts and self defense circles due to a lack of independent testing and analysis from actual use.  

Experience conditions the body and mind.  All to often education is confused as knowledge and knowledge is confused with ability.  An individuals ability is a result of all of those things put into practice as conditioning.
  
Confidence is based on competence.  I believe and teach that competence comes from proper training and the application of transferred or first hand experiential knowledge. 

In the next article I will share some thoughts on other aspects of a winning mindset for self defense and security.  I will write about how anyone can learn to improve his or her mindset and increase security and the ability to protect what is valuable.


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NTS provides on or off site training.  Unique Security Services and Self Defense Training nationwide including Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Cave Creek, Phoenix Arizona areas.

In cooperation with: John Nottingham's USA Martial Arts Scottsdale PV Phoenix, Nottingham Sword & Shield Security and Hit Like a Girl Self Defense Personal Security Training

http://ScottsdaleExecutiveSecuritycom     
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Author 

John Nottingham, EPS is a graduate of Bodyguard Training International / USA Bodyguards.  He was trained at Gavin De Becker Academy for Protectors and in Advanced Threat Assessment and Management.  A Sixth Degree multiple Black Belt holder he served in a Special Forces Airborne reserve unit as a Military Intelligence Analyst.  He is the founder of Nottingham Training Systems, Nottingham Security and the USA Martial Arts chain of schools. 

The Firm

NTS Nottingham Training Systems is a public and private sector consulting and training firm specializing in developing mission specific solutions for first responders, law enforcement, military, security and civilians.

Nottingham Sword&Shield Security is the Protective Division of LCI Inc. which provides security strategies and solutions to public and private clientele.   Nottingham Security serves and advises media figures, corporations, government agencies, police departments, universities, and at risk persons of situations that might escalate to violence.  Nottingham Security's capabilities include: individual, executive, family, children, event and mobile high and low profile protective services.