Which is More Important, Technique or Mindset?

Security [Self Defense] is a Mindset Part II

When people ask which is more important, mindset or technique I have to say neither.  Why? Because to agree with that flawed premise is simply playing games with semantics.  In my view, personal security and effective self defense is both mental and physical.  Mental floss arguments and stimulating discussions may satisfy some deep seated need for cerebral exercise, but when punches or bullets fly, the real priorities emerge and the mind and body are not mutually exclusive.  In fact, I would argue that how well the two are integrated will influence much of the outcome.

Feet to the fire in this hypothetical exercise of the imagination I would side with mindset.  I choose mindset because prisons around the world are filled with criminals who effectively used violence without training, knowledge or special ability.  Intent (mindset), opportunity and simple human ability were all that was needed.  

"...prisons around the world are filled with criminals 

who effectively used violence without training."

For my security teams I look for individuals with the right attitude and mindset.  With that, we can equip them with the tools and techniques needed to excel at the job.  Ultimately, the mind controls the body.

Take for example Rhonda.  She is a forty something Mom with a sweet and nurturing disposition.  In two bodyguard schools I saw the other participants, mostly men with security, law enforcement and military backgrounds, presume to be able to assess her ability.  They patronized her constantly even going as far as to repeatedly ask her if she wanted to opt of some of the more intense simunitions and scenario training. 

Proud Martial Arts instructor, I sat back quietly with a smirk on my face knowing what was to come from this unassuming Black Belt.  She outperformed most all of them (even the guys bragging about protecting the President) and graduated at the top of her class.  Her client lived – theirs didn't.  It's hard to argue with results. 

Fluke?  Not at all.   It was mindset coupled with conditioning.  She has great judgment under stress and had the courage and wisdom to get experience in stress training.  Never judge a book by its cover.    Black Belt Bodyguard Rhonda went on to help me create the Hit Like a Girl home and office parties self defense personal security training.  

For these reasons as well as those in the previous blog article, I advocate great teachers, scenario based and stress inoculation training, problem solving and decision point exercises.   Merge that with creating a team culture that supports the mission and you have a winning formula.   A winning mindset is making a choice to accept responsibility for how the world works.

**********

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     
 http://ScottsdaleBodyguard.com    
 http://USA-MartialArts.com   
 http://ScottsdaleKarate.com  
 http://JohnNottingham.com  
JKD Concepts PFS Progressive Fighting Systems "Filthy MMA" http://fighting.net/johnn

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