The Practice of Guarding

When working with students, particularly new members.   The common response to how to improve is to “practice.”  Unfortunately, most people’s image of “practice” is to repeat an action or series of actions to improve their effectiveness.   This process is about training and reinforcing a process but not necessarily practicing.   The primary definition of practice is “to apply or use idea, belief or method.”

In our Art we recognize that there are Five Primary “Fitness: Levels – Physical, Perceptual, Mental, Emotional, and Spiritual.  Each contributes to helping students focus their understanding of how a lesson is contributing to an overall holistic personal development process.

The Five Primary Fitness Levels

• Physical: This encompasses your physical conditioning, strength, and health. It’s the foundation of self-defense training and includes exercises and techniques to build resilience and capability.
• Perceptual: This level involves awareness and sensory perception. It’s about being attuned to your environment and understanding the signals and cues that inform your actions.
• Mental: This pertains to cognitive skills such as problem-solving, focus, and strategy. It involves training your mind to respond effectively in various situations.
• Emotional: Emotional fitness includes managing and understanding your feelings and those of others. It’s crucial for maintaining composure and making sound decisions under pressure.
• Spiritual: Spiritual fitness relates to your values, beliefs, and purpose. It’s about having the courage and integrity to apply your training and principles in everyday life, reflecting your core values.

Application of Self-Defense Principles to Daily Life

One such lesson is “to Guard.”  A simple image of how we physically guard is to turn sideways, step back with one foot and raise bent harms up towards our head.  Imagine a boxer. However, one aspect of human nature is to name things which tends to make them a Noun. – A thing.   We then tend to identify this position as THE guard.  It is not THE guard but the important awareness is that we are “Guarding” in anticipation of a physical altercation.

Guarding in Self-Defense:

• Physical Guarding: On the mat, as previously described we learn to guard by shielding vulnerable areas and using techniques to create barriers. This principle is about protection and prevention in the face of immediate physical threats. However, those threats come from different angles and different positions.   Therefore, again the previous position we described is common it is not the only position used in Guarding.

Here are some practical ways that we further practice guarding throughout our Fitness Levels:

• Physical Guarding: Wearing protective equipment during sports or hazardous activities, practicing good hygiene, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
• Perceptual Guarding: Staying aware of your surroundings, listening to your intuition, and avoiding risky situations.
• Mental Guarding: Developing good study habits, preparing for challenges in advance, and using problem-solving skills effectively.
• Emotional Guarding: Building resilience through self-care, seeking positive support systems, and managing emotional responses constructively.
• Spiritual Guarding: Aligning your actions with your values, standing up for your beliefs, and seeking purpose in your daily activities.

Here are some ways that we can practice “Guarding” in our daily lives:

Applying the Concept of Guarding Beyond Physical Self-Defense:

• Physical Safety: Wearing helmets, seat belts, and other protective gear is a direct application of the guarding principle. It’s about minimizing risk and protecting yourself from harm.
• Health: Eating well, exercising regularly, and avoiding harmful substances are forms of guarding your physical health. These practices help maintain your well-being and prevent potential health issues.
• Mental Preparation: Preparing for exams or work tasks, studying thoroughly, and avoiding procrastination reflect mental guarding. These actions help prevent stress and ensure readiness for challenges.
• Emotional Protection: Setting boundaries with toxic individuals, seeking supportive relationships, and managing stress are ways to guard your emotional well-being. These practices help maintain a healthy emotional state.
• Spiritual Integrity: Standing up for your values, making ethical choices, and aligning your actions with your beliefs reflect spiritual guarding. This principle involves living authentically and with purpose.

With this awareness, we grow and improve through connecting how and why on the mat to how and why in our daily lives:

• Experience and Practice: As you practice self-defense techniques, you gain a deeper understanding of their application and value. This experiential learning helps you translate these principles into other areas of life.
• Connection to Daily Life: By recognizing how principles learned on the mat apply to daily situations, you enhance your ability to protect and improve all aspects of your life. This awareness fosters a holistic approach to personal development.
• Continuous Defense: The idea that every challenge or threat—whether physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual—requires an active defense is key. By consistently applying the principles of self-defense to various aspects of life, you promote overall growth and improvement.

Summary

By framing self-defense training within the context of the Five Primary Fitness Levels and extending its principles to everyday life, we create a comprehensive approach to personal growth and resilience. The concept of “guarding” is a powerful metaphor that illustrates how principles learned in martial arts can be applied to protect and enhance all areas of life. Through awareness, practice, and connection, these principles become integral to improving overall existence and successfully navigating life’s challenges.