In taekwondo training, we learn a series of responses to an opponent’s punch, called “one-step sparring.” The self-defense moves involve one step, combined with a number of different motions. The easiest ones to learn are the white-belt one-steps. Then, the moves increase in complexity and difficulty at yellow, green, blue, red, and black belt.
I recently taught this concept and some of the basic one-steps to my “Breaking Through Fear” therapy group. One client had a particularly insightful response. I asked what everyone learned, and how the one-steps applied to the recovery process. The client said, “There is more than one way to solve a problem.”
Martial artists or not, we all face situations in life when a punch is thrown in our direction. Maybe that “punch” is the death of a loved one. Maybe it is a job change, or a child’s illness, or a troubled relationship. We all have to choose, sometimes quickly, how to respond to the punch.
When we have trained ourselves to respond to stress in effective ways, and practiced those strategies over and over again, they become easier to use and apply when a punch is thrown at us. If we’ve not trained effectively, the punch may take us down.
So what is an effective defense to the punches in your life? Is it meditation? yoga? a long talk with a friend? Be ready and equipped. Know your strengths and use them. You’ll face some punches, but they don’t have to take you down.
Hi, I’m Angela