I don’t care what martial art or self-defense system you study, or how strong and athletic you are. Nor do I care if you carry a knife or firearm. Tactical folder, Bowie Knife, 9 mm, .357, .45, .44, or a Sherman tank, it doesn’t matter. It just doesn’t matter. The equipment you carry and the skills you possess are not enough. The most important factor if you ever have to defend yourself in a life or death situation is your mental attitude. Your mindset will have a greater impact on the outcome of a serious self-defense situation than any of the above listed components. Your mindset is more important than the weapons you carry, the strength and physical attributes you’ve built in the gym, and the skills you’ve honed in the training hall. You must have the mindset to be willing to defend yourself.
While this might seem obvious, the fact is that most people rarely face a deadly confrontation in their lifetime. Many will live their entire lives without ever being confronted by the savagery that real violence entails. And that’s a good thing! However, the unfortunate truth is, many will be subject to needless violence launched against them by predators who have no regard for laws or life.
There are monsters out there who don’t care. They will beat and mutilate others for small monetary gains. They will rape or kill as easily as eat breakfast. They don’t care about your possessions. They don’t care about your loved ones. They don’t care about you. If you ever face one of these vicious criminals, they won’t show you mercy, so don’t expect any. And if it ever comes down to you or them, don’t give any mercy.
Yes, this sounds grim and heartless. But it’s reality. In the dark of the night, when you face someone who will rape and kill your family once you’re dead, or who will cripple you and let you lie in your own blood listening to the screams of your loved ones before you die, you must be willing to do what it takes to defend yourself. And this means taking a human life in the most gravest of extremes.
I paint this gruesome picture because it is important to realize that if the time ever comes, you must be prepared and willing to act. You must be willing to be as ruthless as those who wish to commit violence against you. You must be willing to do anything necessary to survive and protect yourself and your loved ones. You must be willing to commit violence against those who bring violence against you to stop them. This is the attitude and mindset you must have. Visualize what you must do and cultivate this mindset now. And I sincerely hope you never have to use it.