No matter which activity we perform, self-confidence is most certainly one of the most significant elements for success. Whether it is during a walk in the park, an important business meeting or a school exam, confidence in one’s means is often the difference between success and failure.

Self-defence is the element of martial arts that greatly benefits self-confidence. Knowing how to defend oneself and how to react in a difficult situation is certainly a critical asset in our society. As its name suggests, self-defence is not based on attack. Self-defence is a series of simple and efficient techniques to defend ourselves adequately against any type of attack. We often react in inappropriate ways when confronted with uncertainty, fear and stress generated by a hazardous situation. Knowing self-defence techniques helps a person to have confidence in his/her means. This confidence is manifested to potential opponents; therefore, most of the time, the confrontation can be avoided. As Professor Cerio has often said: “Winning a combat without fighting is the main objective of a martial arts practitioner!”

Over and above the benefits of self-confidence when facing various situations, people practice martial arts for the sport and physical conditioning. Practicing self-defence increases physical fitness, flexibility, endurance, agility and speed. Whatever age or size, self-defence is a comprehensive sport that enhances the physical and mental awareness of everyone practicing it.