As we all clearly know, “social distancing” has ingrained itself into the global community in order to prevent the spread of the coronavirus and ensure personal safety.
Too, as all Kiado-Ryu students know, “Distance” is the #1 Security Principle in self-defense. This is continually driven into every KIA student’s mindset.
However, distance is usually regarded as physical and defined as “external.” Yet, there is another type of distance which is, perhaps, even more critical in self-defense situations … “internal” distance.
“Internal Distance” in self-defense is the ability of the individual to establish limits relative to his/her personal emotions, thoughts, actions and behaviors.
For example, is it a positive self-defense action to drink and drive? Of course not. Yet, how many individuals drink and drive (or get into a vehicle with a driver under the influence), thus placing themselves and others in a dangerous situation where the very real potential of harm, even death, is a distinct possibility?
Is it a positive self-defense situation to get into a car with a person or persons unknown to the individual? Does the disappearance of high school senior Natalee Holloway ring any bells? She was the young woman who, on a Senior trip to Aruba, did get into a car with three young men whom she did not know after leaving a bar and was never heard from again. That was 30 May 2005. Holloway was legally declared dead in absentia on 12 January 2012.
And what about individuals who do not look after their nutritional well-being? Having excellent nutrition is an internal self-defense strategy.
Another simple example is not making sound choices in one’s lifestyle. Bad choices lead to bad results. To be sure, when we do not practice “Internal Self-Defense” we are, by definition, opening ourselves up to danger and attack.
In short, while people all over the world are told to follow “Social Distancing” tactics, why are they never told to practice “Internal Distancing” procedures? Arguably, more people around the world suffer from their own lack of positive health-engendering behaviors and bad decisions than those who are externally attacked. Something to consider.