Self-esteem begins with self-defense. The ability to defend yourself against bullies and predators builds self-confidence and self-respect. With this knowledge comes higher levels of self-esteem and this knowledge is incredibly empowering. Not only does martial arts training increase physical strength but it also increases mental awareness. People who know how to protect their body carry themselves differently and are less likely to attract negative attention or run the risk of being bullied.
In self-defense, confidence is the degree of trust you have in your ability to successfully deal with (and win!) a threatening or confrontational situation. If you train consistently you can make a dramatic impact on your level of self-confidence. This confidence easily spills over into other aspects of your life, making you more effective every day. Self-esteem has two basic components, the first being a basic confidence when facing life’s challenges and the second being a sense of self-worth and happiness. When you are prepared to stand up for yourself, assert your rights as a human being, and even risk injuring another person to protect yourself you are declaring so much about your own importance and value as person. Proper self-defense training develops the knowledge, skill, and willingness to resolve legitimate threats against our own personal safety.
Women build self-confidence when they learn how to defend themselves in realistic scenarios. They learn to transform fear into positive fighting energy and hence learn to deal with feelings of anger, inferiority, and helplessness. Smart self-defense training is intense enough to strengthen and tone muscles, burn up extra body fat, and generate positive hormonal response that drastically alter the way you feel about yourself. Self-defense plus self-discipline equals self-confidence and a confident person is a happy person.
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