Confidence. The new ride coming soon to all beginners!

Now, what you’re thinking is -
‘Adam, what on Earth are you going on about?’
Well, let me explain.
For most people, you join a self-defence system to gain confidence.
You join the British Free Fighting Academy to gain confidence.
And you’d expect that as you progress through the BFFA system,
your confidence will equally progress at the same rate.
Well, again, for most, this is not the case.
You see - confidence is a thing of balance.
And to achieve this balance, you have to first experience the ups and downs.
To begin with, as mentioned earlier, your confidence will be low.
But don’t fear.
Given a few British Free Fighting lessons.
A few BFFA techniques.
A couple of spars.
And a few demonstrations on those at home, and gullible friends of course.
You’ll believe you could take on the world.
But the ride is far from finished at this point.
Which is good news, for you’re far from ready at this stage to take on your own grandmother – let alone, an attacker in the street.
Now, this newfound over-confidence will linger for a while.
But soon it’ll make way for the next instalment.
Self-doubt.
Certain questions will arise.
‘Would I really be able to cope if attacked?’
‘Would I remember what I’ve been taught?’
‘Would the technique used even work?!!’
Of course, all these are valid and sensible questions.
And it’s completely natural to ask yourself these questions.
(The next blog will go into more detail on this point – so watch this space)
So, now for the steady incline of this confidence ride.
This is the bit where you start to find the balance.
You begin to realise that, you indeed, can’t destroy the world with a basic wristlock.
But that you could actually save your life by using it in the correct situation.
You begin to realise that, you indeed, don’t have to palm-heel strike someone in the face after a simple push in the street.
But that, by creating some personal space and using your brain, you can talk and walk away from the situation.
To me, confidence – and by this, I mean ‘a balanced confidence’ is key to staying safe and successful.
And although the ride of ups and downs will continue throughout the rest of your life, it’s essential to maintain that correct balance.
I’ll leave you with this.
You vary rarely see a lion single out a healthy looking, confident looking antelope from a herd.
But equally, when do you ever see the antelope turn and square up to the lion?
Give it some thought.
Till next time.
Laters
Mr Bodfish.
Official Blogger for the British Free Fighting Academy