Victim Mentality

I chanced upon this image on PostSecret, a site that features anonymous renderings depicted on postcards. Aside from the cartoon's graphic nature, the caption conveys a thought many practitioners may be carrying around but have been reluctant to admit. After years of dedicated martial arts training, there are those who feel they still haven't "got it".

Holding a certain rank does not necessarily translate into having real confidence. But if we do feel confident - for whatever reason - then it tends to show, in and out of the dojo. It's been long known that robbers and especially bullies find their victims through analysis. Non-verbal cues can affect perceptions about vulnerability and ease of exploitation by criminals and the like. Unsynchronized walking strides, poor posture and the inability to make eye contact are dead giveaways to the potential attacker.

So if you think you're fodder for an attack, your body language will likely communicate that notion. Conversely if you authentically feel good about yourself and your abilities, then that may be all that's needed to divert someone's intention to do you harm.

In the meantime, keep training!