Having worn so many hats separately and simultaneously, I am able to see things more clearly and from various perspectives. Many things I was taught I will confess did not make sense to me but now in hindsight I can see how it was beneficial in so many ways. For example, algebra; I always thought it was a waste of my time. I mean who cares that A+B=C? Now as a father, I realize that algebra teaches a logical manner to solve problems not merely just the building blocks for higher levels of mathematics.
Many Hats
Throughout my life I wore many hats. Some people have told me that it was a good thing, while others have told me ‘you need to make a decision about what to do and settle with it.’ I am sure they had their reasons for believing in what they said to me. When I reflect on it I can clearly see its merits. Then I think back and I remember that if not for all the things I had done in my life I wouldn’t be much good at what I do now. I am a clinical mental health counselor and if not for my prior experiences as a law enforcement officer (14 years), professional martial arts instructor, CORBRA Self-Offense instructor (proud to say the 1st one); U.S. Army Reservist, recruiter (Head-Hunter), father, and husband I would not be able to reach my clients as effectively as I do.
How This Relates To Self-Defense
You’re probably wondering how this relates to self-defense; well I am about to tell you. When I think about all the people I have interacted with and trained in the martial arts or in the COBRA Academy program, it amazes me the diversity of the people their experiences and life stories. The learning process, which is designed to push your limits both mentally and physically is astonishing and the reason that each person took the course has a story all of its own too.
Some people were victims of crime (robbery, mugging, assault/ battery, rape); others were martial artists and wanted to see how they can apply their skills in realistic scenarios which mimic the feelings one would likely experience (adrenaline threshold overload) in a real life situation. There are a bevy of other reasons people take on this on this challenge; some reasons are simply for the challenge, build confidence and/or comradery among family and friends.
Sheep, Sheepdogs & Wolves
Then there is another kind of student; this person has a sneaky suspicion that their worldview is not on point. Lt. Col. Dave Grossman, the author of “On Killing” describes people in three categories. The COBRA Academy program helps change the majority of these people from sheep to sheepdogs.
“Most of the people in our society are sheep. They are kind, gentle, productive creatures who can only hurt one another by accident….”
“Then there are the wolves,” the old war veteran said, “and the wolves feed on the sheep without mercy.” Do you believe there are wolves out there who will feed on the flock without mercy? You better believe it. There are evil men in this world and they are capable of evil deeds. The moment you forget that or pretend it is not so, you become a sheep. There is no safety in denial.”
“Then there are sheepdogs,” he went on, “and I’m a sheepdog. I live to protect the flock and confront the wolf.” Or, as a sign in one California law enforcement agency put it, “We intimidate those who intimidate others.”
Many of these sheep are the same people pretending to be sheepdogs. They train in a pristine environment; they bow respectfully to each other; and they practice a point sparring practices or other routines that lead to nowhere except a false belief in their ability to take care of themselves, because the reality is survival is as much mental as it is physical. They spend so much time trying to learn the system that they grow a belief perseverance. Their unexamined belief is so great that they imprison themselves without walls; they are locked inside their skull-sized kingdoms.
For those people, the mere challenge to their belief will almost always result in them defending their point-of-view even further; afraid to admit they may have “looked at it all wrong.” The late great Bruce Lee referred to this as the classical mess. He wrote “man, the living creature, the creating individual, is always more important than any established style or system.”
Everyone Deserves To Improve Their Self-defense
In summary, I can honestly say that the COBRA Self-Defense system is for everyone. There is no one that I can think of that could not benefit from it. It has components that are both pugilistic and team-oriented. It helps to strengthen one’s self-awareness about things that in the past may not have been obvious such as the air we all breathe; it creates awareness about one’s self; builds fortitude, toughens the spirit, instils empathy, reward, and perseverance. This program instills confidence, humility, and friendships that last a lifetime.
When you take into account that this program was designed by law enforcement officers with the intent of training ordinary citizens with the same tactics designed to train those in law enforcement the results are positively astounding. The students leave with real applicable physical skills, and equally important they are skilled in how to detect and avoid confrontation. Once you (the non-martial artist) complete the COBRA Academy you, like so many others may find that you have a sincere interest in developing and honing your skills even further and become more involved in the martial arts as a hobby and philosophy that lasts a lifetime. I wish you all luck and hope to meet each and every one of you soon.
For more information on becoming a C.O.B.R.A.™ Self-Defense Professional visit www.SelfDefenseCertified.com.
- Brian Spiegel
- M.S. Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern
- COBRA Academy Certified Instructor
- Certified Law Enforcement Officer, Florida
- Sifu Wing Chun Kung Fu
- http://kungfuexchange.com/
