celtic_crippler
Senior Master
Environmental Awareness: The ability to observe daily conditions and surroundings and make “on the spot” decisions to either avoid danger or take advantage of the opportunities offered.
If youÂ’re a student of Kenpo, youÂ’ve likely heard this term. It is one of the most basic of principles outlined by SGM Ed Parker in terms of self defense.
In essence, it refers to oneÂ’s immediate environment and includes everything from weather conditions to the body language expressed by people around you. It can be as simple as avoiding a bar that is notorious for violence, but it also includes noting things that can be of use for self defense in oneÂ’s immediate surroundings; a broom leaning in a corner or noting where the nearest exit door is in a restaurant.
This is the basis of what many Kenpoist understand as environmental awareness, but I assert that this concept goes much further than oneÂ’s immediate surroundings.
If oneÂ’s focus is on self-defense then the concern is with maintaining the safety and well-being of oneself as well as oneÂ’s family. That involves not only being aware of oneÂ’s immediate surroundings, but actively seeking out knowledge in regards to current events in your community that could have an impact on the welfare of you and your family. You may have heard of the notorious bar down the road, but were you aware that gang activity has increased or the incidents of home invasion have risen for example?
To take the concept a step further, have you considered the impact that national or even international events can have on your safety? Do you actively seek out information regarding all current events? We do not live in a static world and constant vigilance is necessary to stay well-informed. One can not be prepared for what one does not know.
Environmental Awareness, how far do you take it?
If youÂ’re a student of Kenpo, youÂ’ve likely heard this term. It is one of the most basic of principles outlined by SGM Ed Parker in terms of self defense.
In essence, it refers to oneÂ’s immediate environment and includes everything from weather conditions to the body language expressed by people around you. It can be as simple as avoiding a bar that is notorious for violence, but it also includes noting things that can be of use for self defense in oneÂ’s immediate surroundings; a broom leaning in a corner or noting where the nearest exit door is in a restaurant.
This is the basis of what many Kenpoist understand as environmental awareness, but I assert that this concept goes much further than oneÂ’s immediate surroundings.
If oneÂ’s focus is on self-defense then the concern is with maintaining the safety and well-being of oneself as well as oneÂ’s family. That involves not only being aware of oneÂ’s immediate surroundings, but actively seeking out knowledge in regards to current events in your community that could have an impact on the welfare of you and your family. You may have heard of the notorious bar down the road, but were you aware that gang activity has increased or the incidents of home invasion have risen for example?
To take the concept a step further, have you considered the impact that national or even international events can have on your safety? Do you actively seek out information regarding all current events? We do not live in a static world and constant vigilance is necessary to stay well-informed. One can not be prepared for what one does not know.
Environmental Awareness, how far do you take it?
