What should students focus on when performing self-defense techniques?

The focus on efficacy and situational awareness when performing self-defense techniques is crucial for several reasons. Efficacy refers to the effectiveness of the techniques being employed—students need to ensure that the self-defense moves they practice will actually work in real-life situations. This means choosing techniques that can quickly disable an aggressor or allow for an escape, rather than just focusing on flashy moves or styles that may look impressive but lack practical application.

Situational awareness is about understanding one's surroundings and recognizing potential threats. This awareness can be the difference between avoiding a confrontation altogether and needing to use self-defense techniques. By being attentive to the environment, students can assess risks and make informed decisions about when to engage or disengage.

In contrast, focusing on style and form might lead to prioritizing aesthetics over practicality, which is not ideal in self-defense scenarios. Speed and aggression could escalate situations unnecessarily and might not always be effective against an attacker who is skilled or unpredictable. Lastly, competition and scoring are more relevant in a sporting context rather than in real-world self-defense, where the primary goal is personal safety rather than winning points. Thus, concentrating on efficacy and situational awareness prepares students better for actual self-defense encounters.