Re: AFTER I was attacked...

>>"...(attempted rape), I studied tae kwon do. And I have not been attacked since! So, it worked, yes...?""<<

This is more often true than not... because you no longer look the victim walking down the street.

>>"Tae kwon do, of course, boosted my fitness level, but the most important benefits were mental, the concentration and focus required to do the forms properly is a valuable state to cultivate."<<

That is the point exactly... we have students practice kata and one step (not really one steps) defensive moves while the rest of the class tries their best to distract them from the task at hand - to the point of *gentle* contact with the person performing the moves... being able to focus through the many distractions to completion takes a great deal of training and discipline... especially if one has attention deficit issues.

>>"I was attacked because I placed myself in a questionable situation. I was stupid. Avoidance is key."<<

Again... this is another purpose behind training. To enlighten people on how to *avoid*.

ARM - Avoid first ALWAYS - one needs to understand how to avoid - Resolve second - this would be a mental step, resolving without use of physical force, which takes training for most people - Manage third - this would be self defense and disabling if necessary.

>>"I think that I became a stronger person as a result of my martial arts studies, and the # of stupid things I have done since that time has definitely decreased:)"<<

You must have had a good teacher then. That is what I most often hear from those with good teachers... they are better people being emotionally, and mentally stronger for it.

At times you even have people state I have become stronger in my faith whatever their faith may be - it doesn't really matter.

grz-

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