Some people get into martial arts because they fantasize about being superheroes.

Of course Marvel-type superheroes don’t exist, but real heroes do. They defend themselves and their families, and they fight for truth and justice in the world.

But here’s the thing: if you want to be a hero, you have to train like a hero:

• Train against realistic attacks, not karate-style punches launched from six feet away.
• Train realistic scenarios that get your adrenaline pumping and force you to think on your feet.
• Train against multiple opponents.
• Train for when you’re injured – for example when you have only one usable arm, or when you can’t see, or even can’t stand.
• Train against ambush attacks from the side and the rear.
• Train with the assumption that you will be hurt or injured in a fight, but must keep going no matter what.
• Keep in in mind that being a hero sometimes means putting yourself in harm’s way to save others. I’m not recommending that anyone go out and be a martyr. Your desire should always be to survive. But there are sometimes scenarios in life that require self-sacrifice.

Train like a hero.

Hapki!