The 3 P's of Self-Defense: with Bill Mueller

Alternative text for the imageBill Mueller, has been training Okinawan Shuri-te Karate for 50 years and prior to that he spent several years in Judo. Bill is a Christ follower, that has been  married for almost 45 years, a father of 4 and has 12 grandchildren. Bill enjoys instructing his students and imparting his knowledege to help them to defend themselves! Bill is the founder of Self Defense Seminars LLC, a business that provides self-defense instruction to help empower people to not have to live their lives in fear of being attacked. Attending a seminar conducted by Self-Defense Seminars and learning about the 3 P's of self-defense can benefit individuals beyond just learning practical techniques and self defense!

According to Bill, Protecting people is Loving people! 1 Corinthians ESV 13: 6-7 "Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It ALWAYS PROTECTS, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres." The 3 P's of self-defense are Prevention, Perception, and Preparation!  Prevention usually involves making decisions and doing things in advance that diminishes the likelihood of an attack in the first place. An example of this would be to consider the potential risks prior to going somewhere based on the location, environment, time of day you intend to go and whom, if anyone will be accompanying you?  Perception is more than just basic self-awareness, it includes things like scanning for potential threats, learning to read peoples body language, keeping your eye open for escape routes and things that could be used as weapons to defend yourself. Preparation is where the rubber meets the road; it is being both physically and mentally ready to defend yourself in the event you are attacked.  Preparation requires both practice and repetition. This can be done physically training with another individual or mentally through proper visualization (visualizing an attacker coming at you and performing the technique just like you would against a training partner or actual assailant.) 

Even without prior experience in self-defense training, individuals can still incorporate the principles of the 3 P's into their daily lives to promote personal safety. Prevention could be as simple as securing your home and belongings, getting to know your neighbors and building a supportive network as well as learning to carry yourself with confidence, looking ahead not down.  Perception could be as easy as making a concerted effort to always look inside your car before getting in, making sure you park in a well-lit area, and getting in the habit of checking your review mirror regularly to make sure you are not being followed. Preparation is a choice, which starts with action. Begin taking small steps like improving your endurance and strength, making healthier food choices, and being cognizant of what you are wearing, (making sure you are able to move quickly and run if necessary if you are going to be in an environment in which you aren't totally comfortable.) Remember that while incorporating the 3 P's into your daily life is a proactive step towards personal safety, it's also important to consider pursuing some formal self-defense training. Proper training can provide you with practical techniques, hands-on experience, and a deeper understanding of self-defense principles and strategies.

Learning self-defense techniques and understanding the principles of the 3 P's can boost confidence levels. This newfound confidence can extend beyond physical self-defense to other areas of life, such as personal interactions, assertiveness and your willingness to venture out and try new things. With the right knowledge and skills, individuals can take charge of their personal safety and well-being, and make informed decisions to avoid becoming a victim.