Graciela Casillas

I was staring down the barrels of a shotgun. At that precise moment, I realized that I was not fully prepared to defend myself.

It was by the grace of God that I was able to get out of that situation. In other words, I was incredibly lucky. This near miss served as a stark reminder of my vulnerabilities. That was the moment I began my journey of self-defense and empowerment, determined to break through the barriers that society had placed before me and every other woman.

Growing up in an era where women were discouraged from participating in male-dominated sports and martial arts remained largely inaccessible to them, I became acutely aware of the disparities in gender representation. Men outnumbered women in this field by a staggering thirty to one, and societal norms cast men as the protectors while women were perceived as damsels in distress.

I vividly remember conducting a women's self-defense seminar in North Carolina in the early 1980s. Some attendees admitted to deceiving their husbands, claiming they were going to the mall rather than a self-defense seminar. Why? Because many men didn't feel the need to learn self-defense; it was their role to protect their spouses.

Decades have passed since then, and although men still dominate martial arts dojos, it has become increasingly normal, especially in the U.S., for women to engage in various styles of contact sports and martial arts. Women have realized that, ultimately, they must rely on themselves for protection.

As an advocate for women's personal protection skills, I've expanded my approach well beyond physical and tactical skills. I believe the mind should be trained before the body. Self-defense extends beyond physical protection; it encompasses mental and spiritual well-being, equipping us to strengthen our minds and nurture our souls.

By practicing self-awareness, mindfulness, and spirituality, anyone can learn how to cultivate resilience, inner strength, and discover a profound sense of purpose.

By embracing self-defense in all its dimensions enables us to live more fulfilled and empowered lives. When it comes to personal well-being, we should prioritize the importance of self-defense in these areas of our lives.

On a mental and psychological level, self-defense equips you with the tools to protect and fortify your mind. In a world filled with stress, anxiety, uncertainty, and negativity, developing a robust mental defense is vital. I emphasize the power of self-awareness, the ability to recognize and confront negative thoughts and emotions, and the practice of techniques such as meditation, mindfulness, and positive affirmations to cultivate mental clarity and inner strength.

The importance of self-defense extends to the spiritual realm. Students should be encouraged to explore and nurture their spiritual well-being, which plays a critical role in self-defense. By connecting with one’s inner self, you can tap into a wellspring of resilience, faith, and purpose. Spiritual nourishment can take various forms, depending on personal beliefs and values, including prayer, meditation, or engaging in fulfilling activities.

Stay tuned for Pt 2.