Your Martial Arts training will help you build confidence, maturity, spirit, self discipline and respect. We recite the student creed at the beginning of each class to remind us that our goal is to improve our character and never use our training offensively. Mr. Thompson says that Martial Artists are the only people that train every day in a skill with hopes that they never have to use that skill. By training and building your confidence, you are increasing the chance that you will never have to use your skill to protect yourself.
Most attackers go for the easier mark.
As you train and develop your body, mind and spirit, you will be more aware of your surroundings and will naturally avoid dangerous situations or sense them before they occur. Upstate Karate does not allow any horseplay inside or outside of the Dojo. Your training should be fun, but also be treated with the seriousness and respect that it deserves. In the adult classes, it is emphasized that if you find yourself in a self-defense situation, you are to use the least amount of force necessary to control the situation. The level of your defense will be determined by the number of your attackers, if you are alone or have your family with you, if your opponent has a weapon, and if there is an avenue of safe retreat.