Always Be Ready: The Principle of Vigilance in Self-Defense
"Be like water making its way through cracks," Bruce Lee once said. This quote embodies the essence of martial arts and self-defense. The ability to adapt, respond, and persevere regardless of the situation is the ultimate power. As the world becomes more unpredictable, the importance of self-defense and the need to always be ready has never been more critical. This is in alignment with the first rule of the Inayan System of Eskrima: "Be Vigilant."
Vigilance is the state of being watchful and alert, especially to avoid danger. It doesn't wait until you are ready; it demands constant preparedness. This principle is strongly emphasized in the Inayan System of Eskrima, a Filipino martial art developed by Mangisursuro Mike Inay, an esteemed figure in the field of martial arts. His son, Suro Jason Inay, now carries on the legacy, teaching the art globally and continuing to evolve it.
Mike Tyson, the former heavyweight boxing champion, once said, "Everyone has a plan 'till they get punched in the mouth." This quote aptly describes the need for self-defense training. It's not just about having a plan, but about being ready to adapt when the plan fails. That's the essence of vigilance - being prepared for the unexpected, always.
The Inayan System of Eskrima teaches this readiness through a comprehensive set of techniques and principles that are viable independently of one other. Each of these styles has a complete set of basic, intermediate, and advanced techniques and concepts that make them viable independent of one other. By learning these styles, individuals equip themselves with the skills to defend themselves in various situations.
In the words of the great boxer Muhammad Ali, "The fight is won or lost far away from witnesses - behind the lines, in the gym, and out there on the road, long before I dance under those lights." This quote emphasizes the importance of preparation. In self-defense, victory doesn't come from the fight itself, but from the hours spent training and preparing for it.
Suro Jason Inay, following in his father's footsteps, has taken the Inayan System of Eskrima worldwide. He believes that martial arts have the power to shape lives positively, promoting physical fitness and equipping individuals with self-defense skills. He also founded the Spyder Dumog System, a unique amalgamation of modern martial arts and practical techniques, emphasizing self-defense and personal safety.
The need for self-defense does not wait until you are ready. It requires constant vigilance, a readiness to respond to the unexpected. As Bruce Lee, Mike Tyson, and Muhammad Ali emphasized, self-defense is about adaptability, preparation, and determination. And the Inayan System of Eskrima embodies these principles, providing a comprehensive system for learning self-defense.
Learning self-defense is not just about protecting oneself from physical harm; it's about cultivating resilience, discipline, and self-improvement. As Suro Jason Inay puts it, martial arts have the power to shape lives positively. It's time we all embraced the principle of vigilance and made self-defense a part of our lives.
