Re: your Thursday Spotlight story ‘Learn how to protect yourself’ (The NEWS, March 12).
Being active in martial arts for many years, some comments from that story raise concerns for me. In the caption under the photo, it speaks of avoiding a violent situation. In the article, it mentions fight or flight. It should be clear flight is your primary choice.
My second concern is the statement “assertively and with purpose.” This suggests aggression. I would suggest a better choice of words would be “with confidence and purpose.”
Most people consider a black belt in martial arts to be an individual well trained. In reality, it is an individual who has obtained the tools to begin to learn the art, steeped in history, a warrior — respect, honour, body and mind are balanced.
Training individuals in self defence is a large responsibility. If not done correctly with unbalanced respect, honour, body and mind, it can produce a negative effect.
Floyd HartwellQualicum Bay
