Heal From Trauma: The Power of Trauma-Informed Self Defense
Physical and emotional safety is a vital aspect of healing after a traumatic experience - be it emotional, sexual, or physical abuse. It’s instinctual to want to regain control and security in your physical body. That's where trauma-informed self defense comes into play. It helps survivors reclaim their control, strength, and autonomy, aiding their journey to recovery.
Understanding Trauma-Informed Self Defense
Trauma-informed self defense is more than just learning how to physically protect yourself. It's a holistic healing process that integrates your physical, emotional, and psychological strength. It does not focus solely on the potential for future harm, but more importantly, it aids in mitigating the influence of past abuse on the present. It does not merely teach you how to fight, but it also empowers you to let go of fear and regain faith in your ability to protect yourself.
This approach acknowledges the unique needs of trauma survivors and carefully takes into consideration their past experiences when designing the self-defense methods. Trainers in this regard are not merely martial arts experts but are often psychologists, therapists, or at least, have had special training to understand the psyche of a survivor.
Why Trauma-Informed Self Defense?
Humans have an instinct for self-preservation. It's part of what's gotten us this far as a species. But sometimes, traumatic events can disrupt the natural inclination towards self-protection. You may feel disconnected from your body, and at times, even see it as an enemy. This is where trauma-informed self defense can be a powerful tool.
By teaching you how to physically protect yourself, it aids in rebuilding that lost connection, helping you regain trust in your body’s ability to keep you safe. Furthermore, by complementing physical strategies with emotional support, it allows you to understand and process emotions related to your trauma. Understanding that it was not your fault, and you did the best you could can be a significant breakthrough in your healing journey. And gaining the confidence that you can now defend yourself is a wonderful bonus.
Benefits of Trauma-Informed Self Defense
Rediscovering Strength: One of the primary benefits of trauma-informed self defense is rediscovering your strength. This is both physical and emotional strength. The training reminds you of your physical power by teaching you to defend yourself, and it rebuilds your emotional strength by helping you regain control of your life.
Regaining Trust: Trust is often the first casualty in any traumatic event. Through trauma-informed self defense, you begin to trust your body again. You learn to listen to it, to respond to its cues, and to recognize its capacity to protect and nurture you.
Building Resilience: Resilience does not mean forgetting your past or acting as if it didn't happen. It means acknowledging your past but not letting it control your present or future. This training helps you navigate the after-effects of trauma sensibly, empowering you with the knowledge that you have the skills needed to protect yourself.
Conclusion
Enduring trauma can leave survivors feeling lost, powerless, and entangled in their past. However, with time, patience, and the right support system—like trauma-informed self defense—trauma survivors can rebuild their lives. They can reclaim their power, regain their strength, and start their journey on the path to healing.
At Cor Defense, we specialize in this approach.
We intentionally use the term “trauma-informed defense training” because not everyone identifies with the word self-defense, especially those who associate it with high-pressure, hypervigilant environments that feel unsafe. Our programs focus on healing the effects of past trauma in the body, especially interpersonal violence, and building a sense of safety and agency from the inside out. It’s not about preparing for the worst. It’s about reclaiming the present.
If you or someone you care about is seeking a compassionate path to heal through empowerment and confidence, Cor Defense is here to walk alongside you.
You already carry the strength you need—our role at Cor Defense is simply to help you access it.
