“Situational Awareness” is a vital life lesson taught through the practice of the traditional Japanese martial art of Aikido. When one enters the Dojo, one is expected to be mindful of themself, others and the surroundings. Participants are asked to quiet their mind and optimize their senses. The simple tasks of preparing for class requires us to “pull yourselves together” and leave the hectic world outside.

Through practice, we develop the habit of observing our surroundings when outside the Dojo. Useful skills such as being able to recognize distance barriers will permit us to act instinctively to avoid confrontation or threat. Children should gather only where they can be easily seen and kept two-sidewalk-blocks distance from others they don’t know or from an activity they don’t feel comfortable around.

Be proactive. Make oneself, vehicle and children easily identifiable. Use bright colors—we don’t want to be in a sea of sports fans all wearing the same hats. Utilize backpacks, secure pockets and corded phones to keep our hands free. Being attentive and mobile will make us less of a target. The good news is the steps taken to protect our children are the same steps to be taken when alone.

Be willing to change location. Perhaps hold off an errand, choose a different parking spot or get out of a line. Making these choices is empowering. We will find that learning to measure distance along with a willingness to change position will develop vital skills of situational awareness.

Test oneself. Stay off the phone until situated. Take a moment to identify traffic patterns. Consider if anyone seems “out of place”. Identified points of entry and egress. Know where to go if there was an emergency. In approaching a vehicle or storefront, notice the reflection in the glass which is essentially a mirror. Lock the car immediately on entry and use all mirrors.

Watch our step. Consider if there are wet leaves or if there’s a potential for black ice in a shady spot. There are strong indicators in our environment to inform us if we are paying attention. If one is dressed for the rain, wind and snow, then we already have the information. We need to awaken our senses.

Practice, practice, practice. In the same manner that we are taught to say “please” and “thank you,” we have to teach ourselves and our children to be situationally aware. In addition to the benefit of practical safety, we may find an opportunity for kindness or see a rainbow that would have otherwise been missed.

Kathy Crane Sensei, 7th Dan, is Chief Instructor of Aikido Agatsu Dojos, located in Laurel Springs, NJ. For more information including on lessons and events, visit www.AikidoAgatsuDojos.com.