
In the rush of everyday life, it’s easy to get caught up in the “how” and “what” of things. We focus on "how" we’re going to reach our next goal or "what" we need to do next. But beneath all of that, there is a deeper driving force—the reason we pursue our goals, the underlying purpose that fuels our actions. This is our "why".
At the Self Defense Academy COS, we believe that knowing your why is not just important for your mind—it’s essential for your health, vitality, and ultimately, your survival. When you practice jujutsu or any martial art, you're not just defending your body; you’re defending your energy, your life force, and the values that give it meaning. Finding your why is at the heart of it all.
The Power of Purpose

Many of history’s great thinkers recognized the importance of purpose as a source of vitality. Friedrich Nietzsche once said, “He who has a why to live can bear almost any how.” This speaks to the profound truth that when we are deeply connected to our reason for being, we become resilient. This resilience doesn’t just apply to our mental endurance but to our physical health as well. Research has shown that having a strong sense of purpose is correlated with longer life expectancy, better cardiovascular health, and lower risk of chronic diseases.
In the same way, training in martial arts is more than physical conditioning; it’s about connecting with something deeper within. When you step onto the mats at Self Defense Academy COS, it’s not just about learning self-defense techniques. It’s about understanding what you’re defending—your vitality, your sense of self, and the values you live by. Practicing jujutsu isn’t just for fitness or sport—it’s a way to reinforce your why.
Purpose and Well-Being: A Historical Perspective
The ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle believed that "eudaimonia", often translated as “flourishing” or “well-being,” comes from living a life of purpose. He emphasized that true happiness doesn’t come from fleeting pleasures but from engaging in meaningful activities that align with one’s higher purpose. This is the essence of vitality—living in a way that connects your actions with your core beliefs.
This idea is echoed by modern thinkers like Viktor Frankl, who, in his landmark book "Man’s Search for Meaning", highlighted the transformative power of purpose. “Life is never made unbearable by circumstances, but only by lack of meaning and purpose,” he wrote. Frankl’s words remind us that even in the face of the most intense adversity, knowing our why gives us the strength to persevere.

Unlocking Your Why Through Movement
At Self Defense Academy COS, we integrate the 753 philosophy to help students tap into their personal why. The 753 Code connects the mind and body through values & virtues that we pattern onto our behaviors, helping students to become aware of how their thoughts and movements align with their internal motivations.
When you’re on the mats, you’re not just learning to defend yourself—you’re learning to communicate with your body in new ways, to move with intention and awareness. You’re literally reprogramming your nervous system to respond from a place of clarity and purpose. This mind-body connection is what ultimately enhances health and vitality.
As you roll, block, or strike, every movement serves as a physical manifestation of your why. When you're tired, and your body wants to give up, it’s your why that keeps you pushing forward. The mats become a place of discovery—a space where you begin to understand what drives you not just as a martial artist, but as a person.
Discovering Your Why at Self Defense Academy COS
Our purpose at Self Defense Academy COS is simple: We exist to inspire our students to discover their own why. We believe that when our students understand their purpose, they grow stronger—not just in their martial arts practice but in every aspect of their lives. Self-defense becomes a means to protect not only the body but the energy and essence that define who they are.
Whether you’re a first-time student or a seasoned practitioner, we invite you to step onto the mats and begin the journey of finding your why. Through each movement, each challenge, and each success, you’ll gain clarity about your purpose. And with that clarity comes vitality, strength, and the realization that what you’re defending is more than just yourself—it’s the meaning behind your life.
We are here to guide and support you on your path. At Self Defense Academy COS, we believe that your why is what makes you resilient, healthy, and unstoppable. So, what is your why? Come discover it with us. YOU Are worth Defending!
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Thought of the Moment: "The number one factor that determines if you are going to acheive your goals is you." - Anonymous

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