Perceivable Strength

“Walk softly but carry a big stick” the phrase made popular by President Roosevelt, is one we have all heard before. It means you should always be polite and kind, but be prepared for confrontation if needed. This phrase will always be relevant for men, as all men understand the language of force. It is an unspoken awareness that keeps us decent in public. As we are ever aware of the possibility we may get hit in the face by another BIGGER man.

Many hope they never run into any real conflict and as a result do nothing to prepare themselves. But for most of us, we do not accept this as the best method of preparedness. Some men train Brazilian Jiu Jitsu or other martial arts. Some men spend their weekends at the gun range. Some men hope they can diffuse situations by talking their way out of conflict. But these are all solutions to the problem after it arises, and I know that you, the reader are not satisfied with solving problems AFTER they occurred.

That is not to say the previously listed methods are not worthwhile investments. Training for self defense should definitely be pursued. However, it is more prudent for us as men to avoid conflict before it arrives if we can. This doesn’t mean we cower from confrontation and certainly should not do this by subordinating ourselves to any bad people we may encounter. After-all, I don’t agree with the concept of peace at any cost because sometimes you just have to fight. But instead, we can avoid conflict by deterring any threats we encounter before they present themselves. 

Deterring is easier to do when you don’t have to tell them how great you are at BJJ beforehand. And deterring is definitely preferable to brandishing a weapon before it is absolutely necessary to use. 

So how can you deter someone without speaking to them and without showing them you are armed? “Do I wear one of those Grunt Style T shirts?” No… no you don’t.

You capitalize on your physical presence. Your perceivable strength is the best deterrent you can have. It requires no direct interaction with the threat. And it allows you to walk softly while BEING the big stick.

In my experience, people who are looking to cause trouble are looking for the easiest path possible. For the same reason a burglar tries to break in when you aren’t home, or why the old lady gets her purse snatched first, or why the bully picks on the little guy. It is the path of least resistance. So when trouble arises, it is less inclined to happen to or around a big strong man. Problematic individuals look at a big strong man and subconsciously consider how hard he may punch them in the face.

So how does one become the big strong deterrent his community needs? By lifting weights. Not little pink baby weights, but big heavy weights. Weights so heavy they can only be moved with a barbell. And how shall they be moved? With squats, presses, and deadlifts. Weight training done with intent will make you big and strong, and big strong men have always been the best deterrent for bad actors.

By: Greg Herman

Owner of Traditional Strength in Edmond, OK