11 Jun
11Jun

Why your toughest employees may still be the most at risk


We all know that one guy in the office or on the floor. Confident. Loud. Maybe even a bit intimidating. He says things like, “I don’t need training, I’ll sort out any problem” or “Let them try, I’ll handle it.” But here’s the truth: false bravado can get people seriously hurt. Confidence is important. But confidence without skill is dangerous, not just for the individual, but for your whole company.


What is false bravado?

False bravado is when someone believes they can handle a threat or a violent situation, but they have no real training or understanding of how these situations actually work. They might believe:

  • “I’m big and strong, so I’ll win a fight.”
  • “I’ve been in scuffles before, I’ll be fine.”
  • “I’ve watched MMA. I know what to do.”
  • “No one would dare mess with me.”

That belief might feel empowering. But when faced with a real criminal, it usually falls apart in seconds.


Real attackers don’t care how tough you act

Criminals don’t challenge you to a fair fight. They use surprise, weapons, and intimidation. They strike when you’re not ready. They go after people who look distracted, overconfident, or unaware.And if someone responds with chest-puffing or threats instead of trained action, the attacker sees it as a green light.


Why this matters in the workplace

Many companies rely on strong personalities to “handle” situations. But physical size, loud voices, or previous fights don’t count as safety strategies.In fact, false bravado in your team can:

  • Escalate a situation unnecessarily
  • Increase the chance of injury or trauma
  • Make others feel unsafe or unsure
  • Undermine your duty of care as an employer

You don’t want your staff thinking they’re safe because they feel confident. You want them to be safe because they’ve been trained.


What real confidence looks like

At COBRA Self-Defense, we teach staff how to turn confidence into capability. That means:

  • Recognising danger early
  • Knowing how criminals operate
  • Using voice and body language the right way
  • Applying proven techniques to escape or defend
  • Staying calm under pressure — not just loud

We show them how real-life attacks work. And more importantly, how to avoid them or respond effectively when they can’t.


Replace ego with skill

Self-defense training is not about turning employees into fighters. It’s about giving them real tools to survive a threat. We break down egos and rebuild real confidence, the kind that’s measured, informed, and ready.


A message for HR, Safety, and Wellness Managers

Your most “confident” team members could be your most vulnerable, especially if they’ve never faced a real threat. Help them back up their confidence with skills that work. Our corporate self-defense programs are:

  • Practical and realistic
  • Based on law enforcement experience
  • Tailored for South African risks
  • Suitable for all fitness levels and roles

Don’t let false bravado give your staff a false sense of safety. Contact us today to arrange a training session that turns confidence into real capability, and protects your most important asset: your people.

Cell: 082 2999117

Email: info@cobradefense.co.za

www.cobraselfdefense.co.za

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