Even when you are on the side of good, there may come a time when you must physically defend yourself. Back at the turn of the 19th century, when women were protesting for their right to vote and be recognized as equals, physical altercations with law enforcement became commonplace.

This led to the emergence of martial arts legends like Edith Garrud. Jiu-jitsu was only just starting to find its way into western culture, and she trained under Edward William Barton-Wright, the first Jiu-Jitsu instructor in Europe.

Garrud trained women how to defend themselves against police brutality in an era when women couldn’t even vote. She was empowering people to stand up against an oppressive authoritarian rule in the name of democracy.

Garrud didn’t frame herself with false limitations and became a legend. The system was broken and needed to be fixed. It required people to rise up for the side of good, even if it meant standing up to physical aggression from law enforcement.

Sometimes it is bold to stand up for good. In times of great struggle, we look to our heroes for guidance. Edith Garrud, a 4’11” woman in the 1920’s stood up to violence from law enforcement and fought for her right to vote using martial arts no one had ever seen before.

When we are inspired by our heroes to do good, we honor them.