Fear, Vulnerability, and Courage: The Real Connection

I got this deep, thought-provoking question from our student, Daniel—another example of how our training isn’t just physical; it gets into the psychology of fear and action. Let’s dive in:

“Coach, if there is no courage without fear, then there has to be vulnerability to experience fear—a person has to be willing to feel. Therefore, would you agree that there is no courage without vulnerability? Brené Brown got CEOs, Special Forces, and Navy SEALs to say there is no courage without vulnerability. Can I get you to say the same thing?”

Here’s my take…

That’s a great question. And while I respect the sentiment behind it, my answer depends on how we define vulnerability.

If we’re talking about emotional vulnerability, as Brown often describes—being open to risk, uncertainty, and emotional exposure—then I wouldn’t frame courage that way in the context of self-defense.

But if we’re talking about tactical vulnerability—the recognition of a threat, risk, or danger—then yes, acknowledging it is crucial. Because until you recognize your vulnerability, you can’t access courage.

But here’s what I always come back to from my KNOW FEAR® program:

👉 “You cannot be brave if you’re not afraid.”

Fear is the trigger for courage. Courage isn’t about being fearless—it’s about acting despite fear. In a real-world confrontation, hesitation or denial of fear can be deadly. Acknowledging fear doesn’t mean weakness—it means awareness. It means readiness. It means you’re primed to act.

This is where my philosophy diverges from Brown’s. In my world—self-defense, survival, and real-world confrontations—the key isn’t emotional vulnerability.

It’s about using fear as fuel.

👉 FUCK FEAR.

Face it. Understand it. Control it. Know it.

Vulnerability in this context isn’t about openness—it’s about situational awareness, recognizing danger, and making the right move when it matters most.

So while vulnerability may play a role in certain forms of courage, in self-defense and fear management, the real equation is this:

👉 Fear recognized + Fear managed = Courage in action.

Coach B

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Four Ways You Can FUCK FEAR Today:

🔥 Get the KNOW FEAR® course – This digital program lets you train your mind anytime, anywhere. Learn how to turn fear into a weapon instead of a weakness. [Click here.]

💥 Train with me personally – Join my Elite Training Retreat in California. Limited to 10 people. Only two spots left for the next event on March 21-23—lock yours in before it’s gone. [Click here.]

⚡ Book me to speak – Want to inject real fear management and mindset training into your team, event, or organization? Let’s make it happen. [Click here.]

👕 Wear the mindset – Grab the KNOW FEAR®, FUCK FEAR shirt and rep the philosophy everywhere you go. [Get yours here.]

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