The Reality of Self Defence
What Self Defence Is Not
Real self defence is NOT a sport. It’s not about “FIGHTING” or “ACTING” tough. It’s not about winning medals or trophies, coloured belts, badges on your Gi, titles or pride or your ego and never about anger.
It’s about recognising threats and minimising them. Do not concern yourself about winning the fight as this has no value. True self defence is about doing what is right to protect yourself from harm.
Remember, Violence should be a last resort at all costs; a life should only be taken if yours is in danger and you have absolutely no other choice.
FEAR NO OTHER HUMAN, BUT MAKE NO OTHER HUMAN FEAR YOU.
The Bottom Line of Self Defence and Street Fighting
Reason and necessity
Do what you must (legally) so that you and your loved ones will be safe in any violent or criminal act committed towards you, to stay safe. This can almost be done without violence. Engagement with an opponent should always be the last resort when no other alternatives are left.
You do not want everyone to know that you have self defence or combative skills or that you are a practitioner of a combat system. For example a knife fighter rarely shows you the knife until it’s inside of you. Never instigate violence. Never be responsible for things getting “out of hand during violence”
“NEVER TAKE THE FIRST STEP IN VIOLENCE UNLESS YOU HAVE NO CHOICE, IF YOU TAKE THE FIRST STEP YOU MUST BE PREPARED TO TAKE THE LAST”
Self Defence and Martial Arts
Martial arts alone are not useful for handling self defence situations. It's basis is in perfect movement and in many cases has been adapted for use as a sport, rendering some techniques less effective than they were originally intended to be.
True self defence should focus on trying to avoid combat before it begins, by trying to talk your way out of the situation. Once the fight starts, however, self defence is about dealing enough damage to the attacker to make your escape.