Kenjutsu AND Kobudo

General Definition of Self-defense

The word 'defence' in particular indicates that you are in a situation where a physical response is not only required, but is your only option. What about avoidance and escape? This is made possible through awareness of your environment, and an understanding of attack ritual, dialogue and body language, so that you have knowledge of such events before they unfold to a point where a physical option is all that you have. This is why the top people in this field feel that the term 'Self-Protection' has a lot more to offer. 

For example, you spot a potentially violent and aggressive individual walking behind you, and your street-smart instincts tell you that he has already weighed you up as a his next potential victim, making you then decide to take the action of turning the very next corner and running like a b**tard in order to avoid and escape the experience. Is that not good Self-Protection? Of course it is. 

If, however, you have no chance of escape, and this individual is intent on destroying your future quality of life to whatever degree he can, then the only option left is a physical response. In such a case, you must not hesitate to turn said individual into a grease blemish on the pavement. 
 

The bottom line to achieving such a goal is to be first and hit hard. If this creates the opportunity to escape, then do so without hesitation. If not, then you must continuously attack until the threat is terminated - then escape to safety at the first opportunity. 

Good personal security and street-smart awareness must be the power base for your 'stay safe' game plan. But lurking just below the surface must lie a cultivated mind-set that holds an unwavering conviction - that if you are offered violence, then you are prepared to respond in kind, overwhelmingly.