Self Defense

Self-defense defined is the act of protecting, safeguarding or shielding oneself. It also means to keep secure from and against attack or danger. Self-defense is an attitude about how one conducts oneself on a daily basis. We make hundreds of decisions everyday, which can have numerous implications and can impact our personal self-defense and property. Consequently, self-defense involves protecting ourselves from psycho-emotional harm as in personal inter-relationships and using modern technology.

Self-defense has been a part of society since our beginnings. Whether it was defending oneself from predators, adverse climatic conditions or other humans, self-defense basically deals with protection and survival of our species.

In modern times and in the twenty-first century the term self-defense takes on a new meaning, although we still need to protect ourselves from physical harm, technology especially in the form of physical weapons such as guns and mace as well as the computer has posed new and different self-defense situations.

The concept of self-defense is ever-changing and must by definition, be defined by a variety of variables and situations.

Best Method of Self-Defense

It is generally considered that the best method of self-defense is avoidance. This includes perceiving and recognizing the circumstances, which may lead to a physical, psycho-emotional and social confrontation. Recognizing or eliminating, where possible, these circumstances will assist you in avoiding the situation in the first place. Information gained from numerous discussions with law enforcement officials as well as students of self defense have shown that a majority of confrontations when analyzed retrospectively could have been prevented or avoided entirely.

Principles of Self-Defense

The following principles apply to defense of one self or another individual but not necessarily of property. Be aware that you are always subject to litigation, no matter who initiates the confrontation and especially if damages occur. Always seek a law enforcement officer to assist you, as your first choice of defense.

• There has to be a threat of attack either verbal or physical.
• There needs to be intent to injure, either verbally or physically.
• The attacker must be physically able to cause injury to you or another individual.
• The assailant must be in a position to physically have the opportunity to attack.
• Your response needs to be what a reasonable person in a similar situation would do.

If all elements are present, you can legally defend yourself in a reasonable manor even before the assailant touches you. Follow your intuition and always try to have witnesses to document and verify the occurrence. Remember to contact the police first if possible.