White Rock Kenshin Kan Dojo

Self Defense Theory

It's a five point approach, almost a sliding scale of response that students should at least think about. Some things on the list are simple and some seem simplistic. All are important concepts in personal safety!

Awareness - Stay out of situations and away from people that will lead you to have to defend yourself or at worst cause you harm. Staying out of harm's way is the best defense. Be aware of your surroundings and note people's actions. We're not advocating paranoia, but having a solid knowledge of your immediate environment is an easy way to stay out of danger.

Avoidance - Uses the information you're constantly gathering, as well as the little hairs on the back of your neck. Avoid situations and people that put you in harm's way.

Escape - The first level that deals with physical response. Students should always seek an avenue to escape. Shake loose and run. If you have to strike the attacker, then run. Run! Seek help! Do not stick around to allow the attacker to do more harm to yourself or family/friends.

Control - Control really starts at the the top of the list. You control the situation by being aware of your environment. However, in this case I mean controlling the attacker and yourself. Some martial art styles will have you believe in an "overkill" response to someone shoving you. It's stupid and can put you in legal trouble. A "control mind set" allows you to stop things from escalating and takes away a serious attacker's initiative. If you do something he/she doesn't expect you have taken at least some if not all of the control and they have to react to what you have done. A couple of strong blocks can do this or a wrist-lock/arm bar. This is where the scenario should end, for a responsible martial artist.

Defend - Unfortunately, things get out of control and the only response is to defend yourself physically. Again, it is the responsibility of the defender to regain control of the situation and react in a legal manner that will allow them to ensure their personal safety. Use of force should only be what it takes to regain that control.