What is self defense?

Self defense isn't about doing moves or using techniques----self defense is what you think, and more importantly, HOW you think.

Techniques are the easy part----I(or any instructor) could teach you the basics in a very short time. Self defense techniques are simple, efficient, and straightforward----not difficult. Forget all the stuff you see in the movies----that's a MOVIE---not real life.

In real life, you don't jump up and do an incredible 720 degree spin kick, hitting the other person 8 times in the face before you land. You reach out and poke them in the eye----HARD. Not too difficult, hmm?

The tough part is in your MIND. Self defense is about your body being yours and no one else's, about making your own choices and controlling your own life, and about doing whatever is necessary to stop other people from hurting you. Self defense is NOT about hitting and kicking people--though at times that may be necessary.

Self defense is what you do to keep yourself safe, and in control of your own choices.

Every time I have helped in a demonstration of self defense, there is one person who ALWAYS says, "But I could never do that to anyone!"

What they are really thinking is, "I could never ever put someone's eye out!"

The problem is, they are not thinking: "Could I do that to stop someone else from hurting me? From hurting someone I care about?"

That's the real question. When we are talking about self defense, we are NOT talking about picking fights, walking up to someone and beating them up, or whatever---- we are talking about doing what you have to, to stop some one else from hurting you or someone you care about. It wasn't YOUR choice to be forced to defend yourself. The other person made their choice to hurt you---but your body is YOURS, and NO ONE has the right to control you---to hurt you.

If someone is actively trying to hurt me, or someone I care about, I will do whatever is necessary to stop them---and if the easiest, most efficient, and safest way to do that ( for me and whomever I'm with) is to walk up and stick my thumb in the attacker's eyes, I'll do that. I won't be happy about it ...but I'll do it!

And I'll stop him from hurting me That's the point. The point isn't to hurt the other the guy, destroy him, or whatever else TV and movies may tell you---the point is to stop them from hurting you. Efficiently, with a minimum of effort, a maximum of effect, and a minimum of danger to you and the people you care about.

Just remember---self defense isn't about hurting people, it's about not ending up DEAD!!