The American Institute of Kenpo provides its students with instruction in the martial arts for self-defense purposes. We strongly encourage all our students to dedicate time and effort to accurately identifying situations that constitute self-defense and subsequently evaluating the most appropriate course of action for self-protection.

~ Andrew Pilch

I have engaged in numerous discussions regarding the precise definition of self-defense and the distinction between self-defense and assault.

I frequently inquire with new students about their personal definition of self-defense, and I have observed that the majority of individuals encounter significant challenges in articulating a clear and accurate definition. This uncertainty raises concerns that they may either act impulsively and escalate the situation, becoming the aggressor, or they may delay their response, resulting in more severe injuries.

It is essential to acknowledge that, regardless of the circumstances, any action taken could potentially be considered assault. I personally experienced a situation where I was violently pushed. After the initial incident, it became evident that the aggressor intended to repeat the aggressive behavior. In response, I redirected the push, causing the person pushing me to trip over their own feet and fall to the ground. They promptly called the police on me. The officer who arrived informed me that by taking the defensive action of blocking the push, I had inadvertently laid hands on the other person, potentially leading to both of us being charged with assault. Although the officer did not choose to pursue either of us, I believe it is crucial to educate individuals about the potential legal consequences of self-defense. It is important to recognize that self-defense situations may not always be straightforward, and the outcome may not be favorable. Therefore, I strongly advise individuals to thoroughly assess their willingness to engage in physical confrontations and determine when it is prudent to prioritize their safety, time, energy, and potential freedom.

When considering self-defense or employing first responders to protect oneself, it is crucial to acknowledge that in certain situations, involving the police or other first responders may not be feasible. In time-sensitive scenarios where assistance is not readily available or time is of the essence, individuals may find themselves in the role of first responders responsible for their own safety.

During a discussion on this topic with Lee Sprague, it became evident that he had given this subject profound consideration. I would like to share some of the insights and guidance he provided.

Firstly, he emphasized the importance of self-defense and the potential outcomes. While victory may not always be guaranteed, engaging in physical combat requires full physical, mental, and emotional presence. It is essential to be prepared to employ extreme force to ensure survival.

Secondly, he explored the possibility of non-violent dominance, which can allow for safe withdrawal from the situation. De-escalation should always be prioritized over violence whenever feasible.

It is important to recognize that the consequences of actions and decisions extend beyond immediate outcomes. These consequences and actions can shape one’s future and potentially lead to serious injuries or even death. Whether the actions were justified or not, taking someone’s life, even unintentionally or justly, can result in legal complications that can be daunting. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid potential violent engagements whenever possible.

Our conversation delved into the appropriate timing and techniques for self-defense. Over time, I have distilled this knowledge into the three fundamental principles of self-defense, which I now impart as the 3 Considerations of Self-Defense. My intention is to empower individuals to make informed decisions regarding self-defense actions.

While violence is rarely the most effective solution, I emphasize the importance of exploring three distinct methods of self-defense that individuals can employ to protect themselves.

By adhering to these guidelines and making reasonable and healthy choices, individuals can effectively utilize self-defense while minimizing the risk of compromising their values and freedom.

3 Considerations of Self-Defense

In my opinion, all three considerations must be met for a physical response to be considered self-defense.

Proximity:

The first factor to consider is who initiates proximity. The individual who closes the distance and poses a physical threat to the other party is the aggressor. In a self-defense scenario, creating proximity is not acceptable.

Capability:

The second factor is the aggressor’s ability to cause acute harm. A child’s tantrum and attempt to strike an adult is not considered self-defense if the adult can reasonably defend themselves against the child’s limited capabilities.

Intent:

Self-defense is typically justified when an individual reasonably believes that they are in imminent danger of physical harm.

The third factor in self-defense is intent. While a person may be physically close to you (proximity) and possess the capability to harm you, their actions, such as smiling and waving, can negate the notion that self-defense is being used. Determining violent intent can be achieved through various means. If an individual is angrily screaming and threatening physical harm, their intent is clearly evident. Similarly, if someone approaches you with fists raised, their intent to cause harm is evident, necessitating self-defense.

3 Methods of Self-Defense

Physical combat should be the last resort in any situation. Awareness and discernment are the most effective tools in self-defense. By enhancing awareness, individuals can minimize the likelihood of encountering situations that necessitate physical responses.

Intent:

A effective self-defense strategy involves de-escalating the situation whenever possible. For instance, if you accidentally bump into someone, a simple apology can go a long way in defusing the situation. Maintaining proper manners serves as a powerful tool for violence avoidance.

Proximity:

Another crucial aspect of self-defense is maintaining a safe distance from potential threats. Being aware of your surroundings and making informed decisions about your location can significantly reduce the risk of encountering dangerous situations. If a situation appears hazardous, it is advisable to avoid placing yourself in its vicinity. If possible, removing yourself from a potentially dangerous situation is the best course of action.

Capability:

In situations where de-escalation or self-removal from the proximity of danger is not feasible, self-defense training can significantly enhance your ability to survive a violent confrontation.

Paxtial arts, as taught by Ed Parker Jr., can provide the skills to protect oneself when a physical response is imminent but the intention is not to cause serious harm, such as injuring a child, friend, or relative. As Mr.Parker aptly states, “Drunk Uncle Bob can be an issue, but breaking him is not a great choice either.”

Martial arts impart invaluable skills and knowledge that can enhance your chances of survival by fortifying your physical and mental resilience. This extends to more physical scenarios, such as school yard brawls or life-threatening situations in dark alleys.

Weapons training, when conducted in a responsible and practical manner, can be advantageous in life-threatening situations, providing individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to enhance their chances of survival.