Self-Defence is bound by 4 walls. 2 represent the threat (immediate & physical) & 2 the response (de-escalatory & judicious).
"It's not that so many people are ignorant, but that they 'know' so much that isn't true..." -- Anon
This post is an attempt to explain in simple terms what self-defence is & is not. It's an attempt to explain why exactly the same technique can be viewed variously as:
- self-defence
- fighting
- assault
Legally Defined Yet Confusing & Contentious
During my decade as a cooler / bouncer (I prefer cooler, because that's what they should be doing) every fight I broke up had both parties claiming they where defending themselves... really?
A defense to certain criminal charges involving force (e.g. murder).
Use of force is justified when a person reasonably believes that it is necessary for the defense of oneself or another against the immediate use of unlawful force. However, a person must use no more force than appears reasonably necessary in the circumstances.
Force likely to cause death or great bodily harm is justified in self-defense only if a person reasonably believes that such force is necessary to prevent death or great bodily harm.
"The Right To Protect One's Person And Property From Injury." - The 'Lectric Law Library
Even though self-defence is narrowly defined legally & therefore means something very specific, it still appears to most to be nebulous. Why is that? What most people think of as self-defence, is not. The term is twisted (often intentionally) by those trying to sell a product, be it the latest & greatest weapon or training system. Unfortunately for those who have 'bought-in' it often means going to jail for defending themselves. ** Remember the situation will be assessed reasonably.
Another area where confusion sets in is the "criminals have more rights than the victims" argument which is so common. The reality is when the state (as represented by the police, prosecutors & judges) looks at your case it is 2 citizens with equal rights in dispute, not pure innocent you & that other scum bag...
Self-Defence Training at Mec's Martial Arts
Mec's self-defence programme uses a layered approach to self-defence:
- Common Sense
- Diplomacy
- Strategy
- Tactical
It is unreasonable to believe that all situations can be resolved reasonably....