How do you feel about using self-defense?
@Awen_Eldorath (107)
United States
February 15, 2009 11:38pm CST
As a martial artist and Student of Life, I've asked myself this question from time to time. I believe that one should do everything possible to avoid fighting whenever possible. If/when one must fight, I believe that one should try to end the fight as quickly and efficiently as possible, using only the amount of force necessary for the particualr situation. Many states in the U.S. have very strict laws concerning the use of force for self-defense that are along these lines, and I have also found that many great martial art masters have also advocated similar positions. What are your thoughts?
2 people like this
4 responses
@Anora_Eldorath (6028)
• United States
16 Feb 09
This is a great discussion! I've noticed that it seems that the law always prosecutes the victim and not the person who broke the law. I think that they are right in not allowing people to run around and prove their style is better then another style, yet at the same time if someone is using it to get out of a terrible situation I think it should be allowed.
1 person likes this
@Anora_Eldorath (6028)
• United States
17 Feb 09
Laws are necessary for society to function well and even to prevent some misguided martial artists from becoming little more than street thugs, but there seem to be too many difficult areas when it comes to using self-defense, and too few people who seem willing to try and explain these areas of the law. Believe it or not, the president of the Martial Arts academy in which I recieved my black belt was a police officer and we still never really talked about the legal issues involved. I really don't understand why this isn't addressed more throughouly or why the legal system seems to protect the instigator but blame the defender. I don't mean to be redundant, but that's something of a pet peeve for me.
@Awen_Eldorath (107)
• United States
17 Feb 09
Ok, this is getting really annoying. I go to post when I get off work and even though at the top it states I'm signed in as me "Awen", it posts as you. I've tried dumping the cookies, clearing out, etc. Does anyone else whose spouse uses their computer have any ideas? This is getting really annoying!
1 person likes this
@reflexionando (25)
• Mexico
6 Mar 09
some art martial are a mortal weapon, and i think if you are a master if you fight any moment, you kill a inocent people, equal a wapon fire.
1 person likes this
@Awen_Eldorath (107)
• United States
10 Mar 09
It is true that by definition the martial arts are intended for combat and can indeed be deadly. Certain "hard" styles don't allow their students to enter competition because their art is so lethal. In my opinion, however, a true master has enough self control to use only the amount of force necessary if/when they ever find themselves in a self-defense situation. A true master should also have enough situational awareness and self-confidence to be able to avoid such situations in the first place, and fight only as a last resort.
1 person likes this
@dnatureofdtrain (5273)
• Janesville, Wisconsin
16 Feb 09
I totally agree with you....
But I found out.. That via deflecting a punch towards my face, and accidently slapping the other across the face.. They thought I was making it up... And then wrote into the school rules, self defence is not hitting the other in the face. I was trained in the moves, But I did not know how to explain what I was doing, and that got me into trouble....
But later I learned, and for me self defence is mainly using a hit to knock the weapon out of the persons hand, deflecting, and blocking, or knocking them down long enough to remove myself out of the situation....
But it is so tight in some areas you just look back at them, or just touch in a non harmful way a should or and arm, and you can get charges pressed on you...
I think doing away with self-defence is one of the stupidest things the law enforcement that will NOT defend us has ever did...
That is my thoughts and opinions. - DNatureofDTrain
1 person likes this
@Awen_Eldorath (107)
• United States
16 Feb 09
It sounds like you were trying to do the right thing. It's really unfortunate that the law seems to protect the criminals and blame those just trying to defend themselves. I have also found that many schools for Martial Arts/self-defense do not talk very much about how the legalities involved, and this only makes things worse. I strongly feel that this should be discussed more throughouly in the class/dojo to help prepare practitioners to defend themselves in a courtroom. Thanks for your input!
1 person likes this
@bombshell (11256)
• Germany
24 Feb 09
dont have idea about self defense
but can i hired you to train my little girl
but can i hired you to train my little girl@Awen_Eldorath (107)
• United States
27 Feb 09
I think everyone should learn at least a little self-defense, but I suppose I'm sort-of biased, lol!
It sounds like your daughter's enjoying her karate classes so far, I'd hate to take her from a teacher she's already comfortable with. Younger kids can be kind of particular about things like that sometimes.
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