Self-defense spots are focused on defending personal well-being as well as someone else’s. They presuppose the usage of physical force to counter the threat.
Self-defense can be maintained with a weapon or without it. The second type is more spread and taught in many martial arts schools.
The techniques of self-defense resemble streetfighting, as they are targeted at the immediate reaction and quickly moves (Jahn, 2012). All actions managed by a person are aimed at making the way to escape clear. Regarding self-defense, the most important thing is to neutralize the villain to stay safe and sound but not to win. Here is the difference between fighting and self-defense. The motivation does not presuppose usual pride or compulsion, etc. Moreover, the emotions typical of fighting, such as anger and frustration are absent.
Needless to say that the self-defense is to be taught. Special training is commonly provided by professionals who are well aware of various fighting techniques. They may mix the moves from different metrical arts as well as create some themselves to choose the most appropriate and easy to manage actions. Self-defense techniques need to be rather simple for any person to utilize them.
Even teens and elderly people are to be able to defend themselves if they got into a troubled situation. People are taught how to use the things they have in everyday life, such as a bag or an umbrella, and it is not considered wrong. Commonly people who are not well-prepared physically refer to this kind of sport, as they feel they are not able to defend themselves. So during the training, they are taught how to use the force of the person who attacks them against himself.
Jahn (2002) underlines that it is very important to prepare for self-defense mentally. A proper mindset allows a person to find the right motivation, be calm and objective, one will even feel less pain and no fear. During the training, a person is taught to enter this state quickly and easily.
In the framework of martial arts, it is forbidden to attack the most vulnerable parts of the human body (genitals, throat, etc.). When we are speaking about self-defense, such an approach is preferable. Being distracted by pain, the villain is less likely to hurt the victim, and the chances for one to escape increase. Of course, in some cases, it is not enough. Thus, it is taught that if a person understands that someone is going to murder, rape or kidnap him/her, and one is not able to escape, the intent should be to kill the villain. Defending one’s well-being, an individual can scream to attract the attention of people nearby, bite, and kick the attacker to run away.
Regarding self-defense, people are trained to use every object as a weapon. Such an approach is called invisible weaponry. The individuals are taught the most simple and effective techniques, such as kicks, lock, and sweeps. One can throw a wallet into the attacker’s face or kick one with a bag. Snapping the credit card, a person gains two sharp objects. Even a dog leash or a belt can be utilized, according to the Japanese and Korean styles of bullfighting.
Thus, self-defense teaches the individuals how to act in life-threatening situations for one not to freeze in terror but to defend and escape. It is important to train and spar several times a week to respond automatically.
References
Jahn, C. (2002). Hardcore self-defense. New York, NY: Writers Club Press.
Jahn, C. (2012). FTW self-defense. Bloomington, IN: iUniverse.