What is Self-Defense?

[Alan Friedman]

I am throwing this out to all off you. I am looking for your response.

[Tim Chin]

self defense is protecting oneself against all forms of attack, whether it's physical, verbal, psychological, etc...

it can be reactive (if someone attacks you) but also proactive (e.g. not appearing weak to invite attack)

it means preparing, such as the training we do, in case you are attacked

[Morgen]

Self-defense is ideally the minimum amount of force required to preserve safety and well-being. This minimal force isn't strictly physical - it can be looking someone in the eye, a smile, the right choice of words, even running away from a potentially dangerous situation. I think the highest objective a martial artist can have is to defend themselves without having to fight.

Personally, self-defense has never been my motivation for training in the martial arts, just an added perk. I regard Ninpo as a spiritual practice, and one that hopefully allows me to powerfully project my intention to never magnetize a situation in which I have to actually use any of the techniques I'm learning!

[JP Durrer]

Defense is awareness – By this, I mean a higher lever of sharpened consciousness. This is achieved in our art by not only developing your technical skills but more importantly (in my opinion), building your mind and spirit. In the long run, heart will always beat out physical skill.

What good it to be a “Black Belt” with all kinds of techniques if the moment you are called on to protect yourself or others, you turn into a block of ice.

Since I started studying Ninpo Tai Jutsu in 1996, I have had countless occasions where I believe that my training allowed me to avoid dangerous situations and protect others from harm.

Predators in the animal kingdom seek out weak or injured prey. This also happens in our society. Human predators can “sense” individuals that are cowardly and of weak spirit. You should always work on building your spirit. Be a Lion, not a Sheep!

JP Durrer

[Julie]

I know this is late in coming. I did make a point not to read anyone else's before responding...

Self-defense is:

* Being aware of your own capabilities and understanding how you can utilize them when you are physically threatened
* Being aware of your environment at all times and considering how you would respond to an attack in the given situation
* Protecting your body, which may or may not require physical aggression
* Passive in the sense that you are not looking to start anything without provocation; active in that you are actively aware of what is going on around you
* Defending yourself to the point that you are no longer in harm's way and not crossing that line to retaliate against an attacker

Also good way to spend a Saturday morning in the park.

[Mike]

By combining the mental and physical disciplines of Ninpo Tai Jutsu a potential victim of physical attack is able to retain autonomy and dignity merely by attempting to thwart they attacker.

The means to this end may include attempts to verbally calm the attacker while retaining control of the situation. Should the events warrant, self-defense would include reversing roles with the attacker and depriving them of mental and physical autonomy and dignity.