In order to understand what "self-defense" is, you must first understand what
it is not. "Self-defense" is not martial arts training. Nor is it fighting.
It is not getting in touch with your inner rage and channeling it into attacking
someone who scared you. It is not simply mastering a set of physical skills
(e.g. becoming a kung fu killer ninja or combat shooting expert). Nor is it
something you can take a weekend seminar for and then forget until you need it.
In our definition, self-defense is not a *specialized* skill that you only
use in one context. In our definition it is part of a much large set of
"life skills."
These are skills, talents and abilities that you will use in a myriad of ways
every day of your life. What's more, as they are basic "people skills" using
them will improve your quality of life. Use them and you will find yourself in
far fewer conflicts, you will be more popular, work will be easier and you will
get along with people much, much better.
All "self-defense" is is taking these same skill sets and applying them in a
slightly different context. To a large degree, they are the same skills with
some slight "tweaks." Properly applied, you will never have to use physical
force to protect yourself because you will learn to steer yourself clear from
situations where violence is likely.
To give you a slightly different perspective Peyton Quinn, in his excellent
book
Freedom from Fear, describes it thusly "Self-defense is the art of dealing
with predators -- exploitive , hostile or abusive people. As we have seen they
can be found in any sphere of our lives; in the streets, in the office, at home
and even in intimate relations. Consequently when I use the term 'self-defense I
am not just talking about defending yourself against a person who wants
to beat you up, kill, rob or rape you. Even so, do not dismiss the reality that
you may be forced to deal with physical violence " Even though we use
'self-defense' differently than Peyton, the general idea is the same. And
that is there is much more to self-defense and personal safety than just physical technique.
