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Self Protection Versus Self Defense - "Action is Quicker Than Reaction"

Author: Andrew Curtiss
Date Posted: February 15, 2009

A startling revelation

When I was thirteen years old and enrolled in martial arts; I used to help my instructor teach "Women's Self Protection" clinics at the local fitness center. I was shocked one day to hear my instructor Dave Cady who was then a local law enforcement officer say, "This is not self defense; this is self protection. It's okay to strike first, because you were protecting your self and in fear of your life." I was interested in this because I have never heard a Karate instructor say, that it was okay to strike first. The Traditional Martial arts dogma is that you should never strike first and always use your martial arts in retaliation right? I always remember listening to other martial arts teachers saying, "You should always avoid using your martial arts and warn everyone before a confrontation, "That you know Karate". Since that day I was so intrigued with the possibility that there is a difference between a protective and defensive mind set, I have spent a life time researching, studying and following this philosophy.

Learning natural laws of action versus reaction

Fast forward a few years later; I was attending a training seminar with the late Master Stan Hart, who was an expert in bio mechanical movement and bodily reaction. I recall quite clearly he told the class that, "Action is always faster than reaction." He explained that in spite of all of the hoopla spread out by so many other black belt martial artists; no matter how much or what "secret" technique you think you know, if someone takes the first shot you will not be faster. It simply comes down to a matter of timing. He then proceeded to demonstrate the matter through a series of practical exercises. The bottom line that he communicated is that it is always better to get the first shot in or get out.

The basics of security and development of protective thinking

In 1996, I joined the Army and began to learn all about security and protection. I began to learn about situational awareness, pre emptive striking and positioning my self in difficult positions to be attacked. I learned that if I allowed myself to be a victim or a target, then I would be. My security and protection training in the military brought me full circle. I began to actually look at the terms defense and protection and truly define them. What I came to realize and accept was simply that the word "defense" implies that one is reacting to an attack or assault. The term "protect" refers to a proactive effort in keeping one safe from attack or assault. I then pieced things together, that with defense meaning to react and protection meaning to be proactive (meaning action) in securing one's self. I relate this to Master Hart's training, "Action is quicker than reaction." Master Cady telling the women in our clinic, that it is okay to strike first finally made sense. Through my years training with him, I learned that in a court of law one really can be allowed to make a pre emptive strike if they can validate that they were in fear of their life. As a cop Master Cady has been to court and seen it all. He explains that in the law of self protection it really can be anything goes to an extent; if one feels that their life truly was in danger.

Evaluating when the time is right to strike

How does one validate knowing when their life is in danger? This answer is simple,....always. When you are attacked in an alley, or in public by a criminal; there is no doubt this person wants one thing, to hurt or kill you. Your life is in danger. The answer... Can one person kill you?....Yes! Do you always know when, where and how many people will attack you?....No! Can multiple attackers kill you?....Yes! Do you know if they are carrying a deadly weapon (and all weapons are deadly)? ....No! When is your life in danger? ...Always! To coin the phrase, "I would rather be tried by twelve than carried by six."

The best defense is a good offense

When it comes down to it in the end; you have to be willing to make the decision to be active instead of reactive. Would you rather take the chance of allowing your self to be attacked; or would you rather use your gut instinct and make the first move. There is a term in Japanese known as "Ikkyo" meaning to step in or enter the attack zone. This term relates to the first technique deciding the last. This term was used by ancient Samurai warriors in medieval Japan. Samurai warriors would strive to make a battle end in one technique; with the first being the last. There are many stories of sword battles that ended with one foul swipe of the sword. This term is equivalent to today's "He who strikes first strikes last." Ultimately when it comes down to the mean streets of today's world you have to decide weather you are a defensive person or one who practices protective methods. On a final note remember, even in the All American Sport of Football, "A good defense is a good offense".

About The Author

Andrew Curtiss is an Army veteran of 11 years. He is author of Combat Application Techniques: Principles Of Destruction (book on Knife and Hand to Hand Combat). Andrew is the former 1995 American Independent Karate Association Men's black belt champion in Kata, Sparring and Weapons. Andrew holds a 2nd degree black belt in Tae Kwan Do and Shurite Kenpo Karate. He is a former kickboxer and current professional Mixed Martial Arts fighter.

Article Source: JKD Street Combat - online collection of articles on self-defense.

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