ABOUT US
Many times pages such as this bore you with a long drawn-out histories. That is not our intent here. Instead, we want you to learn how we think about self defense and how that affects what we teach.
THE DEFINITION OF SELF DEFENSE
Self defense is the right to protect oneself, and in some cases others, against violence or threatened violence with whatever force or means are reasonably necessary.
Three questions are usually asked in most self defense cases:
Who was the aggressor?
Was the defender's belief that self-defense was necessary a reasonable one?
If so, was the force used by the defender also reasonable?
THE REALITY OF SELF DEFENSE
Obviously the goal is never to be in a situation where the defending yourself or those around you becomes necessary, but it may happen. How does the definition and questions about self defense translate over to actually using self defense? Or, more precisely, how does that affect what we do and how we teach here at Triangle Kenpo Institute? Let's take a look at the questions one by one...
Who was the aggressor? What we teach is only to be used in a defensive manner, period. Misuse of the skills taught at TKI to instigate an altercation is grounds for immediate dismissal.
Was the defender's belief that self-defense was necessary a reasonable one? The first step that occurs in any defense situation in acceptance. Acceptance of the fact that protecting one's self may be necessary. This primarily comes about through environmental awareness, knowing what is happening around you at any given time. Self defense is rooted in the belief that people should be allowed to protect themselves from physical harm. This means that a person does not have to wait until they are actually attacked to act in self defense. If a reasonable person in the same circumstances would think that they are about to be physically attacked, they have the right to strike first and prevent the attack.
If so, was the use of force used by the defender also reasonable? Kenpo is designed to act quickly and decisively to end an attack. To the untrained eye is often looks like the attacker is overwhelmed by by a flurry of damaging moves by the defender. Naturally the question arises, "How much is enough?" The answer lies in the reaction of the attacker. In Kenpo you are taught that there are ways to regulate your response to an attack, to cease your defense when the individual is no longer a threat. In Kenpo techniques (responses to attacks), there are natural places in the technique known as "points of stop" where ceasing the attack is natural and will not put you in a vulnerable position. Through the process of learning Kenpo techniques and these points of stop, you will develop the awareness of knowing when "enough is enough". Remember that as a defender you have a legal and moral obligation to stop when the threat is neutralized.
We look forward to seeing you at Triangle Kenpo Institute.
Call 919-395-3607 or E-mail us for further information. |
