Best Martial Arts Classes & Defence

Some people are a bit unsure of the links between martial arts, self-defense and the law.

Let's examine that in the context of self-defense classes.

The law

There is some variation here by state & this should NOT be read as a legally qualified statement.

However, in principle, you can use force to defend yourself, provided it is proportional to the threat in question and, whatever it is, is in progress (or has very good reason to believe that the threat is real and imminent).

Martial Arts:

Let's take some examples, certainly a bit absurd, to illustrate these principles:

.       If someone attacks you with a stick or a stick, it is generally considered that you use a proportional force to defend yourself if you pick up a similar bat to avoid its blows. Hitting them back to discourage them from continuing their attack could also be legitimate, up to a point;
.      if they had given up as a result of their defense, continuing to attack them in case they "can do it tomorrow" is probably not legitimate under the law;
.     Crossing the road to physically attack someone who is verbally abusing you may not legally be a self-defense, unless you have a very clear and credible cause to consider that you are about to physically attack. Although there may be some exceptions, in general, getting out of your way to launch a preventive attack does not laugh by law or is called "self-defense";
.     Shooting someone or hitting him because they made fun of you or throw stones at your dog could be described as a totally disproportionate use of force.

How does this affect martial arts

In today's uncertain society, professional martial arts training teaches you to defend yourself in case you are attacked or are under imminent threat. This will provide you with great confidence.

The tutors of a professional Dojo will also teach you limitations, emotional management and absolute self-control. That is because, with your martial arts skills, you will be subject to the same laws as the previous ones.

You are legally authorized to defend yourself, your property and those with whom you are, using your skills as necessary. However, your answers must be proportionate and fully justified by the circumstances. Watching or chasing thugs down the street to "teach them a lesson they will never forget" could be illegal.

Almost all accomplished martial arts practitioners are fully aware of their responsibilities under the law and are impeccably controlled.

Self Defense Classes

Self-defense is not just a legal definition or skills applicable exclusively to martial arts.

Sometimes there are self-defense classes as part of non-martial arts organizations. That could include women's clubs, children's associations or student bodies, etc.

Sometimes these lessons are associated with a local Dojo & the instructors are fully qualified. In some other cases, training can be more informal, less disciplined and sometimes unregulated. Although it is possible and perhaps even a good idea to have a basic training that is not necessarily related to a much more rigorous martial arts training, caution is necessary.

It is absolutely essential if you are taking self-defense lessons as part of another activity, that the person conducting the training is a trained and verified professional. Someone who has "learned some basic concepts over the years" may have difficulty communicating control and proportionality, through appropriate techniques, that may be necessary in a real-life situation.

Remember that if you seriously harm someone by incorrectly applying incorrect techniques that are considered disproportionate according to the law, you can receive a severe sentence.

Don't take risks: take self-defense classes only through fully certified professionals.