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Zoran -> To Attack or Not Attack by Zoran Sevic (Mar. 5th, 2007, 6:20:14 PM)
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Your back is against a bar. You have people on your left and your right. In your face is a very infuriated person who’s calling you names and threatening you. He’s says, "I’m going to bash your face in". You execute a quick and powerful hand blade to his throat. Your antagonist falls to his knees and is gasping for air. Before you get yourself in any more trouble, you quickly exit the bar, get in your car, and drive away.
In the above scenario, many people would not call this self defense. In my opinion, I call it "self preservation". Most of our techniques deal with a physical attack. In this case you are attacked with the threat of physical harm. Was the person’s actions justified? Or, should they have waited for a physical attack? In my opinion, it was justified, and here is why. - There was no route of escape or space to create distance; You need distance to be able to react to an attack. If the antagonist has any training what so ever, they will not telegraph their strike. Face to face is not a good place to be in that situation.
- There was a threat of bodily harm; Let’s face it, if someone says that they are going to hit you, that is as good as someone throwing a punch. At least in my book. What if someone had said, "I’ve got a gun in my coat and I’m going to shoot you". How many of us would wait until they reach in their coat and see what he pulls out. I’ve been in that situation, I sure as heck didn’t wait then.
- You get home in one peace; Isn’t that what our training is about. It is to me.
So, my question to everybody is, when should it be justified to "pull the trigger". Is self defense only to include protecting your self, and your loved ones, from physical harm? Do we have to wait until the physical attack is made, or is a threat enough? What about honor? I know what the law says, I want to know what you say.
"I come to you with only "Karate" - empty hands. I have no weapons; but should I be forced to defend myself, my principles or my honor; should it be a matter of life or death, of right or wrong; then here are my weapons - "Karate" - my empty hands."
The above quote comes from Ed Parker’s Kenpo creed and is similar to many of the creeds for Karate and other systems. Since nobody has ever tried to physically punch me in my principle, it clearly states that self defense encompasses more than physical attacks. Of course defending ones honor or principles may not always include a chop to the throat. Words or other non violent action could be used to defend higher ideals.
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