Self-defense
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unverifiable material may be challenged and removed.
Self-defense (U.S. Spelling) or self defence (International) refers to actions taken by a person to prevent another person from causing harm to one's self, one's property or one's home.
While the term may define any form of personal defense, it is strongly associated with civilian hand-to-hand defense techniques.
Self-defense defines a civilian activity as opposed to Hand-to-hand combat in a military context.
Contents
[edit] Forms of self-defense
[edit] Unarmed
Many styles of martial arts, usually Asian styles, such as Ju Jitsu, Karate, Taekwondo,Wushu and Ninjitsu are practiced for self-defense. Some styles train almost exclusively for self-defense (Wing Chun, Krav Maga), hereby putting emphasis on the bodies' weakest pressure-points [1]. Others still, are practiced for other reasons and not intended for self-defense at all (eg Tai-Chi, Tae Bo). However, some martial arts that are practiced primarily for sport, such as boxing or judo can be effectively applied for self-defense.
However, despite the presence and use of these complicated martial arts forms, unarmed self-defense can be taught with a minimum of self-defense moves/techniques. As such, instead of spending time in learning all these techniques, a person can be trained in self-defense in a minimum of time. This is the goal of systems such as Krav Maga[2] or Women's Self Defense[3]. As can be seen in a documentary by NGC, by learning less than 10 moves a person can learn to put up a effective self-defense (often with lethal or permanently incapacitating consequences for the attacker). Probably the least intrusive counterattack includes the hitting of the ears, which still allows to (completely) disable a opponent, yet without causing too serious injuries to the attacker.
In order to assist people in learning self-defense techniques, dojos and self-learning video's have sprung up. Self-defense courses are intended to give the layperson some instruction in self-defense in a short period of time.
[edit] Armed
- See also: Castle Doctrine
In some countries, it is legal to carry weapons (for example knives, firearms or pepper spray) on one's person for purposes of self-defense. In other countries this may be illegal or may require license. In countries as the USA, wearing weapons as knives (and firearms) has become increasingly difficult, as anti-arms lobbies are advocating against it. In response, organisations (as eg KnifeRights.org) have begun campaigning for their right to remain carrying weapons as knives. [4]
Everyday objects, such as shivs, or body spray, can also be used for self-defense, however they are not likely to be as effective as purpose built weapons.
[edit] Personal Alarms
Personal alarms are a way to practice passive self-defense. A personal alarm is a small, hand-held device that emits strong, loud, high pitched sounds to deter attackers because the noise will draw the attention of passersby. Different models are available, including key chain alarms and child safety alarms designed to help parents keep kids safe. Child alarms often function as locators or device alarms such as triggering an alert when a swimming pool is in use to help prevent dangerous situations in addition to being a deterrant against would-be aggressors.[5]
Pepper spray and personal tasers are other personal alarm options that can be used in self-defense in a less passive way, but they are meant as deterrant and emergency measures rather than assault items.
[edit] National self-defense
In politics, the concept of national or mutual self-defense to counter a war of aggression refers to a defensive war organized by the state and is one possible criterion in the just war theory.
