Self Defence Today

It is a very different world  from the one where I began my study of Isshinryu.  Vastly Different, especially as self defense is concerned.

I do not mean to imply that the techniques we  teach for potential self defense situations do not work.

Just the environment is vastly different.

Let us talk about just one situation - one case. That being the former Marine who defended a subway attacker, evidently from my point of view, someone who was extremely unstable.

He began to rant and attack as well as threaten other passengers on a subway car which was in motion. The ex-marine stepped in, ostensibly to protect other passengers and used a choke hold which he was trainer to use in the USMC.

With effort the deranged individual was restrained then to eventually died.

Leading to he ex-Marine being arrested and to be prosecuted in court for his actions.

No idea how the wheels of justice will eventually spin this case out.

However the point is that in today's world almost every action you take in self defense is likely to be filmed on camera's or other inividuals video phones. Opening many things that are likely not taught in a self defense class.

Are you explaining current self defense to your students. That while responding to an attacker may be the rational response to protect yourself.  However it may not seem that way to others.

The prevalence of camera's man open many other issues. For example a camera only shows one view. And from the angle the picture is shot it may possible may be interpreted in a different manner that from what you experienced.

You could be faced with criminal prosecution, depending on the local DA's opinion on the matter. Or family members could claim their family member's innocence and bring civis suit against you. Either of such cases could require expensive lawyer bills to defend you.

Of course your student wants to survive, however they also should know what that defense might lead to....

Then there are many, many other issues for contempary self defense. For simplicity I have only discussed one issue.