A startling revelation
When I was thirteen years old and enrolled in martial arts; I used to
help my instructor teach "Women's Self Protection" clinics at the
local fitness center. I was shocked one day to hear my instructor Dave
Cady who was then a local law enforcement officer say, "This is not
self defense; this is self protection. It's okay to strike first,
because you were protecting your self and in fear of your life." I was
interested in this because I have never heard a Karate instructor say,
that it was okay to strike first. The Traditional Martial arts dogma
is that you should never strike first and always use your martial arts
in retaliation right? I always remember listening to other martial
arts teachers saying, "You should always avoid using your martial arts
and warn everyone before a confrontation, "That you know Karate".
Since that day I was so intrigued with the possibility that there is a
difference between a protective and defensive mind set, I have spent a
life time researching, studying and following this philosophy.
Learning natural laws of action versus reaction
Fast forward a few years later; I was attending a training seminar
with the late Master Stan Hart, who was an expert in bio mechanical
movement and bodily reaction. I recall quite clearly he told the class
that, "Action is always faster than reaction." He explained that in
spite of all of the hoopla spread out by so many other black belt
martial artists; no matter how much or what "secret" technique you
think you know, if someone takes the first shot you will not be
faster. It simply comes down to a matter of timing. He then proceeded
to demonstrate the matter through a series of practical exercises. The
bottom line that he communicated is that it is always better to get
the first shot in or get out.
The basics of security and development of protective thinking
In 1996, I joined the Army and began to learn all about security and
protection. I began to learn about situational awareness, pre emptive
striking and positioning my self in difficult positions to be
attacked. I learned that if I allowed myself to be a victim or a
target, then I would be. My security and protection training in the
military brought me full circle. I began to actually look at the terms
defense and protection and truly define them. What I came to realize
and accept was simply that the word "defense" implies that one is
reacting to an attack or assault. The term "protect" refers to a
proactive effort in keeping one safe from attack or assault. I then
pieced things together, that with defense meaning to react and
protection meaning to be proactive (meaning action) in securing one's
self. I relate this to Master Hart's training, "Action is quicker than
reaction." Master Cady telling the women in our clinic, that it is
okay to strike first finally made sense. Through my years training
with him, I learned that in a court of law one really can be allowed
to make a pre emptive strike if they can validate that they were in
fear of their life. As a cop Master Cady has been to court and seen it
all. He explains that in the law of self protection it really can be
anything goes to an extent; if one feels that their life truly was in
danger.
Evaluating when the time is right to strike
How does one validate knowing when their life is in danger? This
answer is simple,....always. When you are attacked in an alley, or in
public by a criminal; there is no doubt this person wants one thing,
to hurt or kill you. Your life is in danger. The answer... Can one
person kill you?....Yes! Do you always know when, where and how many
people will attack you?....No! Can multiple attackers kill
you?....Yes! Do you know if they are carrying a deadly weapon (and all
weapons are deadly)? ....No! When is your life in danger? ...Always!
To coin the phrase, "I would rather be tried by twelve than carried by
six."
The best defense is a good offense
When it comes down to it in the end; you have to be willing to make
the decision to be active instead of reactive. Would you rather take
the chance of allowing your self to be attacked; or would you rather
use your gut instinct and make the first move. There is a term in
Japanese known as "Ikkyo" meaning to step in or enter the attack zone.
This term relates to the first technique deciding the last. This term
was used by ancient Samurai warriors in medieval Japan. Samurai
warriors would strive to make a battle end in one technique; with the
first being the last. There are many stories of sword battles that
ended with one foul swipe of the sword. This term is equivalent to
today's "He who strikes first strikes last." Ultimately when it comes
down to the mean streets of today's world you have to decide weather
you are a defensive person or one who practices protective methods. On
a final note remember, even in the All American Sport of Football, "A
good defense is a good offense".

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