Understanding Self-Defense and Sport Ethics
Health and Physical Education Assignment
Group members Roll number
Abenezer Dagim 2
Abenezer Haile 3
Arsema Sisay 4
Eyosyas Yalew 13
Edlawit Girma 18
Kidist Derege 22
Mersi Nahom 25
Natan Alemayew 28
Rahel Tareqe 30
Ruth Getu 32
Tigist Shiferaw 36
Tigist shemeles 37
Tinsae Ashenafi 39
Trueman Zewde 40
Yohanes Bilisa 43
Grade: 9B
School: BCI Academy
Date: 22-9-2017
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Table of Contents
1. Introduction ……………………………………………. Page 3
2. The Essence and Roles of Self-Defense ………. Page 4
3. Principles and Rules of Self-Defense …………… Page 5
4. Basic Techniques of Self-Defense ……………….. Page 6
5. Sport Ethics ……………………………………………… Page 7
6. Summary …………………………………………………. Page 8
7. References ………………………………………………. Page 9
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Introduction
Self-defense and sport ethics are two essential areas of knowledge that play a major role
in the personal growth and safety of students. In today's world, where challenges and
risks are part of daily life, knowing how to protect oneself and how to behave responsibly
in sports and physical activities is more important than ever. These subjects not only help
students build physical strength and awareness but also guide them to develop moral
values like fairness, respect, discipline, and courage.
Self-defense empowers individuals to stay safe in dangerous situations by teaching them
how to avoid, prevent, and respond to threats without unnecessary violence. It helps
learners gain confidence, self-control, and mental readiness. On the other hand, sport
ethics ensures that physical activities are carried out with honesty, teamwork, and good
sportsmanship. It shapes the character of students and promotes peace, cooperation, and
leadership.
This assignment explores the meaning, importance, and impact of self-defense and sport
ethics. Each section explains the roles, principles, techniques, and values that students
must understand and apply in their lives—both inside and outside the classroom.
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The Essence and Roles of Self-Defense
Self-defense is more than just a set of physical techniques—it is a comprehensive
system of awareness, decision-making, and preparedness that allows individuals to
safeguard themselves against threats or harm. As students and young people grow
up in an increasingly complex world, having the knowledge and skills of self-defense
becomes essential for both physical and psychological well-being.
The role of self-defense extends far beyond simply reacting to an attacker. It
includes cultivating awareness of surroundings, avoiding risky situations, and
developing the confidence to assert oneself when necessary. For example, students
walking home late or traveling through unfamiliar environments can use self-
defense awareness to avoid danger before it even begins.
The essence of self-defense lies in the idea of prevention. If a situation can be
prevented or avoided, then that is the best outcome. Students learn to read body
language, trust their instincts, and set personal boundaries. These are mental self-
defense techniques that are just as valuable as physical ones.
At the same time, self-defense boosts self-esteem. Students who feel confident in
their ability to protect themselves are less likely to become victims of bullying or
intimidation. This confidence affects their posture, their communication, and their
presence in daily life. It builds a foundation of personal strength that contributes to
leadership and resilience.
Self-defense training can also be integrated into school curricula to help young
learners develop both physical competence and psychological readiness. Group
training exercises, such as simulated scenarios, not only teach how to handle threats
but also how to respond under pressure. This group setting fosters a sense of
community, support, and shared responsibility for safety among students.
Additionally, self-defense empowers people in ways that go beyond physical threats.
It can help young people stand up for themselves in peer pressure situations or
resist dangerous social influences. Knowing your rights, recognizing manipulation,
and being assertive can all be part of a broader concept of self-protection.
In conclusion, the essence and roles of self-defense are vital in shaping confident,
alert, and capable individuals. It promotes both physical safety and mental strength,
ensuring that students are not only able to defend themselves when necessary but
are also prepared to avoid danger altogether.
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Principles and Rules of Self-Defense
The principles and rules of self-defense guide how and when it should be used.
These principles exist to protect not just the individual, but also the legal and moral
integrity of society. They make sure self-defense is practiced wisely, ethically, and
only when necessary.
The first principle is awareness. This means being fully conscious of your
environment and identifying situations or individuals that may pose a threat. For
example, noticing someone following you or behaving strangely can help you react
before a situation escalates. Avoiding distractions like loud music or texting while
walking alone is part of staying alert.
The second principle is avoidance. If danger can be escaped without confrontation,
that should always be the choice. Walking away, changing direction, crossing the
street, or calling for help are all valid self-defense strategies. The best self-defense is
one that avoids harm altogether.
The third principle is assertiveness. This doesn’t mean being aggressive, but rather
standing tall, speaking confidently, and showing that you are not an easy target.
Many attackers look for individuals who appear weak or distracted. Confident
posture, eye contact, and a firm voice can discourage potential threats without any
physical confrontation.
The fourth principle is proportionality. This means using only as much force as
necessary to protect yourself. For example, if someone tries to grab your bag, using
a strike to the arm may be enough to escape. However, continuing to attack after the
threat has passed could result in legal consequences.
Legal responsibility is a key rule. Self-defense must be justified by immediate
danger. The use of force must stop once the threat is gone. In Ethiopia and most
countries, using excessive force can lead to criminal charges. Students must
understand that protecting oneself does not give them the right to harm others.
Another important consideration is emotional control. When confronted with
danger, fear or anger can cloud judgment. A well-trained person in self-defense
learns how to stay calm, assess the situation, and choose the best course of action
without panicking or escalating the conflict unnecessarily.
Finally, ethical awareness must accompany all self-defense actions. Individuals must
always reflect on whether their actions were necessary, fair, and done with the
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intent of protection, not harm. By understanding and applying these principles, self-
defense becomes not only a right but a responsibility.
Basic Techniques of Self-Defense
Learning self-defense means becoming familiar with several simple but effective
techniques that can protect you in real situations. These techniques are designed to
be accessible to all ages and fitness levels, using speed, leverage, and timing rather
than brute strength.
One basic technique is the block. Blocking protects vital areas of the body, such as
the head or chest, from incoming attacks. A high block using the forearm, for
instance, can deflect a punch aimed at the face. Practicing blocking helps improve
reflexes and prepares you to defend without hesitation.
Another critical technique is escaping from grabs or holds. If someone grabs your
wrist, shoulder, or neck, you can learn specific twisting and pulling movements that
exploit natural weaknesses in the grip. These are often called breakaways, and they
are essential for creating space and getting away.
Striking techniques are also part of self-defense. These include palm strikes to the
nose, knee strikes to the thigh, or kicks to the shin. These strikes are not about
fighting to win—they are used to surprise the attacker long enough for you to run
away and seek help. Targeting vulnerable spots increases effectiveness with
minimal effort.
Defensive posture is equally important. Keeping your hands up in front of your body
protects your head and torso while showing that you are ready. Footwork also plays
a role—knowing how to pivot, sidestep, or retreat quickly can help you control
distance and avoid being caught off-guard.
Beyond physical movements, verbal defense is also a technique. Loudly yelling
commands like “Back off!” can surprise an aggressor and alert others to help. The
voice can be a strong self-defense tool when combined with body language.
Training regularly under supervision helps students correct mistakes and build
habits. It also helps students understand their limits and strengths. Learning these
techniques builds not just strength, but confidence, quick decision-making, and
resilience in real-life stressful situations.
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Sport Ethics
Sport ethics is a code of conduct that guides behavior in all aspects of sports. It
involves values like honesty, integrity, fairness, respect, and teamwork. These values
ensure that sports remain a tool for unity, health, and character development rather
than just competition.
Fairness is a fundamental pillar. It means following the rules of the game, respecting
officials’ decisions, and accepting both wins and losses gracefully. Cheating, whether
through doping, bribery, or lying about performance, destroys the integrity of the
game and undermines the work of honest athletes.
Respect is the heart of all ethical sports behavior. Athletes must respect their
opponents, teammates, coaches, and fans. Even when the game becomes intense,
violence and insults are unacceptable. A respectful athlete builds a positive
reputation that inspires others.
Another key aspect is responsibility. Athletes must take care of their bodies, follow
training programs, and act as role models in and outside of sports. Discipline in
practice and during games reflects commitment and dedication. Responsible players
improve the whole team.
Sport ethics also includes teamwork. No matter the sport, success often depends on
how well the team works together. Sharing the ball, trusting teammates, and
communicating effectively all rely on ethical principles.
Teaching sport ethics in schools builds more than better athletes—it builds better
people. Students learn the value of effort, humility, and cooperation. They learn how
to lead and follow, how to deal with failure, and how to support others.
Additionally, sport ethics discourages harmful practices like favoritism,
discrimination, or verbal abuse in sports settings. When athletes, coaches, and
institutions embrace ethics, they help promote equality and inclusion for people of
all abilities, genders, and backgrounds.
Ultimately, sport ethics transforms the playing field into a classroom for life. It
teaches skills and values that extend beyond the game into every part of our lives.
By promoting fairness, respect, and responsibility, sport becomes a powerful force
for good in individuals and society.
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Summary
In conclusion, self-defense and sport ethics are powerful tools that help students
grow into strong, responsible, and respectful individuals. Self-defense teaches more
than just how to protect the body—it trains the mind to be alert, calm, and confident
in the face of danger. It gives students the courage to stand up for themselves and
the wisdom to avoid unnecessary conflict.
Sport ethics, on the other hand, shapes how students behave during games and in
everyday life. It encourages fairness, teamwork, respect, and discipline, helping to
build a positive attitude and good relationships with others. These values make
sports more enjoyable and meaningful while also preparing students to succeed in
all areas of life.
By learning and practicing both self-defense and sport ethics, students gain the
physical and moral strength they need to lead safe, successful, and honorable lives.
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References
1. Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, Ministry of Education. (2023). Health
and Physical Education Student Textbook for Grade 9.
2. OpenAI ChatGPT (2025). Personal assistance in explaining and expanding
educational content.
3. https://www.safeselfdefense.com/basics – Basic techniques of self-defense.
4. https://www.olympic.org/ethics – Information about ethics in sports from the
International Olympic Committee.
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