Brief History of Self Defense
The origin of self-defense in Anglo-America is believed to stem from the pollination by the
Normans, subsequent to the Norman Conquest of England in 1066, of the Anglo-Saxon
conception of the sanctity of life with more refinement Continental ideas. By the beginning of the
fourteenth century, justifiable homicide preserving the king's peace—the execution of a felon
sentenced to death or one resisting capture—was distinguished from excusable homicide or se
defendendo, for example, in self-defense. In 1769, Blackstone explained that justifiable homicide
could only be killings required by law that promoted the social good.
Five Basic Skills needed in Self Defense
1. Taking the Hit – The body is capable of sustaining damage without getting injured. It’s all on
where you’re getting struck. Take for instance blocking. The arm connects with a fist preventing
it from striking your face. Sure it may hurt but not enough to take you out of the fight.
2. Having a Quick Response – This doesn’t just cover your attack response but also your
DEFENSIVE response whether it be blocking, weaving etc. Drills that force you to think on your
feet help in creating a fast positive response skill.
3. Controlling the Situation – This skill is referred to as Awareness. Simply having good technique
and a good physique is not enough! Using awareness skill, surveying the situation, controlling
one opponent and pushing them into the others allowing to escape seems the more logical choice
4. Proper Footwork – Footwork helps with stability and balance. Drills that help defend against
attackers with Wrestling or Jujitsu training is best given these types of styles focus on getting
their opponent to the ground.
5. Keeping Hands Up – It’s easy to drop your hands when not thinking about keeping them up
which results in exposing the face and ribs to the attacker. Drills uses to help with this skill
include our “Pattern” and various “Focus Mitt” drills.
FITT goals-based training
Cardiovascular Flexibility Muscular Muscular Strength
Endurance Endurance
Frequency 4-5 times per Every day (warm- 3 times per week 3 times per week
week up)
Intensity Train at 50-60% 1-3 reps 1-3 reps Light-moderate
of target heart rate
Type of activity Jogging, boxing Hamstring stretch, Plank, push-ups, Lifting weights,
seat side straddle sit-ups. Walking cycling
lunges
time 30 minutes to 1 10 minutes 20 minutes 30 minutes
hour
Safety Protocols in Self-defense
The law has long recognized the right of a person to protect himself or herself from harm under certain
circumstances even when that conduct would otherwise subject that person to criminal culpability. Self-
defense is considered the right to prevent harm to oneself by using a sufficient level of counteracting
force. Self-defense can be used as a defense in violent crimes under state or federal law. Additionally, this
may be a defense in some civil cases. Self-defense rules and processes vary by jurisdiction. States have
different rules pertaining to self-defense. Some of these differences apply to when self-defense is allowed.
Another difference is how much force the victim is permitted without entering into criminal culpability.
Benefits of self-defense in managing stress
Exerting yourself through punching or kicking exercise bags or fitness programs like TACFIT can be
highly beneficial in relieving stress levels which may be impeding on your mental health. Learning self-
defense can also improve stress management for taking things on one at a time, completing a task and
moving on to the next, leaving you feeling clear of mind and focused.
