What is Self Defense? An answer we should know...

     What comes to your mind when you hear the term self-defense? Self-defense is a term we hear and see all the time in Martial Arts. While we might see this term being used all over the place, do we really understand what people are referring to when they are using the term self defense. When you look up self defense using http://dictionary.reference.com/ here is the definition you would receive:

self-de·fense

  [self-di-fens, self-]  Show IPA

      noun

1.

the act of defending one's person when physically attacked, as by countering blows or overcoming an assailant: the art of self-defense.

2.

a claim or plea that the use of force or injuring or killing another was necessary in defending one'sown person from physical attack: He shot the man who was trying to stab him and pleaded self-defense at themurder trial.

3.

an act or instance of defending or protecting one's own interests, property, ideas, etc., as by argument or strategy. 

     The first and second definition deal with the use of physical force to protect yourself from someone physically assaulting you or someone near you. This is usually takes place as a surprise and there is very little time to think. As a result, it is important to be learning a type of martial art like jiu jitsu where free grappling takes place. One of the students at El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, Aaron was assaulted on his way home from a meeting in San Francisco awhile ago, fortunately to his dedicated training he was able to shrug off the assailant and walk away from the incident without any injury to himself or the attacker. In an ideal situation, the some would argue that a true form a self defense only protects the attacked and does little to no harm upon the attacker. In Aaron's case, a Soccer player gone Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, this was true. However, the second definition in the dictionary would say that might not be the case.  Interestingly, there is another form or type of self defense that is less physical and more mental. 

     While the first and second definitions might deal with what we are more familiar with, the third definition talks about the need to defend interests or ideas, the less tangible materials. Take for instance a term I've learned from martial arts guru Tom Callos, dietary self-defense. Dietary Self-Defense addresses the need and urgency to educate and protect ourselves and children from obesity and diabetes. Take for instance child obesity; Obese children are more at risk of cardiovascular disease, pre diabetes, bone and joint problems, and even social or psychological problems. The long term effects are devastating. With over a third of America's youth classified as overweight or obese, the need to address Dietary Self-Defense as an urgent problem within our community becomes very clear. This summer EDH Jiu Jitsu is committed to addressing more than just Self-Defense, but the multitudes of areas self defense encompasses. 

     So what comes to your mind when you think of the term self-defense? Don't be afraid to ask those around you how they define it. If we are speaking about how we are being attacked by a person, the food we eat, the pills we take, the sun we bathe, the beverages we drink? How do you define self defense and how will you protect yourself and your family from harms way?

El Dorado Hills Self Defense

916 595 4064

See you on the mat!