Mention “self-defense” and images of martial arts experts may are evoked right away, but the reality is a ton more prosaic. Indeed, for most of human history, self-defense was yet another truism, another chore in life, and something of a common affair, too. Speaking of films, one of the most noted transitions in all cinematic history was in 2001 : A Space Odyssey, near the beginning of the film when an ape-man throws up into the air a bone he’d just used as a weapon, said bone then cutting sway to a cylindrical spacecraft afloat in space – so linking war and technology, a connection that’s been observed by many thinkers thru the ages. For a long way from being a relic of uncivilised times, war and struggle is what has made civilization possible! As the traditional Greek historian Heraclitus wrote, war is the father of all things. Or as Vegetius’ Roman army manual advised, si vis pacem para bellum – if you seek peace, get ready for war.
Self-defense should be thought as a selected, then, or a duty – to yourself, for one’s loved ones. It is too often either something scary or something fun, so delaying the right crowd and bringing along the incorrect one. But taken as just another task in life, it can be seen in the proper light and then pursued correctly, which is to point out seriously, with respect and with focus.
In today’s modern environment, self-defense is a load more complicated and also a lot faster. More simple because it needn’t involve eliminating one’s enemy, as in times gone, with blood feuds that can run several generations, but more difficult as it takes real talent not to fatally harm somebody. Indeed, the true martial artist is one so masterful as to be in a position to finely tune their lethality. Such an ability is a complete skills in itself, and requires years of training at the least, not to mention innate talent and who can say what else!
A easier way would be to employ weapons, in particular those which only disables one’s assailant ( s ), and only momentarily so, with no permanent damage incurred. After all, it would be daft to win on the streets but lose in the courts! So this rules out firearms instantly, and even knives, which have great potential for inflicting lethal injury. Stun Guns and Tasers, then, seem to be the best choice, everything considered. They are basically non-lethal but definitely effective, capable of knocking somebody out for as much as a whole half hour at a time, even the drug-fueled. That’s lots of time to run to safety or run for help. A pepper spray is a much cheaper alternative that is’s virtually as effective . Both options are great where authorized by law.