Self Defense As a Core Value

The ethics of self-defense is a complex issue with no simple answers. There are many different factors to consider, such as the severity of the threat, the imminence of the threat, and the alternatives to using force.

I recently came across a study called “Practice Evil” that contradicted everything I know about martial arts, humans, and ethics. The researcher claims that people who study martial arts must have some kind of need to hurt others, or they might enjoy it as they practice full contact and learn how to hurt one another. This claim is based on the barrier theory of evil, which is the idea that most people have a natural aversion to harming others. The theory also holds that some people are able to overcome these barriers, either through innate ability or through training.

This study is flawed for many reasons:

1. It does not take into account the many different reasons why people might study martial arts. For example, some people study martial arts for self-defense, while others study them for fitness or competition.

2. The study does not consider the fact that people who study martial arts are often taught self-control and discipline. Martial arts teach you how to control your emotions and how to use your body effectively. It does not teach you how to hurt people. 

3. The study does not consider the fact that people who study martial arts often do so to overcome traumatic events, physical and emotional. Martial arts can be a powerful tool for healing and empowerment. It can help people feel safe and confident in their own bodies.

4. Not enough evidence to support the claim that people who study martial arts are more likely to be violent. In fact, I believe that most people who study martial arts become better people and are more likely to remain law-abiding citizens who would never use their skills to harm others.

5. Martial arts are often taught in a safe and controlled environment. Students learn how to use their skills responsibly and ethically. They also learn to respect their opponents and avoid violence whenever possible.

6. Lastly, decent martial art schools won’t accept a person who’s not attending class with pure intent to learn and integrate into the important communities that form on the mat.

This study is based on a flawed understanding of martial arts and human nature. Not everyone who studies martial arts is a potential criminal. It’s safe to say that most people who study martial arts are law-abiding citizens who would never use their skills to harm others.

Furthermore, martial arts training helps reduce anxiety over personal safety, balance our bodies and mind in countless ways, and helps us feel a part of a community that is based on empowerment.

The decision of whether or not to use force in self-defense is a personal one.
 

We must weigh the potential consequences of our actions against our own values and beliefs. There is no easy answer, and each situation is different. While some people believe it is never right to hurt another person, even in self-defense, there are others who believe it is sometimes necessary to use force in self-defense to protect one’s own life or the lives of others. 

The problem begins when the person they need to defend against isn’t sharing their values. That’s a tough situation to be in. If someone is trying to hurt you badly and won’t stop unless you hurt them, it’s important to remember that you have a right to defend yourself. You don’t have to let someone hurt you just because they’re bigger or stronger than you.

In simple words, I believe this study is ridiculous. It is based on a flawed understanding of martial arts and human nature.

Some people believe it is never right to hurt, let alone kill another person, even in self-defense. They argue that all life is sacred and that we should never hurt anyone or take another person’s life, no matter the circumstances. 

Others believe it is sometimes necessary to use force in self-defense to protect one’s own life or the lives of others. They argue that we have a right to defend ourselves from harm, including the right to use deadly force if necessary. * I am sure the writer of the study shares this opinion.

The law may not always agree with our personal beliefs on self-defense. In some cases, one may be legally justified in using force to defend oneself, even if one would not have been justified from an ethical standpoint.

I also believe that the barrier theory of evil is too simplistic. It does not consider the many different factors that can influence human behavior. For example, statistically, people who are abused or neglected as children may be more likely to commit acts of violence, regardless of whether they have studied martial arts or not.

To conclude – Not only is there no evidence to support the claim that people who study martial arts are more likely to be violent, but in my experience, such training helps reduce anxiety over personal safety, balance our bodies and mind in countless ways, and help us feel a part of a community that is based on empowerment.

It’s safe to say that most people who study martial arts are law-abiding citizens who would never use their skills to harm others.

“With great power comes great responsibility.” ~Benjamin Franklin


I always tell my kids that villains and superheroes are not so different. They both have superpowers. The difference is in how they use those powers. Superheroes use their powers to help others, while villains use their powers to harm others.

We all have the power to make a difference in the world. We can choose to use our power to help others, or we can choose to use it to harm others. The choice is ours.

And in the end, it is our choice that defines us. We can all be heroes, or we can all be villains. But it is our values and discipline that will determine how we choose.

The Ethics of Krav Maga

I believe it is important to have within your values the right to defend yourself and do whatever is necessary to keep yourself safe. I hope that you act in a way that is consistent with your own values.

The ethical rules of Krav Maga are aligned with the law. There are no rules in self defense, but there are two guidelines.

  1. Do everything in your power not to get hurt:
    This emphasizes the need to avoid violence if possible. If you can avoid getting hurt without using violence, that is always the best option, however, if you are in a situation where you need to defend yourself.
  2. Use your knowledge according to your needs:
    This emphasizes the need to use the minimum amount of force necessary to stop the attack. You don’t want to hurt the person more than you have to.

In simple words, don’t allow anyone to hurt you, but let the punishment fit the crime. Don’t overreact— engage in the minimum response to reach maximum results.

The ethical rules of Krav Maga are aligned with the law. There are no rules in self defense, but there are guidelines. Only two, but if you live by them, you will find the answer:

The ethics of self-defense are further complicated by the fact that the law often does not align with personal beliefs. In some cases, we may be legally justified in using force to defend ourselves, even if we would not have been justified from an ethical standpoint, and vice-versa.

I will sum it all up in one sentence; Imi’s most famous quote is “So that one may walk in peace.” The aim of Krav Maga is always to serve self-protection and allow peace of mind and a safe body.

Do something amazing,

Tsahi Shemesh
Founder
Krav Maga Experts

"KRAV MAGA EXPERTS HAS CHANGED MY LIFE"

SEE WHAT WE ARE
ALL ABOUT

JOIN THE MOST EFFECTIVE PROGRAM IN NEW YORK CITY