Freestyle Self-Defence Association

Deciding to begin martial arts training can be one of the best decisions in the life of a man, woman or child. With proper training the karateka (student) will learn self-defense, self-discipline, self-control, respect, and gain in self-esteem and self-confidence. Deciding to begin a training program is the easy part, picking the style to learn is something totally different. Self-Defense Philosophy Ideally, a good self-defense program should reflect these philosophical points in its outlook 1. No one asks for, causes, invites, or deserves to be assaulted. Women and men sometimes exercise poor judgment about safety behavior, but that does not make them responsible for the attack. Attackers are responsible for their attacks and their use of violence to overpower, control and abuse another human being. 2) Whatever a person's decision in a given self-defense situation, whatever action she/he does or does not take, that person is not at fault. Someone's decision to survive the best way she can must be respected. Self-defense classes should not be used as a judgment against a victim/survivor. Good self-defense programs do not "tell" an individual what she "should" or "should not" do. A program should offer options, techniques, and a way of analyzing situations. A program may point out what USUALLY works best in MOST situations, but each situation is unique and the final decision rests with the person actually confronted by the situation. Empowerment is the goal of a good self-defense program. The individual's right to make decisions about her participation must be respected. Pressure should not be brought to bear in any way to get someone to participate in an activity if she's hesitant or unwilling.