Self Defence

Victorian Hatpin defence Victorian Hatpin Defence

Summary

Self defence is an innate instinct with which all living creatures are born with to protect our survival above all. Our five senses, some say six, blend together seamlessly to ensure that we are able to protect ourselves from the elements. We observe this not just in mankind, but in beasts that roam the Earth as well. Grazing sheep grow horns to ward off predators, and insects produce venomous toxins to teach those who dare to attach a ghastly lesson. This one common trait connects us all. We live, and we will fight to do so.

History / Origins

ETYMOLOGY

The term ‘self-defence’ is pretty much self-explanatory. It simply refers to someone or something that defends its interest(1). This is achieved through a varied number of methods. To keep the danger away, we either attack first, or learn to fight back. There is not one method that supersedes them all, and most of the time, are used seamlessly together.

BEGINNINGS

Mankind is neither the strongest nor fastest creature around. But we are given – possibly – the greatest gift of all. We are the smartest. Even before civilisation began, we begun searching for ways to extend our ability to live and defend ourselves from predators that will beat us flat in a fist fight. Before we found a way to create enclosed spaces, we invented tools that would give us an edge over the sharp meat-tearing teeth of a lion. Seeking shelters in caves or tree tops, we manipulated natural forms of barriers to prevent beasts from coming close. The curious invention of arrows and poison came about as a mean for us to kill them before they are able to start their attack, giving us the advantage of striking first. These work in perfect harmony to ensure that despite our obvious lack of speed or strength, we were able to thrive and survive.

PRESENT DAY

As we progressed through the ages, our means of defence also grew in epic proportions. From a tiny poison dart with a miserable range of 50 meters, we invented mechanised weapons using the laws of physics and expanded that range to give us a greater edge. We created machines to make up for the speed we lacked, giving rise to carriages and subsequently the automobiles that we greatly rely on today. We began the construction of fences and walls designed to keep wolves away from our homes, all such things in the name of protecting us from the dangers lurking in the dark.

Today, many of us live in modern cities and will never see a tiger or leopard staring us in the eye. However, the biggest enemy still lurks among us – man.

Despite all that we have done, there exist those who will harbour no qualms in hurting another. For whatever desperate reasons they may have, there are those who derive great pleasure from bringing harm and destruction to their very own kind. Perhaps it is for this reason that we have observed an increase in the popularity of martial arts. Martial arts are essentially various forms of specialised fighting techniques, each with a characteristic of their own, designed to bring maximum pain to the opponent. Karate, Aikido, and Judo, are just some of the traditionally Asian forms of self-defence that were introduced to the western world and kicked off with enormous hype. In other societies around the world such as the Philippines, previously lesser known forms of martial arts such as “pencak silat” is also starting to gain huge popularity(2).

FOLKLORE

There is no definitive date as to when the first martial arts came about(3). However, one can assume that it was probably created as a result of wars and battles. Back then, before the invention of guns and bomb, hand-to-hand combat was imperative and soldiers had to be trained it in. From the Ancient Egyptians, the Mayans, or even to the late Ming dynasty in China, it is impossible to pinpoint to a specific date. Today, most martial arts are practiced as a leisure activity, which can be related to the Roman Empire where gladiator games were immensely popular and gladiators schools were even set up to train those chosen to participate in these games. There is just one difference – these fights no longer culminate in death.

Of course, the best form of defence is to stop the attacks from happening at all. This is why societies are forced to today spend huge amounts of money via their governments in maintaining strong police and military forces to supposedly deter potential invaders. With the recent alleged onslaught of terrorism, following the events of 9-11 at the World Trade Centre in NYC, deterrence plays an even greater role, leading to stricter airport checks and the arrests of suspected individuals with ties to terrorist organisations. The aim is not just to fight back, but also to ensure that these incidents never repeat. There is of course much speculation among the public over such precautions being a form of self defence at all, but a form of control via the illusion of terrorism.

In short, self-defence is not just limited to a method or two. It is an intricate web of many layers, all designed to keep us safe from harm.

References

  1. http://www.isdo-world.com/isdo/about-self-defense.html
  2. http://www.megascene.net/?p=8184
  3. http://www.thefightgame.tv/MAHistory.htm
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