The best form of self-defense is learning how not to be attacked -by being aware of possible attacks and dealing with them before they happen, and by presenting the appearance of someone who is very capable of dealing with an ATTACK. Training in karate-do develops this.

"I knew this MIGHT happen and I am prepared for it".

But when you are attacked, you have to deal with the "adrenalin RUSH" that clouds JUDGEMENT, and impedes coordination. Simple techniques, practiced many times, with the proper body dynamics, are the best way to deal with this problem. One needs to practice the techniques with a variety of partners, of different ages and sizes. And then keep those reflex actions honed - EVEN when you don't have a work-out partner. Training in karate-do develops this also.

The best form of self-defense is learning how not to be attacked -by being aware of possible attacks and dealing with them before they happen, and by presenting the appearance of someone who is very capable of dealing with an attack. Training in karate-do develops this.

"I knew this might happen and I am prepared for it".

But when you are attacked, you have to deal with the "adrenalin rush" that clouds judgement, and impedes coordination. Simple techniques, practiced many times, with the proper body dynamics, are the best way to deal with this problem. One needs to practice the techniques with a variety of partners, of different ages and sizes. And then keep those reflex actions honed - even when you don't have a work-out partner. Training in karate-do develops this also.