Basic Legal Definition of Self-defense

I. Self Defense

A.Involves the right of an individual to repel force with force in protecting his or her person, family members, habitation, and property.


II. Types of Force

A. Non-deadly
B. Deadly

III. Non-deadly Force

A. Is force that is not calculated or likely to cause death.
1. Occasionally death may result.
B. An individual who is without fault may repel an attack with non-deadly force
when three requirements are met.
1. Reasonable cause to believe that the attacker plans to commit a battery
against them.
2. The amount of force used in repelling the attack is not unreasonable
under the circumstances.
3. The loss of the individuals usual rights is unavoidable without the use
of such force.

IV. Deadly Force.

A. May be used by a person who is without fault to save there own lives,
prevent great bodily harm, or to prevent the perpetration of a felony by
surprise or violence against their person, home, or properties.

B. Unless a felony by violence or surprise is involved, the courts have set up four
requirements for the use of deadly force in self-defense.
1. The attacker must act in such a way that the individual in the defenders
position is in immediate fear of death or great bodily harm.
2. While the danger may not be real it must appear to be well grounded to
any reasonable person in the defender's situation.
3. The defender must retreat as far as possible to do so without
encountering more danger.
4. The person who uses deadly force must not be the aggressor and may
not use excessive force under the circumstances.

11 Commandment of Self-defense


1.Never underestimate your opponent. Always assume he/she is dangerous. Don?t get fancy.

2.Use simple easy and effective techniques. KISS: Keep It Simple Stupid.

3.Be sure you are well balanced when delivering a technique.

4.Learn to react instinctively. Be quick and accurate. Do not hesitate.

5.Don?t hesitate to use techniques such hair pulling, eye gouging, biting, and scratching. There are no rules. Anything is fair in a fight.

6.After attacking or counter-attacking, never lose sight of your adversary. Be alert for a continuation of their attack. Never be caught by surprise.

7.Always deliver your blows to your opponent?s weaker areas; knees, eyes, groin, throat, nose, etc.

8.Always yell when delivering a technique. This will momentarily distract and possibly alarm your attacker.

9.Whenever possible, use any available object as a weapon to help subdue your opponent.

10.Always fight aggressively. Use all of your strength.

11.When defending yourself, always fight as if your life depends on it. There is no telling what an attacker?s intention might be.

These are guidelines, and may not be legal or applicable