What is "self-defense"?

Self-defense refers to the use of reasonable force to protect oneself from harm. This concept is grounded in the understanding that individuals have the right to defend themselves against threats or attacks. In scenarios where an individual is faced with imminent danger, self-defense allows them to take protective measures to avoid injury or harm, ensuring they can act in a way that is justified and proportionate to the situation.

The focus on "reasonable force" is crucial; it means that the response should be appropriate to the level of threat faced. For example, if someone is threatened with a minor attack, responding with excessive force would not typically be considered self-defense. Understanding this concept is important for distinguishing between self-defense and aggressive behavior, underlining that self-defense is a reaction to an immediate threat rather than an initiation of violence.

Contextually, options that involve preventing someone from training or attacking first do not align with the principles of self-defense, as they do not concern protecting oneself from harm. Similarly, practicing martial arts for exercise doesn't inherently involve the self-defense component, as it could be pursued without any immediate need to protect oneself.