What is Self Defense? Unfortunately, Self Defense is a phrase that is thrown around a bit loosely in the martial arts community. Most people think it is to be used in a highly realistic situation. This is true. However, there are several types of highly realistic situations. Combative/Military Unarmed tactics is a common misrepresentation. Combative/Military Training such as Military Sambo or Krav Maga is based upon the concept that you are a soldier/operative in a battle/mission with an enemy. You have the training and usually official permission to KILL the enemy. You would have prefered to kill this enemy with your gun or knife but since for some reason that is unavailable to you, crippling or killing the enemy with your bare hands is the best you can do. IMPORTANT: This is NOT Self Defense. Self Defense is designed for a CITIZEN to protect themselves from violent attack. Killing/Crippling an enemy when you are unarmed is Unarmed Military/Combat Tactics. This type of training is valid and good at what it was designed for. However it does not have much practical application for a normal citizen. Another misuse of the phrase Self Defense is that you are going to "defend" yourself (or your pride/honor) by physically dominating your opponent. IMPORTANT: This is NOT Self Defense. This is fighting. There is a big difference between defending yourself and not getting messed with because you are a capable fighter.