Martial arts are only to be used defensively, Right?

It is common for martial artists to be taught that the martial arts are only for defense. For many years I took this as you may have. By that, I mean that I thought I was not supposed to use my martial arts skills until an attack was actually initiated by someone else. I thought that to strike first was wrong. In some situations that may be true. We should never be looking for an opportunity to hurt some one else. On the other hand we need to be practical in order to keep ourselves safe. Using your common sense is of great importance. My students are all taught to approach all situations that may become violent this way.

1) Avoid (If you think that things may become dangerous leave before anything can happen.)

2) Evade (If an attack is coming and you only have time to respond, evade or move out of the way in such a manner as to leave options as to how you will control the attacker. DO NOT MOVE BACK, the attacker will only attack again.)

3) Neutralize and Control (martial artists have been taught to defend and then back up into a defensive posture. This could get you killed. When an attack comes, neutralize the attack and stay in a position of control. Do not give the attacker the chance to regroup and attack again.)

4) If You can’t Avoid, the attack has not happened, but you know that it will happen, it is ok to attack first. Yes you heard me correctly.... If you know that you will be attacked and you can’t stop it from happening, then attacking first is less risky than waiting for the attacker to attack. If you chose to take this route, be sure to gain control and keep it.

The bottom line is that in some cases attacking first is really using your skills for defense only. Only you can decide if that is necessary.