What Is Self-Defense?

In an increasingly unpredictable world, many people seek ways to feel safer and more confident in their daily lives. One of the most empowering paths to personal safety is through self-defense. But what exactly is self-defense? Is it simply about learning how to fight back, or is there more to it?

At its core, self-defense is the ability to protect oneself from harm. But the concept goes far beyond physical techniques. True self-defense begins with awareness, includes prevention, and — only when necessary — involves physical response. It’s a mindset, a skillset, and a way of living with confidence, not fear.

Self-Defense Is Not Just Fighting

Self-defense is more than knowing how to strike — it begins with awareness, prevention, and smart decision-making.

When people hear the word “self-defense,” they often think of punching, kicking, or escaping from an attacker. While physical techniques are certainly part of it, self-defense is much broader.

Effective self-defense starts before anything physical happens. It includes:

• Recognizing danger before it becomes a threat.

• Avoiding high-risk situations when possible.

• Setting clear personal boundaries.

• Using assertive body language and communication.

• Staying calm under pressure.

These skills are often overlooked, but they are the first line of defense. In fact, the best self-defense situations are the ones you avoid altogether.

The Legal and Moral Aspects

Understand how the law views self-defense in Japan and why proportional, necessary response is essential.

Self-defense is also about making responsible decisions. In most countries, including Japan, self-defense laws allow you to protect yourself only if your actions are necessary and proportionate to the threat.

This means:

• You can defend yourself if you're under immediate threat.

• You cannot use more force than necessary.

• Once the threat is gone, the use of force must stop.

Learning self-defense helps you stay within these boundaries. It teaches you to make fast, clear decisions — to de-escalate when possible and act decisively when there is no other option.

For more information about the legal aspect of self-defense visit our Blog Post Self-Defense Law in Japan

Awareness: The Foundation of Safety

Why paying attention to your surroundings can help you avoid danger before it starts.

One of the most powerful tools in self-defense is awareness. This doesn't mean being paranoid or afraid, but simply being more present and observant.

For example:

• Do you notice who is around you when you walk home at night?

• Do you scan for exits in a crowded space?

• Can you tell when someone is acting in an unusual or threatening way?

Developing awareness can help you avoid danger altogether or prepare to act before things escalate. At Krav Maga Global Japan we train students not just physically, but mentally — to stay sharp and composed under stress.

Confidence and Body Language

Learn how your posture, presence, and voice can reduce your chances of being targeted.

Self-defense training isn’t only about protecting your body — it’s about transforming your presence. People who walk confidently, make eye contact, and show calm, assertive energy are less likely to be targeted by predators.

Criminals often look for easy victims — people who appear unaware, distracted, or passive. By improving your posture, voice, and mental strength, you can project a different image: one of strength and control.

Many of our students tell us that after a few weeks of training, they already feel more confident walking down the street or commuting at night. That’s the power of self-defense beyond the physical.

Physical Techniques: Simple, Effective, and Realistic

Discover how Krav Maga equips you to defend against real-life threats with easy-to-learn, adaptable movements.

When avoidance and de-escalation fail, physical defense becomes necessary. This is where systems like Krav Maga come in.

Krav Maga, developed for the Israeli Defense Forces, focuses on practical, real-world scenarios. It’s not a sport, but a method of survival. The techniques are designed to be:

• Easy to learn.

• Effective under stress.

• Suitable for all body types and fitness levels.

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In our classes, students learn how to defend against common threats such as:

• Grabs and holds.

• Punches and kicks.

• Knife threats and attacks.

• Chokes and ground attacks.

  
  

We also train how to use everyday objects for defense and how to escape safely from dangerous situations. Most importantly, we teach principles — not just techniques — so that students can adapt to any situation, not just repeat memorized moves.

Mental Training and Fighting Spirit

In self-defense, mindset is everything. Learn how to stay calm and act under pressure.

In a real confrontation, emotions run high. Fear, adrenaline, and hesitation can make it hard to act. That’s why self-defense also includes mental preparation.

Training regularly helps you build the ability to:

• Control fear and stay calm.

• Make decisions quickly.

• Keep moving even when you’re tired or stressed.

• Never give up — even in the most difficult situations.

  
  

This mental strength, what we call fighting spirit, can make all the difference. It’s what allows a smaller person to overcome a larger aggressor — not by being stronger, but by refusing to give up.

Who Needs Self-Defense?

Everyone. From teenagers to busy professionals — anyone can learn to stay safe.

The short answer is: everyone.

Whether you’re a student walking home at night, a parent who wants to protect their family, or someone who simply wants to feel safer in everyday life — self-defense gives you tools for peace of mind.

We train:

• Teenagers and adults.

• Women and men.

• Beginners with no experience.

• Experienced martial artists who want practical street defense.

At our school in Tokyo and Yokohama, classes are welcoming and adapted to each person’s level and goals. You don’t need to be fit or strong to start. You just need the will to take that first step.

Check our Blog Post about Does Women's Self-Defense Really Work? How Krav Maga Can Help Women Protect Themselves

Self-Defense Is Empowerment

It’s not about fear. It’s about knowing you have the skills and mindset to protect yourself and your loved ones.

Self-defense is not about living in fear. It’s about taking control. It’s about knowing that no matter what happens, you have the mindset and tools to protect yourself and your loved ones.

When you learn self-defense, you become more aware, more confident, and more prepared — not just for threats, but for life itself.

Many of our students come to us feeling unsure or vulnerable. After training, they walk with their heads held higher, their movements more decisive, and their voices more confident. That transformation is what self-defense is truly about.

More Questions & Answers About Self-Defense?

Q. What legally counts as “self-defense”?

A. In Japan, you can protect yourself or someone else if you’re facing an unlawful attack that’s happening right now. Your response has to be necessary and not go too far. If you overdo it, it can be considered “excessive self-defense,” which sometimes reduces punishment but doesn’t erase it. For more understanding about self-defense law check our blog post Self-Defense Law in Japan

Q. Do I have to wait to be hit? When can I act first?

A. No. You don’t need to take the first punch. If a threat is clearly about to happen and you must act to stay safe, the law allows it. But the danger has to be real and immediate—not something that might happen later. If the threat isn’t imminent or there were safer options (e.g., escape), your actions may not qualify as necessary.

Q. How much force is “too much”? What is excessive self-defense?

A. The law expects your response to match the level of threat. If someone pushes you, answering with a weapon or serious injury may be judged as “too much.” The goal is to stop the attack, not to punish the attacker. Every strikes you give must be justifiable.

Q. What should I do right after using self-defense?

A. Once the immediate threat has ended, quickly check whether you’ve been injured. Ask yourself: is the attacker still a danger, or are there other potential threats nearby? If possible, move to a secure location before calling the police (110) to report the incident. If you’ve been hurt, seek medical attention promptly. When speaking with police, stick to the basic facts, and if the situation is serious, consider consulting a lawyer.

Q. What’s the “best” self-defense system?

A. There isn’t a single “best.” What matters most is choosing a reputable organization that teaches realistic self-defense, has a qualified instructor, and includes realistic self-defense scenarios. A good class should prepare you for real-life situations, not just look good in the dojo. For more information about self-defense system check our blog post Self Defense Classes in Tokyo — How to Choose the Right Training for You

Q. Do I really need to spar?

A. You don't need to spar if you don't want to. But sparring (light fighting) is important because it teaches you how techniques actually feel against a resisting partner. It also helps you learn to handle stress, adrenaline, and the unpredictability of someone who does not cooperate. Through sparring, you begin to understand timing, distance, and how to adapt when things don’t go as planned.

Q. Does size or strength matter, or is technique enough?

A. Both play a role. Bigger and stronger people naturally hit harder, but technique and smart tactics can make a smaller person very effective. That’s why Krav Maga training focuses on using simple, efficient movements that don’t depend on brute force.

Q. How long before I’m basically “competent”?

A. In general, you can learn some effective techniques in just a few sessions, but it also depends on your coordination, ability to learn new movements, and how often you train. If you train once or twice a week and do a little at home, you’ll quickly pick up the basics. The more consistent you are, the faster it sticks. Skip too long, and skills fade—so short, regular practice works best.

Q. Is women’s self-defense really effective?

A. Yes—when it’s taught properly. Programs that mix verbal skills, boundary-setting, and physical techniques have been shown to make a big difference. Many women walk away with more confidence, and studies show these classes reduce the risk of assault. For more information about women self-defense check our blog post Does Women's Self-Defense Really Work?

Q. Is training dangerous—will I get injured?

A. Good schools keep things safe. Expect a few bumps and bruises, but serious injuries are rare if the training is supervised and controlled. Good gyms use protective gear when needed, teach proper warm-ups, and scale intensity so beginners can learn safely.

Q. Why do I need to learn striking techniques in self-defense training?

A. Striking is a vital part of any realistic self-defense system. Blocking a punch or escaping a grab may protect you for a moment, but it won’t necessarily stop the attacker. That’s why Krav Maga training emphasizes immediate counterattacks to stun or deter the aggressor. Striking is also crucial if you’re caught in a hold, as a well-placed blow to a vulnerable spot can loosen the grip and give you the chance to escape.

Q. Can I use wrist locks to control an aggressor?

A. In a violent self-defense situation, grabbing the wrist of an aggressive attacker is never easy, especially under stress, and it becomes even harder against a stronger opponent. That doesn’t mean wrist locks are useless — they can work in lower-risk situations against a weaker aggressor, or when combined with strikes and other wrestling or grappling skills. However, as a primary tool for self-defense, they are not reliable on their own.

Ready to Start?

Self-defense isn’t just about techniques—it’s about building confidence, awareness, and the ability to protect yourself and others. Don’t just read about it—experience it. Join our Krav Maga self-defense classes in Tokyo and Yokohama today and take the first step toward feeling safer and stronger in your everyday life.

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