Principle: Get off the line of fire – When faced with a gun, it seems obvious that the first priority is to get off the line of fire. However, when it comes to dealing with a kick or a punch, there is often endless debate about the best course of action. The appropriate response largely depends on the style of self-defense being practiced and the individual’s capabilities.

For seniors or those with limited training, our recommendation is straightforward: prioritize evasion. Simply moving out of the way is often the safest and most effective strategy. Attempting to block an attack can be highly unreliable, especially if you are slower, weaker, or less trained than your opponent. In such cases, blocking should be considered a last resort, to be used only when there are no other viable options.

By focusing on evasion, you increase your chances of avoiding harm while conserving energy and minimizing the risk of injury. Developing the ability to anticipate and move away from attacks is an essential skill for effective self-defense.

Principle: Perpendicular – Many people mistakenly believe that bigger effort automatically leads to a more effective strike. However, the effectiveness of a hit depends not just on the force applied but also on the angle of delivery. For maximum impact, a strike should hit the target surface at a 90-degree angle. At this angle, the force is fully transferred to the target. Conversely, if the strike arrives at a near-zero-degree angle, it merely glances off and loses its effectiveness.

With this in mind, you should avoid presenting an easy target to your opponent. This means not providing a flat surface for a straight punch or push.

When delivering a strike, focus on landing as close to a 90-degree angle as possible to maximize its effectiveness. Similarly, when defending, use movement and angles to reduce the impact of your opponent’s hits.

Principle: Human’s structural power is often directional : To illustrate structural power, consider the example of a toothpick: it is structurally strong when pressure is applied vertically along its length but weak when pressed horizontally on its wide side. This illustrates how structural strength and vulnerability depend on direction.

Humans, with their two-legged stance, are inherently less stable. This means that each person has a “strong line” and a “weak line” of balance. Applying force along an opponent’s strongest line requires significant effort. However, when you target their weak line, even a small amount of force can destabilize them effectively.

Principle: Harmonizing the relationship between steering and the power engine provides the best efficiency – When pushing a car that won’t start, it’s most effective to ensure someone is steering it toward the intended direction. Proper alignment between the steering and the effort minimizes effort by improving efficiency.

EXERCISES – Leg Strength – Leg strength is essential for many daily activities, such as climbing stairs, bending down to lift objects, and more. The same principle applies to self-defense. Strong legs enable you to lift, push, and generate power effectively, making them a critical component to develop.