Self Defence : The Preventive Strike

Self Defence : The Preventive Strike

Frankly, self-defence is a universal subject... but not all that universal. There's a world of difference between what our French instructors preach and what the Anglo-Saxons teach. So why don't we talk a bit about these famous differences, particularly around the pre-emptive strike in self-defence? It's a concept that's beloved across the Channel and across the Atlantic, but one that raises a lot of eyebrows back home. So get ready, we're getting to the heart of the matter.

Chapter 1: Self-defence in France and the Anglo-Saxon countries

Self-defence in France :

In France, self-defence is almost a tightrope walk. Article 122-5 of the Criminal Code says that you can defend yourself, but be careful: only if it's proportionate, if it's immediate, and if you didn't strike before the attack. In short, you'd better not draw your weapon too quickly, or you'll find yourself in the dock.

So our self-defence instructors will tell you: "Don't be over-zealous! Be sure of your response". In short, it's a bit like playing poker with an opponent who already has the cards in his hand.

Self-defence in Anglo-Saxon countries :

So there's a change of atmosphere. In the United States, you're told to "Stand Your Ground". If you feel threatened, there's no need to run: you can strike first and stay put. Practical, isn't it? In the UK, it's a little less rock'n'roll, but they talk about "reasonable force": if you feel your reaction is "reasonable", you can act, even preventively. The room for manoeuvre is clearly wider than in France.

So it's no surprise that, on the other side of the Atlantic, instructors are emphasising the importance of the pre-emptive strike.

For them, it's a key tool, a kind of secret weapon that you have every interest in mastering.

Chapter 2: Why Preventive Self-Defence Striking is Favoured in the Anglo-Saxon World

Tactical advantage :

Striking first is like scoring the first goal in a match. It gives you a psychological and physical advantage, and it throws your opponent off balance. You take control, you increase the pressure on them, you reduce their chances of putting you in trouble and if your shot is good and achieves its goal, psychologically you're back in the game.

The Instructors' Argument:

The Anglo-Saxons will tell you straight out: "He who strikes first has a head start". By being reactive, you're playing with a handicap. By being proactive, you can stop the aggression before it starts. Unstoppable logic... unless French law is behind you with a red card.

In France, even if this argument is tactically sound, it remains a real legal headache. You'd better justify yourself if you don't want to find yourself in police custody.

Here is a video of Lee Morisson :

Chapter 3: The importance of "The Fence" (passive-active guard) for a Preventive Strike

What is 'The Fence'?

Ah, The Fence! It's the Holy Grail of distance management. Geoff Thompson, a self-defence expert, invented this technique to keep your opponent at a distance. Imagine raising your hands in a "calm down, man" kind of way, while getting ready to strike. It's neutral, non-threatening, but terribly effective.

Why is this essential?

Because without distance control, you're finished. If the other guy closes the gap between you, he can hit you before you have time to react. With 'The Fence', you control the space, you save time, and you can pull out your secret weapon (aka the pre-emptive strike) at the right moment.

The Psychological Advantage :

What's more, "The Fence" sends out a clear message: "I'm calm, but careful, I'm ready". Your opponent hesitates, and you've already got the upper hand.

How do you use it?

Simple: do it like a dance. Be fluid and natural, but keep your guard up. Combine 'The Fence' with a pre-emptive strike and you'll be unbeatable. Well, almost.

If you want to find out more about 'The Fence', you can read the article I wrote about it. here.

Chapter 4: The Importance of Reaction Time

The Science of Reaction Time :

Here's a quick lesson in applied physics: on average, it takes a human 0.2 to 0.3 seconds to react to a stimulus. Sounds short, but in a fight, it's an eternity.

Action vs Reaction :

The first to act takes advantage of this time. The other is still thinking when the first shot is fired. In other words, it's in your interest not to wait.

Some Cool Stats:

• Under stress, your reaction time can double or even triple. So it's best to be on the side of action.

Chapter 5: The Importance of Not Stopping After a Preventive Strike

The Danger of Stopping :

Striking once and stopping is like waking a bear with a pebble. Chances are he'll run away, but if he comes back... ouch. Some people, after receiving a blow, give up immediately. They give in to surprise, pain or simply fear. But don't kid yourself: many others become even angrier. And if you give them a window to recover, they'll retaliate even more violently.

Why do we need to keep going?

The pre-emptive strike is an introduction, not a conclusion. Once you've got the upper hand, you need to continue the action to make sure the threat is totally neutralised. This may involve additional strikes, control movements or even a well-calculated escape. But above all, never give your opponent the chance to get back into the game.

Be careful not to overdo it if your opponent is "finished", but don't let yourself be fooled and from time to time the introduction (pre-emptive strike) can also be a conclusion.

In this case, remember to restrain your opponent if you've knocked him out from the start ... and to do this, get into the habit of grabbing your clothes with your weak hand during training.

Anticipating reactions:

Good self-defence training prepares you for these scenarios. You don't strike for fun or to show your superiority, but to guarantee your safety. And that means staying in the action until the situation is completely under control.

Chapter 6: The Influence of Judeo-Christian Culture on Self-Defence

Let's be clear: our culture of forgiveness and non-violence has its limits. When someone says to you "Turn the other cheek" in the street, it can be translated as "Give me the other half of your head to break. Admittedly, that's not exactly the ideal way to stay whole in the face of aggression.

This deeply rooted ideology often leads to restraint, even inaction, even when the situation calls for a rapid and decisive response. So, obviously, it's noble to want to avoid escalation, but in a context where your safety is at stake, this restraint can put you in danger.

The Anglo-Saxon Contrast :

The Anglo-Saxons, on the other hand, take a more pragmatic approach: "Strike before you're struck". It may sound brutal, but it's often the difference between going home unscathed or ending up in hospital.

The Importance of Balance :

That said, it's not about becoming an impulsive brawler. The idea is to strike a balance between your personal values and the need to protect your life. Being prepared also means knowing how to do the right thing at the right time, without losing sight of the most important thing: your safety.

Conclusion

So, preventive strike or not in self-defence? The answer, my friend, is up to you. The important thing is to think before you get into a fight. Your values, your beliefs, your comfort with the idea of striking first: these all play a part. But whatever you choose, be prepared to accept the consequences.

Why this reflection is crucial:

Every choice you make, whether in a hurry or in advance, comes with its responsibilities. By adopting pre-emptive strikes, you are making a bold but potentially life-saving decision. However, it can also put you at odds with the law or your own moral code. On the other hand, remaining passive can cost you a lot more.

Final advice:

Analyse yourself. Understand your priorities, your limits and what you are prepared to do to defend yourself. Prepare yourself mentally and physically, because at the end of the day, your safety comes first. And remember, it's better to be ready and never have to act, than not to be ready when the worst happens. Because in self-defence, the real winner is the one who comes home in one piece.

If you would like to read more articles on the subject, click here. here.