Use of Self-Defense - - Chief Instructor's Blog September 2009

Han Moo Kwan Tae Kwon Do is to be used strictly for self-defense purposes. If options do not exist to avoid confrontation and conflict, Han Moo Kwan Tae Kwon Do can be used to physically defend oneself.

It is highly recommended that each club member spend a certain amount of introspection to determine for themselves what scenarios and triggers need to occur for them to respond with physical self-defense. The triggers and scenarios will be different for each individual based on the circumstances, character, and psychological make-up and it is prudent for each person to spend time introspectively to determine for themselves what triggers would lead them to act in self-defense.

Han Moo Kwan philosophy and its strategies are based on an honorable fighter art with its origins dating back hundred of years. This fighting art is used strictly for self-defense and for improving oneself physically and spiritually. This philosophy and its strategies are not tied to and are independent of any individual society’s legal or moral whims.
· Close the distance
· Be grounded; extend your energy
· Be offensive, not just defensive
· Strike for damage to end it quickly to minimize injuries on both sides
· Get off the line
· Keep it simple
· Focus on the opponent, not just the weapon. The opponent is the one that will harm you
· Fight as if your life depends on it, doing whatever it takes to defend your life and neutralize the threat

It is highly recommended that Club members become familiar and understand self-defense laws. Since one of the major purposes of studying Han Moo Kwan is for self-defense, it is important for all club members to know and be familiar with their legal rights on how, when and to what extent they are allowed by law to use their training. For obvious reasons, instructors will not try to interpret the law(s), but expect each club member to research self-defense laws, understand what their state, city, and county currently have established as the law for the use of self-defense, and seek guidance and advice from legal professionals when required.

Regards,
Kelly

“Karate is a defensive art from beginning to end" ~ Gichin Funakoshi (1868-1957), founder of Shotokan Karate

References
1. Surviving Armed Assaults: A Martial Artists Guide to Weapons, Street Violence, and Countervailing Force by Lawrence Kane, 2006
2. California Civil Code Division 1 Part 2 Personal Rights, Section 50:
http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/
3. California Civil Jury Instructions 1304: http://www.courtinfo.ca.gov/jury/civiljuryinstructions/documents/caci.pdf
4. Hartman, R. (2009). Taekwondo Tutor [Online]. Available: TKDTutor.com [September 2009].http://www.tkdtutor.com/07Defense/Laws/Laws01.htm