Semantics, definitions, meaning in structure of words, and may others are used all the time to clarify, validate, understand, and learn about the martial arts. We can actually experience email flames where folks will argue adamantly about the meaning of some particular in the systems yet we don't actually attach any more importance to this than its liberality.
I want to point out that the practice of instruction/teaching requires a modicum of explanation, both verbal and written. Verbal/written information if not formed properly with correct verbiage, etc. convey a meaning that may or may not be the intent in the mind of the speaker/writer.
First, remember that everything we do, say or write in practice has meaning. It teaches us something if we are aware/mindful of what is said, written, or demonstrated. If there is a disconnect in these aspects of instruction/teaching then misunderstandings and misconceptions can and do occur.
Why all this rhetoric? Because we may be missing a very, very important outcome of this type of practice. The "articulation of self-defense!" [quote is from Rory Miller]
Mr. Miller as well as others like Mr. MacYoung will explain that your ability to articulate your reasoning in claiming "self-defense" is critical/crucial to your either winning or losing; your guilty or innocence; your ability to come out ok in both criminal and civil court.
Think about it every time you say or write something especially in regards to your teaching/instructing in self-defense. Ask yourself, do you provide this in your self-defense instruction? If not, consider adding it.
If you want the courts to understand your actions as self-defense and/or your non-liability in self-defense then how you articulate that is critical/crucial.
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