Please take a look at Articles on self-defense/conflict/violence for introductions to the references found in the bibliography page.

Please take a look at my bibliography if you do not see a proper reference to a post.

Please take a look at my Notable Quotes

Hey, Attention on Deck!

Hey, NOTHING here is PERSONAL, get over it - Teach Me and I will Learn!


When you begin to feel like you are a tough guy, a warrior, a master of the martial arts or that you have lived a tough life, just take a moment and get some perspective with the following:


I've stopped knives that were coming to disembowel me

I've clawed for my gun while bullets ripped past me

I've dodged as someone tried to put an ax in my skull

I've fought screaming steel and left rubber on the road to avoid death

I've clawed broken glass out of my body after their opening attack failed

I've spit blood and body parts and broke strangle holds before gouging eyes

I've charged into fires, fought through blizzards and run from tornados

I've survived being hunted by gangs, killers and contract killers

The streets were my home, I hunted in the night and was hunted in turn


Please don't brag to me that you're a survivor because someone hit you. And don't tell me how 'tough' you are because of your training. As much as I've been through I know people who have survived much, much worse. - Marc MacYoung

WARNING, CAVEAT AND NOTE

The postings on this blog are my interpretation of readings, studies and experiences therefore errors and omissions are mine and mine alone. The content surrounding the extracts of books, see bibliography on this blog site, are also mine and mine alone therefore errors and omissions are also mine and mine alone and therefore why I highly recommended one read, study, research and fact find the material for clarity. My effort here is self-clarity toward a fuller understanding of the subject matter. See the bibliography for information on the books. Please make note that this article/post is my personal analysis of the subject and the information used was chosen or picked by me. It is not an analysis piece because it lacks complete and comprehensive research, it was not adequately and completely investigated and it is not balanced, i.e., it is my personal view without the views of others including subject experts, etc. Look at this as “Infotainment rather then expert research.” This is an opinion/editorial article/post meant to persuade the reader to think, decide and accept or reject my premise. It is an attempt to cause change or reinforce attitudes, beliefs and values as they apply to martial arts and/or self-defense. It is merely a commentary on the subject in the particular article presented.


Note: I will endevor to provide a bibliography and italicize any direct quotes from the materials I use for this blog. If there are mistakes, errors, and/or omissions, I take full responsibility for them as they are mine and mine alone. If you find any mistakes, errors, and/or omissions please comment and let me know along with the correct information and/or sources.



“What you are reading right now is a blog. It’s written and posted by me, because I want to. I get no financial remuneration for writing it. I don’t have to meet anyone’s criteria in order to post it. Not only I don’t have an employer or publisher, but I’m not even constrained by having to please an audience. If people won’t like it, they won’t read it, but I won’t lose anything by it. Provided I don’t break any laws (libel, incitement to violence, etc.), I can post whatever I want. This means that I can write openly and honestly, however controversial my opinions may be. It also means that I could write total bullshit; there is no quality control. I could be biased. I could be insane. I could be trolling. … not all sources are equivalent, and all sources have their pros and cons. These needs to be taken into account when evaluating information, and all information should be evaluated.” - God’s Bastard, Sourcing Sources (this applies to this and other blogs by me as well; if you follow the idea's, advice or information you are on your own, don't come crying to me, it is all on you do do the work to make sure it works for you!)



“You should prepare yourself to dedicate at least five or six years to your training and practice to understand the philosophy and physiokinetics of martial arts and karate so that you can understand the true spirit of everything and dedicate your mind, body and spirit to the discipline of the art.” - cejames (note: you are on your own, make sure you get expert hands-on guidance in all things martial and self-defense)



“All I say is by way of discourse, and nothing by way of advice. I should not speak so boldly if it were my due to be believed.” - Montaigne


I am not a leading authority on any one discipline that I write about and teach, it is my hope and wish that with all the subjects I have studied it provides me an advantage point that I offer in as clear and cohesive writings as possible in introducing the matters in my materials. I hope to serve as one who inspires direction in the practitioner so they can go on to discover greater teachers and professionals that will build on this fundamental foundation. Find the authorities and synthesize a wholehearted and holistic concept, perception and belief that will not drive your practices but rather inspire them to evolve, grow and prosper. My efforts are born of those who are more experienced and knowledgable than I. I hope you find that path! See the bibliography I provide for an initial list of experts, professionals and masters of the subjects.

Police and Self-defense

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Thin blue line Hosoi aoi sen [細い青い線]


First and foremost, I am not an attorney and what follows is not legal advice. What is presented is for information only and the reader MUST take up this subject with their self-defense attorney, otherwise what follows is just entertainment. 


Dealing with the police after a self-defense incident is a critical moment that can shape the legal and personal consequences of your actions. Properly handling interactions with law enforcement requires knowledge of self-defense law, communication strategies, and an understanding of your rights. Below is a detailed guide with references to help navigate this situation.


1. Immediate Actions After a Self-Defense Incident


A. Ensure Safety First


• If possible, move to a safe location.

• Check yourself and others for injuries.

• Call 911 immediately and request medical assistance if needed.


B. Call the Police Yourself


• Being the first to call can help establish you as the victim.

• Clearly and briefly state:

• Your name and location.

• That you were attacked and acted in self-defense.

• If anyone needs medical attention.

• A description of yourself so responding officers do not mistake you for an aggressor.


C. Do Not Tamper with the Scene


• Avoid moving evidence unless absolutely necessary for safety.

• If there are witnesses, ask them to stay until police arrive.


2. Interacting with Police


A. Comply but Limit Your Statements


• Remain calm and respectful.

• Do NOT admit guilt or justify your actions immediately.

• Example: Instead of saying, “I had to shoot him,” say, “I was attacked and I defended myself.”

• State only the necessary facts and invoke your right to legal counsel.


B. The Five-Point Statement


A well-known self-defense expert, Massad Ayoob, recommends saying the following to police:

1. “I am the victim.”

2. “I was attacked.”

3. “I will sign a complaint against my attacker.”

4. “There is the evidence.” (Pointing out any relevant evidence like weapons used against you.)

5. “There are the witnesses.” (Identifying people who saw what happened.)


After that, invoke your right to remain silent:

“I would like to speak to my attorney before answering any further questions.”


3. Understanding Self-Defense Laws


A. Legal Principles of Self-Defense


Most jurisdictions recognize common principles in self-defense law:

• Imminence – The threat must be immediate.

• Proportionality – The force used must match the threat.

• Reasonableness – A reasonable person in the same situation would have acted similarly.

• Avoidance (in some states) – Some states require you to retreat if possible before using force (duty to retreat).

• Castle Doctrine – You generally have no duty to retreat in your own home.

• Stand Your Ground (in some states) – Allows using force in self-defense without retreating, even in public.


B. State-Specific Laws


• Self-defense laws vary by state. Check your jurisdiction’s laws on self-defense, especially regarding duty to retreat and use of deadly force.


4. Aftermath: Legal and Psychological Considerations


A. Legal Representation


• Do not answer detailed police questions without an attorney.

• If arrested, remain silent except for requesting an attorney.


B. Handling Investigations


• Even if you are justified, you may still be arrested.

• Expect an investigation, possibly a grand jury, or trial.

• A self-defense claim must be proven; the burden of proof varies by jurisdiction.


C. Psychological Impact


• Many people experience trauma, guilt, or legal stress.

• Consider professional counseling, particularly with experts in post-self-defense psychological impacts.


5. References & Further Reading


• Massad Ayoob, “Deadly Force: Understanding Your Right to Self Defense”

(Covers legal and practical aspects of self-defense, including police interactions.)

• Andrew Branca, “The Law of Self Defense”

(Breaks down self-defense laws by state and common legal defenses.)

• U.S. Concealed Carry Association (USCCA) and National Rifle Association (NRA)

(Provide legal and practical advice for self-defense situations.)

• Local State Laws – Check your state’s specific self-defense statutes.



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