Building Fences

Which is best

In a self-defenses situation:

• A fence is used to defuse the situation before it leads to your being attacked.
• A guard is used when an attack is imminent and you must be ready to defend against it.
• When having to convince a court that you were not the aggressor in a confrontation, your having used a fence will be helpful in showing that you only acted in self-defense.

Using the fence

When confronted by a threatening person, first position yourself in a nonthreatening manner so you may instantly move to effectively defend yourself or, if necessary, attack the person. Stand in a relaxed fighting stance, which is basically a front stance with the feet just under the shoulders, knees slightly bent, with the body and feet turned 45 degrees away from the attacker. You want to look confident and be ready for action but not appear threatening or as though you are looking for fight. Hold your arms in one of the fences described below until an attack occurs or is imminent, then hold them in a guard.