Self-Defense Techniques

In real life self-defense situations, many of the classical techniques taught in Taekwondo may not be useful. This may be due to a number of variables, such as space limitations, attire, weather, number of attackers, etc. To overcome these variables, you must use a common sense approach to prepare yourself for possible attack

Martial arts schools teach different versions self-defense. Some teach techniques that only work against a cooperative opponent, such as some release moves. Some teach outmoded techniques, such as, when defending against an attacker who is choking you from the front with both hands with arms extended, you should thrust your arms straight up between the attacker's arms to break the choke and then slam your palms onto both the attacker's ears. Some teach techniques that, even if used in self-defense, would be unlawful acts, such as multiple strikes after the attacker is incapacitated. Some teach techniques with elaborate movements that would be tantamount to suicide if used in an actual self-defense situation. 

There are an endless number of self-defense techniques but the one thing they all have in common is the intended purpose of preventing or minimizing harm caused by a physical attack. Some techniques cause lasting no harm to the attacker, while others are intended to injure or kill the attacker. Most of the techniques work under the right circumstances, but the problem is in picking the right technique for a particular circumstance. No one technique will work under all circumstances. To be effective a technique must allow for changing circumstances.