[2 min read]

👋 Hey Warrior,

Ever heard the saying, "When in Rome, do as the Romans do?"

It's true for travel, food, and even self-defense!

What works to protect you in one place might not in another.

That's why I always say self-defense is both situational AND geographical…

On my podcast, "Trained to Fight" (find it on YouTube), I've talked with self-defense experts from all over the world.

And it's fascinating how their approaches differ depending on where they live and what they've experienced.

For instance, in South Africa, where crime is a big concern, there's a strong focus on preemptive striking and to stop attackers by any means before they can get close.  

But in Europe and Canada (where I live) the laws are much stricter about using force.

You can strike first…

…but it could also get you in serious trouble, even if you were defending yourself.  

Duty to Retreat and Proportionality

In many places, like where I live, you have a "duty to retreat"

This means you have to try to get away from danger before fighting back.  

And if you can't retreat?

Well, you can only use as much force as necessary to stop the attack.

This is called "proportionality of force."

And it’s the courts that decide if your force was proportional!!

The First Strike… Knowing the Rules

This week, we're exploring the "The First Strike" principle.

It's a powerful tool, but it's not always the right choice.

You have to consider the legal ramifications of your actions.

It’s fine to practice in the studio extreme counters or pre-emptive strikes to an attack.

But here’s a warning…

…Before you even think about striking first on the street, you need to understand the legal and ethical rules of self-defense in your area. 

Training and Awareness: Your Best Defense

The best way to stay safe is to be prepared.

That means training in self-defense and developing your awareness.

The more you know about your surroundings and potential threats, the better decisions you can make under pressure.

Final Thoughts

Self-defense is a global issue, but the solutions are often very local.

Train hard, stay aware, and know the laws in your area.

Stay Vigilant,

Paul Simoes

P.S. Let me know. Where are you from and what are the laws in your area. How is self defense generally viewed? Just respond to this email.

P.S.S. Tomorrow, we'll dive into the warrior wisdom of decisive action. Don't miss it!

Become a paying subscriber of Fight or Flight Pro to get access to this post and other subscriber-only content.

Already a paying subscriber? Sign In.

A subscription gets you:

• • Advanced Training Videos
• • Monthly Live Webinars and Q&A Sessions
• • In-Depth Articles and Tutorials
• • Premium Resources and Downloads
• • Monthly Challenges
• • Early Access and Discounts