Self-Defence Is Not a Fair Fight – Part 2By Sensei Liam Musiak

Let’s expand on what we already know — self-defence is not just about reacting to danger. It’s about recognizing the type of danger you're in, responding appropriately, and most importantly, knowing when to walk away. The lines between real violence and posturing can blur fast — but understanding that difference might just save your life… and your freedom.

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If They Have a Guard Up, They're Not Attacking (Yet)

This is a key distinction: if someone has put up a guard, they are not attacking you — they’re preparing. That pause creates an opportunity, and what you do in that moment matters.

If they’re covering up rather than coming forward, their motivation may have shifted — possibly backing off or trying to intimidate. That’s when your priority should shift to escape. It’s wise tactically because you're avoiding a dangerous and unpredictable outcome. It's also wise legally — in most countries, including the UK, you have a legal right to defend yourself, not to engage in a mutual street brawl.

If escape isn’t possible, and they’re using their guard as an active flinch response to protect a specific line of attack, then we use our hands to clear that line and counter with purpose. This is why I teach keeping your hands active, not in a passive stance — we’re not boxers waiting for the bell. We’re real people dealing with real threats.

But if you’re both standing there, guard up, at a distance, waiting to strike — that’s not self-defence anymore. That’s what courts, police, and witnesses will call a fight. And unless you’re in an organised ring with gloves on, that’s a foolish legal trap to fall into. Many criminals will try to drag you into this situation — provoke you, square up, bait you into “having it out.” Don’t take the bait.

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De-Escalation Isn’t Weak — It’s Mastery

Let’s be clear: de-escalation isn’t cowardice — it’s control. If you can calm the situation, calm yourself, and avoid the fight entirely, that’s the highest level of self-defence. People think walking away is losing. It’s not. It’s winning everything — your safety, your record, your freedom.

Train yourself to control your emotions under pressure. That might be the hardest part of self-defence — not the strike, not the escape, but staying calm when adrenaline says “fight.” This is where the A.A.E.E.L Code comes into play again — not just as a reaction tool, but as a mindset:

Assess – What’s really happening here? Are you being attacked or challenged? Big difference.

Action – Only act physically when escape is not an option and danger is real.

Ethical – Don’t let ego pull you into a dumb decision.

Escape – If they’ve stopped advancing and are just posturing, that is your exit cue.

Legal – Always ask: “How will this look on CCTV? To police? In court?”

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The Street Isn’t a Dojo – Know the Difference

In the dojo, we bow, we guard, we learn. On the street, real threats don’t always make themselves known until it’s too late. That’s why guards, techniques, and drills are only part of the picture. The real skill is knowing when to fight and when not to.

Understanding the difference between non-consensual criminal violence and a consensual “scrap” is everything. Criminals don’t care about honour — they care about control, power, or desperation. If they want to hurt you, they’ll do it fast and dirty. If someone’s just trying to puff their chest and bait you in, don’t give them the win. Let them “win” the argument — while you walk away safe, smart, and still legally in the clear.

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Final Words: Be Smarter Than They Are

Self-defence is about clarity. Clarity of thought. Clarity of action. Clarity of purpose.

If someone’s guard is up but they haven’t made a move — leave. If you're stuck and can’t leave — act. If you feel pressure rising inside you to prove something — breathe, don’t bite. And if it ever becomes physical — finish fast and get out.

Because in the end, real self-defence isn’t just about surviving a violent encounter. It’s about avoiding it entirely, whenever possible. The best strike is the one you never had to throw.

– Sensei Liam Musiak

Founder of Voracious Karate | Developer of the A.A.E.E.L Self-Defence Code