
WELCOME TO
Clemmons Family Martial Arts
6311 Stadium Drive, Suite H Clemmons, NC 27012
Phone Voice Mail: 336.778.1260
5 Step Self Defense Plan
The following 5 step formula comprises the ideas behind our self defense training. This is only listed as a guide and is used as required in various order, for example, the threat may end after step 3, therefore steps 4 and 5 are not required. To comprehend the formula, you are best to train the situation and awareness during class.
Step 1 Gage the situation
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How serious is the threat to you? You must evaluate the threat in a split second.
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Who and what is around? (how many attackers? any helpers? escape routes?)
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Any weapons at my disposal, what objects can I use to defend or help attack?
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Be in a state of readiness (hands up to shoulder height, palms out).
Step 2 Manage the distance
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If you manage the distance, you manage the damage
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Three-foot rule (the distance where harm can be done)
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You can move faster forward than they can move back, be on the ball of your front foot.
Step 3 Attitude
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Start from a non-threatening manner
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Be humble, "I don't want any trouble", "I have a family", etc.
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Maintain eye contact, do not look away
Step 4 Negotiate or Neutralize
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If you have not been touched, you have a duty to retreat. Can you escape the situation by running away? If so, run away. This is the best option.
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If you can escape but chose to fight, that is not self-defense. You cannot sucker punch first lest you legally become that attacker.
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Can you talk yourself out of the situation? If so, this is the second-best option.
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You do not have a duty to retreat if you have been touched, grabbed or punched.
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For this to be self-defense you must use the least amount of force necessary to stop the attack
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Injuring or maiming your attacker could lead to charges of using excessive force and/or lawsuits.
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If they do try to punch you, you want to step into them and strike first. By stepping into them, it’s harder for them to throw a punch because you’re in so close. Generally in street fights, whoever throws the first punch usually wins.
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Never throw just one punch or execute just one technique.
Step 5 Submission
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Continue attacking until your opponent seeks to withdraw or can't continue
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Pin the attacker with a joint lock or choke and request pain compliance
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In NC, if your opponent submits or seeks to withdraw you must let him.
“Always remember your Hapkido Skills are never to be misused and are only to be applied in a Self-Defense situation when there are absolutely no other means of escape.” Grandmaster Bong Soo Han



