Self defence. What is it? What are the principles of good self defence? What do you do when someone is walking behind you? What if someone approaches you at a train station? Tim Brown shows us how he applies the principles of good self defence to answer these questions and more.

Links and further information* Personal Strength Self Defence Training* 5-8 yrs (Little Ninjas)* 8-12 yrs (Ninja kids)* Self defence for teens* Self defence workshops (women)* Self defence short course (women)* Tai Sabaki (mixed)* Personal Strength Self Defence for Women and for Teen Girls ebooks* Personal Defence Readiness System (TM) with Tony Blauer* Lifeline 13 11 14* Iain Abernethy and the Martial Map

TranscriptHello! Today we’re going to answer some common questions about Self Defence. Tim (Brown) is a 5th Dan black belt in Jujutsu. We were junior instructors together back in 2001, and Tim has been practicing and teaching since. We practiced Jujutsu in Sydney, Ninjutsu in Tokyo, and Aikido in Tokyo. In addition, Tim has done training in the Personal Defence Readiness system with Tony Blauer, attended various self-defence workshops over the years, read and critically evaluated multiple books on self-defence, and has published his own (self defence) e-books.Just before we start, I want to acknowledge that some people listening may have had a bad experience. In fact, that might be why you are looking into self-defence. It shows great courage and strength to face these topics and build the skills you need to protect yourself. As you listen to this, if anything triggers uncomfortable memories or feelings, please look after yourself. If you need to, press pause and reach out to a helpline or someone you trust, and only when you feel ready, continue listening. In Australia, you can call Lifeline: 13 11 14. Whether you did as we suggest here, or you didn't, regardless of the choices you made leading up to the incident, it is never your fault for being attacked. We all have the right to live safe and free from violence.Here’s the interview:Interviewer (Nicky Weeks): So, Tim, could you start by outlining the principles of effective Self Defence?Tim Brown: I will answer that, but first I think it’s important to outline what I consider self defence to be – and what it isn’t.