Masaaki Hatsumi's statement prioritizes survival above all else, arguing that the effectiveness or style of a technique is secondary to staying alive. His focus is on practicality and the ultimate goal of self-preservation.

The emphasis is not on aesthetics or personal preference in choosing a method, but rather on achieving the most crucial outcome: survival.

This highlights a pragmatic approach to self-defense, where success is measured by one's ability to endure, regardless of the methods employed.

The quote underscores the fundamental importance of survival in any potentially life-threatening situation.