There are words that seem almost exiled from certain environments. Self-defense is one of them.
Sometimes it becomes a true taboo. Merely bringing it up can feel like stepping into forbidden territory.
In many martial arts circles, talking about defense and self-defense immediately sparks debate. Discussions range from the effectiveness of techniques to the validity of teaching methods. Controversies often emerge: some argue that no system can truly prepare a person to cope with the extreme stress of a real assault. Others question the very need for self-defense courses, seeing them as little more than a placebo that fails to work on an individual’s inner peace -something martial practice should ideally foster.
The fact that debate ignites every time the topic arises points toward an undeniable reality: violence exists. It takes many forms and quietly infiltrates countless aspects of personal and social life.
Because while news headlines often focus on brutal acts of physical violence -frequently amplified by editorial strategies that rely on sensationalism and fear- the reality of violence runs much deeper and remains largely hidden.
Violence can be verbal, economic, coercive, and manipulative within relationships. It becomes psychological in many forms across domestic and professional environments, including stalking and workplace harassment. It affects schools and young people through bullying, then expands into cyberspace through cyberbullying, hate speech, and revenge porn. Finally, and tragically, it can escalate into harassment and physical or sexual violence.
More than personal opinions, data speaks.
Across Europe, a major study promoted by the European Institute for Gender Equality found that 31% of women have experienced violence, with nearly 18% suffering it from a partner. Italy reflects similar numbers.
But these are not just statistics. These are people.
In Italy alone, we are speaking of approximately seven million women. And since specialists believe the phenomenon is significantly underreported -due to shame, fear, or possible retaliatio- it becomes reasonable to say that when we walk down the street and cross paths with three women, there is a strong possibility that two of them carry, in their past or present, the scars of violence.
This is a true epidemic requiring cultural, personal, social, and institutional action.
The legal system attempts to read social change and provide frameworks and tools to contain, prevent, and address violence once crimes have occurred.
Society -particularly the non-profit sector- works tirelessly to provide people with practical tools and skills to confront violence constructively.
This is the context in which self-defense courses emerge.
From our experience with the MGA (Global Self-Defense Method within FIJLKAM), martial practice and self-defense should be considered separate dimensions.
Most people simply do not have the time or desire to spend years practicing martial arts- which usually take place within controlled rules, on a tatami, among people where harmful intent is absent.
What people often need instead is a practical toolbox.
Many people -and many women among them- are unaware of the rights guaranteed by law. Many do not know the legal conditions necessary to invoke self-defense. Certain legal narratives and social perceptions sometimes create the dangerous illusion that violence carries little consequence or that “anything goes.”
By offering clear legal education, the Method also provides simplified training that helps participants regain awareness and focus while raising attention levels- the first and most important step in prevention.
On the physical side, escape and containment techniques improve psychophysical responses under stress and increase the chances of reaching a positive outcome when physical confrontation becomes unavoidable.
Over the last decade, our growing involvement in self-defense has shown us that “defense” is a vast subject requiring seriousness and professional competence. Ignoring it risks leaving the field in the hands of unqualified individuals promising to transform anyone into an unbeatable machine.
Experience has also introduced us to many people struggling with conflict itself -an unavoidable part of human existence.
We clash. Sometimes emotionally. Often verbally. And unfortunately, at times physically.
We have met wounded individuals for whom even simple exercises -breathing, voice projection, and learning to firmly say “No!”- become the first step toward rebuilding dignity damaged by the behavior and insensitivity of others.
This is the immense mission of those who teach the Global Self-Defense Method and of all people who, in different ways, work to place individuals back at the center of their rights and responsibilities.
And this is where martial practice and self-defense finally converge.