Page 838 - Complete Krav maga : the ultimate guide to over 250 self-defense and combative techniques

Use of Force: The Rules of Self-Defense

If you are reading this book, especially this chapter, it is safe to assume that you
have an interest in developing your ability to defend yourself. If you are
physically attacked as a target of an aggravated assault, a rape, an attempted

murder or some other violent crime, having the physical and tactical skills to
survive the encounter may truly be a matter of life and death.

Self-defense instructors often teach their students to win at all costs—to do
anything and everything to survive, to punish the assailant for assaulting you.
Some may believe these statements to be true; however, such advice is usually
proclaimed out of context and may have significant, negative, long-term, life-

changing ramifications that involve legal battles in both civil and criminal
arenas. You should be familiar with use of force law and its effect on your right
to use self-defense, even deadly force, should the need arise. You must be
prepared to win the battle on the street, while conducting yourself lawfully and
ethically so that you survive the legal battles that may follow in the courts.
Bottom line: know the law in your state! Here are some things to keep in mind:

Retreat Rule: If you know you can retreat without risking injury, you must do
so.

“True Man” Doctrine: If you did not initiate the encounter, you are not
obligated to retreat (so long as your assailant still poses a threat) even if you can
do so safely.

Castle Doctrine: An exception to the retreat rule: If you are in your own home,
you are not obligated to retreat, even under a state following the retreat rule.

Peterson Doctrine: If you’re the initial aggressor you can’t use self-defense as a
justification for a use of force, unless you’ve made a good-faith showing that
you wanted to stop fighting.

If you do get into a situation that escalates into a physical altercation, follow
these after-action suggestions:

• Contact the police and your legal counsel as soon as possible.

• If you or the assailant are injured, obtain medical treatment by notifying the