Sometimes it is necessary to use self-defense to protect yourself, another person or your family. Too little time is spent addressing "what happens next." In my opinion, this question can cause doubt and hesitation when a person is forced to react to a violent encounter. This is a very bad thing.
There are always consequences in a fight. Part of the process of preparation is dealing with the aftermath in your mind before it occurs. We fail as trainers if we do not to prepare our students for what happens "when it is all over." I stress the legal issues and especially the civil ramifications. Preservation of evidence if a weapon is involved is also key. I tell my students to give the police a clear description of what happened, point them to all evidence and potential witnesses and then call an attorney. In the U.S.- anyone involved in a deadly encounter must be cleared by a Grand Jury (cop or not) and unfortunately, the last one standing is many times the suspect...
It is important for students to frame their mindset correctly. They need to be able to articulate that they used the force necessary to overcome the situation and were in actual fear of being severly hurt or killed. They may also need to use force to protect a third person.
- Robert Robb Hamic
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