What is self-defense?

The best way to look at self defense is a way in which you are able to defend yourself if need be, rather than an offensive movement. It is more of a way of defending yourself in any situation. There are many aspects of self-defense. Obviously, there is martial arts training, weapons and things of that nature. Everybody should know some form of self-defense, whether it's being an expert in a lethal key chain or learning how to use a pepper spray, and not just carry one. You could also learn martial arts if you are capable of handling the movements and everything that is involved in martial arts. Self-defense is one of those things you never know when your are going to be put in a situation where you need to defend yourself or you need a run, which some people do. You defend yourself and you walk away or you do your best to defend yourself and you still get mugged, but at least you put up a good fight. That's the best way to look at it. Somebody looking at you funny is not a reason to fight. Somebody putting their hands-on you, meaning you have been engaged in a struggle, is a really a good reason to fight back. What you are attempting to do is to deter any further active violence against you or deter them altogether from continuing the attack.