(Approx 2 minute 10 second read)

Most of the people who visit my page regularly – thank you, by the way – will know that aside from the header that clearly states Practical Karate, much of my writing centers around exactly that.
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Recently, I received a message from someone who claimed that self-defense is unnecessary.
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Oh dear. Here we go again. I sometimes wonder how some people are allowed to walk the streets.
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In response to one of my articles, he wrote: “This is partially nonsense. Martial arts are to protect one’s valuables and loved ones and not to give them up without a fight as stated in the article.”
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He continued: “Only when the assailant has a weapon is any life put at risk. Valuables are worth protecting – and fighting for, if necessary. Strong men and fighters walk away because they can, by choice. Weak men walk away because they have to, with no choice.”
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Now, while there are various techniques and strategies for protecting yourself, one thing that can’t be overlooked is common sense.
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His narrow view fails to consider the many forms that threats can take. Your life is worth far more than any wallet, watch, or phone. Unarmed assailants can still do serious harm, and self-defense is often about protecting yourself from someone who’s determined to hurt you to get what they want.
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Common sense means more than just reacting to violence. It includes avoiding risky situations, being aware of your surroundings, using de-escalation when possible, and knowing when to disengage. Real strength often lies in making smart choices – not just in being able to throw a punch.
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You have to make informed decisions that prioritize safety and well-being – regardless of whether a weapon is involved. A lot of damage can be done with bare hands.
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Let me give an example. Someone very close to me, a 6th dan in her own right, was recently traveling to work by train when a man began walking down the aisle throwing punches in the air – some of them coming uncomfortably close to passengers. What was the right response? To fight? Of course not.
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She used common sense and removed herself from the threat by moving to another carriage. Others did the same. That’s common sense.
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Everything has to be put into context. Things can be replaced, you can’t.
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Incredibly, he added a further comment: “Old people should know better, and children shouldn’t be there.”
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That kind of thinking misses the point entirely. Everyone – regardless of age, gender, background, ability, or circumstance – deserves the right to feel safe and be treated with respect. Blaming victims for being in the wrong place at the wrong time is never acceptable – nor is suggesting that giving up valuables to protect yourself makes you weak. The idea that you must fight to prove strength completely misses the point of self-defense.
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I’ll leave it there.
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The elusive common sense – about as rare as a unicorn in rush hour traffic.
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Written by Adam Carter