Self-defense: Protect yourself and your loved ones

The world outside is not becoming any more peaceful. Anyone who believes that safety is a given has failed to recognize the signs of the times. At Brothers in Arms, we know that true strength comes from preparation. The topic of self-defense is a necessary duty for every man and every woman today in order to remain capable of acting in an emergency. It's not about seeking violence, but about nipping it in the bud through confidence and the right behavior.

TL;DR: Quick facts about self-defense for emergencies

No time for long hesitation? Here's your tactical briefing: The most important facts about self-defense in a nutshell, so that you can act immediately in an emergency.

• Mindset is everything: Self-defense starts in your head. Be alert, scan your surroundings, and avoid dangers before they arise. Complete conflict avoidance and complete combat readiness are essential.
• Legal framework: In Germany, the principle of self-defense applies (§ 32 StGB). You are allowed to defend yourself, but always choose the mildest, most effective means to end the attack.
• System check: Krav Maga or martial arts as self-defense techniques.
• Tools & weapons: When physical strength is not enough, legal force multipliers can help.
• Women vs. men: Women should rely on their voice and pain points; men often have to control their ego and prioritize de-escalation before resorting to striking.

Be ready when it counts: Your path to effective self-defense

In dangerous situations, seconds often determine your health. If you don't have a clear strategy, you will quickly become a victim. But self-defense begins long before the first punch or kick. It's a question of mindset and experience. In many countries, the need for security is constantly increasing. Whether in a dark alley, near social hotspots, or in unpredictable dangerous situations, you must be able to fend off attacks.

Effective self-defense is a combination of:

• Vigilance: Scan your surroundings and identify potential dangers early on.
• Avoidance: Tactical escape and de-escalation take priority over physical confrontation.
• Technique: If violence is unavoidable, you need to know how to neutralize an attacker quickly and consistently.

The goal is always to defend your integrity. It's about strength, discipline, and the feeling of being in control of the situation. At Brothers in Arms, we support you with the right equipment and the necessary knowledge so that you are prepared for any kind of threat.

What is self-defense? The legal and tactical basis

When we talk about self-defense, we mean the solution to a life-threatening situation. It's not about sportsmanship or trophies. It's about coming home unharmed after an attack. In Germany, the right to self-defense is clearly regulated, but theory and practice often diverge.

Self-defense and emergency assistance: The golden rule

In any dangerous situation, you need to know what is legally covered. The central rule is § 32 StGB (self-defense). Self-defense is the defense necessary to ward off a present, unlawful attack on yourself or another person.

As the defender, the following applies to you:

1. No obligation to flee: Under German law, right does not have to give way to wrong. Nevertheless, avoiding escalation is always the wisest tactic.
2. Proportionality of means: You may choose the defense that will safely end the attack. The use of extreme force must be the last resort.
3. Immediacy: The danger must be imminent, currently occurring, or still ongoing.

Self-defense for women & men

A physical attack usually begins long before the first blow. It begins with the selection of the victim. An attacker is not looking for a challenge, but for easy prey. Your behavior and appearance often determine whether you end up in a dangerous situation at all. Self-protection here means showing presence and setting boundaries.

Self-defense for women: The power of determination

When it comes to self-defense for women, the focus is often on physical inferiority. But that is only half the story. Determined resistance disrupts the perpetrator's plan.

• Your voice as a weapon: Shouting “STOP” or “FIRE” (to attract attention) can throw an attacker off balance. Your voice signals: I am not a defenseless victim.
• Take up space: Be aware of your surroundings. Walking through the city with your head down and headphones on makes you an easy target. Vigilance is the first step to safety.
• Tactics for emergencies: When it gets physical, there is no hesitation. Focus on sensitive areas (eyes, throat, groin). It's not the force that counts here, but the precision and power at the moment of impact.

Self-defense for men: Ego vs. survival

For a man, the dynamics are often different. Here, conflicts often arise from a spiral of escalation. Self-defense for men also means controlling your own ego.

• Avoiding violence: True strength means avoiding unnecessary fights. Anyone who gets involved in a brawl risks their health for nothing.
• De-escalation: Learn to defuse situations early on. But when the danger is imminent and words no longer help, the transition to defense must be explosive and final.
• Dealing with stress: In dangerous situations, your body releases adrenaline. This leads to tunnel vision and loss of fine motor skills. Only through regular training in self-defense courses can you learn to recall clear techniques under this pressure.

OODA loop: Tactical decision-making in an emergency

To gain the upper hand in self-defense situations, professionals (e.g., in the military or police) use the OODA loop:

1. Observe: What is happening in my environment?
2. Orient: What is the situation? Where are the escape routes?
3. Decide: Which solution is best? Escape or fight?
4. Act: Carry out the plan consistently and with full force.

Whether you are a man or a woman, the goal is to overcome your inability to act. Those who are prepared act instead of just reacting. Your goal is to end the situation as quickly as possible and get to safety.

The self-defense mindset: Between total avoidance and absolute determination

In the theory of self-defense, we often talk about techniques, punches, and kicks. But the truth is: In an emergency, your head decides whether you survive. The days of settling a disagreement “outside” and then sharing a beer are over. There are no rules and no referee on the street.

The bitter reality: violence today

Anyone who gets into a physical confrontation today must assume the worst. A dangerous spiral of violence is increasingly being observed in Germany and other countries:

• Sneak attacks: So-called “sucker punches” – unexpected blows from a blind spot – aim to knock you out immediately.
• Weapon violence: The uninhibited use of stabbing and cutting weapons is a bitter reality. A knife attack is often only recognizable when it is too late. Even with years of experience in a martial art such as karate, a targeted stab can cause you to bleed to death in less than 30 seconds.
• No mercy on the ground: As soon as a defender falls, massive kicks to the head or joints often follow.
• Outnumbered: Attackers rarely act alone. As soon as the violence escalates, supposed third parties often intervene and corner you together.

The two mental states of self-defense: The switch in your head

To survive in this environment, you must master two opposing mental frames. There is no in-between.

1. Complete conflict avoidance: There is no place for your ego here. A wounded sense of pride heals faster than an irreversible coma. Use every tactical solution to escape the situation. Escape is not a sign of weakness, but of intelligence.
2. Complete readiness to fight: If the attack is inevitable, you must flip the switch immediately. There is no more hesitation here. Fight with all your strength and be prepared for the unexpected. Only when the opponent definitely no longer poses a threat can you allow the adrenaline to subside in a controlled manner.

Scientifically proven: Your charisma as a protective shield

It's not just theory: Your demeanor determines whether you will be chosen as a victim. A groundbreaking study by psychologists Grayson and Stein (1981) on nonverbal signals from victims showed that convicted criminals identify potential targets based solely on their body language.

The result of the study: Attackers do not primarily pay attention to size or muscles, but to the dynamics of movement. People with their heads down, an uncertain gait, and a lack of attention to their surroundings signal “easy prey.” An upright posture, a firm step, and conscious eye contact (without staring) signal: “This is going to be difficult.” This mindset of defensiveness often makes perpetrators think twice before launching an attack.

Martial arts vs. real self-defense situations

Many people confuse martial arts such as Thai Chi or Taekwondo with real self-defense. While martial arts have rules and referees, attackers on the street show no mercy.

Complicated choreography is of no help here; instinctive defensive reactions are what count. The police often advise de-escalation, but if this fails, decisive action is required. Whether you rely on your bare hands or legal weapons depends on your experience and the environment.

In summary, it can be said that

1. Self-defense is not a sport, but a survival strategy.
2. Your behavior must be aimed at minimizing the dangers to your health.
3. Any kind of confrontation should be avoided in advance through preventive tactics.

Krav Maga: The uncompromising solution for emergencies

When it comes to Krav Maga as an effective form of self-defense, we are not talking about aesthetics or tradition. We are talking about a system that was originally developed for the military (IDF) to make soldiers capable of defending themselves in the shortest possible time. Today, Krav Maga is the first choice worldwide for people looking for a realistic solution to dangerous situations.

What is Krav Maga?

Many people ask themselves: What exactly is Krav Maga? It is not a martial art, but purely a self-defense system. There are no rules, no referees, and no weight classes. The philosophy behind it is simple: survive the attack and get home safely. The system uses natural reflexes that work even under extreme stress.

Why Krav Maga training makes you invincible

Modern Krav Maga training differs fundamentally from traditional martial arts. Here, you not only learn how to execute a clean punch or kick, but also how to neutralize an attacker with all means at your disposal.

The central principles of the training are:

• Simultaneous defense and attack: You don't wait until your opponent is finished. Your defense is already the first counterattack.
• Focus on weak points: In a self-defense situation, there is no fair play. The eyes, larynx, and genitals are primary targets for immediately stopping a physically superior man.
• Simplicity: The techniques are designed to work regardless of your fitness or body size.
• Stress resistance: Real scenarios are simulated in training (e.g., darkness, multiple attackers) to prepare you mentally for an emergency.

Control techniques and tactical behavior

In addition to offensive actions, Krav Maga also teaches effective control techniques. The goal is to bring the situation under control as quickly as possible in order to either escape or immobilize the attacker until help arrives. It's about transforming yourself from a victim into an active participant. Anyone who has experienced the power and determination of this system in training will have a lasting change in their sense of personal safety.

Japanese form of self-defense: tradition meets discipline

While Krav Maga is the modern, uncompromising response to violence, the Japanese form of self-defense offers a path that has been perfected over generations. A martial art from the Far East is often more than just defense; it is a school of life that strengthens the body and mind. But which of these martial arts is really useful in an emergency?

Classic martial arts under scrutiny

In the world of martial arts, there are different approaches to stopping an attacker. Here is an overview of the most well-known styles:

• Jiu-Jitsu: Often referred to as the “gentle art,” it is one of the most effective forms of self-defense. Here, you use your opponent's strength against them.
• Karate: A classic representative of martial arts, where the focus is on precision. A well-aimed punch or a powerful kick can end a fight immediately.
• Aikido: Here, the philosophy of avoiding violence is at the forefront. The energy of the attack is redirected. However, as pure self-defense in highly aggressive confrontations, aikido requires an extremely high level of mastery.

Martial arts vs. street fighting

Let's be honest: not every type of traditional training prepares you optimally for dirty attacks in a dark alley. In many martial arts, fights are governed by rules, but on the street, there are none.

Legal weapons for self-defense: your force multipliers

Physical fitness and techniques are the foundation. But in a world where attackers are often armed or outnumber you, legal weapons for self-defense can make all the difference. We're talking about so-called “force multipliers” – tools that increase your reach and striking power to effectively stop an attack.

Choosing the right tools

Not every tool is suitable for every person. Your choice should be based on your personal experience and the environment in which you live. Here are the most effective tools that are approved for self-defense in Germany:

• Pepper spray: The classic. It is compact, inexpensive, and extremely effective. Make sure that it is officially labeled as animal repellent spray.
• Stun gun: An electric pulse device can temporarily incapacitate an attacker. Important: In Germany, only devices with the PTB test mark are legal. Make sure the battery is always charged so that the device is ready for use in an emergency.
• Tactical pen (Kubotan): An inconspicuous but powerful tool. Disguised as a solid pen, it serves to maximize pain points and reinforce your strike. It is usually not subject to any carrying restrictions and is the perfect EDC (Every Day Carry).

Legal framework for use

The use of weapons for self-defense is subject to strict rules in Germany. Possession is one thing, carrying them in public is another. Find out in advance about prohibited areas (e.g., at large events or in soccer stadiums) so that you do not come into conflict with the law.

Conclusion on self-defense: Theory is good, training is everything

You now have an overview of how you can protect yourself and your loved ones. Regardless of the method, in the end only one thing counts: your ability to act in an emergency. Self-defense is not a goal, but an ongoing process.

Knowledge alone does not give you a sense of security. You have to let this knowledge become second nature. Here is your battle plan:

• Find the right course: Search for self-defense courses in your area. Make sure that realistic scenarios are practiced there and not just rigid forms.
• Get fit: Physical fitness is the basis for any defense. Those who can run faster or strike harder have the tactical advantage.
• Equip yourself: Get the necessary equipment. Emphasize your self-defense mindset with our hoodies or shirts.

Stay disciplined! Training requires perseverance. Don't be a fair-weather fighter; stay on the ball, even when your motivation wanes.

Frequently asked questions about self-defense

Do I have to be extremely fit to be able to defend myself?

No. Fitness is an advantage, but not a prerequisite. Self-defense is about achieving maximum effect with minimum effort. Systems such as Krav Maga use leverage and reflexes so that even physically weaker people can defend themselves against a massive attacker. Disciplined training will improve your fitness as a side effect anyway.

Am I allowed to carry a knife for self-defense in Germany?

Caution is advised here. German weapons laws are strict. Many knives (e.g., one-handed knives or knives with a fixed blade longer than 12 cm) are prohibited. In an emergency, a knife is often used against the defender if they lack the necessary experience. Instead, we recommend legal means such as pepper spray or tactical pens, which offer fewer legal pitfalls and raise fewer questions from the police afterwards.

How often should I train to be truly prepared in an emergency?

Once is not enough. Regularity is crucial in order to instinctively recall self-defense techniques under stress. We recommend targeted training at least once or twice a week. This is the only way to consolidate the movements in your muscle memory so that you don't freeze in shock in extreme dangerous situations.

What is the difference between self-defense on the street and home defense?

The biggest difference is the environment. In your own four walls, you have the home advantage, but you are often limited in terms of space. While escape is the priority on the street, home defense is primarily about protecting your family and retreating to a safe room until help arrives. The tactical selection of your aids should be tailored to this (e.g., pepper gel instead of spray so as not to endanger bystanders).

Is it ever too late to start self-defense?

Absolutely not. Self-defense knows no age. It's about the individual development of your skills. Many self-defense courses offer special programs for seniors or people with physical limitations. Everyone has the right—and the duty—to ensure their own safety.