Originally posted by Kenpo_Norm In almost every jurisdiction under these circumstances you are allowed to defend yourself.
The real issue is was the force you used reasonable under the circumstances. Another issue is that you may in fact be charged with a crime, and have to use Self Defense as your defense to the crime.
It is better to not have to deal with the hassle and not fight.
If you must defend yourself, than go for it within reason!
Mr. Mills spoke about this very thing, last week in Vegas. He said that you have to work on winning both battles, the legal and the hand-to-hand. You can win the hand-to-hand but if it ends up costing you $30,000 in legal expenses then you lost the war.
Step back into a ready position with your hands up and open (already in a fluid fighting stance) and say loudly that you don't want to fight or you don't want any trouble, or something similiar. This helps to set your witnesses. You are ready to go offensive when you get the chance, but with the hands up, open, and not fully extended, you appear completely defensive. Make sure people see this. Like Mr. Billings said, if you are halfway decent you should be able to inflict serious pain without causing too much damage.
