More Self-Defence Myths Debunked: Part 2

Debunking common self defence myths

Why a part two?

If you read Part One of this series, you’ll already understand how important it is to address the many misconceptions surrounding self defence. Clearing up these myths helps people make smarter, safer, and, most importantly, more realistic decisions about their personal safety. So let’s continue our journey into the world of self defence myths and set the record straight.

Myth #6: “You have to fight back to defend yourself”

It’s true that in some situations you may need to fight in order to defend yourself. However, the myth is that fighting is your only option. In reality, self defence includes a wide range of skills that can help you avoid or manage a threatening situation without resorting to physical force. These include tools like verbal de-escalation, strategic body positioning, and strong situational awareness, all of which can prevent violence before it starts.

Simply learning how to punch, kick, or grapple isn’t enough. A well rounded approach to self defence goes beyond physical techniques, it also includes tactical awareness, verbal skills, and the ability to assess and respond to situations under pressure. True self defence is about having a full toolkit, not just relying on fighting ability.

Myth #7: “Real attacks look like they do in movies”

We wish this one were true, but unfortunately, it’s not. Despite what you might see on social media or in action films, real life attacks don’t play out like scenes where a smaller person takes down ten burly opponents with flawless moves. It would be cool if it worked that way, but it doesn’t. The reality is that violence is fast, chaotic, and often comes without warning. That’s why it’s so important to train for the real nature of violence, no matter how uncomfortable or confronting that might be.

Myth #8: “If I’m attacked, someone will help me”

While we may hope, or even expect, that others will step in to help during a threatening situation, the reality is that the bystander effect often stops people from taking action. There are effective ways to call for help, but they require confidence, clarity, and practice to use well under pressure. The key takeaway is this: you are your own first line of defence.

Having the ability to manage a situation and having a tactical plan in place is your best chance of staying safe. Ultimately, your personal safety is your responsibility, and while help from others is always welcome, you can’t afford to rely on it.

Myth #9: “I can just use my phone to call for help”

In some self defence situations, there may be an opportunity to call law enforcement, but just as often, there may not be. Like many self defence myths, the idea that “I’ll just call for help if I’m ever in danger” oversimplifies a complex and unpredictable reality.

While technology can be a useful tool, it’s no substitute for the physical and mental preparation needed to handle a real life threat. Self defence should be seen as a proactive life skill, not a reactive solution you turn to only when things go wrong. Being prepared means having the confidence and ability to act, not just hoping you’ll have time to reach for your phone.

Myth #10: “It’s paranoid to think about self-defence”

Being prepared isn’t about paranoia. It’s about taking responsibility for your safety and building real confidence. While dangerous situations are thankfully rare in modern society, they can still happen. Accepting this reality doesn’t mean living in fear, in fact, the opposite is true. Preparation increases your awareness, sharpens your instincts, and helps you feel more in control, so you don’t have to fear the unknown.

Final thoughts

We wrote this article because myths around self defence can be misleading at best and dangerous at worst. Hopefully, it’s encouraged you to question the advice you see in Instagram posts or magazine articles, and to think more critically about what real self defence actually involves.

If you’d like to go beyond reading and start learning practical, real world skills from expert coaches, we’d love to invite you to a trial class at our Brixton based self defence school. Come and experience the reality of self defence training in a safe, supportive environment and start building real confidence today.