La Self Défense

For nearly a generation, the Académie du Couteau et de la Défense en Situation has provided instruction enabling people to deal with edged weapon threats in order to avoid the worst. But l'ACDS is not solely about knowledge of the knife: above all, it is a method for approaching personal security in a holistic manner.

Self-defence means being able to get out of a difficult situation one has found oneself in through bad luck or poor judgement — not a sporting activity. This work advocates "'non-combat", the desire to live peacefully without being bothered or used as a punching bag. It offers citizens a solution for navigating society serenely as it increasingly makes room for all manner of antisocial behaviour.

It not only teaches how to respond to an attack, but also what to do before and after such an attack. Understanding the process of violence, being aware of one's surroundings, and learning to defuse a deteriorating situation without resorting to force is far more useful in everyday life than practising a combat sport.

Nevertheless, one can become more effective by practising a combat sport or martial art; this is not, however, a requirement in order to be able to cope. Such practice simply helps to improve physical condition, technique and self-confidence. Self-defence and combat sports are neither incompatible, nor better or worse than one another: they are simply different.

The method described in this work is generic and therefore suitable for everyone. As such, those with an interest in personal defence will find here the keys to assist them in their approach.