Self-defense, just like the martial arts, should be learned in a progressive manner. The very simplest techniques are learned first, then later once more proficiency is gained, more advanced techniques are taught. The defenses against the most simple of attacks are learned first and then the more difficult attacks later on. One does not learn to run before they walk, neither should one learn attac
ks against knife attacks before the student has gained proficiency in defending against unarmed attacks. You will find that in many instances the very same principles apply against a grabbing attack can be used in defending against a punch. In other words, the techniques and principles learned at the very beginning stages make up the building blocks that apply to more difficult attacks.
