Attempting to reconcile such opposing concepts as self-defense and nonviolence may be viewed as an exercise in futility. This, however, is what we attempt to do here in the most concrete way possible. While acknowledging both the limitations and strengths of a rigorously nonviolent approach, we propose that it is possible to effectively apply humane principles to physical crisis intervention and personal protection.

What we present here is a fully integrated system for training in the practical application of nonviolent principles to the context of interpersonal violence. This is not merely a course in self-defense. It is rather a form of personal training offering a variety of sophisticated methods that teach essential skills of nonviolent defense and physical control that are both safe and practical.

This system is an attempt to respond to what has become a national health crisis of epidemic proportions. Interpersonal violence, once isolated to the back alleyways and fringes of society, now affects virtually every aspect of our lives. It impacts not only the safety of our schools, homes, and businesses, but also drives up the cost of health care. This endemic violence infects all parts of our economic and social well being and places increasing demands on our mental health, human service, and law enforcement professionals who must respond to it on a daily basis. There is an ever-increasing need for intervention skills that are adaptive in a wide array of crisis and emergency situations, and yet are relatively easy to learn and apply.

The methods taught herein are highly functional, but learning these skills and attitudes requires significant training and dedication. Basic core skills must be practiced in a variety of spontaneous training situations over a long period of time before the student will be able to cope with the random and highly unpredictable nature of interpersonal violence and aggression. This approach to nonviolent intervention requires great skill, activity, and presence on the part of the defender.

It is also important to note that this system has its limitations. Learning this or any other method of physical intervention that purports to be relatively nonviolent simply provides a margin of advantage or safety—not a magical umbrella of protection. We do not propose that these skills, even performed at a high level of competence, can somehow provide total immunity to violent attack. However, if these methods are practiced and applied assiduously, the probability of a safe and successful outcome will be increased significantly.