NonViolent SelfDefense, or NSD for short, represents a new paradigm in personal protection. NSD is a self-defense system that has no offensive movements and seeks to do as little harm as possible to an opponent. NSD is not spiritual in nature, has no sporting aspects, and is non-competitive. NonViolent SelfDefense is truly a counter-cultural approach to the problem of interpersonal violence.



NSD has often been characterized as the "Un-martial Art" because it deals with interpersonal violence from the perspective of appropriate response and modulated physical intervention. NSD embraces all the crucial defensive mechanisms found in a "soft" self-defense art while employing non-abusive and non-invasive physical intervention techniques to control and subdue an attacker.

NonViolent SelfDefense, however, is more that just a collection random techniques or "tricks" borrowed from existing martial systems. NSD is a comprehensive physical-defense system composed of integrated core skills based on natural movement, whole-body power, and pliancy. NSD employs the skills of evasion, escape, soft engagement, control, and restraint—and not the violent counter-attacks that are found in corporal self-defense programs.



NonViolent SelfDefense was developed over thirty years ago by Dr. William Paul, a Harvard-trained educational psychologist. Dr. Paul was an international Judo champion, and 5th degree black belt, who wrote his doctoral dissertation on "Nonverbal Communication in Asian Martial Arts." His years of research in mental health institutions in New England led him to the conclusion there was a strong need for a new method of physical crisis intervention that was less harmful to staff and patients. Over time, Dr. Paul developed a comprehensive program of protection and control techniques, integrated with core skills derived from natural body movement, that has become NonViolent SelfDefense.



Although originally developed for use in mental health settings, NonViolent SelfDefense has evolved into a complete, stand-alone system of self-protection. For many years now, NSD has been taught to professionals in the fields of Education, Social Services, Mental Health, Law Enforcement, and Business. NSD has also proved ideal for women's self-defense programs and as an effective counter-measure for teenagers concerned with bullying and the ever-increasing violence at schools.



Anyone between sixteen and sixty, and in reasonably good health, should be able to learn NSD. Because the NSD system is based on natural movement rather than being technique-driven, body memory is an essential component of long-term retention of the core skills. Therefore, partner exercises and group drills dominate the curriculum. NSD classes can be as physically demanding as a good aerobics course.



NonViolent SelfDefense is taught in seminar, workshop, or long-term, on-going training formats. Instruction is hands on much like learning any martial art or in-depth self-defense program. Lecture and theoretical components are delivered at the beginning of each morning and afternoon session. A training manual and DVD are made available to all students. Successful participants are awarded a certificate of completion at the end of the training.