[BorBitExatini]

Great insights, enkorat.

There is only one thing that I would add, which is that I think there is an aspect to practical "self-defense" that is not offense or retreat but people overlook because it has nothing to do with fighting. In addition to being aware, you have to be able to defuse the situation. The thing is that sometimes violence comes about because of ego, and in those situations you don't want to provoke any further escalation. Being aggressive and trying to dominate is very often going to cause an escalation. But backing down can sometimes also get you into trouble. It's even more complex if there is more than one person involved.

I think what kendo has helped me understand through learning about seme is that the fight is not between weapons and techniques, it is between the people. Victory or defeat is determined by the interaction between you and your opponent. So being able to read and manage the situation with the other person is the most important thing.