Martial Arts are like a Chain/Self-Defense is like a Chain

I am aware that everyone reading this is aware of the old adage, “a chain is only as strong as its weakest link.” This is why I am using the “Chain” as a symbol of both martial arts and self-defense. Neither is as good as optimal unless every single one of the links that make up the chain that is MA and SD is solid, strong and unbreakable. 

The martial arts are built on the chain that is the fundamental principles of martial systems. The entire system has to be strong and unified in each link, i.e., theory, physiokinetics, theory and philosophy, along with how that is applied to the techniques, etc., one manifests when applying principles in a defense situation. 

Since martial arts can be one of those links in the self-defense chain it becomes doubly and critically important. Self-defense links are, “Conflict communications; Emotional Intelligence; Lines/square/circle of SD, Three brains (human, monkey, lizard), JAM/AOJ and five stages, Adrenal stress (stress induced reality based), Violence (Social and Asocial), Pre-Attack indicators, Weapons, Predator process and predator resource, Force levels, Repercussions (medical, legal, civil, personal), Go-NoGo, Win-Loss Ratio, etc.,” Any one of those links weakens and breaks then your self-defense fails and you fall out of the SD circle.