Most of us don't think about self-defense until it's too late, perhaps assuming we will be able to muddle through a defense of ourselves if the need ever arose-or perhaps believing self-defense is impossible without years of intricate drills and many hours of physical training. The truth, however, is that anyone, regardless of age, size, or background, can learn to improve their safety, avoid or de-escalate threatening situations, or even escape a conflict altogether.