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Mel,
I'm with you 100%. This whole "I'd just run away" thing is really starting to drive me nuts. Of course, if running away is an option, then take it. But, running away is not aikido and avoiding conflict is not the aikido way!
It seems that people attach a lot of virtue to running away. I study aikido for those times when I can't avoid a problem or run away from it.
The question from the initial post is whether somebody studying aikido can sucessfully defend him or herself. Yes!
Avoidance, awareness, and common sense really do help. But they are not aikido. Aikido is embracing conflict and controlling it -- hopefully to a mutually beneficial end for both (or all parties). That's the highest goal.
Running away is not aikido!
Rant mode off.
By the way, Mel, I also like your idea that we are responsible for others as well as ourselves. The limits of that responsibility makes for a very deep topic.
Regards,
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