Self defence is a broad term and can be a little misleading. Sometimes defence is not defence but offence . And self defence covers so much more than how to handle an attacker - it also encompasses avoiding the situations where you might be attacked.
I think MA is about the art of fighting, not just defence. While it has useful applications in self defence, its primary aim was not just defence.
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Behold, I see my father and mother.
I see all my dead relatives seated.
I see my master seated in Paradise and Paradise is beautiful and green; with him are men and boy servants.
He calls me. Take me to him.