Taking the offensive when in defense is often a wise tactic. Take the fight to those that started it. Even a defensive boxer throws punched and goes on the offensive as well
That would be a very useful approach to secure victory in a military engagement or a barroom brawl. But, don’t try to claim you were acting in self-defense after taking the offensive.
However, when acting in the lawful defense of others (not applicable here), taking the offensive may well be reasonably necessary to save them. The standard used in assessing the lawfulness any such action will always be its reasonableness in view of all the surrounding circumstances.
But, keep in mind that there is no such thing as a kick-ass mentality exception in the law of self-defense.
