Self Defense

[Mel Asher]

Originally Posted by WudLuv2try

Often I find myself 'LOOKING FOR TROUBLE'.

Instead of looking for safe way out, I look for trouble.

But I shouldn't do that. Instead, I should tell myself,

It's OK to just back off. Let it go.

The real enemy is FEAR. This causes us to over-react, to go weak at the knees, become paralysed with indecision, to crap ourselves etc. when faced with what we perceive as a threatening situation. The legal position on using force as a response varies considerably from country to country, and it is not always possible to argue successfully that one's own violent response was either appropriate or reasonable. With such a possibility it is essential to control the Fight or Flight reaction to be able to respond cooly and objectively. As has already been pointed out, Walking Away from aggression is best if it can be achieved without provoking further aggression and you're not already placed in a no-place-to-turn position.

Self Control is extremely difficult in situations of extreme danger. To reach this level of Zen a number of Martial Arts do offer a way. It seems a contradition in terms for a Martial Art to claim to be primarily defensive, but this is indeed the case with one or two. Classical Aikido is a case in point where an Advanced Practitioner would consider it a retrograde step to use more force than was necessary to achieve neutalisation of an adversary. Almost every class I have ever attended ( and I have lost count of how many ) every Instructor has always pointed out that Walking Away is the hardest thing that anyone can do, even for the most advanced practitioner.
And in situations that you cannot avoid ? The system of training allows you to remain calm and respond / think swiftly and to make the right choice, even if it has to be a violent one ( for ' violent ' read also ' passive ' ) A couple of Karate schools promote similar ideas.

And how long does it take ? Basic competency 2 to 3 years. Near total self-confidence a lot longer.

Add to this a course or two on Accepting and Managing Directed Anger, and you will feel real good about yourself, and equally aware that you don't know it all !

Meantime, other precautions are common sense. Minimum money and no credit cards in wallet, avoidance of dark places etc. The list goes on.

I also rely on an extensive a vile collection of insults, aggression and smarm. And it is surprising how effective a touch of ' Black Humour ' can be.

I agree. Fear stalks our streets in places unsavoury, so by all means be prepared.