Self Defense

[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.

[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.

[Rachel]

He bravely ran away He bravely ran away. When danger reared it's ugly head he turned his tail and bravely fled Brave, brave Sir Robin

[Mel Asher]

Originally Posted by Rachel

He bravely ran away He bravely ran away. When danger reared it's ugly head he turned his tail and bravely fled Brave, brave Sir Robin

Brits now seem noted for their cynicism, so indeed the popularity of that intrepid band of burlesque Brits Monty Python. But how does a cynic respond to very-real threat ? Not very commendably or bravely, I would imagine. But bravery comes in various guises, which was perhaps the theme behind my earlier post. It takes a peculiar sort of bravery to walk away from a threat ( if indeed any opening is available ), when the instinct is to kick, punch, stab or shoot one's way out of trouble.

That said, this thread seems to be mainly about Gun enthusiasts promoting the benefits and / or enjoyment of using guns. The reality is that complete reliance upon only one such a set of skills, instaed of having a menu of skills upon which to draw, might offer security only from an extreme emergency situation, not from the problems which might develop from precipitous action.
I feel that concentrating exclusively on firearms solutions is rather too far removed from the thread originator's first post.

Meantime I will withdraw and hide trembling in my dojo, leaving my rusting rifle at home !

Enjoy the club.

[randolph]

Is it better to be a live coward or dead hero?

[Mel Asher]

Originally Posted by randolph

Is it better to be a live coward or dead hero?

Are those the only permissible combinations ? Dead Coward seems quite likely too - how likely, depends on how resourceful. Live Hero would by definition be pretty resourceful. It would mean he beat the odds and got accolades for it too. It all depends on how you choose to stack the deck !

[The Conquistador]

This is my backup weapon should my rifle poop out on me; 3 feet of hard wood in the form of a riot baton. AKA: Hippie shampoo (works best when applied to head)

[WudLuv2try]

Originally Posted by Mel Asher

Are those the only permissible combinations ? Dead Coward seems quite likely too - how likely, depends on how resourceful. Live Hero would by definition be pretty resourceful. It would mean he beat the odds and got accolades for it too. It all depends on how you choose to stack the deck !

Amen.

I think you know what you're talking about.