marc237
Distinguished Member
- Joined
- Apr 4, 2004
- Messages
- 2,353
- Reaction score
- 3
Coho-
The best weapon continues to be prevention - situational awareness is crucial. Assume you are likely to victimized and operate to limit opportunities. Try not to walk close to alley ways or too close to parked cars at night; avoid parking in isolated parts of the lot; have your keys in hand when approaching your building; have your card or cash in had if riding public transit; avoid ATMs at night (particularly those n the outside of buildings); and do not walk around drunk or stoned.
Constantly monitor your surroundings. Do not wear headphones or get lost in cell phone conversations. Avoid texting while walking.
If a situation feels sketchy, assume it is and get out as quickly as possible The reptile part of the brain is often right.
All else being equal, do not carry any weapon that you a) have not been well trained to use and b) do not constantly re-train to use. Much of the use of any weapon under stress is repeatedly practicing so that the use is automatic. The time it will take you to plan your move is time you do not have. Sure, some people instinctively do well under stress or get lucky, but that is not likely for most of us.
The same rule applies with any martial art - eastern or even boxing. Unless you have practiced and practiced to the point that the moves are second nature, you run the risk of freezing or forgetting what to do under stress. It is the reason much of the women's one-hour self defense courses are a waste of time. Martial arts against a guy with a weapon or against two or more people ups the ante considerably - - it can be done, but is best left to the very well-trained.
Treat street crime as combat - surviving is the goal. Surviving without injury is winning big time. You are unlikely to have any possession on your person worth life or limb. That said, not all street crimes can be simple transaction - sometimes the bad guys want to mess with you for the sheer fun. But, sometimes the cab jumps the curb and you are squished - life is random.
The best weapon continues to be prevention - situational awareness is crucial. Assume you are likely to victimized and operate to limit opportunities. Try not to walk close to alley ways or too close to parked cars at night; avoid parking in isolated parts of the lot; have your keys in hand when approaching your building; have your card or cash in had if riding public transit; avoid ATMs at night (particularly those n the outside of buildings); and do not walk around drunk or stoned.
Constantly monitor your surroundings. Do not wear headphones or get lost in cell phone conversations. Avoid texting while walking.
If a situation feels sketchy, assume it is and get out as quickly as possible The reptile part of the brain is often right.
All else being equal, do not carry any weapon that you a) have not been well trained to use and b) do not constantly re-train to use. Much of the use of any weapon under stress is repeatedly practicing so that the use is automatic. The time it will take you to plan your move is time you do not have. Sure, some people instinctively do well under stress or get lucky, but that is not likely for most of us.
The same rule applies with any martial art - eastern or even boxing. Unless you have practiced and practiced to the point that the moves are second nature, you run the risk of freezing or forgetting what to do under stress. It is the reason much of the women's one-hour self defense courses are a waste of time. Martial arts against a guy with a weapon or against two or more people ups the ante considerably - - it can be done, but is best left to the very well-trained.
Treat street crime as combat - surviving is the goal. Surviving without injury is winning big time. You are unlikely to have any possession on your person worth life or limb. That said, not all street crimes can be simple transaction - sometimes the bad guys want to mess with you for the sheer fun. But, sometimes the cab jumps the curb and you are squished - life is random.
