Why self-defense?

[Shoot]

Insecurity. Fear. And unfortunately for some of us...experience. If you grew up in a dangerous place or if you have been a victim of crime or at least threatened, then you may feel insecure. Even if you grew up in the suburbs, if you don't see that there is good cause to be concerned about your safety, then you haven't been out in a long while.

I've trained in sport martial arts like BJJ, boxing, and even MMA and it never seemed to really cool my personal insecurities that developed from growing up around scary people.

Then it began to make sense to me that it is absurd to train for a "brawl" or bar fight or a sport fight if what you want to be able to do is defend yourself from what you're really afraid of--a criminal. Not to mention that sport fighting can be dangerous (high injury rate).

So I learned self defense techniques and also got licensed to carry a handgun. I feel better.

That's why.

[pstevens]

Like the thread starter, I don't train RBSD either. I train sports-oriented martial arts like BJJ, MT and MMA because the "live" training prepares me for the stress associated with real situations; albeit they're not exactly the same.

However, the MAIN reason I don't train in RBSD is because I don't live in a world that's dangerous enough for me to constantly prepare for the worst. Therefore, I'd rather spend that time honing my skills in a friendly but competitive atmosphere.

Keep in mind, I have nothing against RBSD; it's just not for me. But perhaps someone who lives a dangerous lifestyle, or has been raped, attacked or live in a threatening neighborhood, etc... would want to learn RBSD, or maybe it's just your cup of tea...

[Ghost]

I agree, tbh if you are living in the west in an area that requires you to defend yourself and know how to then move, and if you cant move then you probably are lazy and just fit right in anyway.
harsh but true.

Like the thread starter, I don't train RBSD either. I train sports-oriented martial arts like BJJ, MT and MMA because the "live" training prepares me for the stress associated with real situations; albeit they're not exactly the same.

However, the MAIN reason I don't train in RBSD is because I don't live in a world that's dangerous enough for me to constantly prepare for the worst. Therefore, I'd rather spend that time honing my skills in a friendly but competitive atmosphere.

Keep in mind, I have nothing against RBSD; it's just not for me. But perhaps someone who lives a dangerous lifestyle, or has been raped, attacked or live in a threatening neighborhood, etc... would want to learn RBSD, or maybe it's just your cup of tea...

[KirkhamsEbooks.]

However, the MAIN reason I don't train in RBSD is because I don't live in a world that's dangerous enough for me to constantly prepare for the worst.

As long as you're gaining some self-defense skills. Otherwise you're like most people who call me and say

"I've been attacked I need self-defense training?

"No, you needed self-defense training before you were attacked, but come on in"

Rick

[pstevens]

I think more than self-defense, most people need self-awareness. Those who are preyed upon are often in a compromised situation (alone, intoxicated, weakened, frail, sick, in the wrong neighborhood, lost, etc). I know a couple years back when I was still in college, a few girls were raped on their way back from house parties. The point being, you should understand what you're getting yourself into.

Yes, we live in a modern society where you want to believe that you're protected by laws and law enforcement. However, they aren't always around to protect you. Crazy people understand this; you should too.

In the event that you are attacked, you can't assume your training will leave you unscathed either. In fact, you can't assume anything because nothing is guaranteed. You just have to react accordingly. Hopefully, if you've trained or are in good shape, some of it will come into play; but assume nothing.

[KirkhamsEbooks.]

I've always considered trained others and myself that avoidance and awareness are part of self-defense. Thus I didn't even bother to mention it

Sorry for the assumption

Rick

[george stando]

Self awareness is a tremendous attribute of self defense training as well as the ability to develop a certain inner calm to access the moment. I come from a ring based backround and I enjoy my combatics training for that reason, its a different set of skills in a different environment or multitiude of environments, also like being water, fitting in and dealing with elements because you are there and have to, its usually not of your own making(time of day, environment, elements).

[Guest]

But I have found that blending into society is the best defense against violence. I don't attract it. I blend in. If you saw me, you would forget me

Good post. I agree that from a personal, SELF defence point of view, this is a very sound approach.

One thing I am always keen to add to any topic around defence against violence is that it can be, quite commonly, not actually violence against yourSELF. When I think of the confrontations I have been involved in over the last ten years they have mostly been when I have intervened and stopped an act of violence on another person.

Like Mr Arieson, people tend to leave me alone. I do however seem to have a nack of being around when someone wants to take a pop at someone else. In most of these instances just a visible and verbal projection of confidence and strength seems to back most people down. When it has turned physical, the simple meat and potatoes basics are always the best approach, without overdoing it or making it unnecessarily contrived.

So from the point of view of the fact that I have had the opportunity to step in an help a few people, who may otherwise have been seriously harmed if the situation had been allowed to escalate, I think training to have some functional defensive skills carries a worthy benefit that goes beyond just worrying about SELF defence.

[WildWest.]

Why self defence?

Because I'm a cop.

Because we don't carry guns day to day in my country.

Because I need to practice verbally diffusing situations.

Because I need to learn pre-contact indicators.

Because I need to train environmental awareness.

Because I have to train as close to reality as possible i.e. I don't do my job in bare feet, wear gloves or little shorts.

Because I have trained extensively in MT and boxing and will not get away with using those techniques in a close quarter fight.

Because most fights start from close to very close range.

Because grappling on the ground will get my head kicked in.

Because, despite what some may think, RBSD training can be very very hard and intense.

Because I have to win.

[Guest]

Again, I agree, and most of self-defence can be summed up by the old quote "avoid arseholes and egos", as you have outlined in your post.

However, the last time I had to step in and restrain someone was on the tube going to work, sometimes its just totally random.

Thats not to say that I walk around worrying about it, or even think about it anymore, just saying that sometimes it crops up.

[Dave Dickey]

My humble opinion....

This a great question that has many answers, and of course I have my own.
I am 52 and grew up in a rough area just outside of Boston Mass. To sum it up it was not "are you going to get mugged" it was "have you been today?" A buddy of mine used the analogy "it's like the old west". SO...I learned to fight from my older brother at age 9. I have, over the years, studied many styles but never for the direct reason of "self-defence". I always looked at it as an enhancement to my fighting ability.

I honestly feel that over the years the American culture has become "softer". The feminization of our culture has sparked many trends that have lead to our young feeling helpless and vunerable. Try to humor me on this....

Dodgeball is taken out of school because someone might get hurt. Kids wear bicycle helmets because someone might get hurt. And adults are told they should as well....These are just two examples. There are far too many to mention here. But it is these kinds of cultural changes and some of the money hungry dojo owners that scare people into thinking they need "self-defence" classes. When in reality all we really need to do is to get back to the days when you got your ass beat for doing the wrong thing instead of a time out. And when respect was earned and not just expected. No one takes responsiblity for their actions because no one makes them.

Once we return to the "spine" that made America great, I feel you will see a lot less people taking "self-defence" classes as opposed to "studying martial arts".

I myself wish more people would rant about this....and of course this is all just my humble opinion.

Thanks for the time.

[jubaji]

I am 52 and grew up in a rough area just outside of Boston Mass. To sum it up it was not "are you going to get mugged" it was "have you been today?" A buddy of mine used the analogy "it's like the old west". SO...I learned to fight from my older brother at age 9. .

Where exactly?

[KirkhamsEbooks.]

Slightly OT due to Dave's comment but another example is child proofing your home

When I grew up if I stuck my finger in the electric socket it was because I was a dumb kid. Now if a child sticks his/her finger in the electric socket it's because the parents didn't child proof the house.

I've jokingly told my friends we're devolving due to this because these kids are now reproducing.

Rick

[Dave Dickey]

Hey Jubai, Natick and Framingham.....

[jubaji]

Some rough spots there, but not the war zone you described.