[extropy-chat] self-defense concerns

[Adrian Tymes]

--- Mike Lorrey <mlorrey at yahoo.com> wrote:
> --- starman2100 at cableone.net wrote:
> > I was just recently physically assaulted in my
> workplace (I work in
> > the hospitality field) and today scoured the net 
> > for a good self-defense training DVD.  I was not
> sure what would be
> > best for my needs, since I do not want to kill or 
> > maim an out of control person, but simply
> repel/put them down with a
> > minimum of harm done if I have no other choice.
> 
> Okay, lets make this clear: if you feel your life is
> threatened, yet
> you are not willing to go the extreme of maiming or
> even killing your
> assailant, your only option really is running around
> in circles and
> screaming at the top of your lungs while you wait to
> die or be
> victimized.

Incorrect.

> Self defense rests primarily on your
> ability to communicate
> to the assailant that you WILL go to the extreme if
> the assailant
> pushes things, that you are not willing to be
> victimized to any degree.

Correct, but it does not necessarily imply the former,
in the context that starman was using.  It may be
necessary to maim or kill - but that does not mean one
must start off with that as its aim as a first resort.
Indeed, it is quite possible to defend oneself in many
fights without ever inflicting serious injury -
especially if one focuses on the communication, rather
than the proof.  ("Bluff", except that you can back it
up enough that a would-be assailant will believe the
rest.)

> If your assailant is significantly more massive than
> you, AND has
> martial arts training, you need a weapon and you
> need to know how to
> use it. Specifically you need a gun and a license to
> carry it, along
> with a firearms self defense course.

I have stopped opponents significantly more massive
than myself who had martial arts training, while I
myself was armed only with my hands.  A gun is not
necessary; a focus on your objective is.  (But then,
know that most people with martial arts training will
also have the sense not to use it for anti-social
purposes; intoxicants like alcohol may temporarily
remove this sense, but they will also practically
temporarily remove the training.  Most people who make
trouble are untrained brawlers.  There are exceptions,
but these are so rare they can be ignored in practice
except for the highest security situations.)