Bronx Warlord
Squad Leader
- Joined
- Feb 23, 2004
- Messages
- 2,449
Some intresting advice given so far. So your situation is your going to school and some idiots are beating people up and robbing them. You, understandibly, don't want to be a victim. There are things you can do to protect yourself, it all depends on you and what level your willing to go to. You have a right to be safe and defend yourself, no one can take that from you.
I've looked into this topic and studied it alot over the years, due to my current profession and as a subject of general intrest when I was younger. I've walked foot patrols from Baghdad to the mountians of Afghanistan to just trying to get home from the bar on the streets of new york. I like to think I know a thing or three about this
Step 1 - Get Tactical.
Start thinking about things that lead to situations like this as well as how to AVOID them. Pay attention to your soroundings at all times. The last thing you, as an untrained student, want to be in is a phyiscal struggle. Why? Cause you or someone else will get hurt!
Your Apperance - Plays a big part in things. If you look like a victim waiting to happen you will become one. You don't need to be 6'5 and 260lbs, you just need to look like your aware of what is going on around you and have a bit of confidance in yourself. Don't walk with your head down, you can't see anything going on around you that way! don't walk with a slump or swagger, that broadcasts weakness or makes you look like a douchbag. Just keep your head up, back somewhat stright and walk with a sense of purpose. You may get more ass this way too
Stay Alert - I can not stress this enough. You have to keep alert to what is going on around you at all times. You don't need to be Chuck Norris, yet look around from time to time. Get a feel for whatever area you are in, see what or who looks out of place. LISTEN LISTEN LISTEN to what is going on around you. Don't walk down dark allys, stick to main areas that are well lit. Take note of people and there body language. Are they looking at you? are they comming towards you? are they going to pass you and your getting a funny vibe? keep it in mind and be ready to act.
Have a plan - Never go anywere you don't have at least a basic idea of how to get out of, quickly if needed. Take note of emergancy exits in buildings, mainroads that lead to highways, staircases and parking lots. Take a few minutes to look at a map if you have never been there, it may save your life if a situation goes down.
So now you may say " Ok Bronx I've done all that and I still have a problem... what now smart guy? "
Well, you have options. Never forget that. In situations such as these were violence or even confrontation is going to take place a lot of people get frozen. Fear, excitement and anxiety will do this. Remember your breathing, remember to stay alert. If one guy comes up to you, watch out for someone from the sides or rear ect. I'd reccomend as a student you simply walk away, yet never leave yourself open. DON'T SHOW ANYONE YOUR BACK.
Ok you've tried that and it's not working. Your now in a situation were someone is obviously going to visit harm apon you. It could be some drunk in a bar grabbing you or a group of muggers rushing you. Now your in combat, like it or not. Yes, call it combat cause that is what it is. Treat it seriously and you will act accordingly. Now you have to defend yourself. Key words - DEFEND YOURSELF. That should be your goal, above all else. If you can't walk away, then it's time to do what you have to do.
Hand to Hand - Ok, in my professional opinion martial arts and basic self defense classes are . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. It takes years to get to level of profeciency to be more of a danger to someone else than yourself. You should always try and create distance at first, make them come to you, remember to stay balanced. Boxing and Wrestling are good, solid techniques for this kind of stuff and will also get you in great shape. If you want to learn how to deal with someone with your hands you should look into this book if any.
http://www.amazon.com/Kill-Get-Killed-Rex-Applegate/dp/0873640845
It is entilted " kill or get killed " and for a reason. It's about defending your life. You won't see Kata's and stances here. Simple, stright to the point and damn effective techniques for dealing with someone with your bare hands. Mind you, these techniques are not for the faint nor the weak of heart. You will seriously hurt someone with this stuff. In many cases it's better to simply hand over your wallet or whatever. If you have no choice left... kill or get killed
The book also contains techniques for dealing with knives, guns and other things. It's pretty brutal, more real life than dojo or movies.
So now we are left with weapons. LEARN HOW TO USE IT IF YOUR GOING TO CARRY IT. Learn the laws and regulations in whatever area you are in and are going to be carrying it in.
Knives - Don't. Trust me. Knife fights are ulgy and bloody. You don't want to go there. If you must, it is your choice in the end, go with something simple and to the point. Don't get some rambo looking pigsticker, they are big, clumsy and useless for civilian purposes. Go with Gerber, Benchmade or another well know, reliable brand. You have the choice, depending on the law and your willingness to abide by it, on stright, folding or mechanical. I'd reccomend a folding or mechanical for concealability. Stright blades, were the knife and handle are one part, are a lot stronger due to the simple construction and blade being built into the grip. Double edge if the law in your area allows it, no more than 4". Amatuers stab, professionals slash. If you are for some god aweful reason in a knife fight with someone, slash them on the forhead. When they are busy bleeding into there eyes... run
If you happen to be the poor bastard without a knife in a knife fight... RUN YOU IDIOT. You do not want to get slashed or stabbed. Trust me. Say you can't run? Pick something up, anything. A chair worse wonders. Create some " standoff " distance between you and your attacker and KEEP THAT KNIFE FROM CUTTING OR STABBING YOU!
Batons and various other blunt force instruments - Asp batons are a good bet, depending again on the law. In a pinch a rock or a brick can work wonders too. You want something either concealable in the case of the asp or eazily found like the rock. There are a ton of books and videos about proper useage. Headshots kill or inflict serious harm, they may land YOU in jail. Legs are a good choice. Why? Cause afterwards you can LEAVE.
Guns - Checkmate. You pull steel on another man you better be willing to use it and don't think I am joking. It may have started out as a robbery but it has just turned into something more once you pull a gun. GET PROFESSIONAL TRAINING. Safe handleing, cleaning and useage all need to be covered. Figure out what will work for you. In the situation you are describeing, a simple and unglamorious .38 snub nose with hollow point ammunition will end there criminal days right there. For good. Keep that in mind. Guns kill or maim and once you pull that trigger you can not take the bullet back. You can miss and hit someone else! it happens more often than you would like to think!
I hope that helps.
Bronx
ps - If one is not prepared to take the life of another in a true life or death encounter, than that individual should not even attempt to consider themselves capable of self-defense. Always keep that in mind please. Sometimes it's better and safer just to go to the police.
I've looked into this topic and studied it alot over the years, due to my current profession and as a subject of general intrest when I was younger. I've walked foot patrols from Baghdad to the mountians of Afghanistan to just trying to get home from the bar on the streets of new york. I like to think I know a thing or three about this
Step 1 - Get Tactical.
Start thinking about things that lead to situations like this as well as how to AVOID them. Pay attention to your soroundings at all times. The last thing you, as an untrained student, want to be in is a phyiscal struggle. Why? Cause you or someone else will get hurt!
Your Apperance - Plays a big part in things. If you look like a victim waiting to happen you will become one. You don't need to be 6'5 and 260lbs, you just need to look like your aware of what is going on around you and have a bit of confidance in yourself. Don't walk with your head down, you can't see anything going on around you that way! don't walk with a slump or swagger, that broadcasts weakness or makes you look like a douchbag. Just keep your head up, back somewhat stright and walk with a sense of purpose. You may get more ass this way too
Stay Alert - I can not stress this enough. You have to keep alert to what is going on around you at all times. You don't need to be Chuck Norris, yet look around from time to time. Get a feel for whatever area you are in, see what or who looks out of place. LISTEN LISTEN LISTEN to what is going on around you. Don't walk down dark allys, stick to main areas that are well lit. Take note of people and there body language. Are they looking at you? are they comming towards you? are they going to pass you and your getting a funny vibe? keep it in mind and be ready to act.
Have a plan - Never go anywere you don't have at least a basic idea of how to get out of, quickly if needed. Take note of emergancy exits in buildings, mainroads that lead to highways, staircases and parking lots. Take a few minutes to look at a map if you have never been there, it may save your life if a situation goes down.
So now you may say " Ok Bronx I've done all that and I still have a problem... what now smart guy? "
Well, you have options. Never forget that. In situations such as these were violence or even confrontation is going to take place a lot of people get frozen. Fear, excitement and anxiety will do this. Remember your breathing, remember to stay alert. If one guy comes up to you, watch out for someone from the sides or rear ect. I'd reccomend as a student you simply walk away, yet never leave yourself open. DON'T SHOW ANYONE YOUR BACK.
Ok you've tried that and it's not working. Your now in a situation were someone is obviously going to visit harm apon you. It could be some drunk in a bar grabbing you or a group of muggers rushing you. Now your in combat, like it or not. Yes, call it combat cause that is what it is. Treat it seriously and you will act accordingly. Now you have to defend yourself. Key words - DEFEND YOURSELF. That should be your goal, above all else. If you can't walk away, then it's time to do what you have to do.
Hand to Hand - Ok, in my professional opinion martial arts and basic self defense classes are . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. It takes years to get to level of profeciency to be more of a danger to someone else than yourself. You should always try and create distance at first, make them come to you, remember to stay balanced. Boxing and Wrestling are good, solid techniques for this kind of stuff and will also get you in great shape. If you want to learn how to deal with someone with your hands you should look into this book if any.
http://www.amazon.com/Kill-Get-Killed-Rex-Applegate/dp/0873640845
It is entilted " kill or get killed " and for a reason. It's about defending your life. You won't see Kata's and stances here. Simple, stright to the point and damn effective techniques for dealing with someone with your bare hands. Mind you, these techniques are not for the faint nor the weak of heart. You will seriously hurt someone with this stuff. In many cases it's better to simply hand over your wallet or whatever. If you have no choice left... kill or get killed
The book also contains techniques for dealing with knives, guns and other things. It's pretty brutal, more real life than dojo or movies.
So now we are left with weapons. LEARN HOW TO USE IT IF YOUR GOING TO CARRY IT. Learn the laws and regulations in whatever area you are in and are going to be carrying it in.
Knives - Don't. Trust me. Knife fights are ulgy and bloody. You don't want to go there. If you must, it is your choice in the end, go with something simple and to the point. Don't get some rambo looking pigsticker, they are big, clumsy and useless for civilian purposes. Go with Gerber, Benchmade or another well know, reliable brand. You have the choice, depending on the law and your willingness to abide by it, on stright, folding or mechanical. I'd reccomend a folding or mechanical for concealability. Stright blades, were the knife and handle are one part, are a lot stronger due to the simple construction and blade being built into the grip. Double edge if the law in your area allows it, no more than 4". Amatuers stab, professionals slash. If you are for some god aweful reason in a knife fight with someone, slash them on the forhead. When they are busy bleeding into there eyes... run
If you happen to be the poor bastard without a knife in a knife fight... RUN YOU IDIOT. You do not want to get slashed or stabbed. Trust me. Say you can't run? Pick something up, anything. A chair worse wonders. Create some " standoff " distance between you and your attacker and KEEP THAT KNIFE FROM CUTTING OR STABBING YOU!
Batons and various other blunt force instruments - Asp batons are a good bet, depending again on the law. In a pinch a rock or a brick can work wonders too. You want something either concealable in the case of the asp or eazily found like the rock. There are a ton of books and videos about proper useage. Headshots kill or inflict serious harm, they may land YOU in jail. Legs are a good choice. Why? Cause afterwards you can LEAVE.
Guns - Checkmate. You pull steel on another man you better be willing to use it and don't think I am joking. It may have started out as a robbery but it has just turned into something more once you pull a gun. GET PROFESSIONAL TRAINING. Safe handleing, cleaning and useage all need to be covered. Figure out what will work for you. In the situation you are describeing, a simple and unglamorious .38 snub nose with hollow point ammunition will end there criminal days right there. For good. Keep that in mind. Guns kill or maim and once you pull that trigger you can not take the bullet back. You can miss and hit someone else! it happens more often than you would like to think!
I hope that helps.
Bronx
ps - If one is not prepared to take the life of another in a true life or death encounter, than that individual should not even attempt to consider themselves capable of self-defense. Always keep that in mind please. Sometimes it's better and safer just to go to the police.
) could disarm you. Pepper spray seems like a good choice since it'll let you get away but doesn't cause much permanent damage, so pepper spay entails less repercussions if you get disarmed and you're less likely to do severe damage to the assailant, reducing legal risks.
