Going out?

[FearlessFreep]

Do any of you do any sort of preperation before you go out?

I'll give you an example, I play a jazz gig at a hotel downtown, and it used to be late on Saturday nights. I'll admit that before going out I would make sure my legs and shoulders well loose and well stretched and would often go for awhile on my heavy bag to make sure I was strong, loose and ready.

No negative encounters yet, so that's good, but I'm curious if anyone else physically prepares themselves for possible conflict before going out? Especially late at night, etc..

[Grenadier]

Call me paranoid, but I always do some mild stretching, working the shoulders, obliques, quads, hamstrings, calves, and neck, before going out for a few rounds of cold ones. I've found that it really does help the next morning, since I don't feel nearly as stiff. You never know when you might be standing for a while, or sitting in a less than optimal position.

[FearlessFreep]

Good point, I find that stretching well, especially my legs, helps for a three hour gig, considering I'm standing for most or all of the time

[arnisador]

No, but I do stop and think about whether what I'm wearing is too constricting to allow me to fight.

[Gemini]

As far as physical work, no. As far as dress, yes. If I can't defend myself in it, I don't wear it. Especially the shoes. Also, I don't drink excessively. When I was younger, everytime I did that, sure enough would be the time I had a confrontation. ('course the "beer muscles" may have had something to do with that). :o and I keep alert to what's happening around me. Downside is, I never really relax when I go out.

[Navarre]

I never drink,
So I never have enough fun,
But I'm always ready for the fight if it comes.

[shesulsa]

I don't "go out" as an unattached person does. I "go out" to do the shopping, taxi children, run meetings and assist in class. I don't have many excuses at all for wearing high heels or dresses, so I am virtually always wearing something I can move in and if I dress up at all I consider where we're going and if I can wear nice slacks with boots or not, can I carry this purse instead of the fanny pack, and I usually have something with me.

Depending on constriction, I might loosed up my back and legs and shoulders, yeah - but I don't invest any time on the heavy bag. I think forward that all will be well and it virtually always is.

[karatekid1975]

I don't stretch or anything. I found that in Jujitsu, it's not needed, just brutal joint locks are or pressure points :D BUT the style of clothing I wear now is a cross between "what's in" (baggy pants/loose fitting stuff) and what I think I can "fight" in if needed. If I can't move "comfortably" in it, I don't wear it. I'm female, but I don't wear dresses or high heals (don't have to hehehehehe). Some people say I dress like a "skate rat" but, at least, I can fight in my clothes if needed LOL

[searcher]

I don't go out of my way to do anything special. I gained the mindset long ago that I need to be ready all of the time. I prepare for fights on the every day scale. Going out has lead to very little fighting. I always wear loose clothing and carry my tac knife. I have found that if I think to much about preparing for a fight the less likely I am to walk away.

[Loki]

I'm also part of the non-drinking crowd. I catch myself very aware of my footwear, and will almost never wear sandals or slippers (both very common in the summer here) since they're not as good as hiking shoes or sneakers for fighting.

[Jonathan Randall]

As far as physical work, no. As far as dress, yes. If I can't defend myself in it, I don't wear it. Especially the shoes. Also, I don't drink excessively. When I was younger, everytime I did that, sure enough would be the time I had a confrontation. ('course the "beer muscles" may have had something to do with that). :o and I keep alert to what's happening around me. Downside is, I never really relax when I go out.Isn't that the truth!

I drink, but NEVER while I'm out. To much potential for problems due to dimished capacity (which the drinker may not fully be aware of) and also the possibility of needing to drive. If you never drink while you're away from home, you chances of driving "under the influence" - even when you thought you were ok - decreases markedly. Finally, I'm of an age (very late 30's) where it is entirely possible that I may need to be the "adult" in a situation and I don't want to end up in a tragic situation where I cannot assist. Also, as a Coast Guard volunteer, one alcohol or drug related offense and - you're out!

I bet the LEOs on MT could weigh in with great advice on the topic of being judicious about drinking while "out". I'm sure each one has had many experiences of arresting someone who "only had two beers" and didn't realize they were drunk.

So, my preparation for going out at night is to ensure beforehand that I can return. If I'm with friends, I tell them IN ADVANCE that I do NOT drink while out. This saves me the possibility of giving offense by refusing on the spot - the people I'm with know my policy.

I also consider, since I carry a utility knife, whether the belt clip could cause trouble or put me in a situation where I looked "armed" - something that, unfortunately arouses some bullies. Sometimes I leave it behind, other times I unclip it and shove it deep into my pocket.

[mantis]

I never drink,
So I never have enough fun,
But I'm always ready for the fight if it comes. this is a personal question which you may ignore.. but just out of curiosity how come you dont drink?
im just asking coz its kinda rare to find a person who doesnt drink, well unless they had a bad experience. if so, do you mind sharing the story of the experience?

[Zoran]

I just make sure I don't leave my brain at home. Never know when you will need it. :)

[shesulsa]

this is a personal question which you may ignore.. but just out of curiosity how come you dont drink?
im just asking coz its kinda rare to find a person who doesnt drink, well unless they had a bad experience. if so, do you mind sharing the story of the experience? This is a topic for another thread.

[goshawk]

No, but I do stop and think about whether what I'm wearing is too constricting to allow me to fight.
Mm, totally. I don't deliberately stretch before I go out, though what with training every day I hardly need to, but I do pay attention to my clothes. Never wear anything that won't let me extend through the full range of my flexibility, and while not a ballerina, I'm pretty stretchy. This doesn't mean I wander around in combat pants and a T-shirt (although that's damn comfortable on occasion), but it does mean that I eschew some of the dumber fashions out there. And may I take this moment to bi...ahem, complain about the immobility enforced by ladies fashion?

The "current fashion" advocates jeans so tight you have to mince around like you're wearing a traditional kimono and slippers, and even the slenderest girl has a Michelin-man spare tire. Not only is this unattractive in the extreme, it's stupid. Adding to the five-pound animal-skins you're expected to squeeze your ten-pound self into, I'll defy anyone to effectively defend herself or make an escape in those ridiculous pointy-toed stilettos.

Bah. No one thinks anything could happen to them. Yay paranoia? =P

[arnisador]

Certainly, I drink lightly if at all when out, for these reasons--not just for martial arts techniques but for larger issues of self-defense!

[MJS]

Do any of you do any sort of preperation before you go out?

I'll give you an example, I play a jazz gig at a hotel downtown, and it used to be late on Saturday nights. I'll admit that before going out I would make sure my legs and shoulders well loose and well stretched and would often go for awhile on my heavy bag to make sure I was strong, loose and ready.

No negative encounters yet, so that's good, but I'm curious if anyone else physically prepares themselves for possible conflict before going out? Especially late at night, etc..

Don't do any stretching prior to going out. I do the bulk of my stretching during my workouts. I'm not a drinker, so I don't have to worry about the effects of that. Most important, I do my best to be aware of whats going on around me, especially if I'm in an area that I do not frequent on a regular basis.

Mike

[dubljay]

It depends on where I'm going. If I'm off to school or the store I don't pay too close of attention to my clothing or footwear. My everyday kind of clothes are something that I can move freely in. And my shoes are either something light and sure to stay on, or easy to kick off if I need to.

It's a different story if I'm going to a large social type gathering. If I know most of the people I'm pretty relaxed about what I wear. As for drinking, I only do that if I know that at least one person of the group is not going to be drinking, and only if I trust all the people I'm with. Though to be fair I'm not much of a drinker, so I usually end up being sober by the end of the night.

As for stretching and all that, I'm pretty flexible even when I haven't warmed up. And more to the point if I'm heading to a crowded bar or party my feet are staying on the ground, I know that in a crowded situation that getting in close with my hands and elbows is probably going to be the easiest.

[Navarre]

I wear a frilly lavendar tutu and some tasteful makeup. That ensures I get the chance to work on my training in a real world setting.

[Laborn]

I'm the same way, if im going to go outside my house, there's a chance ill have to defend my self, so i want to be prepared, duh lol.

[Kenpo_man]

I make sure I'm loose before going out at night. I would hate to pull a muscle while trying to defend myself or even while running away. As for clothes, I don't even buy clothes unless I can move freely in them. That makes it easy to decide what ot wear when going out.

"The black loosely fitting cords or the beige loosely fitting cargo pants?"

[Odin]

when I go out I avoid fights like the plague..hey man I dont want to be rolling around the floor with some yob while wearing a £70 shirt goddamit!!
PLus with my dashing good looks and charm I usally can talk my way out of it....or if not the foot of fury they shall meet!!!raaaggghh!

Nah serious I dont stretch or anything,if something goes down I make myself aware of my surrounds and consider all options before deciding to fly kick someone....plus I've always used the line 'mate look around there are all these women around,why you going to risk getting thrown out because of me,then we'll have a fight and both of us will go home tonight empty handed,come on you know it make sense'<--that always works.

[Kenpo_man]

I've always used the line 'mate look around there are all these women around,why you going to risk getting thrown out because of me,then we'll have a fight and both of us will go home tonight empty handed,come on you know it make sense'<--that always works.

With slightly different wording but much the same message, I have used that line and it has worked more than once.

[hong kong fooey]

I can't say that I have ever really done that.

[Xibalba]

I don't necessarily stretch or limber up before going out, but my wife has made fun of me before for refusing to sit with my back to the entrance of whatever establishment we are in - I usually prefer to have a corner seat with my back to the wall. (Especially if we plan on running into anyone from my karate club - always ready with a swift kidney punch for the unprepared, those folks are!)

Now that I have a baby boy, I am even more careful about being aware of my/our surroundings.

Peace,
Mike

[Carol]

Me neither :D

[Carol]

I can't say that I have ever really done that.

Me neither :D

[Drac]

my wife has made fun of me before for refusing to sit with my back to the entrance of whatever establishment we are in - I usually prefer to have a corner seat with my back to the wall

Here I thought it was only my wife that gave me grief for the same habit..

[Kenpo_man]

Here I thought it was only my wife that gave me grief for the same habit..

no no, I think a lot of us may have this habit. I think training makes us all a little more aware of the possibility of being attacked . . . or paranoid if you must.

[arnisador]

Yeah, I definitely avoid sitting like that when possible.

[Shirt Ripper]

I never drink,
So I never have enough fun,
But I'm always ready for the fight if it comes.

Agreed. Very well said.

[Drac]

no no, I think a lot of us may have this habit. I think training makes us all a little more aware of the possibility of being attacked . . . or paranoid if you must.

Probably both..I devloped the habit a long time ago during my "bouncer" days when an idiot that I had physically ejected form the bar walked up on me in a Dennys.. The less said about that the better but it taught me a lasting lesson..

[dianhsuhe]

Other than putting on my Chuck Norris Flex-jeans you mean? :) I do nothing special...I am hoping that my adrenalin rush will do everything for me, is that wrong..LOL

Seriously though, I feel that mental preparation is a BIG consideration here... Stretching and getting warm is ALWAYS a good idea but being aware of ones environment, positioning, and spotting exits and problem areas (read: bathroom stall!) are of utmost importance IMHO-

I do practice kicks in almost every pair of shoes I have especially boots just to see how they feel.

My .02 ( or .0001 Euro)

James

[jdinca]

I don't do anything physically but I am aware of my surroundings. I always do a quick look around as I enter or leave a room. That alone can keep you from walking into something.

[Kacey]

Seriously though, I feel that mental preparation is a BIG consideration here... Stretching and getting warm is ALWAYS a good idea but being aware of ones environment, positioning, and spotting exits and problem areas (read: bathroom stall!) are of utmost importance IMHO-

I agree with awareness. Shortly after I recieved my I Dan in TKD, I was in downtown Denver late at night (after a midnight comedy show) with a group of friends. The shortest route back to the parking lot we all used was through an unlit alley. One of my friends wanted to short-cut through the alley, and said "Karen's a black belt, she'll protect us" - my answer was "What do you think I am? Stupid? I'm going around the long way, where there are lights!" Being able to defend oneself includes knowing how to avoid situations in which self-defense becomes necessary.

[SAVAGE]

Not really when I go out...but i throw a few kicks in the change area when i buy a new pair of pants to make sure they wont rip!

[Zepp]

I usually stretch out before going anywhere. Not so much because of a possible dangerous encounter, but because I'm just more comfortable that way.

[IcemanSK]

Wow, I thought my buddy (from class/ high school) were the only ones who made sure they could kick in the pants they tried on in the dressing room.:) My buddy & I are now in our late 30's, & we still do it.

I used to buy the Chuck Norris jeans "just in case", too.

I'm glad we're not the only geeks (& I say that lovingly & w/ respect) who do this.

I've never had a job where I have to watch my back as has been mentioned here. And in 23 years in MA, I've never fought in the street. But I still gotta kick in the pants I wear. My wife....thinks I'm a lunatic. Thanks for understanding. You are my people.:asian:

[Kenpo_man]

Wow, I thought my buddy (from class/ high school) were the only ones who made sure they could kick in the pants they tried on in the dressing room.:) My buddy & I are now in our late 30's, & we still do it.

I used to buy the Chuck Norris jeans "just in case", too.

I'm glad we're not the only geeks (& I say that lovingly & w/ respect) who do this

Nope. Your "normal" as far we go.

[TheBattousai]

Before going out to the dojo I don't do much because right now I work third shift and I'm just getting up in the day. Back in my daylight days, I did a normal mourning training routine with stretching, but I do it after I go home from the dojo. I'm glad to see that I'm not the only one who worries about practical clothes for those "just in case" days out.

[Swordlady]

I agree with awareness. Shortly after I recieved my I Dan in TKD, I was in downtown Denver late at night (after a midnight comedy show) with a group of friends. The shortest route back to the parking lot we all used was through an unlit alley. One of my friends wanted to short-cut through the alley, and said "Karen's a black belt, she'll protect us" - my answer was "What do you think I am? Stupid? I'm going around the long way, where there are lights!" Being able to defend oneself includes knowing how to avoid situations in which self-defense becomes necessary.

Yup...avoiding potentially dangerous situations cuts down the chances of having to defend oneself. And yes, no one is invincible...not even black belts. ;)

Not only do I always dress comfortably (at least enough for me to bolt if necessary), I also carry myself confidently. The way you project yourself can also help put off a potential attacker. I also carry a small folding knife (a Kershaw Scallion) in my pocket, which I'm ready to pull out at a moment's notice, but I rather not put myself into a situation where I actually might have to use it.

[Drac]

"Karen's a black belt, she'll protect us" - my answer was "What do you think I am? Stupid? I'm going around the long way, where there are lights!" Being able to defend oneself includes knowing how to avoid situations in which self-defense becomes necessary.

A most intelligent answer...

[arnisador]

Yup. When I was younger I once made the other choice and was jumped by three guys, one with a knife. If I had played it smart I would not have been at risk at all, but I was lost in thought and not paying attention to my surroundings.

[evenflow1121]

I like to get a nice little 2 mile jog in on Saturday Mornings, it just makes me feel better when I go out on Saturday nights. More relaxed, more flowing; call me crazy, or may be it is just habitual, but it does make me feel better and more akin to my surroundings.

[FearlessFreep]

Wehn I used to play Saturday nights at the jazz bar, I would usually spend time Saturday afternoon puching my heavy bag before getting ready (including a shower!)

I think part of it was to remind myself how to strike hard

[SAVAGE]

Nope. Your "normal" as far we go.

Depends on the definition of normal!!:asian:

[Tony]

No, but I do stop and think about whether what I'm wearing is too constricting to allow me to fight.

This is interesting as before i go for a major night out i will make sure i wear some lose trousers and practice kicking with them. If i'm not driving my friend will pick me up from the bus stop and while I'm there i will practice some techniques. But saying that I can't stand still so I'm always practicing in form or another!

[Tony]

I hardly ever drink and I try to keep aware of what is happening around me so that i don't get in the way and i know where my friends are. I never drink to excess so i have my wits about me.

[SAVAGE]

I dont drink at all!

[Sin]

Ok...If I missed something in some of these pages I apoligize, because I only read the first one...

But I have a list of "opinions" about the topic

1.) If you are keeping up with your training and do what Sensei says, then your either A.) Working out in the moring...Or B.) working out at some other point in the day...Myself working third shift I usually do my own little workout in my room, work on the bag a little bit, and if the weather is nice, I'll go jogging, so if you are doing well in your training then you shouldn't have a problem about being strong, loose, or etc...because you would already know you are, because you will come to know your body better with proper conditioning.

2.) If you go out thinking there will be trouble, there will be trouble. don't be too worried with the what may or may not happen, just go out and let the good times roll. Because if you are a true martial artist, and have been training for quite sometime then everything you have trained hard on has now become instinct and your tools will activate as soon as you need them.

All in all, sure its good to be ready...But there is a problem with being too ready...and thats called paranoia.

[Odin]

I hardly ever drink and I try to keep aware of what is happening around me so that i don't get in the way and i know where my friends are. I never drink to excess so i have my wits about me.

I drink like a troper when im out,yet still manage to keep my amazing 6-pack,the advantages of being a youngen hey,plus though I have faith in my art I'v done muay thai for a while know and have faith in my 'muscle memory'.I wouldnt stretch or anything before i go out.

[IcemanSK]

Depends on the definition of normal!!:asian:

I'll take that as a compliment.....I think:)

[Touch Of Death]

Some of this prep work should be done on a daily basis even if you aren't subjecting yourself to the dangers of the public. If you only do it before special events the efforts would be quite fruitless and even dangerous. Picking and choosing times to act on our insecurities defeats the purpose of being ready at all times. Setting up a unique public attitude may invite a fight. Just a thought.
Sean

[Jagermeister]

Unless you happen to socialize in South Central LA or some kind of legitimately dangerous area, imo it is absolutely crazy to worry about fighting every single time you go out. This is the very definition of insecurity and paranoia. Trying on clothes and shoes and practicing kicks before leaving the house? No offense, but I have to agree with some of the previous posters here - this kind of attitude may very well invite trouble. Hearing about this stuff makes me wonder if there are Van Damme fantasies spinning in your heads. Again, no offense intended.

[Andrew Green]

Unless you happen to socialize in South Central LA or some kind of legitimately dangerous area, imo it is absolutely crazy to worry about fighting every single time you go out. This is the very definition of insecurity and paranoia. Trying on clothes and shoes and practicing kicks before leaving the house? No offense, but I have to agree with some of the previous posters here - this kind of attitude may very well invite trouble.

Ditto :)

Getting attacked is a very rare thing, worrying about it all the time is unhealthy, it creates stress and paranoia. Last I checked these where not the goals of martial arts training.

[Kenpo_man]

Depends on the definition of normal!!:asian:

Hey now, I did add "as far as we go"!!!:boing1::boing1::boing1:

[Kenpo_man]

Unless you happen to socialize in South Central LA or some kind of legitimately dangerous area, imo it is absolutely crazy to worry about fighting every single time you go out. This is the very definition of insecurity and paranoia. Trying on clothes and shoes and practicing kicks before leaving the house? No offense, but I have to agree with some of the previous posters here - this kind of attitude may very well invite trouble. Hearing about this stuff makes me wonder if there are Van Damme fantasies spinning in your heads. Again, no offense intended.

I don't think I agree. I live in a very safe city, am very personable and can keep my cool when somebody is being aggressive towards me. I will, on a rare occasion, go out to a bar to dance and drink my face off. It's the only place to go and dance and I always have a great time. Some people however, are just jerks and are out to cause trouble. Keeping this in mind while out can keep you out of trouble and is not paranoia or insecurity. I always look around and make sure I spot the trouble makers (you can see them a mile away if you look). I spend the rest of the night having a good time and avoiding them as they walk around bumping into people and picking fights. Loose clothing???, more comfortable for one and if I can't do the things I'm trained to do because of clothing in a place where I may be called upon to do them, why train at all? While I agree that being too paranoid can draw the jerks to you, I think being too happy go lucky while out can be just as dangerous.

Just another way of looking at it!