Hi,

On my blog, I'm discussing wither or not you should stand and fight a mugger/attacker on the street, or do you use your martial arts knowledge to get in a position to run away?

http://www.learnmartialartsonline.net/blog/

What'd you think? Generally, I'd run as usually I've got alot more to lose than the mugger. I'd be wearing good clothes, he won't be. He's prepared, I've been taken by surprise.

Thanks,
Andy

He's prepared, I've been taken by surprise.


Hit the nail on the head there! Yeah, run if possible but there may be times when you've got no choice. In that case I'd use any available weapon (verbal, physical and mental) and try to get to safety as soon as possible.

There's lots of SD tips going around in Martial Talk, I think the general theme is firstly, be smart about where you are and who else is around (avoidence) and secondly run if possible. Hope you never need to use your MA skills but its nice to know they're there when needed.

Heather :ultracool

Hit the nail on the head there! Yeah, run if possible but there may be times when you've got no choice. In that case I'd use any available weapon (verbal, physical and mental) and try to get to safety as soon as possible.

The lady speaks the truth..Run like hell if possible.fight like 2 hells if you must..

the idea of self defense is to disengage and leave. if you can leave without fighting then do it, but if the only way you can run is to use self-defense techniques then do not hesitate.

I couldn't agree with you more, mantis. Alot of people think that self-defense is waiting for the other person to give you an excuse to beat them into a pulp.

Did you like my blog though? I've been keeping it up to date.

Get out get loose and run for help.
Terry

I'd run as fast as I could!

Now address the option for those of us who cannot run due to physical impairments. I liked the post that said:

Originally Posted by wee_blondie
Hit the nail on the head there! Yeah, run if possible but there may be times when you've got no choice. In that case I'd use any available weapon (verbal, physical and mental)* and try to get to safety as soon as possible.
*emphasis added


I think this truely gets to the heart of a true warrior and martial artist. The idea of criminals being prepared is just plain silly when you look at statistics. Felons and impulse control ... hmmmm? Could this be an inverse relationship? Lots of them act because of opportunity and they need the money for drugs, alcohol, etc. generally. Motive generally is not too hard to prove. Few crimes come off as a pre-planned, well choreagraphed robbery. Many perps are just as adreniline filled and scared as the victim.

But Acceptance is the first consideration in self-defense according to Ed Parker. You accept that the possibility of violence is imminent and do your best to be prepared.

That is all we can do, that and stay out of dark alleys, etc.

-Michael