Why self-defense?

[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

[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.]

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

[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...

[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...

[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.

[KirkhamsEbooks.]

If I'm going to workout anyway I may as well do something to protect the shape I'm trying to stay in.

I'm a husband and father. My family's safety is my responsibility

I don't want to depend on other people for my family's or my safety

When I was 14 first starting I knew there were people out there tougher than me and I wanted to lower the odds of getting beat in a fight

Rick

[PandaMan]

Lots of very good points.

Tant01 - is correct. I have to keep reminding myself the Law perspective. Especially since I'm aiming to be a LEO.

Garland- I disagree with your illustration of self defense as learning how to swim in the desert. Because we all can see that it's completely useless skill to have in that environment / situation. Nor would you or can you learn if you don't know it already.
I would say it'd be more along the lines of the knowledge of CPR, Heimlich Maneuver, application of First Aid? Just in general or anywhere, it may not be needed most of the time, but there may be a crucial time where it can mean life and death for someone else or for you.
I agree though, that those who go into the field... in your illustration, lifeguards, coast guard, water polo etc... it's an obvious skill to have.


To the original question... because I jumped into Kung Fu during my high school years, almost everything I learned was self defense oriented. It just felt natural to learn. When I was a lot younger, I didn't really have the self confidence or self esteem / courage needed to stand up against oppressors and bullies. Kinda the victim mentality... it seemed no matter what I did, people were just out to get me.

But one of the things I have noticed looking at my training overall is a huge difference in attitude. Standing up for myself and anyone else that gets oppressed, not really afraid of confrontations if they arise.

I was at work one day and my co-worker started to bad mouth me and threaten me because he heard a rumor or something. I still don't know if he was joking or not. But I smiled and asked "Okay... so do you want to fight me? Is that it?" (mind you he was like 5'8, maybe 150 lbs... I'm 6' and 270 lbs)His reply was "Just watch your back man!" Nothing happened and it was over.

A lot of my own friends think just because I know x,y,z style or a,b,c technique I'm a tough guy that goes picking fights, when it's really the opposite. I don't have to fight or prove anything, mostly I don't care. Most things aren't worth fighting for, if you really think about it.

I used to fight a lot in high school, rebel without a cause kinda thing with just a lot of energy and anger. But even though we were teens, it's really easy to get carried away... stomping on the guy's face, breaking bones, kicking him repeatedly in the nuts.


So...what keeps me learning SD?
1) I love to learn.
2) The more I know than the other guy, keeps me safe and alive!
3) You'd be quite surprised when you get backed into a corner and you bust a few showy moves / stances...(helps if you're Asian, or just a scary looking guy) how some people will be like "forget this" and walk away. Good to know if they ever call your bluff.
4) It's really practical in general
5) Going to be a LEO, so technically it's my field and I should be well versed in it.
6) I've diffused more confrontations / potential fights than actually been in them, because of my knowledge in SD.
7) No one really messes with me anymore.

[Birmingham]

i think it comes down to exercise, of the mind and the body, more than a fear of a specific type of confrontation, but the fact that it can diffuse a potentially heated scenario gives me faith in learning about martial arts rather than, let's say, rocket science

[kingoftheforest]

I'm fond of pointing out that "SELF-DEFENSE" is a legal term to justify the use of force.

Generally speaking any violent action against another person is (simple) assault. It's only self defense if you meet certain specific (legal) requirements.

That should be in the red letters in the Bible.

[DdayFighter]

I'm a knowledge addict. I'm always trying to learn more, so self defense is just another area of knowledge I'm learning

[Tom Yum]

Maybe it wouldn't be so terrible to admit that nothing is.

This is true.

[Tant01]

I'm fond of pointing out that "SELF-DEFENSE" is a legal term to justify the use of force.

Generally speaking any violent action against another person is (simple) assault. It's only self defense if you meet certain specific (legal) requirements.

[USArmyBJJ]

Sorry about the rant.

Not a rant at all - it was exactly what I was looking for. I just wanted an explanation from people as to why they are concerned enough about their personal safety to spend money and time learning to fight. I think your explanation was spot-on and I appreciate it.

I'm also interested in hearing from the people who think that all, most, or even a substantial minority of fights end up with multiple fighters, or weapons, or people literally trying to kill you. Has that really been your experience? Most fights I've seen (I'll admit to never having been in a streetfight and not particularly caring to ever be in one) involve two guys who are trying to hurt one another, but not really trying to kill each other.

In other words, how important is it really to learn to fight unarmed?

[jubaji]

but it isn't the be all end all of SD.

Maybe it wouldn't be so terrible to admit that nothing is.