Let’s face reality, we do not always have a gun on us. There are situation in which carrying a gun is not an option. There are many specific settings, but just use your imagination for this discussion.
You are out in public without your trusty holstered companion, you are suddenly forced to defend yourself. Stop, time out! This is not the time to decide what you are going to do. You should already have a game plan. You have already decided to always carry something that can be used as a weapon. A good metal shaft pen, a solid pocket knife, keys, get creative. You have thought about and practiced using that item as a weapon.
Ok, time in: Now you are left with two choices: Fight or Flight. If you fight you may be going up against a superior weapon, so be aware of your disadvantage here. Fleeing may be the best option, only you will be able to make that decision in the moment.
Without an even match, how can you possibly defend yourself. Well, there are several options here, two of which are instinctive. Run and Hide are always an option and it is a natural response. Now, there are ways to run and hide that are most effective.
Running: A moving target is statistically 4 times more difficult to hit, try it sometime in a safe training environment. So, the simple act of running decreases your chance of falling victim by 75%! But, now you have to know where to run to! The movies will get you killed. I am at an absolute loss as to why people always run up the to roof, or up the stairs etc in movies when they are fleeing, I mean they cannot possibly have a game plan, I digress. Part of being aware of your surroundings means knowing where the exits are. In the mall, stores have a back delivery door, restaurants have a back kitchen door. There are many ways to escape effectively, you just have to know where and how to look.
Hiding: There is a good way and a bad way to hide. Bad way – collapsing where you are, not taking adequate shelter,making too much noise, etc. Good way – finding secure cover that you can lock down and maintain control of the area. (Quick note: Cover = Bulletproof, Concealment = Not visible but not safe from fire. A good example of cover is a nice thick concrete wall; concealment would be an average wall in your home. ) If you plan to hide and wait the event out, you need to know how to secure and lock down an area the best way possible. Find a small controllable space, Lock and/or barricade the entrance, be quiet, prepare for war and arm yourself and anything you can.
When outmatched with rifles v car keys, I recommend running, however there are times when that is not possible. That is why you learn how to identify weapons in everyday objects and then learn how to employ such items effectively. It is not always a rifle v car keys, sometimes it is just hand to hand. Some basic training, simple techniques, and strategy, can go a long way in hand to hand when practiced and perfected. More on that later.
What can we learn:
There are times in which we cannot employ a firearm for defense
Learn to use the world around you to your advantage. Take cover, hide, create weapons
Train hard
It is ok to run. “He who runs away, lives to fight another day” – Maverick, Mel Gibson
I will leave you with my favorite Bruce Lee Quote: – “If a man comes at you with a sword run; Kung Fu does not always work.” Simply put, there is a time for fighting, and a time for running, learn the difference now, not when your life depends on it
Stay Sharp
Adam