Could you fight back / handle yourself?

Fukuyama

I started a thread the other day about me being pissed off about having to talk to a junkie on Dame street the other day. Little did I know at the time that while I was typing out that post, a guy was being kicked to death a few streets over from where I had been hassled by another junkie.

Everytime something like this happens I think 'what could I have done if it was me being kicked about' or even 'could I have stepped in'? Fact is I probably couldn't.

Krav Maga is something I've thought of taking up (funds won't allow it though). Other martial art and 'sport fighting' goes out the window in a street situation. Krav Maga is supposed to be very effective when two or three scumbags are having a go at you.

What do you think? Could you handle yourself? Do you ever think of taking up self-defense training?

Ghandee

Dean0088 wrote: »

I started a thread the other day about me being pissed off about having to talk to a junkie on Dame street the other day. Little did I know at the time that while I was typing out that post, a guy was being kicked to death a few streets over from where I had been hassled by another junkie.

Everytime something like this happens I think 'what could I have done if it was me being kicked about' or even 'could I have stepped in'? Fact is I probably couldn't.

Krav Maga is something I've thought of taking up (funds won't allow it though). Other martial art and 'sport fighting' goes out the window in a street situation. Krav Maga is supposed to be very effective when two or three scumbags are having a go at you.

What do you think? Could you handle yourself? Do you ever think of taking up self-defense training?

Sounds like a breakfast cereal, hot or cold milk over it?

Nodin

Dean0088 wrote: »

I started a thread (..........)very effective when two or three scumbags are having a go at you.

What do you think? Could you handle yourself? Do you ever think of taking up self-defense training?

1 - Martial Arts Forum
2 - Don't Believe The Hype

Fukuyama

Nodin wrote: »

1 - Martial Arts Forum
2 - Don't Believe The Hype

Hardly hype when the Army Ranger Wing are now trained by the guys in Dublin...

m@cc@

Dean0088 wrote: »

Do you ever think of taking up self-defence training?

Not so much grammar Nazi-ism and anti-Americanisation-ism.

To answer your question, not really.

Chris P. Bacon

Yes,im well able to handle myself.

7sr2z3fely84g5

Dean0088 wrote: »

Everytime something like this happens I think 'what could I have done if it was me being kicked about' or even 'could I have stepped in'? Fact is I probably couldn't.

Problem is you could end up dead or slashed for stepping in,or even intimated to the last if you made a citizen's arrest on the culprit and handed them over to the police.

Best scenario is to talk or run forest run.

Acoshla

Nope, am as weak as a newborn baby lamb. My plan if I ever get in trouble has been the same since I realised in my teenage years that I have little to no upper body strength - eep, run away.

Also my mother has a fair point on this, you might think you can talk something out or step in and defend someone, but people can be on all sorts of drugs that destroy their reasoning in these situations, or someone could pull a knife and seriously injure you in a heartbeat. I grew up in a rough enough town and have seen enough innocent people bottled in the face or have had syringes, knives, etc pulled on them to know that staying out of it or getting out of it quickly is the best option.

thehairyelbow

Fight or flight isn't it? I'd like to think I'd jump in and give a dig out, but you don't know until you've come on it. Remember years ago in Dublin coming across a bloke belting the sh1te out of a young one. Got involved, and she turned on me, and handy with the fists she was too. Don't think you know what you're going to do until it's done.

Gunsfortoys

In before makikomi.

Sinfonia

I can run pretty fast when the adrenaline that accompanies fear kicks in.

I'd presumably be **** in a fight though, I've zero experience.

Biggins

Dean0088 wrote: »

...What do you think? Could you handle yourself? Do you ever think of taking up self-defense training?

Yes, have done before and had been training for many, many years.

hinault

If I saw someone assaulting someone else, I wouldn't hesitate to step in.
I have done on several occasions.

What I notice is that when someone else steps in, it diffuses the situation immediately.
The fact that I'm physically strong and bigger and wider than most people helps.

I abhor violence of all kinds.

Spunge

Acoshla wrote: »

people can be on all sorts of drugs that destroy their reasoning in these situations

Alcohol being the most common.

Fukuyama

Biggins wrote: »

Yes, have done before and had been training for many, many years.

So what kind of training do you do Biggins?

Ever put it to use?

Scrappychimow

Dean0088 wrote: »

I started a thread the other day about me being pissed off about having to talk to a junkie on Dame street the other day. Little did I know at the time that while I was typing out that post, a guy was being kicked to death a few streets over from where I had been hassled by another junkie.

Everytime something like this happens I think 'what could I have done if it was me being kicked about' or even 'could I have stepped in'? Fact is I probably couldn't.

Krav Maga is something I've thought of taking up (funds won't allow it though). Other martial art and 'sport fighting' goes out the window in a street situation. Krav Maga is supposed to be very effective when two or three scumbags are having a go at you.

What do you think? Could you handle yourself? Do you ever think of taking up self-defense training?

Get your facts right it wasn't a Junkie who attacked the victim.

Kevin Duffy

Yes and have done many times, either defending myself or intervening for others. Never been bested, but since I'm not knife or bulletproof, I know well I will see the day when I come second.

Biggins

Dean0088 wrote: »

So what kind of training do you do Biggins?

Ever put it to use?

Wado-Ryu and Krav Maga to begin with.
Trained in them for more years than probably the ages of younger ones here.

That said, I would NEVER use it for minor stuff.
Absolutely ONLY as a last resort.
One of the very first things you learn is that the body with the right training is very, very easy to damage a lot more so in particular ways.

Yes, I've had to defend myself and no, I took no pleasure in doing what I had to do.
I want to walk away 100 out of 100 times every time. Bugger being all macho.
Lives can't be replaced.

Kess73

Yes I know I could handle myself within reason if I had to.

Over 20 years of boxing and martial arts has given me the confidence and skills to know that the best option is generally to walk away or talk yourself out of a situation.

My size and build helps keep me out of trouble as well, and there are easier looking targets around.

As for the OP's comment that martial arts and "sports fighting" are not much use in a street fight, I will have to strongly disagree with that. You put anyone with years of training and conditioning into a situation where they have to use that training in order to defend themself or a loved one, especially in the case of defending a loved one, and you would soon find out exactly what "sports fighting" or martial arts bring.


But the trick, in my eyes anyway, when faced with the choice of flight or fight is to be brave enough to make the decision to walk away.

Any fool can get into a fight, it takes more not to get into one.

Cat Melodeon

Nope. Was attacked by a random scobe when walking home from my part-time bar job when I was a student in Dublin. He wasn't big, about 17 and a right scobe. I was 23, smaller, female, tough enough, but totally unprepared - he stepped out of a doorway and floored me with a punch to the temple before I even knew what was happening. I had taken karate for a few months in college and had been to some self-defence classes, but there was nothing I could do to prevent the situation. I did manage to not make it worse though, by rolling into a ball and protecting my head from the ensuing kicks and punches. He wasn't after money, he was after me. Fortunately he wasn't wearing sturdier shoes and he didn't have a weapon, and I managed to get him off guard long enough to whack him in the nuts, push him away and run like fúck. This all happened about 50 yards from my front door, I worked a 3-min walk away.

Three things I learned:
If the first punch floors you, it's hard to make a come-back, no matter what martial arts etc you know how to do.
People don't come if you scream.
There are no safe areas in a city, scobes travel.

Biggins

Kess73 wrote: »

...But the trick, in my eyes anyway, when faced with the choice of flight or fight is to be brave enough to make the decision to walk away.

Any fool can get into a fight, it takes more not to get into one.

Couldn't agree more.

jimthemental

It's not so much the training you might have but the way you react. I've had Jiu Jitsu and akaido training but in most fights I've been unfortunate enough to be caught in I mostly just dodged punches and punched back, boxing is basic but extremely effective if you have hassle on the street.

starviewadams

I'm tall and broad so people generally leave me alone.

And if somebody does try something I can run pretty fast!
Best advice I got from a SD instructor in the army was if you can run away,then run!

El Horseboxo

Yep i'm quite confident. I'm over 6 ft, 220 odd pounds and been doing muay thai and boxing since i was 4. Usually my size is enough to deter fights and i haven't been in too many. I usually try end it quick and don't get involved in a big fight. Eye contact and a kick to the shins ends most quickly.

123balltv

no if anything ever happened to me I woud'nt have the energy/skills
to fight back but what I have a perfume spray can in my bag and a small travel sized one in my pocket.
I watched one of these survival shows years ago they said advised wether attacked by an animal or human always go for the eyes a blind person cant follow you basicaly hurting the eyes even for 2 seconds can give you a chance

Pacing Mule

Yes I can fight back and yes I can handle myself. I have a brown belt in Kenpo Karate and a black belt in Origami too. (One of these is true )

I've had quite a few opportunites to use my skills but thankfully have been able to walk away most of the time. In my mind the greatest weapon you can have is distance. When I was forced to defend myself I regrettably hospitalised the attacker. I found that something to be ashamed of rather than proud tvh.

the_syco

A couple of things:
Would you risk jail time, a conviction, not being allowed travel outside of Ireland for beating up a junkie?

Do you know that they are not carrying a weapon, that they will not bite and give you gawd knows what disease?

Do you know that they are not in a group, that someone may be behind you, next to you, or next to them is part of that group?

Do you know how much fighting experience that the attacker has? Do you know if they have a long rap sheet filled with violence related convictions? Do you know how many people they have killed for money?

IMO, you do not fight back unless you are backed into a corner. If the police do come, and the junkies friend could say that you are the one that started the fight.

Laisurg

I'm able to handle myself quite well, had long hair when i was younger and grew up in a dodgey part of finglas so i had no choice really, avoiding the fights was always best though, even though i had been doing karate since i was 11 theres nothing i was able to do when there was 5 scumbags in a circle around me, and no matter how good you are at fighting theres always the chance that someone will pull a knife and be stupid enough to use it.
That being said though if you are attacked it's virtually never a good idea to stand there and just take a beating,

hondasam

against a girl yes probably, against a man not likely. I would give it my best shot.

biko

Dean0088 wrote: »

Army Ranger Wing are now trained by the guys in Dublin...

Trained by Dub junkies?

Ironman76

Im big enough and able to handle myself but Id always walk away from trouble. The last altercation I got into was about 5 years ago, I was defending someone else and we walked away and the guy came after me and I snapped. It got nasty, and part of his face swelled out like a grapefruit whicih freaks me out ot this day. Ever since then Ive no time for it. Thankfully I dont go into town much anymore. The bottom line is I dont want anything to happen to myself and I dont want anything to happen to anyone else. If thats being yellow then thats a fair deal, I can live with that.

Nodin

biko wrote: »

Trained by Dub junkies?

The famous "strung-out man" style, featuring the Semi-Comatose Stance, The Slack Jawed Drool, The Getaway Stagger and extensive use of Hypo-Arm, Hand Out For Change Fist and Gangrene Leg technique.

ibFoxer

I could, and have done on many occasions, but i detest fighting and would only do so if it was absolutely necessary. It's far easier to walk away, and i can say that knowing that i have a relatively short fuse and can blow quickly.

PrincessLola

Maybe if she was a girl the same size as me, and not on drugs or alcohol, and not carrying a knife or any other weapon.... actually no I couldn't at all lol:o

pragmatic1

Every situation is different. Been battered many times but if my temper is broke I'll go all out.

Mully_2011

I was bullied in school and one thing I learnt was when in a fight throw the first punch its so much easier to get the upper hand if your lacing digs into someone and dont stop till there on the ground I know its not the most noble way of fighting and it isnt pretty but it has worked for me before.

but the best advice is to try and not get into a fight in the first place stand up to your attacker dont encourage them into a fight but dont let them walk all over you.

kirving

I'd like to think I could, I'd step in if I had to, that's for sure, but honestly, don't know how I'd fare. It all depends on the situation really.

I can run pretty quick when I have to so I'll rely on that!

mgmt

Dean0088 wrote: »

Krav Maga is something I've thought of taking up (funds won't allow it though). Other martial art and 'sport fighting' goes out the window in a street situation. Krav Maga is supposed to be very effective when two or three scumbags are having a go at you.

Martial Arts are BULL$HIT

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wcbe3Ao0ThU

squod

Touching junkies is a no-no. No amount of jo-jitsu, krap manga or kung-pow will save you from getting a blood born disease from them. Two basic rules to follow.

1. Always put someone between them and you. Some random old dear makes a great battering ram
2. Use something long and heavy to kill them with. You don't want to see them in the same place tomorrow

Scrappychimow

Laisurg wrote: »

I'm able to handle myself quite well, had long hair when i was younger and grew up in a dodgey part of finglas so i had no choice really, avoiding the fights was always best though, even though i had been doing karate since i was 11 theres nothing i was able to do when there was 5 scumbags in a circle around me, and no matter how good you are at fighting theres always the chance that someone will pull a knife and be stupid enough to use it.
That being said though if you are attacked it's virtually never a good idea to stand there and just take a beating,

All of finglas is bleedin dodgy -finglas heads piss the beds

Nodin

squod wrote: »

Touching junkies is a no-no. No amount of jo-jitsu, krap manga or kung-pow will save you from getting a blood born disease from them. Two basic rules to follow.

1. Always put someone between them and you. Some random old dear makes a great battering ram
2. Use something long and heavy to kill them with. You don't want to see them in the same place tomorrow

Like anti-zombie tactics, really.

Rabies

I've broken up many a fight. Young and old. I'm not a big guy at all. But I find if you act first to break up a fight, the you have over all advantage on both sides.
When it comes to some one trying to take me on, well I get that at least once a week. Normal stuff I'm ok with, easily handled. Anything out of my control and my bouncers step in.
Most things can be resolved easily. Fond the sober friend of the "attacker" solves most probs. Best ones to work on and calm their mates down.

jive

Biggins wrote: »

Wado-Ryu and Krav Maga to begin with.
Trained in them for more years than probably the ages of younger ones here.

That said, I would NEVER use it for minor stuff.
Absolutely ONLY as a last resort.
One of the very first things you learn is that the body with the right training is very, very easy to damage a lot more so in particular ways.

This. There's certain things you learn that could literally kill in one blow if done correctly. They're not some super fancy moves only top fighters could execute either, I'm talking about simple things that might be necessary in a bad situation. If you can walk away and look like a coward then do that. It's better than getting into a fight and winning. If you have to fight then don't piss around - end it and end it fast. Hope that the injuries you inflict aren't serious enough to end you up in court faced with charges. I'd be extremely reluctant to fight anyone because you could 1) get the shít knocked out of you or 2) do something you end up in shít over for defending yourself. It really is a lose lose situation unless you are lucky. Walk away if possible.

MMA etc. goes out the window pretty much. There's no rules in street fighting but I'd rather have MMA than nothing at all. Krav Maga is the best for street applicable stuff that i've come across as thats's pretty much what it's intended for but some of the stuff is lethal.

Killer Wench

I hold a black belt in ghetto-fu and I have been trained in boxing and kickboxing. But, the fact that I look intimidating usually causes people to back down.

--LOS--

Its so hard to know, I'd imagine if you were in that situation you'd just enter defense mode and give it a good shot, anger would help too I'd imagine
That would be with someone you dont know, if you knew the person it would probably be different.

Bruthal

Dean0088 wrote: »

So what kind of training do you do Biggins?

Ever put it to use?

Well i trained in electrical, and like anyone well disciplined, i use it as little as possible.

arybvtcw0eolkf

Gunsfortoys wrote: »

In before makikomi.

Bollox, beaten (up) to it

OP forget Krav Maga, when the Israeli's want you dead they they kill you and a thousand of your closest family and friends with rockets & bombs, not judo chops

ART6

In my teens I did amateur boxing, and I learned how to hit fast and hard. Then I went to the Glasgow shipyards and then to sea and learned the more unsavory aspects of brawling, like the Glasgow Kiss. I learned that a hard smack in the nose will smash it and blind the opponent with tears, and never to hit only once but follow the first one with a knee in the nether regions or a hard left to the solar plexus.

I learned about the "engineers punch" which was with the heel of the hand and not the fist. If delivered under the chin it could, apparently, break the neck of the opponent. Fortunately I never had to try it.

But the most important lesson was that absolute confidence was necessary. Responses like "Don't be silly, boy. I'll tear yer f****n' head off" said calmly and without obvious aggression worked well. Also, when faced with a small gang, go for the one who talks most and put him on his back fast. A man on his back is less of a danger than one standing, and it gives the others pause, particularly if he is semi-conscious and bleeding profusely. I also learned, when sailing with Nepalese crews, how to disarm a man with a knife by dislocating his arm.

My natural aggression was tempered many years ago in Glasgow when, waiting at a bus stop, a guy and his mate took exception to me. I hit the guy very hard and he went straight through a shop door window in a shower of glass. I took off before the cops came, and I never knew what happened to him.

Now the years have caught up with me and I no longer have delusions about my superhuman powers. I would much prefer to walk away pleading age and infirmity, as I don't see much pleasure in crippling someone even if he richly deserves it.

Tar.Aldarion

yes and I have the scars to prove it...oh wait, maybe that's a no :pac:
Well I've done two martial arts but I don't think they matter much, moreso just how strong you are in general and how 'naturally handy' you are at fighting.

Ruu_Old

Probably could do flip all myself but I'm a runner so I can get away fast I suppose. There was a spate of group beatings a few months ago in the small central Illinois town where I am based. It turned out they were linked to group initiations, person goes out and picks (in these cases) it was a black group beating on lone white males. They picked on people who looked vulnerable. Best I can do is walk confidently and keep my head up and my wits about me.

flyswatter

I'm about 6'2-6'3 so yeah I could defend myself but I don't have much experience, did a bit of karate when I was younger. Thinking of taking up self defence soon. I've lost 3 stone in about 4 months and I've never been fitter.

I do a bit of Parkour and can run fast so I'd rather use my speed, stamina and agility to get away.

Never a good idea to start a fight though. A situation can be defused quickly though right if you have no option but to defend yourself? I'd like to hear what Makikomi has to say on this. I've heard a strong kick to the shins is undefendable most of the time?