Ragnar808

I can see doing a hit to the throat...but I think that would be more difficult. Plus...and I doubt I would think of this in the heat of the moment...but many people warn of hitting in the throat (unless you really think the person will kill you) since you could kill or seriously harm someone and then there are lawsuits. All said and done...better to be judged by 12 than carried about by 6, but I suppose if some little punk takes a shot at your face, and you think you can just pop him in the groin and leave him there crying, then why destroy his throat?

After all I've read here, and from what I know that I could pull off if push comes to shove is: Person approaches me giving attitude and threats--- firstly try to avoid by talking my way out of it all the while keeping distance and keeping the hands in a non threatening, yet instantly defensive mode. Then, if I'm attacked physically, block, kick groin (a few times if possible), then get outta dodge. If that's not enough and I need to keep going, land a few shots to nose (attempting to break it)....then get outta there. Hopefully I would be able to do something like groin kick, punch face, elbow face, low kick to leg or something....and that gives me enough time to get away. Nothing fancy....just basic boom boom, run! Today I'm going to bring this up to my Shihan and see what he says. Most of the self defense stuff we go over that applies to a situation has to do with even scarier stuff like knives and guns....which really.....as a white belt.....I think I'd freak out before I could do anything!!!

Thanks again for the reply. Oh yeah...I'm aware of being a white belt and not being able to do anything. I'm just thinking about things in terms of......before I knew NOTHING really about self defense. Now I know 5% more! Really just thinking about how to avoid danger and if it comes to me, what may be a good way to prepare. Danger could have come prior to me knowing how to groin kick or do a simple punch or roundhouse kick. Now I know a tiny bit of that and push comes to shove, where before it would have been just fear and I guess hoping to land a punch, now I'm thinking more about how to avoid it and if I can't what's the best way to set myself up for a quick defense I'm certainly ready to run first, fight second....Run Foo Master!

Thanks for the lengthy reply! All very useful info. I guess what I'm specifically wondering is....if there is such a thing as an "all purpose prepare to defend yourself" position, what would it be? Let's assume that while you're try to talk your way out of it and no one is coming to your aid, that you're going through a set up phase in your mind and body. I watched the first video and it's certainly a good idea to keep you hands ready to defend and also be aware of what the other person may or may not have in their hands.

Hi, I'm new here and I'm new to karate and a white belt. I haven't gotten to ask my Shihan about his this yet, but....I'm wondering what people think is the best way to respond to a "basic confrontation". I know the variables can be 100 fold, but let's just say you're somewhere, there's no one to really help you out and someone bumps you, starts taunting you, threatening you or whatever. What's a good way to put yourself in position to defend? Stand back 10 feet? Hands up in a non threatening way? Being nice? I'm just wondering because now that I'm doing karate, I'm often wondering what would I do "right now" if someone messed with me. Should I just run? Act as if I know nothing before I defend? Posture (depending on if I think that'll make someone think twice?) Thanks for your opinions!