A sensitive topic regarding martial arts to defend yourself.

[Dijita]

Hi I just wanted to open up a discussion about using martial arts as a way to defend yourself.

 

To begin, I just wanted to share that today I read in the newspaper that a serial rapist is in my neighbourhood. After reading this, it got me thinking... what would I do if this person approached me violently?

 

Many people join martial arts as a way to defend themselves, but when it comes down to it.. if you were faced with a situation where you had too, would you? Another question is should you?

 

Take for example, if someone attacks you and wants your money. The attacker has a knife. Is it really wise to try and defend yourself? In my opinion it is probably best to just give up your money and spare yourself possible harm.

 

Now it gets a bit more trickier when this person that is attacking you, wants to rape you. This is something that is obviously going to cause personal harm, as well as quiet a bit of psychological implications. No longer is it just a loss of material possession in the case of someone wanting your money. If the person has a knife, should you try and take the risk of being stabbed and fight the person off?

 

I understand that this is probably more of a question directed at women, however, if you are a guy reading this... try and put yourself in the shoes of a women... and think about what would you do?

[iolair]

I remember reading about a study which said that woman who fought back against rapists suffered no more physical injury, and much fewer psychological problems, compared to those who did not fight back.

 

As for money ... if I thought they would go and not harm me if I gave them my money, then they're welcome to it if they're armed. If I think the nutter will harm me whatever I do, I'll attempt to remove them immediately.

[Squawman]

These are excellent questions. If a person pulls a knife or gun and says "give your money" then the best thing to do is comply. If the person pulls a gun or knife and says come with me or I'll kill you then the best thing to do is run or if you have to, stay and defend yourself. Situation B is always going to be worse than situation A. And in most cases the person doesn't even have a weapon, all they have to do is verbally threaten the victim and they will comply because they think that if they don't do what he says that they will get hurt. The best example of this is the girl in Florida. The guy didn't show a weapon but all he did was say something to the girl and lead her away. Now she's dead.

 

If you are looking for some reading material I would suggest The Gift of Fear by Gavin DeBecker or Strong on Defense.

[Mc. Steve]

If there is an oppotunity to run it should be taken. If not and they have a weapon, I don't know. Tough decision, but if you do feel the need to defend yourself, a key is a good makeshift weapon. High heels. Grabbing behind their ear and ripping it off if it gets to that.

[Dijita]

Hrmm.. those are some interesting points. I'd love to find the stats regarding the women who attempt to defend themselves don't get injured for the most part.

If the person pulls a gun or knife and says come with me or I'll kill you then the best thing to do is run or if you have to, stay and defend yourself. Situation B is always going to be worse than situation A.

 

I don't think this is always true though, there is always a very high risk when attempting to defend yourself, because the assaulter could stab you out of fear or aggrivation. Now is being sexually assaulted worst than being killed?

If there is an oppotunity to run it should be taken. If not and they have a weapon

 

This is definately what I think. If you can run, go for it. As for a weapon... this is what I usually do and perhaps it is paranoia, but often times if I am walking home by myself especially at night, I'll hold my keys in my fist with one key sticking out between my fingers. Therefore if I get attacked it is a very handy weapon that you can use to stab the attacker and give you that oppurtunity to run.

 

I'd like to think that I would attempt to defend myself, and I run the situation through my head many times so that way I am prepared if it happens. However sometimes when the situation arises it is always hard to do what you think you would.

[Beka]

I have been raped, and I would do anything possible to prevent it again. If that means gettings stabbed, I would do it. In my opinion, there is nothing worse than rape. If you are murdered, at least you don't have to remember it.

[Beka]

I would also like to add that attackers like to choose *victims*. None of the martial artist women I know, and we come in all shapes and statures, look like victims to me.

[delta1]

Generally speaking, give them the money, but defend your body. Never allow yourself to be taken and isolated, as you are entirely at his mercy then. Think about it, the best that can happen if he takes you is that you'll live with some seriouse emotional scars.

[Shorinryu Sensei]

These are excellent questions. If a person pulls a knife or gun and says "give your money" then the best thing to do is comply. If the person pulls a gun or knife and says come with me or I'll kill you then the best thing to do is run or if you have to, stay and defend yourself. Situation B is always going to be worse than situation A. And in most cases the person doesn't even have a weapon, all they have to do is verbally threaten the victim and they will comply because they think that if they don't do what he says that they will get hurt. The best example of this is the girl in Florida. The guy didn't show a weapon but all he did was say something to the girl and lead her away. Now she's dead.

 

If you are looking for some reading material I would suggest The Gift of Fear by Gavin DeBecker or Strong on Defense.

 

I agree with Squawman on this. If all he wants is your money, you have to figure what is worth more. the money in your wallet...or your life? That's what I teach my class. If they are going to kill you with a knife or gun...1st option is yes, RUN! 2nd option is to fight...and fight will all the intensity and meaness/anger you possess.

[Rich67]

Beka, I am sorry to hear about your incident.

 

It's tough to tell a guy to put himself in a woman's shoes for a question like this. But,to put it simply, here goes my opinion:

 

1) If the bad guy simply wants a wallet or other wordly posession, and he is unarmed, and you are confident in your ability, then fight it out. But be the aggressor, and hurt him bad before he realizes you are going to put up a fight.

 

2) same scenario, but attacker is armed, give up your stuff. If he attacks you even after you give up what he wants, then you have to be prepared to kill or seriously injure him.

 

3) Attacker is unarmed and wants to commit rape. Fight.

 

4) Attacker is armed and wants to commit rape. Fight.

 

You have to assume that a rapist also has intent on killing you after the crime. He may choke you to death, even if "unarmed". You must never submit when the possibility exists that you may possibly be killed in the comission of the crime.

 

All situations are different. You may not see a weapon initially, but one may present itself later. Always attack violently and with conviction. A weak attack lets your opponent regroup and come back with more force. Overwhelm him and seriously injure him the first time, and don't allow him to get up and get the best of you. Women must gouge eyes, strike the groin violently, and use whatever weapon they have at their disposal... nail files, keys, etc. Some women may not have the potential to fight back effectively. Especially if they are "afraid" to seriously injure or even kill someone. You must work on your mentality to gear up for a possible attack of this nature.