OK, I know that some high school kids have precious little to do this time of year. School is getting out, they're hanging out with friends & their little hormone-driven frames just need to prove something. For that last part, I now have some advice:
Think about the person you choose to make your point.
My date & I were walking to grab a sandwich at the local Hardee's last night & just having a nice conversation when we saw six kids - two guys, four girls - hanging out at the corner by the restaurant. Now, that's not a completely unusual sight but something seemed a bit off about one of them. He started walking our way & intentionally kept to the middle of the side walk - guaranteeing I'd either have to move out of the way or butt shoulders with him.
Not being a simple thug, I chose the former. This little punk had one thing - starting a confrontation - and darned if I was going to give it to him. As we walked past, I gave his buddy a bit of a look to let him know these two people weren't an easy target & he definitely kept his distance. Obviously, doofus #1 didn't see that glare & turned around to come right up behind us. He was certainly trying to impress his friends & meant to "look big" at our expense.
We walked off without incident.
However, I'd like to say that this 16 or 17 year-old really did get lucky. Had he started something when I was alone, there's really not much of a problem: I'd get out of there as soon as I could - since there would be little sympathy for an adult with two black belts fighting off a common thug/kid. Being with a lady, the situation changes dramatically. Had he attacked, I'm now defending someone else. Nothing would have mattered other than getting her out of there safe & I would have ruined this dumbass to do it.
For you simple hooligans out there who think playing around like this is fun, just consider with whom you're messing. They may have skills in fighting/self-defense & not be so willing to avoid confrontation. Not to toot my own horn (I hope what I know never has to come out) but had this moron started something last night, I'd probably be asking someone to bail me out instead of typing this blog post.
Showing posts with label It Won't Happen To Me. Show all posts
Showing posts with label It Won't Happen To Me. Show all posts
5/30/09
8/10/07
100% Preventable
(H/T Michelle Malkin)
In the linked article you'll find a grisly example of a completely preventable crime. Had these two disgusting individuals not been here, in the United States, the horrible death of this young lady - Dani Countryman, 15 - would have never been perpetrated.
As it stands, we have two (more) illegal aliens living in jail cells, asking for warmer clothing; a devastated family attempting to deal with the tragic, needless death of a daughter; & a bunch of apologists for illegals in elected government.
To them, I ask:
Honestly, the whole of it disgusts me. I try not to get furious over things out of my control but this is too much. I, for one, could not bear looking someone in the eye & tell them a loved one was gone forever because of my indifference or opportunism. Of course, that's because most of us, unlike the ineffectual beltway players, have our own consciences.
In the linked article you'll find a grisly example of a completely preventable crime. Had these two disgusting individuals not been here, in the United States, the horrible death of this young lady - Dani Countryman, 15 - would have never been perpetrated.
As it stands, we have two (more) illegal aliens living in jail cells, asking for warmer clothing; a devastated family attempting to deal with the tragic, needless death of a daughter; & a bunch of apologists for illegals in elected government.
To them, I ask:
How would you feel, sir or madam, if a stranger walked up to you & told your entire family that a daughter, son, mother or brother wasn't coming home because a selfish, bickering bunch of political opportunists thought it was better to court a vote?
Do you have the concept of shame within you to recognize that while you debated, prattled & postured for personal gain that illegal aliens are in this country, coming to this country, breaking our laws - the ones you take an oath to defend & support - & you have done not one thing to prevent this & other tragedies in the lives of Americans?
Honestly, the whole of it disgusts me. I try not to get furious over things out of my control but this is too much. I, for one, could not bear looking someone in the eye & tell them a loved one was gone forever because of my indifference or opportunism. Of course, that's because most of us, unlike the ineffectual beltway players, have our own consciences.
7/12/07
For Your Family
I've read two accounts, one from Mrs. Who of House of Zathras & one from Roses of Ack! Thbbbt, both detail attacks on these two ladies years ago. Since both have been selfless enough to post something this personal AND are doing so because they know it may benefit other women & their daughters, I feel it's only decent of me to help spread their posts however I can.
The information I'm going to offer is similar to what you will find in their blogs. However, READ their posts! I cannot tell you how much both moved me, scared me & angered me. I have a young friend about to start in college & it's her first time away from home alone. While I believe people are generally good-natured there are some monsters sick beyond words. Mrs. Who & Roses have done a great service with these courageous messages.
Roses & Mrs. Who have asked others to post experiences on their sites. If you have something you wish to share, please do so on their blogs. I'm only trying to help get the message out there.
Here is the information I would like to offer (Courtesy: Matt Rion, Cedar Valley Defensive Arts):
1) Pay attention to your surroundings: Whether on vacation or at home, it is important to not get so caught up in the sights or activities that you do not notice what is going on around you.
2) Listen to your instincts: Some call it a "gut" feeling, others call it instinct. We all have it - pay attention when that little voice inside you says something is wrong. Get out of that situation immediately, even if you can't put your finger on what gave you the feeling. Once in a safe area, think about it more. You will soon realize what gave you the feeling.
3) Learn a martial art: Attending a self defense seminar several times a year is a step in the right direction. However, to become proficient and have the ability to react without thinking, will require consistent, regular practice. Visit a school and talk to the instructor about his or her philosophy of teaching. Does he or she emphasize tournaments? Although sparring is fun, it will not help you in a self-defense situation. Does he or she have an open mind and experience in multiple martial arts?
4) If you choose to carry pepper spray - Practice! Pepper spray is like any other weapon - it can be taken away and used against you. If you choose to carry pepper spray, get some training. At the very least, get several containers of the same brand you will carry. Take one in the back yard and learn how to use it. Like anything else, to be effective you must practice. Learn how far it will spray and how much pressure it takes to operate. It is better to take the time now, than not have the time later. And remember, to work at all, you must have it in your hand. There will be no time to fumble through your purse or pocket to find it.
Lastly, there was a study done (One In Eight) that addresses the risks posed to women in the state of Iowa. However, I think this report applies to all women & would encourage anyone with a wife/daughter/mother/etc. to read it.
The information I'm going to offer is similar to what you will find in their blogs. However, READ their posts! I cannot tell you how much both moved me, scared me & angered me. I have a young friend about to start in college & it's her first time away from home alone. While I believe people are generally good-natured there are some monsters sick beyond words. Mrs. Who & Roses have done a great service with these courageous messages.
Roses & Mrs. Who have asked others to post experiences on their sites. If you have something you wish to share, please do so on their blogs. I'm only trying to help get the message out there.
Here is the information I would like to offer (Courtesy: Matt Rion, Cedar Valley Defensive Arts):
1) Pay attention to your surroundings: Whether on vacation or at home, it is important to not get so caught up in the sights or activities that you do not notice what is going on around you.
2) Listen to your instincts: Some call it a "gut" feeling, others call it instinct. We all have it - pay attention when that little voice inside you says something is wrong. Get out of that situation immediately, even if you can't put your finger on what gave you the feeling. Once in a safe area, think about it more. You will soon realize what gave you the feeling.
3) Learn a martial art: Attending a self defense seminar several times a year is a step in the right direction. However, to become proficient and have the ability to react without thinking, will require consistent, regular practice. Visit a school and talk to the instructor about his or her philosophy of teaching. Does he or she emphasize tournaments? Although sparring is fun, it will not help you in a self-defense situation. Does he or she have an open mind and experience in multiple martial arts?
4) If you choose to carry pepper spray - Practice! Pepper spray is like any other weapon - it can be taken away and used against you. If you choose to carry pepper spray, get some training. At the very least, get several containers of the same brand you will carry. Take one in the back yard and learn how to use it. Like anything else, to be effective you must practice. Learn how far it will spray and how much pressure it takes to operate. It is better to take the time now, than not have the time later. And remember, to work at all, you must have it in your hand. There will be no time to fumble through your purse or pocket to find it.
Lastly, there was a study done (One In Eight) that addresses the risks posed to women in the state of Iowa. However, I think this report applies to all women & would encourage anyone with a wife/daughter/mother/etc. to read it.
6/24/07
Davenport, Iowa
An apparent road rage attack left one woman in a coma & two men severely beaten. The two perpetrators used golf clubs & a tire iron to carry out the attack.
OK, folks, as you can see from the attached article there's not much detail to offer. What I can advise in this case is don't get involved with road rage - let your pride go! I'm not saying let people walk all over you but I am saying it's not worth your life to prove a (superfluous) point. Even the most experienced martial artist/police officer/soldier is in a bind where multiple attackers are concerned. Add to that short-tempered thugs like the monsters in this case & you have a nightmare situation.
Like the last time I posted on this we're talking about a small town where this kind of thing just "doesn't happen". In cases of road rage, I think people feel powerful behind the wheel & certainly become more aggressive. Sadly, when people take it to the next level - hostile behavior - that illusion is broken & leaves this kind of disgusting crime in it's wake.
OK, folks, as you can see from the attached article there's not much detail to offer. What I can advise in this case is don't get involved with road rage - let your pride go! I'm not saying let people walk all over you but I am saying it's not worth your life to prove a (superfluous) point. Even the most experienced martial artist/police officer/soldier is in a bind where multiple attackers are concerned. Add to that short-tempered thugs like the monsters in this case & you have a nightmare situation.
Like the last time I posted on this we're talking about a small town where this kind of thing just "doesn't happen". In cases of road rage, I think people feel powerful behind the wheel & certainly become more aggressive. Sadly, when people take it to the next level - hostile behavior - that illusion is broken & leaves this kind of disgusting crime in it's wake.
4/17/07
It Won't Happen To Me: Cedar Rapids,IA
In this case, my first installment of "It Won't Happen To Me" involves a student at my instructor's school.
I'm going to say up-front - this young man was lucky. I don't mean he did anything wrong by walking home from school. He should be able to do that safely. The fact he was able to foil his attacker is excellent but the fact is he was attacked in the open, during the middle of the day.
Cedar Rapids is generally considered an excellent area in which to live. Keep that in mind when you read the following (last names omitted):
With a punch, sixth grader foils his attacker
By Christoph Trappe
The Gazette
CEDAR RAPIDS — Sixth grader Riley, 13, used a tae kwon do move to get away from an attacker wearing a ski mask, who was demanding money from him. ‘‘He was walking home from school; heard somebody behind him hollering,’’ said Riley's mom, Pam, 43, of Cedar Rapids, and a Gazette employee. The attacker pushed Riley in the chest and got in front of him Friday afternoon. Riley tried to walk away, police said.
‘‘Then he pulled something out of his pocket that looked like a knife,’’ Pam said.
Riley, who is 5 foot 4 inches and weighs about 100 pounds, was still facing off in the 600 block alley of 10th Street NW around 3 p.m. Friday with the attacker, described as being about two inches taller and weighing about 50 pounds more than the boy. Riley was walking home after his day at Roosevelt Middle School, 300 13th St. NW.
The yellow-belt, who will test for the next level soon, took matters into his hands — or fists — his mom said and police reports show.
‘‘He did a move,’’ his mom said. ‘‘He punched through the stomach with the yell and everything. He hit him hard enough to bring him to the knees.’’
Riley got away uninjured. No arrest has been made in the case as of last night.
For now, Riley will probably be picked up from school, his mom said. As far as Friday goes, Riley didn’t have any money on him to give to the attacker anyway.
Police reports show the attacker wore a ski mask, gray coat, blue jeans and white tennis shoes. His age is unknown because his face was covered but Pam said she believes he was an adult man.
I'm going to say up-front - this young man was lucky. I don't mean he did anything wrong by walking home from school. He should be able to do that safely. The fact he was able to foil his attacker is excellent but the fact is he was attacked in the open, during the middle of the day.
Cedar Rapids is generally considered an excellent area in which to live. Keep that in mind when you read the following (last names omitted):
With a punch, sixth grader foils his attacker
By Christoph Trappe
The Gazette
CEDAR RAPIDS — Sixth grader Riley, 13, used a tae kwon do move to get away from an attacker wearing a ski mask, who was demanding money from him. ‘‘He was walking home from school; heard somebody behind him hollering,’’ said Riley's mom, Pam, 43, of Cedar Rapids, and a Gazette employee. The attacker pushed Riley in the chest and got in front of him Friday afternoon. Riley tried to walk away, police said.
‘‘Then he pulled something out of his pocket that looked like a knife,’’ Pam said.
Riley, who is 5 foot 4 inches and weighs about 100 pounds, was still facing off in the 600 block alley of 10th Street NW around 3 p.m. Friday with the attacker, described as being about two inches taller and weighing about 50 pounds more than the boy. Riley was walking home after his day at Roosevelt Middle School, 300 13th St. NW.
The yellow-belt, who will test for the next level soon, took matters into his hands — or fists — his mom said and police reports show.
‘‘He did a move,’’ his mom said. ‘‘He punched through the stomach with the yell and everything. He hit him hard enough to bring him to the knees.’’
Riley got away uninjured. No arrest has been made in the case as of last night.
For now, Riley will probably be picked up from school, his mom said. As far as Friday goes, Riley didn’t have any money on him to give to the attacker anyway.
Police reports show the attacker wore a ski mask, gray coat, blue jeans and white tennis shoes. His age is unknown because his face was covered but Pam said she believes he was an adult man.
"It Won't Happen To Me" Introduction
In light of a recent incident involving one Master Rion's students being attacked here in Cedar Rapids & the senseless tragedy at Virginia Tech, I'm starting a new (hopefully ongoing) set of posts called "It Won't Happen To Me".
To start, I NEVER place blame on the person or persons attacked - the responsibility lies solely with the perpetrator. No one ever "has it coming". I don't care if the attacker has it rough or "society" wasn't fair to him/her, the decision to visit violence on others was theirs.
I will say that entirely too many people have the "it won't happen to me" attitude (i've even seen people who were attacked add "again" to the end of that). The best thing you can do to prepare for a self-defense situation is, obviously, to stay out of it in the first place. But sometimes that's just not possible.
What I offer as a concept is being prepared is the best start to any self-defense. With that in mind, I'm going to post periodically on items in the news where someone was attacked - most likely in a relatively "safe" location. This isn't to scare the bejeebers out of you - the intention is to help you realize that these things can unfortunately happen even in your town.
My hope is that everyone will take steps to protect themselves.
To start, I NEVER place blame on the person or persons attacked - the responsibility lies solely with the perpetrator. No one ever "has it coming". I don't care if the attacker has it rough or "society" wasn't fair to him/her, the decision to visit violence on others was theirs.
I will say that entirely too many people have the "it won't happen to me" attitude (i've even seen people who were attacked add "again" to the end of that). The best thing you can do to prepare for a self-defense situation is, obviously, to stay out of it in the first place. But sometimes that's just not possible.
What I offer as a concept is being prepared is the best start to any self-defense. With that in mind, I'm going to post periodically on items in the news where someone was attacked - most likely in a relatively "safe" location. This isn't to scare the bejeebers out of you - the intention is to help you realize that these things can unfortunately happen even in your town.
My hope is that everyone will take steps to protect themselves.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
