The Prevalent State of Mind
It’s apparent that the prevalent state of mind regarding self defense lies predominantly in the “active” zone. In saying such it should automatically clue us in that there is room for improvement in the so called “passive” zone. Each means and method is unique unto that zone. Neither is better than the other. They both accomplish the same tasks equally well, but from different perspectives and through different forms of expression. If you doubt what I am saying all you have to do is finish reading this article and then look about you. The abundance of forums, articles and experts that abide in the “active” zone is legion! We are flooded by them. The amount of things said, written about or brought to light in the far less popular “passive” zone is a mere trickle in comparison. Now, in saying this we must next jump to some examples that showcase both active and passive methods. In turn, this will further clarify in your mind exactly what it is I am speaking of. Let’s begin with active elements to lay the foundations.
The Active (yang) Attitude of Defence
What this mode encompasses is the most popular and “in yer face” methods. Also some of the most deadliest means of personal defence lie within the “active” zone. Such gadgetry as brass knucks, knives, saps and billy clubs are the least of the active tools to contend with! More lethal yet are those things like pistols, rifles, vehicles as weapons, bombs and missles.
The message these tools of the trade send out is this: “Mess with me and I shall respond harshly. I will strike out with fist, foot, blade or bullet and smite thee severely”! Afterall that is exactly what these tools do best! Their allure is so strong it might even be deemed mildly hypnotic. And so it is and has been throughout the ages. IE: to defend yourself you would have to take an active role as would the tool you are employing. (If someone else smites you, then the logic says smite back/fight back).
These active methods also appeal to the male psyche. No man wishes to be another man’s punching bag and the capacity to “hit back” is critical to male ego.
Toss in a touch of “teach’em a lesson” and wee bit of “take that you varlet” mixed liberally with hearty amounts of testosterone and of course deadly weapons you’ve got one heck of lethal mix for all parties involved. Remember gang, this AIN’T the old days. This is NOW; think courts, cops, crooks, barristers and mucho money gone!
Could it be time to perhaps re-think the defence paradigm for today’s world? To come up with ideas of defense that fit into the fabric of our society easier than some of the ones outlined above? Perhaps… and perhaps not. Let us advance and acquire a brief overview of the passive methods before we make any decisions.
The Passive (yin) Attitude of Defence
The Passive mode incorporates almost as much gadgetry as does the active. Some of it is certainly much easier to deal with on a daily basis than is it’s deadlier, active mode counterpart. The concepts and elements of passive defence methods are not overt as were the active tools. Passive elements are COVERT, silently doing their work irregardless of the level of user interaction. Think about locking your doors at night. This is a nice example of a passive method at work. Items like bulletproof vests, armor in general, items of daily use weaponized, plus aspects of escape and evasion training all encompass passive defence solutions. Consider that from the samurai to the knights of yore, good old armor was on the scene. Yes, as were swords and lances etc.. all part of the “active” side, but silently supporting that highly visible side was the passive aspects. Less seen, un-noticed yet they too saved countless lives in their own right.
Police, security and military personnel all employ armor in some way or another on a daily basis. They value it’s effect beyond the effect of their guns. Now, take a quantum jump into most martial art type fighting methods (100% active based most of the time) out of all of the countless articles and threads about personal defence, it’s always the same IE: shoot’em, cut’em, punch’em, shock’em, throw’em or in simpler terms, “go get’em”! It’s a truly limited mentality at work that has been carried over from an older time when the active methods were accepted more. To be focused on violence and not true personal defense is a grave error that will come back to haunt many. Indeed, talk about being locked in a non-productive rut that only begets more trouble! Ouch! Seek balance in all things dear ones, this is what the great book of life tells us. Let us continue with our look at the passive side for just a bit longer. If nothing else but for the sake of balance and global sanity eh? (smile)
On the weaponization of daily items: If you do own a ballistic vest, take out a panel. Then simply insert it into your briefcase or portfolio. Now the briefcase that you carry everyday has a hidden effect of defence. If you are a more casual guy and don’t carry a briefcase then use those things in your world in some clever manner to create the personal defence effect you desire. Example: Learn basic flexible weapon applications: Belts, bandannas, pet leash’s, neckties and purse straps all can do nicely once you have weaponized them via gaining knowledge of their applications. (Check Fight Times back issue here It’s Just a Piece of Cloth a Dirty Old Rag for more on flexible weapons).
Communication: Consider this scenario: As you are leaving your residence you see a man standing in some bushes adjacent to your home. You can go two directions with this. You can say to yourself “The wife has a nine millimeter at home. If this guy breaks in she’ll blow his head off”. If this happens you have a world of trouble heading your way. OR…. simply use your cell phone. Send a text message or call home. Alert the wife to call the police if this guys makes any attempts to break in or aggress on your property. One way gets blood, the other gets you commended, and both accomplish the goal. Only one does it accord with the way professional protection specialists recommend. And as a trained exponent of the ESI bodyguard academy I know wherefore I speak. Violence is costly friends, passive systems should be considered.
Establish good habits at work, on the road and at home. Lock up, buy a safe, keep a yapper dog, you know the routine! How about that snoopy, nosey neighbor of yours? The one who spies on you, yes, that one. Hey pal, that is your built in security guard! Make that old windbag into an ally. Turn on the charm, do a few nice things and get the neighbor in yer back pocket. Use that negative snoop aspect you hate about your neighbor by reversing the flow and turning it into a guarddog effect that helps you. Yes, the early bird does get the worm, but ya know my friend, so does the clever bird.
The Tactical Balance for the Place and Time: Blending the Two ways Intelligently
Here is where we each must come into the picture by creating the blend of the two ways suited to what we personally need. This matrix of protection must remain flexible. This is because as we change environments and situations our requirements change too. Personal protection isn’t static; it is dynamic – always in flux. Adapt or die. This why each of us must take responsibility for ourselves and regularly fine-tune our senses and methods for optimum performance when called upon.
Here’s an example of a two-way blend that you can explore yourself!
The briefcase and cane (or some such near-arrangement) is a nice blend to play as an experiment for a week or so. This is with a normal briefcase or weaponized version (or backpack, clipboard, hardhat, etc). You will conceptually apply the tactics of the roman infantry. A shield leading and a short weapon backing the shield. The shield engages first (carry it in front). You and the cane remain behind the shield. The shield can suffocate an attack, it can deflect, do not allow the shield to absorb force, learn to parry over blocking. Research ancient books, which teach the use of a targ, then apply the concepts liberally to backpacks, fishing creels, briefcases and grocery bags!
To know how a shield works is like having another man fighting along with you. You take advantage of what the shield creates with fast thrusts and strikes. The shield (passive) sets up the cane (active). The passive weapons role is greater than the active weapons role by only a small margin. It’s a nice blend of both mentalities.
In my own Comtech Bowie Knife course I have oft times experimented with different means and ways of combat. All at full speeds, full contact combat experiments. Knife times knife, knife times double knife, stick times knife and tons of other variations and themes. Much remains the same throughout, but add a shield and bingo! You have a winner in ten out of eleven matches every time! A shield makes THAT much difference indeed! As close as it gets to a “guaranteed win”, that’s worth considering in my book. A heavy coat and a screwdriver work in a similar way. You must experiment and study, then fight some. Within a short time these skills will be yours, it’s not rocket science – just timing, common sense and some courage. So get to it!
Conclusion
In closing this short article I would like to encourage you to become a creator. To share in the grand adventure of life. Think out of the box and create methods of protection that others pass by. Some methods do not appeal to the ego, it is difficult to walk away from an insult or an assault I know! But, I have set your feet upon the right path. This article is a mere road sign, something that points the way. The trip itself, the vaunted “thousand mile journey” must be made by you alone. The fighting arts are about the self. Not about master so and so or this or that systems superiority. My goal is survival, joining a cult doesn’t help me survive. Learning to get by without a gang or cult behind you is far more rewarding because eventually it leads you to personal freedom and power on Earth.
Thanx for reading and stay sharp!
Sincerely
James A. Keating
https://www.jamesakeating.com
Video magazine here
https://www.modernknives.com
