Over the years I have received countless communications from operators and civilians who have had to use the skills I taught them in self defence or combat. There must be thousands of such stories out there worthy of mention. This new column to Fight Times is to highlight these real life stories.
If you have had to defend yourself as a civilian or in the execution of your duties as a service person, then don't hesitate to forward your story. These stories will not include the identities of any of the subjects involved, but will detail the situation and means used to overcome it.
Send your story to [email protected]
I am a computer programmer and by no means a fighter. I decided to take a self defence course at the Todd Group before leaving for the UK. Fortunately I did because while in London in the East End a friend of mine was knocked out cold when two large individuals attempted to mug us and take our wallets under menace. I immediately covered myself with the guard I had been taught to use in 'O Shit' situations. I made my first mistake prior to this by visiting a less than safe area followed by mistake number two wearing jandals, not exactly the best foot wear for self defence. Another mistake was to tell the muggers where to go when they insisted on my wallet. However the training provided me the ability to whether the assault and much to my surprise dislocate my attackers knee joint putting him down to stay and making his offsider back off, pick up a bottle and threaten me, but not go through with it.
"Woman Attacked" was the newspaper heading. This is the subject's account of the attack: "I was attacked from behind walking home late one night and thanks to a few quick moves picked up at the Todd Group self defence course I was lucky to escape with only a ripped top and a few scratches to my face. He was left on the ground with genital injuries and a nice cut to his face."
Dear Tank, In 1987 I took a course in self defence at your self defence school. Thank you Tank for what you taught me, as it helped me stop a burglar from getting into my house. Thank you again.
Thanks Tank. I was approached by three men demanding my boots. One of them was armed. I was afraid, but I remembered what you had always said to me, not to panic, assess the situation and remain ready. I didn't panic and I defended myself against the three attackers, ending with them having to flee and this was because of your great teaching methods.
One of the late Charles Nelson's students, while riding the subway, found himself up against two muggers. One armed with a firearm, and the second with a knife. Charlie told us that his police officer student managed to shoot and kill the gunman before turning his attention to the knife-wielding accomplice that by this stage was fleeing. Charlie told us that the muggers were seated on either side of him, and that the gunman put the pistol to the officer's head, threatening to shoot him. He calmly told the muggers to take it easy, that he would give them what they wanted and drew his pistol and shot the gunman. Charlie was very impressed with his ability to think and react correctly to the threat.
