What if you feel you can never really prepare?

R

RedLynx

Joined
Aug 5, 2011
Messages
11,445
Hi guys,

This might have to get moved elsewhere as it only loosely relates to knives but, having perused other subforums related to "tactical" and "martial" stuff in the past and seeing how heated things can get there, I wanted to avoid them for now. This isn't really an asking for advice thread (although feel free to give it if you want) but just a general lay of the land thread on this issue.

Only very few of you know me from the olden days of Knife Forums.com when I was mostly over there instead of mostly over here, way back when. Even fewer probably know that I have cerebral palsy affecting my lower half and walk with a cane, and the walking I do is not that great, in the best of times. I'm not here to get into a long spiel about that (feel free to ask questions/send a message, I'm very open about it). But, occasionally, my mind wanders to what I could do, vs. what I might have to do.

Running/getting out of a situation of danger is the #1 smartest, go-to thing a person should do when faced with danger, I think most of us would agree with this here, probably? But what if, physically speaking, that just isn't an option for you no matter what? What if you MUST do something or wait for the danger to pass or hope that someone else can help you? I'm not even necessarily talking about some sort of physical confrontation, it can be any detrimental situation really. Running is a good tactic. But if it becomes an impossible tactic, what do you do?

This is less of a "situational tactical ninja advice" thread and just more of a mindset thread. If any of my fellow forumites have any physical difficulties and want to share how they come to terms with that in day to day life, when considering self-preservation, I'd be interested.

For what it is worth, I do my part to keep in good shape with a lot of stretching and strength training. I'd like to be able to do much more, in terms of running, but since I cannot, I just try to keep as fit and limber as possible (very important with CP anyway, otherwise my legs will just freeze up way too much every day).

Sometimes I come back to this and really wrestle with this problem, since one of the best things in any adverse situation, is literally unattainable to me. I don't really lose sleep over it or anything (very often) but I do feel I'd do myself a disservice if I didn't consider my limitations in life, and respect them. Does anyone else ever feel like the best or most practical ways of dealing with adverse situations, ways that perhaps we might take for granted, are truly unavailable to them? How do you deal with it?

I enjoy reading certain threads about "best SD knife, best martial arts, best thing I can do to be invincible (slightly tongue in cheek)" threads out there. I have learned a lot and I think preparation is important. But if I am honest, a great, $1000 SD knife and an excellent course in its use probably are not going to really help me very much. I don't really buy any knives for any sort of perceived "SD factor" because in my mind, it would take so much more than that, for me. I remember reading somewhere that fights (as an example of an adverse situation) are most often won with the feet, with proper balance, than with the hands, and the best moves. I can't be sure but I bet some here would confirm such a thing. So it's tough to know that my balance is terrible and cannot really be improved much.

I hate to think of myself as a below average person who is in reality much more helpless than the average person out there. But if I am truly honest with myself, that is true. Sometimes it is just a difficult truth to face.

Sorry for the ramble, getting late here and I'm a bit tuckered.

Just something about which I have been thinking recently.

Hmm, that was longer than I expected. Thanks for listening folks.
 
Observe your surroundings, keep track of what is going on, and if the situation starts changing for the worse get out of there ASAP. That is the short and sweet version of what EMS/Medical and a lot of other workers are trained to do minus law enforcement who are a tad bit more gung ho about getting into trouble.

If you start observing your surroundings and constantly do so you can start noticing when things are about to escalate before they do so as there are usually little warning signs if you look for them. And as a general rule if your "gut feeling" says you should leave just do so. It's your brain way of telling you something is wrong subconsciously because your too stupid to put it together consciously. Learned that the hard way a few times :(.
 
As we age we all get more and more feeble. An 80 year old man is usually a sitting duck to thugs. I just wanted to point out your below-averageness is temporary, we'll all get there sooner or later.

You sound thoughtful, put your mind to staying out of trouble and chances are you'll be fine. I'm safer than most people because my education and skills puts about 20 miles between me and the nearest rough area. That's a lot more valuable than a fancy knife. To me at least.
 
Hi zhyla,

You know, it's funny, I'm much more a thinker than a do-er (not that all of my thinking is amazing by any means, most of it isn't) and some of my teachers said it was easy for them to see I was comfortable in academia/the halls of a university, etc.

Perhaps it is because in some ways I cannot do a lot of things, but paradoxically, I always love a great workhorse bargain hard use knife, even though I could never really do a hard labor job that required a hard use knife. Theoretically I am very interested in construction and building/working with my hands/doing that very physical stuff, even though, again, practically I know I cannot really. Perhaps it is this knowing that piques my interest. Perhaps because I cannot do it, I just wish I had the OPTION to do it. Many times in life that has been a problem for me, just wishing I COULD do something, even though realistically, I would make a poor construction worker, for example. Even though I know that, I still and probably always will like the idea of working hard, with my hands, using tools, to build and repair things, to do these sorts of laborious things, even though logically I bet most construction workers and the like would tell me I have no idea what I'm talking about and why would I want to do that.

I guess in practice even though I know I'm better at and more comfortable teaching literature, for example, that part of me that can't do all of that physical stuff, the "hard man's man" work, will always have an interest in it. I have a lot of tools and things, some knives among them, made for good hard work, just because I grew up on a farm and grew up with my father using those tools, and through experience knowing how to do a lot of those practical things that realistically I cannot do.

I guess it's silly, a man having these tools, or these idealized thoughts about hard labor, but for some reason I'll always be curious about it, and I'll always have a good deal of respect for those guys who can use those tools efficiently, or build that house, or make those repairs, or what have you. There's something great about it.
 
buy a kabar tdi with a custom sheath(the regular sheath is decent too) and keep it on your belt, under your shirt. you wont be invincible but you will have a small knife on you that is razor sharp and very easy to access at a moments notice.
 
RedLynx said:
I remember reading somewhere that fights (as an example of an adverse situation) are most often won with the feet, with proper balance, than with the hands, and the best moves. I can't be sure but I bet some here would confirm such a thing. So it's tough to know that my balance is terrible and cannot really be improved much.
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Your right about footwork being important in a fight, but there are times when it doesn't matter, like when you are confronted while opening your car door, stuck between too cars.

If you can't move very well, you could focus on being dangerous while stuck in place. Grip training (Captains of Crush grip trainers build strength FAST) so that you can hold onto and control limbs, and grappling, as well as trapping and passing, is what I would focus on. Kali drills are great for developing fast hands, and fast hands are valuable whether or not you can move or are stuck in one place.
 
Frankly, if your question is about self-defense best practices, I have 2 suggestions: (1) since you already walk with a cane, choose one with some weight to it; and (2) rely on a good pepper spray instead of a knife as your primary self-defense tool. A spritz of pepper spray and a knock on a knee or shoulder from your cane (as necessary) will be a lot more effective and less lethal than brandishing and/or using a knife. You don't need massive legal problems on top of medical problems.
 
RedLynx said:
I am very interested in construction and building/working with my hands/doing that very physical stuff, even though, again, practically I know I cannot really.
Click to expand...

One thing that may not be obvious to you is we are entering the golden age of robots. I don't know your exact condition but if you can work your hands and use a computer you can run a CNC router or milling machine. Mills come as small as a sewing machine now. And then there's 3D printers, laser cutters, etc. Maybe you can abstract your need to work with your hands to working with your robotic hands.

In college I tutored a guy who walked fine but had no arms. It was really interesting to see him make do with what he had.
 
Gadfly22 said:
Frankly, if your question is about self-defense best practices, I have 2 suggestions: (1) since you already walk with a cane, choose one with some weight to it; and (2) rely on a good pepper spray instead of a knife as your primary self-defense tool. A spritz of pepper spray and a knock on a knee or shoulder from your cane (as necessary) will be a lot more effective and less lethal than brandishing and/or using a knife. You don't need massive legal problems on top of medical problems.
Click to expand...

Good advice. If something were to go down, even the most highly trained people in self defense strategies can draw a blank. It's happened before and it will happen again. Being prepared in my opinion employs much more use of common sense than actual weapons. As mentioned, be aware of your surroundings, know where the fastest and most reliable exits are located, try not to flash money/expensive items is shady environments, etc. What I've learned over time is that if it's time to get your ticket punched, there isn't a whole lot to be done about it. Personally, I would try not to allow someone to get close enough to me to stab them. That means they are within distance to stab me as well.
 
RedLynx said:
Sometimes I come back to this and really wrestle with this problem, since one of the best things in any adverse situation, is literally unattainable to me. I don't really lose sleep over it or anything (very often) but I do feel I'd do myself a disservice if I didn't consider my limitations in life, and respect them. Does anyone else ever feel like the best or most practical ways of dealing with adverse situations, ways that perhaps we might take for granted, are truly unavailable to them? How do you deal with it?
Click to expand...

Thanks for posting this! I had a dream about a month ago, a nightmare actually. I VERY rarely have nightmares, and typically they involve some type of absurdly unrealistic thing happening to me; like something causing me to "fling" violently across the earth, waiting to crash (like falling but sideways..?). Anyway, the dream I had was really short and to the point: about a dozen or so heavily armed individuals in "military" gear were running down the street toward me. At first glance, my "dreamself" assumed they were friendly; but after a few rounds from an assault rifle were fired in my general direction I came to the quick conclusion they were not. I do remember the gunshots being very "crack" like and REAL. Immediate panic took me, I was in shorts and a t-shirt with street shoes - and surprisingly not even a folding knife to be had. Reaction? 1) HIDE! 2) RUN! There is nothing I can do otherwise but die.

I woke up shortly after realizing there was no place to run or hide. Now as a brief background- I have no military training or experience whatsoever, so this isn't a flashback or memory revisited, just a nightmare, or even more aptly put: a night terror.

Since then it has really put me on my toes just a bit more, and even brought a keener sense of reality to the happenings in the world around us. I'm not sitting and waiting for doomsday, but to be aware that it could happen is better than being a frightened kitten.

All in all, heightened awareness I think is the most successful key to being prepared. You've got the smarts, and that's a good start. Better than most sitting in the room with you, anyway!

Thanks for sharing
 
I'll bet Brazilian Juijitstu is not impossible for you. Thats exercise and defense.

I know a double amputee that's can school quite a few "average" persons on the mat.

Challenging, yes and not everything will be possible for you but its not entirely impossible either..
 
Bob6794 said:
Observe your surroundings, keep track of what is going on, and if the situation starts changing for the worse get out of there ASAP. That is the short and sweet version of what EMS/Medical and a lot of other workers are trained to do minus law enforcement who are a tad bit more gung ho about getting into trouble.

If you start observing your surroundings and constantly do so you can start noticing when things are about to escalate before they do so as there are usually little warning signs if you look for them. And as a general rule if your "gut feeling" says you should leave just do so. It's your brain way of telling you something is wrong subconsciously because your too stupid to put it together consciously. Learned that the hard way a few times :(.
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I think this may hit it on the head more or less, While running may be the best common advice for extracting your self from a situation, I think it would be much better to be able to avoid it entirely. This is a skill set that I feel (I could be very wrong IDK), is often overlooked in many SD/SHTF discussions, that likely a poor decision, or a string of them is what created the situation they are trying to be prepared for.
 
I am an older fella; my back surgery 40 yrs ago has prevented me from running or jogging, although I can walk okay. I am more careful, particularly if I go out at night, and I am always legally armed.
Mods: This stuff is only "knife-related" to the extent that it relegates the knife to a tool...not a weapon, for this fellow. And, yes, the pepper-spray can be an effective weapon...and is available in very small "canisters" that are not much larger than a ball-point pen. My wife has several of these.

There is no doubt, that if I were disabled as you are, I would keep a small .38 instantly available. A Smith Airweight .38 costs less than some knives that I carry, and would be far more effective on a bad guy. There are many options in small, light handguns these days. I would suggest a small j-frame .38, such as in this link following. And there is nothing wrong in buying a used revolver like this. Just have a gunsmith check it for proper operation.
http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/...4_750001_750051_757768_-1_757767_757751_image

I have carried a legally-concealed small handgun in five states for the last thirty yrs. I have used either a Barami Hip-Grip (see link) or an inside-the-waistband holster, for all of these yrs without incident.
In about 42 states, these days, you can apply for a concealed weapons carry permit, and obtain one for a reasonable price, along with proper state-mandated firearms training in the legal and practical aspects of carrying and using that weapon. A simple t-shirt covers the gun butt very well. The majority of the gun "hides" inside of the belt-line.
Here is a pic that shows the gun...hooked onto the belt. Also, a pic of one of mine that's hooked onto the pant waist-band, in this case instead of the belt, for even greater concealment. Of course, your shirt is pulled over the belt and hangs outside. Even a dress-shirt can be pulled enuf out of the waist-band and kind of rolled over the belt to hide the weapon. Carrying a concealed handgun is for last-ditch serious, self-defense when you feel your life or physical self may be seriously threatened. Please pardon the mirror-image.
,
Frankly, IMO, a knife just doesn't cut it.
http://www.baramihipgrip.com/
Sonnydaze
 
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stvpourciau said:
I'll bet Brazilian Juijitstu is not impossible for you. Thats exercise and defense.

I know a double amputee that's can school quite a few "average" persons on the mat.

Challenging, yes and not everything will be possible for you but its not entirely impossible either..
Click to expand...

Thanks mate,

You know I recall one of the martial arts is primarily a "floor fighting" martial art if I remember correctly... maybe that is Brazilian Juijitsu in fact. I know Judo is supposed to use the weight and balance of the other person as your primary defense... but again my own balance may not be good enough to do that, but it is an interesting thought. Again, thanks.
 
Hi dishcore,

Glad to help. I think you're right, and so is the poster below you, who hits the nail on the head with just being ready. I know a lot of my peers like to listen to music with headphones while walking around on the streets. Personally I don't, and it's not so much because it takes away one of my senses (although it does, and you should see how unaware some of them are...) but I just enjoy having all of my senses when I'm out in the city and observing. Nothing to do with paranoia, I'm just a watcher who likes to be aware, and my hearing is good so why not use that. I listen to music when riding in the car or cleaning at home.

To everyone, I would say that I think this issue, of being ready, being prepared, probably isn't something only older or disabled persons like myself (young but disabled in my case) deal with. In this day and age, we have two very strong but rather conflicting messages... be unique and be who you are on the one hand. On the other, "be like this" to be a man, to be manly, or embody these proper masculine traits. (Same is true for women with a somewhat different message in mind but we can talk about that later.)

I was asked to speak as a guest in one of the university classes I'd previously attended, on disability. This was a common question from the audience. How does one reconcile being a man, if some of the traits that society says best embody "being a man" are unattainable or at least very long and difficult to attain? It's a fair question. There are many things I cannot do that most men can, that I'd like to do. Even simple things, carrying bags of groceries up a few flights of stairs, not so easy. This is admittedly a small thing to worry about, there are after all elevators or people who can probably help you with something like this. But I know a lot of you will know what I mean when I say it's different, knowing you can do these kinds of things on your own, and taking some measure of pride in doing them. It is difficult to reconcile not being able to do somewhat simply or "manly" things, while at the same time being comfortable in your masculinity. I don't necessarily conform to societal standards of masculinity, but I'd be lying to myself if I said sometimes I didn't want to. Of course I want to embody those traits. In the end, it comes down to realizing that you can still "be a man" even if you're not great at being a manly one. And that, speaking for myself, is a struggle I renew daily.

I don't always win, but I always learn and try again tomorrow.

Thanks for listening guys.
 
Hi sonny,

Thanks for the info, sir. In that photo I can hardly tell you're carrying at all (sure it looks like a curved pistol grip, but I can see it being some kind of curved folding knife too) so that's great.

Iowa (my state) is in fact a "shall issue" state with pretty good laws on the books regarding firearms, at least, I tend to think so. My father has a few older firearms inherited from his father and his grand-father (my great-grandfather that I actually had the good fortune of knowing for my childhood before he passed in my college years). I got him a small code-locked safe, in which he keeps an old Colt (.38 if I'm not mistaken).

I'm glad to hear your surgery and injuries have not limited you too much in life. That's grand.
 
Not getting yourself into a "sticky" situation is the most important skill to learn prior to all the "response" skills in any shtf situation.
Observation, as has been stated, is primary. Learn to see and hear what is going on around you at all times. Many walk around with blinders on it seems...no clue to what is going on around them until it is too late.
Practice all the time...what is going on around you. Always look for the ways out...fire doors, how many exits, etc. Don't allow yourself to get cornered...these are all things you can learn and practice regardless of physical condition.

While learning a martial art is a very good thing...earning my Shodan was a proud moment in my life...it requires physical contact...a last resort in my opinion. One of the best skills my sensei's drilled into me was to be observant, look for the ways out and be the first to "beat feet" the hell out of risky situations.
If you are going to learn a martial art I'd suggest one that teaches pressure points, joint locks, etc. Those will stop you cold when done correctly allowing you time to make a fast retreat...fingers in the eyes mean the bad guy can't see you for a bit making it easier to get the hell out of there.

Good luck and keep us informed.
 
RedLynx said:
Thanks mate,

You know I recall one of the martial arts is primarily a "floor fighting" martial art if I remember correctly... maybe that is Brazilian Juijitsu in fact. I know Judo is supposed to use the weight and balance of the other person as your primary defense... but again my own balance may not be good enough to do that, but it is an interesting thought. Again, thanks.
Click to expand...
Its Brazillian Jui-jitsu you're thinking of.

I'm a judo guy myself but that's primarily big throws and hard falls from a standing position prior to ne waza, ground work, so its a little of both but judo would be out of the question.

Bjj is an offshoot that focuses primarily on the ground aspect of judo; pinning, choking, joint locking and all other various sorts of wrestling.

Glad you apreciate the suggestion :)

There also aikido but it involves a LOT of movement/balance.

they are all correctly identified as Jujutsu. Just different styles of one big family.


I do it all and say that BJJ would be your best bet.

When i practice or demonstrate I just refer to all of them/any combination of the 3 as "Jujitsu".
 
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Samuel Colt made all men equal.

Get a S&W .38spl like Sonny recommended and get a ccw permit. Take a training course or two and practice with it, done.
 
Thanks for the added info!
I have watched a few videos of aikido online, it's interesting to watch.

I'm not much of a sports guy but what I do watch is martial arts or MMA competitions. Those are fascinating to me.

stvpourciau said:
Its Brazillian Jui-jitsu you're thinking of.

I'm a judo guy myself but that's primarily big throws and hard falls from a standing position prior to ne waza, ground work, so its a little of both but judo would be out of the question.

Bjj is an offshoot that focuses primarily on the ground aspect of judo; pinning, choking, joint locking and all other various sorts of wrestling.

Glad you apreciate the suggestion :)

There also aikido but it involves a LOT of movement/balance.

they are all correctly identified as Jujutsu. Just different styles of one big family.


I do it all and say that BJJ would be your best bet.

When i practice or demonstrate I just refer to all of them/any combination of the 3 as "Jujitsu".
Click to expand...
 
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