Free running from reality. The ultimate self-defense.

 

Posted by ADAM CARTER on APR 22, 2024

Free running from reality. The ultimate self-defense.

 

(2 minute 10 second read)

While there are various techniques and strategies for protecting yourself, one aspect that cannot be overlooked is the role of common sense.

You have to make informed decisions that prioritize safety and well-being. So first and foremost, it’s essential to recognize that self-defense extends beyond physical combat. It encompasses an approach to safety that involves mental preparedness, situational awareness, the ability to make sound judgments in high-pressure situations, and much more.

This means being vigilant and recognizing potential threats before they escalate, as well as knowing when to remove yourself from a dangerous situation.

A comment I received on one of my articles stated; “only when the assailant has a weapon is any life put at risk and valuables ARE things that are worth protecting”.

This narrow view fails to consider the many forms that threats can take. And your life is worth much more than any valuables you may be carrying.

Unarmed assailants can pose a serious risk, and various aspects of self-defense may be necessary to protect yourself from physical harm.

Incredibly, his further comment was: “Old people should know better, and children shouldn’t be there.”

In situations where a child’s safety is at risk, protecting the child takes precedence over any valuables. Self-defense in these cases is about ensuring the safety and well-being of the vulnerable individual, not about protecting material possessions.

I was hoping that he was joking in some way but evidently he was not, and I had to see how far this would go.

He also stated “Strong men and fighters walk away because they can, by choice. Weak men walk away because they have to, with no choice.”

Anyone should understand that walking away from a confrontation is not a sign of weakness, but rather a demonstration of wisdom and self-preservation.

Another misconception is that strength or fighting prowess is the sole determinant of whether you can walk away from a confrontation. This oversimplification ignores the complexities of real-life situations.

While physical strength can be advantageous, the ability to de-escalate a situation or remove yourself from harm’s way often requires more than just brute force.

His parting comment was; “I train in Parkour, I see everything well in advance so I don’t need self-defense.”

Well, at least with Parkour training, he’ll have a head start on the inevitable chase scene. Overconfidence usually lands you with a face full of pavement, not a triumphant landing.

In a real-life self-defense scenario, common sense must prevail. This means assessing the situation quickly and accurately, considering available options, and taking appropriate action to protect yourself and others.

Of course, being able to jump over obstacles means you’re immune to danger. Who needs self-defense when you’ve mastered the art of Parkour, right?

Self-defense goes beyond physical strength or the protection of valuables. It involves knowing when to engage and when to disengage, when to use force, and when to seek help to protect yourself and others, especially vulnerable individuals such as older adults and children.

The elusive common sense – about as common as a unicorn in rush hour traffic.

I have got to stop saying “How stupid can you be?”, I’m beginning to think people are taking it as a challenge.

 Photo Credit: Freepik