Words of Wisdom...I need 'em!

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mazer · #31 Unread post by **mazer** » Thu Oct 09, 2008 3:02 pm

I was thinking about all this, and I thought it is too bad we can not be so prepared or defensive when it comes to the deer who are always trying to take us out. There are only so many evasive tactics one can take when a deer is trying to get run over!!!

Mr. Invisible · Fri Oct 10, 2008 11:56 am

Actually I would rethink the U-turn in a chase situation.

If I were being chased and had enough room to turn around, I would look for a safe place to get off the road instead.

If you decide to do a U-turn, and the sucker is mad enough to chase you, what would stop them from running you down head on? A seven foot wide truck is not something you want to play chicken with.

mazer · #33 Unread post by **mazer** » Sat Oct 11, 2008 8:40 am

Each situation needs to be assessed differently a U turn is just another non violent option which should be considered.

PacificShot327 · Sat Oct 11, 2008 10:25 am

Having just started out riding, I can't really offer any suggestions. But I notice that a lot of people here are encouraging you to take self-defense classes, even if only for the confidence factor. I would recommend AGAINST this (if confidence and a few moves to protect yourself are your only motivation). Self defense classes are no quick fix to anything, nor will they help you unless you've been training in a serious and legitimate martial art for several years. The martial arts do not offer confidence by any means, especially to beginners. If you are seriously training, you will feel totally and completely inept at anything in the MAs. I only know this because I've studied for a long while in a traditional Japanese Dojo. Effective techniques take years to learn -- you don't "know" them until they have become reflex. And by that time, you're not learning "techniques", you learn concepts.

Anyway, sorry for going off on a bit of a tangent, but I felt the need to give you another perspective on the MAs. If you're interested, by all means, go ahead. But keep in mind that it will be a while before they do you any good.

goodies · #35 Unread post by **goodies** » Sun Oct 12, 2008 2:55 am

I took a self-defense class once and found it very informative. It had nothing to do with MA, but with looking, being aware and quick ways (like using your car keys) to defend your self in when necessary. Things like choicing when and what to do for different situations.

Lion_Lady · Sun Oct 12, 2008 11:59 am

I guess I've just got an aversion to carrying anything that could be used as a weapon against me... I'll rely on my wits and determination to get me through whatever.

Consider drunks outside the tent. If they don't have a gun and I do, 4 against one, means they COULD get it from me and then I'm really screwed. (Heck, if they're drunk, they can probably be talked out of whatever mischief they've got in mind, without even getting a gun OUT.) Same with pepper spray. If "stay back!!!" doesn't work, chances are that the perpetrator is whacked out on drugs or truly psycho... pepper spray will probably have NO effect on him/her, and it could be used on YOU.

As for personal defense. Keep it simple: The side of your palm, delivered with FORCE to the adam's apple of an attacker, will render them unable to breath. The larynx can be crushed like an empty soda bottle. No matter if they're psycho or drugged out or bigger and stronger than you, they will go down, unable to breathe.

P

PacificShot327 · Sun Oct 12, 2008 12:29 pm

Lion_Lady wrote:
As for personal defense. Keep it simple: The side of your palm, delivered with FORCE to the adam's apple of an attacker, will render them unable to breath. The larynx can be crushed like an empty soda bottle. No matter if they're psycho or drugged out or bigger and stronger than you, they will go down, unable to breathe.

P

While you're at it, take the heel of your hand to the underside of their nose -- it doesn't take a lot of force, causes slight disorientation, and makes the eyes tear up (without fail), temporarily blinding them (not to mention it really hurts...). This and what Lion said above will give you enough of a chance to at least get away.

mazer · #38 Unread post by **mazer** » Sun Oct 12, 2008 2:53 pm

I dont know a hoot about the Martial Arts, but I do know the tactics they taught us at the academy afforded me the means to take down every single one of the guys in my class - no matter how big.
Self defense classes are based on the surprise attack, and a hit and run (or get away) situation, self defense classes are not meant to be anywhere near Martial Arts in tactics or application.

coffee_brake · Mon Oct 13, 2008 6:38 am

I'm an Army veteran....given a choice, I'd rather have a weapon to back up whatever I have to say!

Only for trouble though, ladies, I swear I'm not a rootin' tootin' NRA patch-wearin', looking-for-a-fight type of woman, I really just want to ride and have fun. I don't even like to hunt and practising marksmanship at the range is a chore, not a joy.

I'm of a mind that learning Marial Arts is like learning to ride well--it's not going to benefit you much until it has become something you do automatically because you practiced it until is was a habit.

So, I think, is any method of self defense. The frame of mind that makes one aware and ready for any trouble is something you have to cultivate very often every day so that it's already in place and ready when trouble comes around. I wasn't very aware of my surroundings and that may be why I found myself in this bad situation in the first place, but I'm consciously working on it every day now, every ride, every drive, even at home, and it's becoming a habit again very quickly to notice more details and see the "big picture" around me.

Some of you folks are real pieces of work, how you think about trouble and how you're going to be ready. I really like what you all are saying and I'm learning a lot!

Lion_Lady · Mon Oct 13, 2008 9:45 am

I'm just not comfortable with guns. I don't have one, never fired one. probably the reasons I'm not inclined to make one part of my personal defense.

I've always exuded a "don't mess with me" aura. So, that attitude is already part of my personal "tool kit." And on the flip side, I generally give folks the benefit of the doubt and assume they mean no harm. But I do pay attention to anything that gets my hackles up, so I can make a plan of action if needed.

Camping in State or National Parks is generally safer for those travelling alone. Park campgrounds often have a resident "camp host" a family or retired couple staying on one of the sites for a month or thereabouts, especially during prime vacation season. They keep an eye on things, have a basic first aid kit, information on local restaurants, etc. and are on site to keep any rowdies from getting out of hand. They've got the Park Police on speed dial. You can request a site near the Camp Host or just stop by and introduce yourself so they know your face and where you're located in the campground.

Every single "unpleasant" experience I've had while camping has been at a public campground, ie KOA, etc. The mindset of folks staying at them is just different. And the owners are much less inclined to tell anyone to cease and desist anything unless destruction of property is involved.

P