Steve James wrote:Afa a weapon, such as a cane, the problem with them is the same that bouncers have. I.e., hitting someone can sometimes escalate the situation. And, we're all like gamblers at the table. Knowing when to hold, fold, walk away or run is the same as winning.
In an analogy-packed thread (which is not a criticism per se) I think this is the most useful one. When it comes to self-defence for 'normal people', which is most of the population and plenty of people on this board too, including me, I'd say the most important things are:
- develop one's own 'body language' through normal good training. The more grounded and simultaneously upright you are, the more relaxed and simultaneously integrated, the less you will be perceived as a target/victim.
- develop awareness of other people's body language to spot and if possible avoid threats before it gets critical.
(The above factors are also relevant for elderly people, even if they have next to no chance in a physical altercation)
- do scenario training for the 'poker game' in Steve's analogy. Avoid if possible, leave if possible, de-escalate if possible. But if the moment comes when these options are approaching zero, train to throw the switch and go into the aggressor's space with all the mental and physical commitment you can muster. Drill a maximum of 2 or 3 entries/techniques à la Fairbairn +/- High Pat on Horse. Probably just for a few seconds, and then run/leave if you can.
Sparring in itself is great but I'm sceptical about it being the best option to prepare for self-defence. Squaring up to an aggressor or showing any kind of willingness to fight ('signing a contract') is usually a no-no, and any kind of 'in and out' or 'give and take' mentality and action, as one usually does in sparring, is a no-no as well. I see a greater chance of a 'normal' person landing a strike which just enrages, not neutralizes. Better to train how to go from 'nothing' to maximum possible commitment, into the aggressor's balance and face, put them on the ground, maybe using any weapons/objects to hand, and then depart...!