Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Interesting Links

Modern Combative Systems - a post on what are called 'Active shooter' situations. Bit touches on the subject of teaching our kids useful skills (first responder, first aid skills).


SOFREP -  this link deals with women's self defense and visualization in a practical way. Also a good resource for real SOF news and commentary.


Just wanted to get these resources out to you. They are also being posted at www.yaukungmun.blogspot.com - because I believe they contain powerful messages that cut across a lot of lines for everyday usage.

De-Escalation

Have seen a couple of articles lately (such as this one at USCCA) which have been talking of the need for de-escalation skills.

The gist of the article is we are living in a more 'aggressive' time than in our past. Popular media and culture rewards people who 'get in your face' and 'assert their rights' in an overly aggressive manner. Being quiet, not looking for the spotlight seem to be denigrated. An example is the amount of flaming done on online forums. Ad hominem attacks seem to be on the rise (attack the person, not the issues), especially in our political discourse.

Here are a couple of quotes from the article I thought relevant.
1. "I was never taught to get emotional about a threat whether it be natural forces, a human threat or an animal threat. I was not taught to posture. I was taught to deal with threats quickly and logically in order to protect my life and the lives of my loved ones. However, all around me now I see people arguing, posturing and even fighting in public with total disregard to consequences. I see such lack in impulse control."

2. 'This is written as a warning to everyone reading it. If revenge and settling matters to a standard of emotional satisfaction are part of your operational protocols, then you greatly increase your odds of needing to use that carry weapon, and you increase your odds of dying. Also, you increase the odds of family and friends with you dying as collateral damage due to escalating such situations."

3. "Be careful who you engage in any sort of confrontational manner whether it be body language, verbally or in the language of road rage using your motor vehicle as the extension of your body. The next time you feel the adrenalin start to pump, control it. Do not let it control you. Think of the things coming out of your mouth before they slip passed your tongue. The physiological fight or flight response of an adrenaline dump is actually a  bad thing to have going on when it does come time to physically defend yourself. In many people, it will shut down their ability to use fine motors skills needed to successfully manipulate a firearm during a lethal threat encounter."


In closing, as practitioners of some sort of self protective arts, we are expected to remain calm, look at the situation as dispassionately as we can, and look for the least amount of force to effect a solution. Are your daily actions in congruence with this? Just something to think about.


Saturday, February 18, 2012

GOST, the serious boat security guys

Over at PANBO, they have done an article about a S. Florida based company, Global Ocean Security Technology (GOST).







I have had small dealings with them in the past, and find them always willing to talk with me. Their product line ranges from security devices for your dinghy up to complete electronic surveillance and tracking packages for megayachts. All the equipment is designed to be used in the maritime, salt water environment - one of the reasons I recommend their products.

If you are serious about protecting your vessel and crew, I highly recommend you visit their site, look them up at the next major boat show in your area, or contact them directly.

Realistic Training Environments

An article was posted at Low Tech Combat recently, talking about the reasons to train in and around your vehicle.




This subject should be addressed, especially for those in the realistic self defense community. In the 70's, I read articles of Al Dacascos training in a studio that had a bar (with stools) inside.


I believe you need safe, flat, well lit areas to practice basic movements, experiment with new drills, etc. Once a person understands basic movements, move directly into confined environments and discover for yourself the actions that work, need modification, etc. How can you use the tight confines of a vessel to your advantage? Generally, there are also many more 'improvised' weapons available on board - how can that work to your advantage (as well as disadvantage)?



This applies to weaponry as well, particularly knives and firearms, not just empty handed skills.


Hope to get more posts in during the coming months.


Train hard, train smart, train always.