An Officer and a Budo Man

Having both frequently trained and discussed defensive tactics with law enforcement officers, I have come to realize a few things about my own training that I have directly learned and adopted from these individuals, and aspects in which my approach is quite different than theirs.

The differences are simple, really. Firstly, unlike an officer, I am free to run away, or use a defensive technique and then do so. I don't have to arrest anybody, which means I don't have to subdue an attacker if I feel there is another option available like hoofing it or breaking an arm and then fleeing. In the same way, I would have far less need--or none at all-- for come-alongs or setting up specific cuffing techniques (this could mean a different ground technique if it did come to pinning an attacker, such as keeping the attacker on his back if need be). Nor would I have a weapon--or many pounds of gear/protective vest--to consider (to be used by or against me).

All this said, what I have learned can definately be applied to my own skill set. Especially in situations where I could confidently use less violence to de-escalate a situation, or even more mental aspects such as taking control of a situation and learning what does work and what doesn't work under pressure (hit my link on japanese jiu-jitsu for more on this). Most officers are also well-versed in saftey issues and knowing what to do when injury does occur.

But I'd say that one of the most valuable things about training/talking with law enforcement guys and gals on a regular basis is listening to the descriptions and characteristics of the mindset common to the criminal on the street. Although there are always exceptions, there are certian traits that repeat themselves and behavior that can picked up on. And police study these--closely. And many of these bits of information can go a long way when it comes to avoiding a situation before it takes place, or handling it successfully if it does happen.

heart on your sleeve...

I see a lot of people wearing jackets on the street with dojo affiliations blatantly displayed across their back. I don't think it's wrong to be proud of your training and I know the dojos appreciate the advertising, but for myself, it's not something i'd be wont to do.

I mean, truthfully, I'm not one to conceal my training and sometimes I think that I like to gab about martial arts a bit more than is necessary. That said, I can't help thinking in an anonymous situation like a city it might be like putting a target on your back for the macho drunk types who crave a pissing contest with someone "skilled" to prove their own worth. It could make someone increasingly defensive like many get when they see a police uniform. Also, any surprise you might create in a defensive situation--think pretending to be crazy or incompetent--could be eliminated as more caution may be taken in an assailants approach to you.

Perhaps it could help de-escalate a situation, I suppose, by making a potential attacker think twice. I dunno.

My Sensei says when he was on the competition circuit his club eventually wore gis without a crest so no one would no what style the fighters would be using. Likewise, a specific patch worn by an opponent indicating Tae Kwon Do or Goju could give him some insight into what to expect strategically.

Although the topic is likely no big deal, it was just bouncing around in my head.

the Saloon Blues

I helped de-escalate a potential fight at a small pub recently.
I didn’t know the two people, nor was I in an irrational state from alcohol consumption. It was just about enjoying a nice evening on the patio when some inebriated twenty-year-old took offense to some another guy. It ended up being nothing, as myself and an acquaintance quickly intervened and talked the pair down. We were merely passing along the first concept of self-defense: avoid physical entanglement.

Because of this no one was injured and I don't recall seeing either one of them again.
Anyway, the evening returned to a pleasant tone and everyone went home none-the-worse except for a few hangovers that seemed to be inevitable by some of the patrons--Oh well.
I guess I write about this with no real reason except to reflect upon how much nicer the evening was without a violent eruption casting a shadow on everyone’s mood. As for my training, it was nice to see that I reacted quickly and without thought--and in the proper manner--to keep the peace.

No heroism, maybe just a selfish desire for a quiet pint of beer.