Advocacy & Safety - Self defense and cycling?

I've been thinking about the best way to defend myself after an encounter a few weeks ago in which a motorist in line behind me at a red light threatened to run me off the road or get out of his car to "beat my ass." I figured he was bluffing so I did my best to avoid responding to him (one of my new year's resolutions was to avoid escalating negative encounters while on the bike) and went my way when the light changed. Luckily he was bluffing and and ended up peeling out around me when the light changed (4 lane road). I didn't worry about it too much at the time but I've been thinking about it more lately and I'd like to have a better plan in the event that I do have to defend myself.

Background- I am 5'8", 130 lbs and wearing road shoes with spd-sl cleats 90% that I am on the road so getting into a fight would likely be disastrous for me. Obviously my first course of action would be to get the hell away but the entire purpose of this thread is to know what to do when I can't.

Right now my plan is to grab my frame pump or u-lock and strike as soon as the other person makes a move. If I had my u-lock I would target hands and arms because I figure that most people would stop after shattering a hand. I don't think that I would swing for someone's head because I don't know how I would stand legally if I actually connected, not to mention most people protect their heads first. Beyond that I have no idea what to do so if anyone has any advice regarding how to defend oneself while on rides then I'd like to know what to do.

P.S. I won't carry a gun

edit: My search is working now and I found some useful stuff so I don't know if this is necessary anymore...

I've been thinking about the best way to defend myself after an encounter a few weeks ago in which a motorist in line behind me at a red light threatened to run me off the road or get out of his car to "beat my ass." I figured he was bluffing so I did my best to avoid responding to him (one of my new year's resolutions was to avoid escalating negative encounters while on the bike) and went my way when the light changed. Luckily he was bluffing and and ended up peeling out around me when the light changed (4 lane road). I didn't worry about it too much at the time but I've been thinking about it more lately and I'd like to have a better plan in the event that I do have to defend myself.

Background- I am 5'8", 130 lbs and wearing road shoes with spd-sl cleats 90% that I am on the road so getting into a fight would likely be disastrous for me. Obviously my first course of action would be to get the hell away but the entire purpose of this thread is to know what to do when I can't.

Right now my plan is to grab my frame pump or u-lock and strike as soon as the other person makes a move. If I had my u-lock I would target hands and arms because I figure that most people would stop after shattering a hand. I don't think that I would swing for someone's head because I don't know how I would stand legally if I actually connected, not to mention most people protect their heads first. Beyond that I have no idea what to do so if anyone has any advice regarding how to defend oneself while on rides then I'd like to know what to do.

P.S. I won't carry a gun

edit: My search is working now and I found some useful stuff so I don't know if this is necessary anymore...

Start taking classes in martial arts.

I carry one of these the 31"er
http://us.st12.yimg.com/us.st.yimg.com/I/urdefense_2044_7887317

One healthy strike one the femerol pressure point will drop most people. A good whack to the hand or arm will most likley break that bone.

It's a car, nothing short of an RPG is going to stop him if he was nutso.

I carry one of these the 31"er
http://us.st12.yimg.com/us.st.yimg.com/I/urdefense_2044_7887317

One healthy strike one the femerol pressure point will drop most people. A good whack to the hand or arm will most likley break that bone.

What are these things?

In any fight, the guy that hits first usually wins. Taking out a baton or other weapon takes away any element of surprise that you might have had. Any good streetfighter will easily overpower you and is now justified, at least in his mind, and possibly legally, to kick the daylights out of you because you came at him with a weapon.

If you are going to fight, you have to hit first, when the driver is not expecting it, hit hard and often until the driver is immobilized, and then get out of there.

This means that you're going to have to use your hands, but most importantly your head.

Using a weapon (such as the extendable baton above) takes the charges that will be filed from assault (remember the hit before being hit rule above) to assault with a deadly weapon. Sad but true, even when you're in fear of your life, if you strike first...you will generally be the one charged.

You've already got the best defense ... stay calm ... move along.

I do Muay Thai and Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. I'm not quite sure how I'll be able to pull off a leg kick or cobra choke while in the saddle though :D

In any fight, the guy that hits first usually wins. Taking out a baton or other weapon takes away any element of surprise that you might have had. Any good streetfighter will easily overpower you and is now justified, at least in his mind, and possibly legally, to kick the daylights out of you because you came at him with a weapon.

If you are going to fight, you have to hit first, when the driver is not expecting it, hit hard and often until the driver is immobilized, and then get out of there.

This means that you're going to have to use your hands, but most importantly your head.


Using a weapon (such as the extendable baton above) takes the charges that will be filed from assault (remember the hit before being hit rule above) to assault with a deadly weapon. Sad but true, even when you're in fear of your life, if you strike first...you will generally be the one charged.

Thanks, this is the kind of thing that I was looking for. And I'm considering starting some martial arts but right now I'd have to cut back on cycling to do so which would defeat the purpose of it for me.

Would it really be better to forgo using a weapon in the event that a driver was clearly attacking me first? Keep in mind that I have a "climber's physique" and no fighting experience so I am pretty certain that I would be seriously injured if I tried to depend on my hands. Are there any other bike related techniques? Like maybe things that bike cops would learn to do when dealing with threatening persons? Bike as a shield?

I no longer work at the place I had to commute to, a very dangerous crack/gang
area, that I suffered an attempted attack and constant "HEY, GIMME BACK MY
BIKE" nonsense, but afterward, I carried a 800,000 volt stun gun, 13" switchblade
and thought about a waterbottle full of ammonia. :)

Thanks, this is the kind of thing that I was looking for. And I'm considering starting some martial arts but right now I'd have to cut back on cycling to do so which would defeat the purpose of it for me.

Would it really be better to forgo using a weapon in the event that a driver was clearly attacking me first? Keep in mind that I have a "climber's physique" and no fighting experience so I am pretty certain that I would be seriously injured if I tried to depend on my hands. Are there any other bike related techniques? Like maybe things that bike cops would learn to do when dealing with threatening persons? Bike as a shield?

Indeed, bike cops place their bike between themselves and a threat. I suggest carrying a simple whistle, a few shrill blows and anyone will want to be further away from you. Plus, people perceive a whistle the same way they do a siren, it has some Pavlovian component to it. I gave one to a friend who was being heckled by bums on her late night ride home. She said it works like a charm. Most people hate having attention called to themselves when they're being an aggressive jerk. Avoid physical conflict, as I assume a cyclist would be charged as the cops would probably assume their actions led to the altercation in the first place.

Everyone on here has me thinking I need to start packing something. Maybe I'll just return to riding jeeps instead.

Thanks all there have been some interesting helpful comments here. I carried something similar to those 'batons' when I was in central america; the furthest I had to go was to hop off my bike and extend them to their full length and the two guys ran.

Don't forget that haulin' ass out of there works on the Serengeti and can work for you too. You really need to have alot of confidence and poise to allow an encounter to get to the phsyical level; and one problem with 'winning' a fight is that it is not necessarily gonna be the end of the matter (legally, or otherwise), if the wupped folks have buddies who can harass ya on your bike at some later date.

From what people tell me cops in urban areas are not that sympathetic to claims by a cyclist that they are harassed or nearly robbed or whatever. Besides the obvious fact that cops are overwhelmed, to me the more likely explanation is that they are in cahoots with alot of these thugs; either laying low in an informal 'i won't hassle you if you don't hassle local business' arrangements, or outright on the take if these cops get a cut of their drug deals and whatever else.

When I was on my world tour in areas where these types of difficulties would have no chance in hell of being resolved amiably, I just kept reminding myself to keep it all in perspective...how much the bike was worth, how much hassle it would have been to complete rebuild for my tour; etc. It helped keep my temper in control in the several incidents I had over those two years, none of which, it turned out, ended up serious.

roughstuff

I guess there's an advantage after all to being a 6'2" 225# Clyde;)

Another thing that I feel comfortable with is to look
crazy or 'off' a little bit. I never wore bycra or stuff
that looked purposeful like I had money. Just work
cloths, fatigues, etc.....If they think you might be one
of 'them', you/ I get bothered less. :)

1. Take out cell phoe
2. Dial 911
3. I'm at (give location) individual in vehicle (provide description and plate number) has threatened to (repeat words exactly) I fear for my safety
4. Pull to side and await police response.
5. If individual steps out of car, use bike as shield or weapon.
6. When police respond, file complaint, if officer refuses to take complaint, ask for directions to dept headquarters and escalate up the chain of command.

I guess there's an advantage after all to being a 6'2" 225# Clyde;)

Not if you are being chased up a hill. :(

Speedo
6'3" 210

Keep the wheels moving

Make a quick right on red or jump up onto a sidewalk, if your mobile and they are stuck in traffic or otherwise halted, you have the ability to escape no matter what is said.

I should think that breaking a small law like right on red or even running the red if its clear is forgiven to escape a potential assult

Keep the wheels moving

Make a quick right on red or jump up onto a sidewalk, if your mobile and they are stuck in traffic or otherwise halted, you have the ability to escape no matter what is said.

I should think that breaking a small law like right on red or even running the red if its clear is forgiven to escape a potential assult

Aha! In fact this reminds me of one of my most effective techniques. You can pull a U-turn alot faster than a car can; or you can turn the wrong way down a one way street. By the way this forces your harassers to really show their colors, since they might try and hide behind 'we were just riding along' as an excuse when/if the cops show up; but if they pursue you you know clearly what their intentions are.

I got away from a cop in El Salvador (city) this way. The guy pulled his car over in traffic and was trying to get me to pay some kind of cash fine on the spot. I just rode off between cars (imagine ME snaking thru traffic! hahahahahahaha) and left him mumbling to himself. Never saw him again. DId the same thing in Hanoi (oops! Ho Chi Minh city....duhhhhh), home of the most corrupt cops in the world.

I didn't have a cell phone, but when I was in the suburbs of Tehran some guys pulled up next to me and started offering currency exchange, and it was getting annoying, and i think what they really wanted was just US dollars no matter what it took. I grabbed my digital camera and took a picture, and noted the license plate number when they sped off.

Lo and behold, around the next curve was a coffee shop with a bike club, and they spoke good English. So I showed the picture and gave the plate # to them. Iran is not the kind of place where ya want to catch police attention.

roughstuff

1. Take out cell phoe
2. Dial 911
3. I'm at (give location) individual in vehicle (provide description and plate number) has threatened to (repeat words exactly) I fear for my safety
4. Pull to side and await police response.
5. Get the s*** beat out of you waiting for the police, who will arrive 75 minutes after your call.
6. Watch perps drive away with your bike, while you bleed on the side of the road.


Fixed, for commute-to-work situations in Birmingham, AL. (I lived there for four years.)

How about getting an Airzound, very cheap and lightweight and loud. However, I would just use it to defend my right to be on the road taking the lane. If I feel threatened, I think I would just make a u-turn!

kill or be killed. =)

Using a weapon (such as the extendable baton above) takes the charges that will be filed from assault (remember the hit before being hit rule above) to assault with a deadly weapon. Sad but true, even when you're in fear of your life, if you strike first...you will generally be the one charged.

If a person stops the car and gets out to assult you instead of driving away that person has provided intent to commit a crime. I'll take my chances with the jury.

If a person stops the car and gets out to assult you instead of driving away that person has provided intent to commit a crime. I'll take my chances with the jury. The cager could make up a story to the tune of "I thought the cyclist bumped against my car, scratching the finish. I exited the car to inspect the damage when he attacked me with his baton/knife/serotta/fists of fury/KeO cleats."

In the absence of witnesses, I'd not place the first attacker's chances very high. Someone would have to corroborate your statement that the driver exited the car with a malicious intent.

Guys that do this sort of BS are just bullies. A bully is just a coward who bluffs to compensate for his lack of self esteem.

Faced with someone willing to stand up for themselves, most bullies will back down. Those that do not and start a fight, only last for one counter punch/kick.

Most bullies will also turn tail and run as soon as the cell phone is out and 911 is dialed. Carry your cell phone where you can get to it immediately (buy a small camera case and attach it to the front strap of your backpack, messenger bag. If you do not use a pack or bag, then wear cycling shirts with back pockets. Most of the time, these bullies are running away before your even connected to 911.

Those extendable batons are concealed weapons in some places. As illegal to carry as a firearm without a permit.

Use your head and stay out of fights.

You need to stay safe...retreat as much as possible get to someplace public...call 911 let them know that you are calling 911...violence should be your last resort. Escalation of force needs to be reasonable...

Having said that martial arts are a great way to train your upper body, improve coordination and stamina. I'd recommend Filipino Martial Arts(FMA) (cause in FMA anything can be used), maybe some Hawaiian Lua (if you can find it), Kajukembo guys have always impressed me with their self defense training.

But remember, you need to protect yourself first, by being the bigger person and walking (or riding away) if you can. Best weapon you have is your head.

Guys that do this sort of BS are just bullies. A bully is just a coward who bluffs to compensate for his lack of self esteem.

Faced with someone willing to stand up for themselves, most bullies will back down. Those that do not and start a fight, only last for one counter punch/kick.

Most bullies will also turn tail and run as soon as the cell phone is out and 911 is dialed. Carry your cell phone where you can get to it immediately (buy a small camera case and attach it to the front strap of your backpack, messenger bag. If you do not use a pack or bag, then wear cycling shirts with back pockets. Most of the time, these bullies are running away before your even connected to 911.

I can't speak for every situation, but in education (schools), this is incorrect. Studies have shown that bullies have high levels of self-esteem. They are actually looking for a fight (verbal or physical--doesn't matter). The only thing that gets them to back off is someone in authority coming down hard on them: we tell the kids to get an adult (teacher) involved right away.

Tear Gas/Pepper Spray and a cell phone should just about do it.

For example, yesterday I went on my after-school ride and some idiot started laying on the horn and yelling all kinds of crazy crap at me. He stopped at a red light about 1/2 a mile ahead and I stopped behind him. He hung out his window and started telling me that he was going to get out and kick my ass and run me over because I shouldn't be on the road.

I took my cell phone out my jersey pocket took a picture of the truck and his plates and took out my tear gas in case he tried anything. He rolled up his window immediately and turned on a side street as soon as he could.

These guys are idiot bullies and will back down when the odds are no longer completely in their favor. This is almost always the case when I encounter these guys, even though they're usually much bigger than me.

These guys are idiots.

Martial arts would help with confidence, and lessen the fear, but wouldn't be too practical against a car. Pepper spray and a cell would be very effective if used properly.

I love martial arts, but being attached to a bicycle with cleats is less than ideal for protection. Anything useful in such a situation would likely get you arrested (extendable baton is illegal in California btw, knife would be a liability, gun would be moreso).

That being said, if this is what triggers your desire to learn martial arts--go ahead! It's a lot of fun, and far more useful than you'd think. Personally, I'd recommend Krav Maga, or something else that is simple, effective, and uses the environment. No offense to Kajukenpo, but I find that there's way too many redundant movements.

It's never happened to me, but if a guy is threatening you and gets out of his car, that sounds like an easy out; just ride away. How far's he gonna follow you on foot?

I can't speak for every situation, but in education (schools), this is incorrect. Studies have shown that bullies have high levels of self-esteem. They are actually looking for a fight (verbal or physical--doesn't matter). The only thing that gets them to back off is someone in authority coming down hard on them: we tell the kids to get an adult (teacher) involved right away.I have found that telling the teacher only moves the problem off school grounds. The final solution in each instance that I have come across has been a good punch to the bullies nose.

Bullies are only looking for fights against people that they consider weak and incapable of hurting the bully. Ever see one of these bullies walk up and punch the captain of the football team or how about the wrestling team?


"bullies have high levels of self-esteem" Only outwardly. Your studies should look a little deeper.

[QUOTE=CB HI;8560658]I have found that telling the teacher only moves the problem off school grounds. The final solution in each instance that I have come across has been a good punch to the bullies nose./QUOTE]

That worked for me back in the 8'th grade. Never had any problems after that!

Start taking classes in martial arts.+1

Not so you can give them a beat down. Instead, so you can have the self-confidence to (A) walk away from trouble when you can, and (B) present a credible threat if that doesn't work.

Search the roadside for a dog turd and nail the joker between the eyes.

As others previously have said here, it is better to keep the wheels moving. Good idea, making a u-turn, going on the sidewalk, or making some other stratigic manuvers. Also, go to a convenience store, or where there are potential witnesses. Cell phones are good as well. Still, if one is cornered at a remote location at night, and there is no way out, I recommend pepper spray (not Mace nor tear gas) If you use pepper spray right, and spray the attacker in the eyes, nose and mouth, then you can immobize them immediately. If you spray them in the eyes, they can't hit you if they can't see you. Then go ahead and kick them in the balls. Then, get back on your bike and leave the scene.

Use your head and stay out of fights.

Spoken by someone who obviously has not done too much urban bike commuting. :p

+1

Not so you can give them a beat down. Instead, so you can have the self-confidence to (A) walk away from trouble when you can, and (B) present a credible threat if that doesn't work.

Spot on Boxing is a fantastic work out it will Harden you up , get you ready for action and I found it gave me awesome boosts of speed on the bike (which is what you are after)

Another thing to learn is
"what classifies as assault" in your state
were I live if a man is pointing his finger and yelling at a smaller person or a woman and she strikes first with or without weapon he is the one who will be charged
she felt genuinely threatened and responded with appropriate force.
then learn what is appropriate force
you could successfully argue that the driver was harassing me in there car (obvious size difference)
then they got out , you would be right to say that you believed they were going to cause you great harm
so a kick in the balls and 2 knees to the face is appropriate not a gun shot to the chest

If you are preparing physically to go in to these situations, Prepare mentally as well because Knowledge is power.

I would definately suggest taking self defense classes.

http://www.nononsenseselfdefense.com/

As illegal to carry as a firearm without a permit.

Not necessarily. Concealed, yes, but most states allow open carry without any sort of permit or training.

You need to stay safe...retreat as much as possible get to someplace public...call 911 let them know that you are calling 911...violence should be your last resort. Escalation of force needs to be reasonable...

Having said that martial arts are a great way to train your upper body, improve coordination and stamina. I'd recommend Filipino Martial Arts(FMA) (cause in FMA anything can be used), maybe some Hawaiian Lua (if you can find it), Kajukembo guys have always impressed me with their self defense training.

But remember, you need to protect yourself first, by being the bigger person and walking (or riding away) if you can. Best weapon you have is your head.

I thought this was the best reply, especially given that the OP only weighs 130 lbs.

I would add that some good martial arts schools have generalized classes for beginners in "urban self-defense" and crime prevention. This might be more practical than a full course in a specific discipline.

Not necessarily. Concealed, yes, but most states allow open carry without any sort of permit or training.

Really? Are you sure about that? You've actually researched the laws of "most states"?

I've been thinking about the best way to defend myself after an encounter a few weeks ago in which a motorist in line behind me at a red light threatened to run me off the road or get out of his car to "beat my ass." I figured he was bluffing so I did my best to avoid responding to him (one of my new year's resolutions was to avoid escalating negative encounters while on the bike) and went my way when the light changed. Luckily he was bluffing and and ended up peeling out around me when the light changed (4 lane road). I didn't worry about it too much at the time but I've been thinking about it more lately and I'd like to have a better plan in the event that I do have to defend myself.

Background- I am 5'8", 130 lbs and wearing road shoes with spd-sl cleats 90% that I am on the road so getting into a fight would likely be disastrous for me. Obviously my first course of action would be to get the hell away but the entire purpose of this thread is to know what to do when I can't.

Right now my plan is to grab my frame pump or u-lock and strike as soon as the other person makes a move. If I had my u-lock I would target hands and arms because I figure that most people would stop after shattering a hand. I don't think that I would swing for someone's head because I don't know how I would stand legally if I actually connected, not to mention most people protect their heads first. Beyond that I have no idea what to do so if anyone has any advice regarding how to defend oneself while on rides then I'd like to know what to do.

P.S. I won't carry a gun

edit: My search is working now and I found some useful stuff so I don't know if this is necessary anymore...

You did great man! You DONT need a weapon. At your weight it can be TURNED AGAINST YOU. You don't need to take up martial arts. they are sports now. Although ONE class might be good to show you the "push kick" and the "up kick". But even girls do this instinctively.

Those batons are ****ing illegal in California. you'll get more time than if you shoot the *******. You need a licence and even then you might still do time just for taking one out.

At 130lbs you are not putting too much weight behind your attacks so only do the simplest things. At 130lbs though, YOU WILL WIN THE FIGHT FOR SURE if it lasts more than 45 seconds though (unless the other guy is an avid fighter). And your cycling experience will probably let you do 45 seconds easy. The problem is SURVIVING those 45 seconds. Its SIMPLE though.

1. put your hands up and protect your head
2. Use HARD push kicks. You know the ones the cops use to break open doors. At 130 this is your strongest attack even you can crack ribs like this. This is just to keep him back though.
3. if/when he closes the distance GRAB HIM in a bear hug. AND HANG ON! if it goes to the ground HOLD HIM! if your are on top or bottom it doesnt matter.
4. If he separates purt your hands on up and push kick again.

If you are on the floor and he is standing DONT GET UP right away. UP KICK like a horse from the floor. You know like you girlfriend does when you attempt to **** her :D . This will keep him back.

When you have plenty of room stand up again. Push kick. If he closes the distance gram him again. Repeat, repeat, repeat.

This would tire out anyone. Once they're tired they get SCARED, because they cant defend themselves anymore. They'll hardly be able to hold their arms up.
5. Once they are tired leave carefully and slowly. No need to kick his ass (unless you want to)

Oh and your VERY BEST weapon is a pair of strong hands.

If you can hold his wrists and he can't break your hold, he cant punch , stab, shoot, swing, or grab you.

Strong hands can also rip hair, rip skin off, especially from the "love handles". They can also break fingers VERY EASY. Rip jaws open by pulling them appart. gouge out eyes for real. Rip the sides of the mouth with fishooks. rip the nostrils by hooking the finger inside.

check out places like the www.Gripboard.com

Really? Are you sure about that? You've actually researched the laws of "most states"?

http://opencarry.org/opencarry.html

You did great man! You DONT need a weapon. At your weight it can be TURNED AGAINST YOU.That's right.

Furthermore, a martial artist is never caught without a weapon, because he's always got his hands and feet-- and mind-- with him. Besides, a good martial artist can make a weapon out of almost anything, if he needs a weapon.


I would add that some good martial arts schools have generalized classes for beginners in "urban self-defense" and crime prevention. This might be more practical than a full course in a specific discipline.
You don't need to take up martial arts. they are sports now. Although ONE class might be good to show you the "push kick" and the "up kick".Wrong (mostly-- many martial arts do emphasize the sports competition). One "lesson" cannot in any way compare to years of sustained training. Years of training at punching, blocking, kicking, sweeping, locks, and fighting develop the skills and fitness needed in a fight. That gives the combatant the confidence in one's own self necessary to stand and win. Put somebody who's had one class up against somebody who has trained for years, or even against somebody who has been in a few street fights, and that person who's had a class or two will get demolished. The first thing that will happen is the person with one or two classes under his belt will lose all confidence in his ability to defend himself, and it's all downhill from there.



At 130lbs you are not putting too much weight behind your attacks so only do the simplest things.True, mostly. The martial arts training appropriate for your weight would de-emphasize physical strength and instead emphasize principles of physics and body mechanics.


At 130lbs though, YOU WILL WIN THE FIGHT FOR SURE if it lasts more than 45 seconds though (unless the other guy is an avid fighter).Definitely not if the other guy is an avid fighter. If the other guy is not an avid fighter, it's nonsense to claim that "you will win the fight for sure"; there's nothing in your 130 pound weight that alone guarantees your victory, and in fact, in a standard fight where strength equals victory, you will likely lose.



1. put your hands up and protect your headYes, but an experienced fighter will pick apart your defense, and your confidence in your ability to defend yourself will vaporize. This is why training is important.


2. Use HARD push kicks. You know the ones the cops use to break open doors. At 130 this is your strongest attack even you can crack ribs like this. This is just to keep him back though.Maybe, but without training, it will be used against you, and you will lose.


3. if/when he closes the distance GRAB HIM in a bear hug. AND HANG ON! if it goes to the ground HOLD HIM! if your are on top or bottom it doesnt matter.I assume you mean immobilize his arms with a bear hug? That might work against somebody who isn't trained in martial arts. Or it might not. It will definitely not work against somebody trained in the martial arts.


4. If he separates purt your hands on up and push kick again.

If you are on the floor and he is standing DONT GET UP right away. UP KICK like a horse from the floor. You know like you girlfriend does when you attempt to **** her :D . This will keep him back.

When you have plenty of room stand up again. Push kick. If he closes the distance gram him again. Repeat, repeat, repeat.I once sparred against a guy who was a rank above me, had longer legs, and was just flat out faster than me. After taking several hard kicks to the head, I realized that I wasn't going to beat him at his own game, so I changed tactics, and took him down. He was a really talented kicker, but that didn't stop me from taking him down. Somebody who has no kicking ability isn't going to fare better than that guy-- and in fact, is going to fare much worse.


This would tire out anyone. Once they're tired they get SCARED, because they cant defend themselves anymore.This is my point-- unless he has been in a lot of street fights, or trained in martial arts, he's going to get scared after realizing that his defense is ineffective, and his offense is nonexistent, and he's going to lose the fight.

I understand that you're trying to help the OP, but really, most of what you're saying here isn't really going to help him (however, your subsequent post about ripping with your hands is accurate, and should serve as both helpful advice and a warning about what might be done to him in a real world fight). People who don't train to fight are simply no match against people who do train to fight, even if they take a lesson or read about how to defend themselves on the internet.

OP, if you really want to have confidence in your ability to defend yourself, nothing will build that like some effective form of martial arts training.

http://opencarry.org/opencarry.html

My computer's self-defenses won't allow me to open that site. It must be full of malware and spyware or something.