The following is a short-discussion of two of the most common personal security questions I hear:
"Should I Study Martial Arts?"
I’ve heard this question asked numerous times and my answer is always the same…maybe. People study martial arts for a variety of reasons including physical fitness, discipline, cultural understanding, art, sport, and, of course personal protection. The fact is that the serious and long-term study of martial arts, under a competent instructor can yield results in all of these areas.
That being said, the way most people study martial arts does not lead to the long term success they desire. For the most part, Americans are busily engaged in too many activities. If you are like most people, life simply gets in the way. I say this as one with experience. I started studying Karate through a YMCA program when I was in middle school. I loved the program and continued on for a few years. Unfortunately, my Sensei (teacher) eventually moved and I stopped practicing. In college I studied Tae Kwon Do and, once again, I loved the program. Unfortunately after graduating, getting married and starting my career, I again stopped training. Then in 2003, I found a Hapkido and Tae Kwon Do school. Again I loved practicing, but the demands of my career and other commitments eventually led me to stop training.
The reality is that my experience is typical. People struggle to find the balance between life and work and this struggle often manifests itself in the on and off way in which they study martial arts.
If you decide to study martial arts for personal protection skills, remember the following:
(1.) The study of martial arts will EVENTUALLY, lead you to a point where you can adequately defend yourself against most potential adversaries, but it is a long road. Don’t expect quick or lasting results without a permanent commitment.
(2.) As you progress in martial arts, it requires more study, not less.
The next question people ask is, “What style of martial art should I study?” That’s a loaded question. Everyone seems to think that their art is the best and this leads to endless debates about the effectiveness of one art over another. My experience is that the style of the art matters much less than the commitment and skills of the individual student.
If you decide to study martial arts here are some tips on selecting a school:
(1.) Ask people you know who are already studying about their schools
(2.) Visit some schools, take a few lessons, and see if you like it
(3.) Be wary of schools that guarantee a black belt in a certain period of time
(4.) Be wary of schools that seem primarily concerned with money
(5.) Be wary of schools that won’t tell you how much your lessons will cost
(6.) Be wary of schools whose instructors seem to relish conflict and fighting
(7.) The closer a school is to your home the more likely you are to consistently study
“Should I Carry a Gun?”
Once again my answer is always the same…maybe. While I am a strong supporter of the individual right to keep and bear arms, I do not think that everyone should carry a firearm. People who are mentally incapable of handling such a responsibility should not be able to own and/or use a firearm. The same goes for those convicted of violent criminal acts, children and those under the influence of drugs or alcohol. All our rights as Americans have some applicable restrictions and the Second Amendment is no different in this regard. The political debate surrounding gun rights is simply an ongoing discussion to determine the extent of those restrictions. As a law abiding citizen, you have the right to carry a firearm (with some restrictions). The question is should you?
Before you answer that question, I suggest careful consideration of following:
(1.) Do your personal risks justify this particular countermeasure?
(2.) Can you legally obtain the necessary permits?
(3.) Can you continually comply with applicable firearms laws?
(4.) Are you willing to obtain training on how to responsibly use your weapon?
(5.) Are you willing to deal with the day-to-day inconveniences of carrying a firearm?
(6.) In a life or death situation, are you willing to kill another human being?
(7.) If you end up killing someone in order to defend yourself or your family, are you willing to deal with the potential legal, financial and psychological consequences of such an action?
As I’ve written in previous posts, if you are an able adult, you are responsible for your personal security. The study of martial arts and the carrying of firearms can both provide effective means of personal protection, however like all aspects of personal security, the decision to employ such countermeasures should only be undertaken after careful consideration. You alone can make that decision for yourself. I encourage you to think the matter through and choose wisely.
By: SA Watson
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