During 30 years of law enforcement I have been in more fights that I can remember. I came into the job not knowing any martial arts and was relatively strong from lifting weights. In my first two fights I realized that strength was not enough, people on drugs and or mentally disturbed could be a real problem.
I ended up finding a judo school and went for 8 years. This helped me tremendously. I also studied some Korean karate, Sombo and Jiu Jitsu.
With all that said I know I am not the baddest man on the planet. I have learned a few things from these encounters.
First, my Judo instructor (who was also a police officer) used to tell us “Attack when attacked.” I used this principle throughout my career. Anybody crazy enough to attack you may be crazy enough to kill you.
I also subscribe to two other ‘maxims’ I learned from the military. SAS. Speed, Aggression and Surprise. And this gem: ‘Be polite, be professional but have a plan to kill everybody you meet.’ Thank you Marine Corps.
Use the color wheel police use: White: relaxed, no worries. I am rarely in this area. Yellow: heightened awareness (I’m usually here ALL the time. Orange: Something has caught your attention and you need to keep an eye on it. Red: Threat/threats.
Most people walk around in the “White” zone. Criminals look for this.
Get into the best shape you can. Learn some real martial arts if you can. Practice staying aware of your surroundings all the time including having a simple plan, even when walking down the street in your own neighborhood.
Get your CCW and carry a gun. Attack when attacked and fight like a scalded dog.
Yes!! Attack when you are being attacked. This throws the assailant off, thinking they had picked a passive target.
This works in a physical fight and in a political or ideological fight. Yes.