Self-defence (and why)

GD · Post by GD » 10 Oct 2007, 20:50

Hi again, I used to be with the Shin-gi-tai Aikido association, until I moved away from the club I went to. I'm into boxing / kick-boxing lately.

edit: http://www.bab.org.uk/associations/shin ... ikido.html

GD · Post by GD » 10 Oct 2007, 21:08

A quick note on Firearms. I read in "The Gift of Fear" by Gavin de Becker that statistically you are more likely to kill a member of your family than an intruder, when you resort to firearms for your security.

(This is a book I wholeheartedly recommend to anyone and everyone to read, regardless of whether they are interested in training martial arts or not)

syberberg · Post by **syberberg** » 11 Oct 2007, 01:28

RenewableCandy wrote:Nasty pointy things are useful but make sure they're somewhere where it's YOU that can reach them first!!!

Sometimes we devolve that kind of lateral thinking problem to the kids (ever noticed how much better they are at that kind o'thing?) "If you were a burglar how would you get into our house?", or "If you'd got in and you thought you needed a weapon what would you pick up?" you'd be surprised what they come up with!

That reminds me of a conversation I had with my brother once. It went, to the best of my memory, something like this:

Bro: "Why have you got a bokkan there?" (It was near a door, has since been moved. The bokkan, not the door).

Me: "It's for the burglar."

Bro: (Blinked a couple of times and stared at me) "What?"

Me: "Well, it only seems fair to give him a sporting chance."

RenewableCandy · Post by **RenewableCandy** » 11 Oct 2007, 10:03

syberberg wrote:... a conversation I had with my brother once. It went, to the best of my memory, something like this:

Bro: "Why have you got a bokkan there?" (It was near a door, has since been moved. The bokkan, not the door).

Me: "It's for the burglar."

Bro: (Blinked a couple of times and stared at me) "What?"

Me: "Well, it only seems fair to give him a sporting chance."

GD · Post by GD » 11 Oct 2007, 16:34

LOL, that's really funny, and it's also worth bearing in mind for anyone, that just about ANY ordinary object can become a weapon, which is why I'm not particularly bothered about having kitchen knives in a fancy little holder on the worktop.

Aurora · Post by **Aurora** » 11 Oct 2007, 16:51

GD wrote:LOL, that's really funny, and it's also worth bearing in mind for anyone, that just about ANY ordinary object can become a weapon, which is why I'm not particularly bothered about having kitchen knives in a fancy little holder on the worktop.

Does fresh fruit count? Remember this classic sketch from Monty Python?
http://orangecow.org/pythonet/sketches/selfdef.htm

GD · Post by GD » 11 Oct 2007, 20:55

Even rotten fruit...

syberberg · Post by **syberberg** » 12 Oct 2007, 12:01

GD wrote:LOL, that's really funny, and it's also worth bearing in mind for anyone, that just about ANY ordinary object can become a weapon, which is why I'm not particularly bothered about having kitchen knives in a fancy little holder on the worktop.

Very true. The most offensively effective weapon anyone can wield is a rotten egg or three.

Pippa · Post by **Pippa** » 16 Oct 2007, 10:51

Great advice folks, I'm implimenting as much as possible. So far I've

Removed all pointy sharp objects from where they would be too obvious - so all the knifes in the kitchen have been removed to the childrens bedrooms. Scissors, needles and all sewing stuff are kept in the bread bin inside an old hollowed out loaf and all dangerous kitchen chemicals are in a double sealled container and sunk in the water tank in the loft.

I've taken the saws, chisels, stanley knifes, pick axes etc out of the garage and hidden them under various bushes, garden ornaments and stashed some in the drains.

My 1950's Madonna "looky likey" brassiere which has previously been used to make me look sharp and pointy is now recycled as a pendant lamp shade for two low energy low wattage light bulbs and casts a lovely soft and peachy light in the hall for guests whether welcome or otherwise.

All fruit and veg is picked or bought daily - non is left around - just in case.

Ditto for eggs

Can't find the time to go to formal defense classes but am now wondering round the house when I remember practicing Kung Foo like moves and making loud grunting noises.

Am encouraging the kids to do the same.

No one in my house is now allowed to open the door to anyone without following formal identification process. This has caused a few problems and arguments but I have told the kids, rules are rules, we must prepare.

At the moment some of this preparation is rather inconvenient but as I have stressed to all my family, this is good advice and they will appreciate me in the end.

Andy Hunt · Post by **Andy Hunt** » 16 Oct 2007, 11:08

"Not now, Kato you fool!!!"

syberberg · Post by **syberberg** » 16 Oct 2007, 11:40

Pippa, what about any paper? Is that nice and safe as well, coz, ya know, a paper cut can really smart.

Andy Hunt · Post by **Andy Hunt** » 16 Oct 2007, 11:42

Maybe we should write a Health & Safety Manual for Peak Oil.

Pippa · Post by **Pippa** » 16 Oct 2007, 12:27

Syberberg

You're right! Paper could be a problem.

I've removed the toilet paper and replaced it with leaves; family shouldn't be crapping in the house anyway, most uncivilised, we have compost loos (well old buckets really) ready to be used for that "job" currently completely unutilized in the garage. Kids and husband are furious but I have had to insist as in the wrong hands toilet paper could become a gaging hazard.

Have put all the computer paper outside the front door with a note, "please help yourself" along with this health and safety notice;

"Warning, paper cuts, the edges are sharp. If cut please seek immediate medical advice. Never leave young children unattended with paper" .

Privately, I,m especiallly pleased about loosing the computer paper; I hate office work anyway. With the paper gone and power cuts on their way I'll soon be completely redundant.

Next problem is proving quite tricky. What am I going to do with all our books and magazines, some of which I am rather attached to and have only just brought.

Think that I will have to work at this one bit by bit.

I've made a start. Not too bothered with my husbands old crime fiction books (we've got loads of them) so they've gone in the pile with the computer paper - with any luck he won't notice that they've gone for a while and by the time he has it'll be too late.

Well, I'm making progress. Will keep watching this thread for more good ideas.

Pippa · Post by **Pippa** » 16 Oct 2007, 13:09

Andy

Great idea!!! Am keen to make a start on the Health and Safety Manual for Peak Oil but am wondering what medium we should use?

The problem as I see it today is that we can't use paper because of the health and safety issues highlighted by syberberg and when the lights go out a wikipedia type manual won't be much use either will it.

Maybe my thinking is a little too black and white, I dunno!

What do you suggest?

Andy Hunt · Post by **Andy Hunt** » 16 Oct 2007, 13:22

Folk songs? Has always been a good medium for passing down knowledge in the past . . .

I'm writing one at the minute entitled, "The Burglar and the Knitting Needle". Bit of a black little number.