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I think you're right - learning to avoid bad situations in general is almost always more valuable than acquiring badass fighting skills. I'll never forget the

I think you're right - learning to avoid bad situations in general is almost always more valuable than acquiring badass fighting skills. I'll never forget the advice that a Russian ex-military martial arts instructor gave our group of Systema trainees in the late 90s, after a hard day of punching, kicking, bayonet-fighting, etc. Context: someone had asked him a cringey, noob question like, "What's the ultimate, most dangerous technique?" He thought a minute and said, “To train hard makes one safer in all situations. But no technique is perfect, and of course a gun can kill anyone with just this [gestures with a bayonet]. So the best rule to stay safe is this: Don’t go to bad places with bad people.” Dude had a big-ass knife scar on his forearm from Chechnya. He knew about bad people and places.

vinceguidry 8y ago
I really don't want to sell the cool factor too short. It's probably the only thing that really motivates a lot of people. Paraphrasing Tim Ferriss, I wouldn't change my brand of razor for a weekend trip to Boise, Idaho, but I'd move Heaven and Earth for a catamaran trip through the Greek Isles. All this talk about staying safe is just missing the point entirely. You'll probably never face a violent situation that would require you to even run away from it. The cool factor is really all that's left. And the discipline and health and meditation. And these things are really awesome in and of themselves. They'll help you in your life way more than whatever minuscule safety tips you pick up along the way. The only thing you ever really fight is yourself.
- mr_overalls 8y ago
  Meditation and fitness are great things to pursue, but. . . > You'll probably never face a violent situation that would require you to even run away from it. . . .this simply hasn't been my experience in life. Granted, I chose to work as a bouncer for a while, but I come from a backwoods area of the Southern US with no shortage of alcohol- & poverty-fueled violence. I'm happy that you've lived in safer places, but realize that your experience isn't universal.

vinceguidry 8y ago

I really don't want to sell the cool factor too short. It's probably the only thing that really motivates a lot of people. Paraphrasing Tim Ferriss, I wouldn't change my brand of razor for a weekend trip to Boise, Idaho, but I'd move Heaven and Earth for a catamaran trip through the Greek Isles. All this talk about staying safe is just missing the point entirely. You'll probably never face a violent situation that would require you to even run away from it. The cool factor is really all that's left. And the discipline and health and meditation. And these things are really awesome in and of themselves. They'll help you in your life way more than whatever minuscule safety tips you pick up along the way. The only thing you ever really fight is yourself.

mr_overalls 8y ago
Meditation and fitness are great things to pursue, but. . . > You'll probably never face a violent situation that would require you to even run away from it. . . .this simply hasn't been my experience in life. Granted, I chose to work as a bouncer for a while, but I come from a backwoods area of the Southern US with no shortage of alcohol- & poverty-fueled violence. I'm happy that you've lived in safer places, but realize that your experience isn't universal.