Stopping a fight...

[Will]

I noticed in the 'would you be willing to die' thread that shotokan101 (Jim) said that when he was younger he would most likely be starting fights than finishing them (or something - forgive me if I've misquoted).

It got me thinking about, well, me, and how I've dealt with confrontations in my relatively short life. At 22 a lot of guys have been in fights, and I'd be interested to know who here had and hadn't been by the time they were my age.

What I'd really like to discuss here is how you guys have PREVENTED fights in the past. I'm a big guy (not height, but I've always been built and I know how to carry myself) and have occassionally got into confrontations, be it a slanging match or a stag-esque butting of the heads. However, apart from beinging smacked in the face a couple of times when I was 15 (I didn't retaliate - I laughed ), I've never been in a fight. I've only ever thrown one punch, in a maths lesson, at some guy who kept taking the pears out of my weight (like I said, big guy). I've personally managed to use my bravado and ability to come across as relatively intimidating as a way of difusing situations before they get too far.

Now, I know a few of you guys have done door work (Steve) or bodyguard work (I think Paul Herbert has done this). I'm sure in those situations you regularly have to talk your way out of things.
Bit vague I know. Just interested to know how you guys prevent anything reaching the point of having to resort to violence...

[shotokan101]

Just interested to know how you guys prevent anything reaching the point of having to resort to violence...

my approach used to be - "f$ck off if you know what's good for you" - sometimes it worked - sometimes it didn't

EDIT: On rereading my post I perhaps should have added that since taking up Karate I'm much more likely now to simply walk away - if I can.

[fujicolt]

Will

at risk of sounding corny =

in things combative your mind is your biggest weapon

It has been proven afgain and again and again both in individual encounters and relating to generals leading major battles.

You cliam not to have had a fight - but your quest to be able to 'step up' when justifiably required is a 'fight' in itself.

Yes some of us out here have had years of security work/bodyguarding etc and just basic street fights - but heyho - sh*t happens and we have learnt from it. YOU need to travel around and find the people who can pass on those experiences to you - so that you can channel your training to achieve YOUR goals.

I know you have - from a trad karatekas perspective - started well with the greoup you are with but don't be scared to go look around - lot of good stuuf out there - good luck

[Will]

...but your quest to be able to 'step up' when justifiably required is a 'fight' in itself...

What quest? I can and have stepped up before - all I'm asking is how people diffuse situations that otherwise might lead to a scuffle or some description.

[fujicolt]

Your quest is to know 'you can fight if required but also have the ability to not have to fight cos you can manipulate the situation - with verbal and non verbal messages that diminish your need to GET PHYSICAL' - sorry Will i thought you understood that. Go seek the training and then you will undertand.

Was only trying to help but you 'reacted' - i did NOT say or suggest you would not or could not 'step up' - i merely gave advise (for you to seek instruction) that could help you not have to get physical... think on it

now yer may find that patronising but - do yer wanna fight/argue/disagree/attack etc or do you wanna think.

the quick thinking that can overide the initial reaction = the key.

[Shotokan0]

The best form of defence is not to be there in the first place. Now i know i can woffle but i honestly believe that there is only one enemy. ME. If i find myself in any kind of situation then i have done something wrong in the first place.

I liked the qoute that Fujicolt states "In things combative your mind is your biggest weapon".

Something that Shotokan is built on "Gijutsu Yori Shinjutsu" mentality before technique". It is not those that walk beside us that are our greatest enemies, but ourself. In my opinion, it is our own minds that create the conflicts that we see in front of us. When we are threatened, our mind becomes defensive. We should always remain soft until we literally have no other choice.

I can remember one time when i was threatened outside Tesco's and to be honest i still have no idea what i had done. When this person shouted "I am going to kick the S**T out of you" i replied "If you want to fight i will gladly accomodate you. regardless of wheather i win or lose, we are both going to get hurt."

With this he shouted some abuse and walked off.... I still do not know what i had done, but it worked.

Always mentality before technique...

Osu

Rob

[shotokan101]

Always mentality before technique...

My perception is more along the lines that "Mentality" is in itself a technique or at the least the start of the technique when necessary....

[Shotokan0]

Now i cannot argue with this. You are right. The body will and always has followed the mind so yes, i suppose your spot on. The mind must act first. It will either produce the right technique or not.

At the end of the day, everything depends on the choices we make....

Very good comment....

Osu

Rob

[shotokan101]

Now i cannot argue with this. You are right. The body will and always has followed the mind so yes, i suppose your spot on. The mind must act first. It will either produce the right technique or not.

At the end of the day, everything depends on the choices we make....

Indeed you are correct - and I didn't mean for m remark to seem critical - just posting a slightly different perception.

.....and indeed sometimes the technique is to do nothing but be prepared - as you implied originally

[Shotokan0]

OMG, please excuse me if i gave the impression that i found your comment critical. To be honest, it was a breath of fresh air....So many people missunderstand my words mainly because i rarely just say it.. I tend to delve deep into my words which then become many words if that makes any sence what so ever

Your comment was "hitting the nail on the head" so to speak which to be honest, i never do. I woffle on for ages. I tend to see everything philosophically which to be honest can often confuse matters.

Either way, fantastic comment and spot on....

Osu

Rob

[shotokan101]

No Problem - anyway I've a thick skin and criticism from one's own perspective is a perfectly normal part of "forum life" (even when it didn't happen - as in this case )

Best Wishes

[fujicolt]

Hey can you two PLEASE choose more distinct names - it appears like two brothers named 'John 101' and 'John 0' having a row/discussion

[shotokan101]

Hey can you two PLEASE choose more distinct names - it appears like two brothers named 'John 101' and 'John 0' having a row/discussion

Tough luck Steve - you'll just have to remember that I'm the good looking one

[Shotokan0]

And i am the young one (From a karate's path point of view)

[shotokan101]

And i am the young one (From a karate's path point of view)

....not so sure - how much of your 20 years is "served" in Shotokan ? (not that it matters since your TKD exeprience may have given you a valuable "step up" in some areas......) - after all we're both mere Sandan grades