Self defense is the use of necessary force to prevent yourself or someone else from being seriously injured, if you have not provoked an altercation or have attempted to withdraw, and if you do not use more force than was reasonably necessary at any time.
"Necessary" in that context means two things: that you have no other means to protect yourself, and that you have done what was safely possible to avoid having to use force.
The problem is that it will likely be very difficult for an actor who did in fact "move forward with speed" to successfully counter accusations that he had not met those requirements.
You have to make the choice of whats important to you as to what your life, and/or that of those around you are worth, and how you deal with it.
I understand the general lethal force rules, and what is expected, but I see nothing in them, that does not allow you to protect yourself, by any means necessary. Once things start, your full focus should be on winning. Anything else, will get in the way, and likely cause you to not give your full attention to the task at hand.
Worrying about what others might think in the aftermath, while things are in play, is only going to be detrimental in solving the problem. Focus on the problem, and solve it. Worry later.
If youre justified to use force, then your justified to use it, and use it as aggressively as you possibly can. If youre hesitant to do so, you may want to think about things some more.
"If you find yourself in a fair fight, your tactics suck"
No doubt.
Best to be the teacher here, than the student.
I know I'm not a "fighter".....
Id say youve certainly got the loser convinced.
If the altercation turns to hand-to-hand, I'm going to be at a huge disadvantage against most.
Whos fault is that?
People lose more because they have already convinced themselves, they cant win. Fear is the mind killer.
Fighting isnt always about brawn (not that that doesnt help), its about knowledge and skill. If you havent bothered to keep yourself in shape, and learn even just some basic skills, and even worse, convinced yourself in your own mind, you dont stand a chance, then youre your own worst enemy.
Fighting is a mindset, one that requires the fighter to forget every idea of fair play and decency that has been installed in us, and do whatever is necessary to survive. In the real world there are no “dirty fighters,” just winners and losers.
Well said, and very much the truth.
If that person isn't well versed in 5 different martial art forms as well.... So be it.
While there is no need to be even well versed in one, I think the bigger problem is, more are not versed in even the basics of one. Add to that, more than not, are not in even reasonable shape to sustain even a brief fight, or even break and run off, if need be.
This whole thing is about a package, not just a specific part.
Even trained fighters can't avoid the fact that sometimes results of a fight are beyond their control.
Even Musashi knew Murphy. I suppose its only those who have tried, that have met him. Those who lack the experience, just havent met him yet. Hopefully, hes in a decent mood when they do.
I stand behind the idea that the best way to win a gun (any) fight is to not be there when it happens.
No doubt.
The second best way is the have the biggest tool to use in the fight. I choose a gun.
Me too, if its doable in the moment.
Having the skills and will to use it (and other things), are a BIG help as well.