May
Defensive Measures
Recently, a friend introduced the question about weapons and the modern world. The older Heathen writings stressed the need to be armed. Modern society’s laws make it difficult in these times.
Nonetheless, the facts show that people need to know something of defending themselves. I think it would be good for people to avail themselves of a self defense course. This is not martial arts training, but a basic course in practical methods to protect yourself. Many police departments offer courses like this. The good thing about learning from the cops is that they have actual street experience. Many martial arts instructors have little or no street experience. You can call local police and sheriff’s departments to ask if any offer these courses.
The people who raised me did not want me to learn self-defense. They thought it better if I were thought of as a “nice boy” than if I hurt someone and got a reputation as a bully. They were morons. I did not get real self-defense training until the Army. I wish I had learned it sooner. As a child, I did not win many fights. As an adult, I did not lose many. Knowing how to fight made a big difference.
Since then, I have been fascinated with military close combat systems. They are practical methods of close combat designed for real combat, not the sports arena. My research has taken me from medieval combat wrestling to the most modern systems. Even though my heart problem has intervened, I am still fascinated by these systems.
Were I to recommend a book of basic self defense, I have two. One is a classic from 1941, known both as “Get Tough”” and “All in Fighting” by W. E. Fairbairn. This is the method they taught British commandos and US Army rangers in World War II. It was developed by the police in Shanghai and proven on the streets. It is simple, easy to learn, and shows both armed and unarmed methods of combat.
Another is Charles Nelson’s School of Self Defense The Red and Gray Manuals. This book shows the practical self defense methods taught by Nelson. I had taken his course a couple of time. I still have my original copy of his Red booklet. Nelson deals with situations one might encounter in civilian life. How to defend yourself even when carrying a bag of groceries, for instance. I highly recommend this for both men and women.
