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If one lives in a safe city in a first world country, should he/she still learn how to fight?

Estellex

Member
I live in the U.S, and I live in a relatively safe city. Is there ever a need to learn how to fight? I have never been in situations where serious combat took place.
 

bitbydeath

Member
I live in the U.S, and I live in a relatively safe city. Is there ever a need to learn how to fight? I have never been in situations where serious combat took place.

Absolutely, fighting isn't just about kicking ass but also helps clear the mind.
 

Gander

Banned
Self Defense and discipline is part of being a better human. Everyone should even if you live on an island by yourself.
 

olimariOA

Banned
I live in the US in a safe part of town.
I still know how to defend myself and I carry a knife with me.
I don't think it hurts to be prepared.

I think Judo/Wrestling/BJJ is all you really need to take care of yourself.
And maybe a concealed handgun.
 

J-Roderton

Member
I live in the US in a safe part of town.
I still know how to defend myself and I carry a knife with me.
I don't think it hurts to be prepared.

I think Judo/Wrestling/BJJ is all you really need to take care of yourself.
And maybe a concealed handgun.

That too. I’ve either got my edc or self defense knife on me anywhere I go.
 

#Phonepunk#

Banned
what is "a relatively safe city"?

lol i am for real curious about this. i have been jumped in multiple cities, i have friends who have lived all over the country, had to deal w crime. what is this "safe city"? no place is really safe. crime can happen anywhere. out in the sticks, out in the suburbs, in the city, etc. yes be prepared at least to be smart and aware, run or evade/prevent. this can be even more valuable than learning to fight.
 
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Estellex

Member
what is "a relatively safe city"?

lol i am for real curious about this. i have been jumped in multiple cities, i have friends who have lived all over the country, had to deal w crime. what is this "safe city"?

Safe cities like San Francisco. Sure, some areas are a mess, but if you only frequent downtown during certain times of the day and avoid certain areas, you should be fine.
 
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Estellex

Member
what is "a relatively safe city"?

lol i am for real curious about this. i have been jumped in multiple cities, i have friends who have lived all over the country, had to deal w crime. what is this "safe city"? no place is really safe. crime can happen anywhere. out in the sticks, out in the suburbs, in the city, etc. yes be prepared at least to be smart and aware, run or evade/prevent. this can be even more valuable than learning to fight.

I agree with you that being smart and aware is more important that learning how to fight. I feel that females tend to be a bit smarter about this than males. Correct me if I am wrong though. This is just a personal observation.
 
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LordPezix

Member
Fighting is fine but as a former bouncer you learn really fast that if you can help it, use the environment over using your fists.

Learning to throw, and trip opponents is going to be the biggest benefit to you. The concrete doesn't have bones that will break but your hands do.


Remember kids, fight smart, fight, LordPezix smart.
 
Yes OP. I think you should

My oldest is 5 and she started BJJ 6 months ago.

Also if you find yourself losing arm wrestling contest to people half your size, you better learn to fight also.
 
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#Phonepunk#

Banned
I agree with you that being smart and aware is more important that learning how to fight. I feel that females tend to be a bit smarter about this than males. Correct me if I am wrong though. This is just a personal observation.

lol i don't know, i've seen women start some shit w other women..

San Fran yeah that's probably really nice. it's one of the wealthiest areas in the country. plus everyone drives everywhere. you are probably safe, enjoy the bubble.
 

DunDunDunpachi

Patient MembeR
If you have an interest in it, who cares about the "actual danger" of where you live?

There are far worse uses of your time.
 

Papa

Banned
Nobody has a right to lay a hand on you so I think the better solution is to teach people not to assault. Your body, your choice.
 

Melon

Banned
I actually recently had a close call that made me realize I need to learn how to defend myself. Tl;dr of the situation is that someone had gotten into my car sometime during the previous night (to escape the cold I assume) and were actually still there when I was driving to work at about 5 AM. It was still dark and I was stupid enough to not check the backseat of my car; I didn't notice him until I was already driving. I then slammed on my breaks and the dude bolted. I don't think he had any intentions on harming me....but what if he had? It really makes you think about how you should be prepared for any kind of situation. I now have a taser, but I definitely am considering taking self-defense classes now.
 

olimariOA

Banned
what is "a relatively safe city"?

lol i am for real curious about this. i have been jumped in multiple cities, i have friends who have lived all over the country, had to deal w crime. what is this "safe city"? no place is really safe. crime can happen anywhere. out in the sticks, out in the suburbs, in the city, etc. yes be prepared at least to be smart and aware, run or evade/prevent. this can be even more valuable than learning to fight.

I would guess that wherever violent crime is low per capita vs inner city detroit or baltimore or whatever.
Are you suggesting low crime areas don't exist? What an odd thing to type and send to strangers.
 
I'm an idiot. The last time (first time actually) I got mugged, I steamrolled the punks. 2 on one, I had a hoodie and was taking a walk in my sandals and shorts and was enjoying a power walk to the local artery clogging establishment when 2 skinny punks tried to turn me into a loot box. Once they understood what they were up against, they both ran away, quickly!

I'm an idiot because they could have had a gun, but I may have been pissed off at the time. I don't remember that much. This was around... 2006I think?

Moral of the story, always be ready to defend yourself. It's times like those I wish I had conceal to carry, as you never know if a situation like that could be your last.
 
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SKM1

Member
I think learning how to fight is important but not necessarily to avoid getting mugged. In those situations it's safer to just comply. Street smarts are more important in that case.
 

MilkyJoe

Member
I live in the US in a safe part of town.
I still know how to defend myself and I carry a knife with me.
I don't think it hurts to be prepared.

I think Judo/Wrestling/BJJ is all you really need to take care of yourself.
And maybe a concealed handgun.

That town being Perfection NV...
 

Texas Pride

Banned
Personal defense is everyone's right. And you could argue responsibility. Don't rely on others to defend you or your property. Just my 2¢.
 

Kagey K

Banned
I grew up with a brother, so while we were never formally trained we learned how to hurt each other good.

It’s better to know how to fight and never need it, then to not know and really really need it. Plus you never want to look like this.

 

haxan7

Volunteered as Tribute
I grew up with a brother, so while we were never formally trained we learned how to hurt each other good.

It’s better to know how to fight and never need it, then to not know and really really need it. Plus you never want to look like this.


ScaryEnlightenedBobwhite-size_restricted.gif
 
I follow the Active Self Protection channel on youtube.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsE_m2z1NrvF2ImeNWh84mw

The guy basically analyses security camera footage of all sorts of altercations and teaches many basic lessons. This stuff it very good to know and could very well save your life, if you havent thought about this type of stuff much before..
Unfortunately, many of the videos dont have happy endings - especially if you live in Brazil :O
 

nkarafo

Member
Its the best way to consume your free time.

It will also make you fit.

Im doing boxing for a few years. No regrets. Although i never had to test my skills yet, thankfully.
 

Erik 3636

Neo Member
I dont train self defence because i live in a very safe area and i think IT would make me feel very paranoid
 

Greedings

Member
I always think about learning to fight. I will when I move to and English speaking country. Going to classes in a place I barely speak the language is just the worst.
 
Martial arts and self defense training are invaluable even if you never have to use it.

I agree.

Doing BJJ is one of the best things I have ever done. Doing full-contact martial art like BJJ, Judo, Wrestling, Boxing and Muay Thai can transform you as a person and your outlook on the world. One of the first thing I realized is just how different a real fight is from how we grow up thinking about fighting and being powerful from pop culture. And I see so many people walking around with this bent-up aggression. Both men and women who lose their shit at the cash register, in their car. People are civilized but they are passive-aggressive.

Meanwhile, people who tend to do full contact martial arts, tend to be gentle, controlled and calm in that they get beaten over and over. A lot of that natural human aggression is drilled out of them. It kills your ego because you get submitted, choked and thrown by so many people who don't look like they could beat ANYONE in a fight.
Martial Arts really is a lifestyle and I recommend it to anyone. Like everything else it is about finding the right people and the right gym. And like everything else, you get out of it what you put into it. This is the hardest thing you will ever do, and part of the experience on your own journey is realizing that it is okay. It's okay that some small Steve Urkel looking MOFO will destroy you. You will feel weak, incapable and like your world is upside down. But if you stick with it, you will find that you grow as a person, and your troubles in daily life will seem much more insignificant.

Knowing martial arts doesn't mean what it means in the movies. Movies will have you believe that a MA practitioner can fight multiple people at once, disarm people with knives and guns. Total crock of shit. I've seen black belts in brazil almost getting killed from trying to fight someone who tried to rob them with a knife/gun. Still, you can be a badass in a one-on-one unarmed altercation, and you get to use your body to its full extent and capacity. You are turning your body into a weapon, and that is more awesome than any blade or gun could ever be. When you get old, you will wish that you had used your body more. Your body is like a rent-a-car you have to return when you die. So use it to its fullest while you can.
 
I agree.

Doing BJJ is one of the best things I have ever done...

I think to expand on that, it gives something that adults rarely ever get: 100% exertion. Even in the gym, it's nearly impossible to simulate that feeling of fighting off a choke. I often equate it to the adrenaline I use to get running from cops as a young teen for egging houses or other mild mischief. Like damn, I guess I can hurdle a chain link fence in one stride with the right shot of adrenaline! Lungs on literal fire.

This probably happens in nature often for creatures, but in our over developed society, we could go 40 years without a moment of 100% exertion.
 

appaws

Banned
Most cities are safe in most areas. Even Chicago, which is known as a murder capital, most of that is confined to a few neighborhoods on the West and South sides. As long as you stay out of those areas, you are pretty safe.

I carry a gun 99% of the time, and am highly trained in using it. I have not had a physical fight in over 20 years, since I was 22. I probably would not do very well these days if I did.
 

Sakura

Member
If you get jumped by a group of guys, taking some karate lessons ain't gonna save you. Likewise if someone pulls a gun on you, what are you going to do? CQC that shit?
Obviously learning martial arts is better than not learning it, but I don't believe it is necessary, and I think overconfidence in your skills could worsen certain situations.
 

Toecutter

Member
It's a good idea - I wish I'd done it when I was still in my twenties. Good for fitness, discipline and apparently good for mental health as well.

I always fancied learning Krav Maga - Jiu-Jitsu is great, but not very useful when the other guy has 3 of his buddies stomping all over you while you're trying to show off your sweet moves. Groin strikes and eye gouges are where it's at. :messenger_winking:

Also related:

 

Ivellios

Member
I live in one of the most dangerous cities of my country and i never trained in any fight whatsoever

That is why im thinking about trying Krav Maga someday, but i just dont have the time/energy to do this for now.
 

olimariOA

Banned
I live in one of the most dangerous cities of my country and i never trained in any fight whatsoever

That is why im thinking about trying Krav Maga someday, but i just dont have the time/energy to do this for now.

Save your money and buy a knife
Or invest it in some judo (not the sport garbage. MMA judo)

8yFw10G.gif
 
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Ivellios

Member
Save your money and buy a knife
Or invest it in some judo (not the sport garbage. MMA judo)

8yFw10G.gif

Nice gif lol.

The problem is you must be somewhat well trained to use a knife well, and myu cousin told me Krav Maga is very good for people who are kinda weak to defend themselves against stronger opponents (like a woman defending herself against a stronger man)
 

olimariOA

Banned
Nice gif lol.

The problem is you must be somewhat well trained to use a knife well, and myu cousin told me Krav Maga is very good for people who are kinda weak to defend themselves against stronger opponents (like a woman defending herself against a stronger man)

I've been doing martial arts for a decade and can tell you that Krav is mostly horseshit.
There's a reason you don't see it being utilized effectively in MMA, in WSHH videos, or really anywhere else.
I can't even point to a single example of it working in a live situation.

Judo/Newaza and BJJ have proven themselves a thousand times over so I'd say go that route.
Some MMA gyms even do knife training and used wood and rubber knives to practice in live situations.
 

Scopa

The Tribe Has Spoken
I live in the U.S, and I live in a relatively safe city. Is there ever a need to learn how to fight? I have never been in situations where serious combat took place.
No city is safe. There are nuts everywhere on Earth.

Personally, I never learned how to fight in a technical sense. If I see someone who looks dodgy, I usually lock eyes with them to let them know I’m aware of the situation and they always give me a wide berth. Not entirely sure why, but I have been told I have “devil eyes” and look “scary” in the past, so maybe I give them the fear, lol.


I actually recently had a close call that made me realize I need to learn how to defend myself. Tl;dr of the situation is that someone had gotten into my car sometime during the previous night (to escape the cold I assume) and were actually still there when I was driving to work at about 5 AM. It was still dark and I was stupid enough to not check the backseat of my car; I didn't notice him until I was already driving. I then slammed on my breaks and the dude bolted. I don't think he had any intentions on harming me....but what if he had? It really makes you think about how you should be prepared for any kind of situation. I now have a taser, but I definitely am considering taking self-defense classes now.
This is like every horror movie nightmare. Bloody hell!
 

Klondyke

Banned
Nah, violence rarely solves anything.

I actually served jail time for refusing to serve in the military, because of my beliefs. I have the same stance with street violence.
 

Papa

Banned
Nah, violence rarely solves anything.

I actually served jail time for refusing to serve in the military, because of my beliefs. I have the same stance with street violence.

Well if you’re a pacifist, I take it you survived jail by other means?
 
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