TexasCHLforum.com

austinrealtor wrote:@flintknapper, thank you for your post. I didn't mean to suggest that the whole of their self defense tips were somehow useless because of the one idiotic statement about guns. Far from it - I actually agree with you that most of the info on that page is very good. I also agree and know that guns are not a self defense panacea - thus my desire to get additional training/instruction not just for my non-gun carrying wife but for myself as well.

But I just don't want to get into one of those situations you often see with "unarmed self defense" instructors who constantly tell their students that "guns won't save you" or "guns are useless" and that only training with them endlessly and following their "program" will save you (I've seen it before). Many of these "hand-to-hand" instructors (for lack of a better broad term) see guns and gun training as "the competition" for dollars spent on self-defense training and I just want to be sure I'm not putting us into a position where I'm going to have to speak up in class to defend something I believe in (RKBA as self defense) against a testosterone-crazed alpha male.

I've actually already contacted this training academy and the person who responded completely dodged my question about how they view guns and/or incorporate guns into their overall self-defense strategy/training. Going to discuss with my wife and maybe attend the "free class". But so far this place is giving me the strong vibe of people who are more skilled at "upselling" their services than actually teaching useful real world self defense strategies for real people (after all, as you alluded to, not all of us are able to deliver an effective round-house kick).

^^^^^^^^^^^^

I understand.

Check out a few places...and see what you think best suits you. The only person in the Austin area that I know..and have trained with at seminars is Michael Billings. He is the real deal for Kenpo Karate and comes up here every couple of years for the annual Shen Chuan seminar at Lansdale's.

Don't know where he stands on firearms though.

austinrealtor wrote:

But perusing their web site I found this link http://www.austinselfdefense.com/womens ... ense-tips/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; and was turned off by this statement contained within:

HANDGUNS
In most cases, a weapon will not do you any good and may, in fact, cause you great harm. Having a weapon is more likely to increase the danger to you and your loved ones than it is to protect you from a criminal. However, if you do have a firearm in your home, keep it locked and out of reach from curious children. If you hear an intruder, never investigate with gun in hand. Lock yourself and your family in a safe room and call the
police.

Before rejecting ALL they have to say concerning awareness/safety:
http://www.austinselfdefense.com/womens ... ense-tips/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I think you are being a little too quick to condemn...based on just one statement. When I read the entire thing...I found myself agreeing with nearly everything written. And...if we are to be honest about things, a weapon (in this case....a pistol) can indeed become a liability if you are unable to wield it effectively, or keep possession of it. I think that was the point they were trying to make (even if not communicated fully).

Since, they offer a free "sit in" class, why not go and judge for yourself. If nothing else, it would afford you an opportunity to assess their position on firearms (which have a place in self-defense).

really like how they say to "find something to use as a weapon" then basically talk about the best last-ditch efforts to repel nose-to-nose proximity attack by going for eyes, groin etc., all the while completely dismissing the tool that can allow someone to repel an attack from a safer DISTANCE.

Maintaining distance is great, but in real life...it is just not possible unless you NEVER go into a crowd. Situational awareness is high on my list of things that will help you avoid trouble, but it is no guarantee that your protection plan will not be breached.

A firearm is not (or should not) be the ONLY tool in your tool box. The purpose of empty hands skills do not circulate around things that are occurring at a "distance". Empty hands skills...presumes that a threat is already (for some reason) at contact distance. IF you can not retain your weapon...or are having to fight for it (with a good chance of losing it) then YES...it has now become a liability.

With training, you might be able to thwart an attack long enough to gain distance (and time), in order to escape, seek help or employ a better weapon. IMO, you are much more likely to need empty hands skills (day to day) than you are to need deadly force skills.

Go sit in on a class, ask questions...but at least give the folks a chance.

I would suggest you find an instructor that understands that attacks upon women can come in a different form than upon men. Techniques...with respect to size, strength, mindset, etc....should be considered when instructing women. Their needs are usually different and time spent explaining WHY will be the mark of a good instructor.

Don't waste your time anywhere that has you doing Kata, demonstrating techniques that are physically impossible for you (or of no benefit on the street), "high kicks come to mind".

In my experience...the biggest hurdle to cross (with some women), involves the "mindset" ( a willingness to fight). You MUST be able to go from zero to brutal if the situation calls for it.

Shop around and see what is available in the Austin area, but do not be surprised if you end up with your wife at one place and you at another. You can still practice your skills (mental, verbal, physical) on one another at home. Share your training.