The Down Range Forum
Member Section => Defense and Tactics => Topic started by: rat31465 on July 03, 2010, 09:45:26 AM
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Back in February of 2009 my home was destroyed by a tornado and in the aftermath of trying to sift through the debris I managed to tear a ligament in my left knee which left me on crutches for the better part of 6-weeks. I graduated from depending on two crutches to get around to one and for the rest of about a 6-month period I began to use a single point cane. My Physician says that I am not a candidate for surgery and it is an injury that I may have to live with for the rest of my life.
I have since this time reinjured my knee frequently in varying degrees just going about my everyday life, as a result of my somewhat limited mobility I have stepped back and reevaluated my own self-defense needs.
So what has my disability required me to change in this regard? The first and foremost factor I have had to come to terms with is in my limited mobility. As a youth I was very active and athletic…perhaps not in the classic sense as my conventional athletic participation was limited to track and more precisely as a cross-country distance runner…I also was an avid Hunter and Backpacker. The point I wish to make here is that my physical endurance and ability to move were always paramount to how I trained.
Recently while playing a game involving squirt guns with my 2 ½ year old Grandson Rylan…I reinjured my knee attempting to simply pivot and evade his head on attack. The incident drove home the fact that despite my belief that I was well on my way towards recovering after a year and a half… I no longer have the ability or the option of making a quick getaway, or even a hasty/tactical retreat. Heck I can’t even run from a child…a fact made even more evident after the little guy soaked me to the bone when I fell to the ground. (Pop’s can’t expect mercy from this little guy.)
Since my injury has once again put me on the sidelines and relegated me to find other means for occupying my downtime…I decided I was going to reevaluate my self-defense needs relating to weapons and tactics.
I began by posing a question about the Cold Steel Heavy Duty sword cane (http://www.trueswords.com/cold-steel-battle-ready-sword-cane-heavy-duty-p-3421.html) in the self defense thread of a Forum I have been a member of since 2008. I liked the looks of this particular product as the canes body is constructed of heavy gauge aluminum and so is functional as a walking aid and more than capable as either a non-lethal weapon or if the threat were to escalate one capable of being brought into lethal action.
The responses I got back from the forums members were both disturbing and eye opening at the same time and not one of them had anything to do with my original question about the product. What I garnered from these responses is that most would be happy if lethal forms of self defense were left to the physically capable and many seem to believe that the Physically Challenged are better served by the use of tasers, pepper spray and other less than lethal options.
Suddenly I understand how it feels to be the injured Wildebeest running at the back of the herd.
I found these responses and options unacceptable… and have started to wonder if maybe I have stumbled upon an area lacking in training opportunities?
A Precursory Google Search of the internet on Training Classes for the physically challenged gave somewhat disappointing results. Questioning where I might find resources has lead me here to DRTV….as I thought I remembered an episode on the Wednesday lineup regarding exactly this?
I look forward to any responses, advice etc.
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The cane, like any other tool, requires training to use effectively, I would also check what State and local laws say about "sword canes". Until last month they were illegal in NH.
Other thoughts I would add are that since you are physically disadvantaged in a violent encounter, it may be more sensible to avoid the risk of "nonlethal" resistance not working since you do not have the option of moving quickly to recover from a failed defense.
Talk to Professional trainers, like Rob Pincus. Many are happy to tailor a class for those with limitations.
PS, That cane is junk, I prefer a large round steel ball for a handle. The kind that make large round dents. ;D
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Here's my advice, which is probably worth less than .02. Never the less when has that stopped anybody on this board? ;D
As far as sword canes go? Lets assume they are legal where you live. As someone who fenced sabre at a pretty high level in college, I will say that using a sword requires a great deal of flexibility, particulary from the lower body. As my coach said, "You kill with your feet". Being able to retreat and advance and dodge is all about movement. Having two feet of steel is all good, but honestly, you will be stationary, thrusting or cutting from a fixed position. Not good.
This brings me to my second, and very unfortunate point. Limited mobility (assuming the laws in your state allow it), would seem to argue for a more, not less, lethal response. You can't fight, you can't run away. What does that leave you? Killing the SOB. Pepper spray, Tasers etc are built around you being able to disable the BG and haul ass. Not an option for you. My advice? A .45 subcompact (substitute 9mm or .40 and I'm a 9mm guy). Still avoid the fight. If it won't avoid you? A .357 or .45 seems the best defense. Empty it into the BG. Then reload. You don't have your legs. You do have your arms. Use them. You should take this with a grain of salt and consult you local laws. Its just my HO.
FQ13 who welcomes you aboard.
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As much as it pains me to say, I pretty much go with most of FQ's points. And my opinion, along with a buck-fitty, might buy you a coke. He is right about the balance and leg strength needed to properly wield a sword-type weapon, at least as far as some of the techniques I've investigated. That being said, the cane-sword is still better than nothing at all.
I can also say that I am in the same boat as you, Rat. I have mobility issues (see my screen name ;) ) that do not allow me to run, climb, kneel and such. Flight is not an option for me, so I go armed (as heavily as feasible with conditions) at all times that it is legal for me to do so. I practice shooting techniques and positions that I might uniquely find myself in. I sometimes have enough stiffness and pain in my joints to require the use of a cane, but from my own perspective I see my cane as a buffer-type defensive weapon to use to buy time (if needed) in order to get my G27 up and running. Situations and mileage may vary.
Like Tom said, there are professionals on this forum that can point you to proper training. There are SD classes that custom tailor to persons with disabilities, you may have to do a little digging around to find them.
Michael Janich has some excellent instructional info on the use of canes as SD weapons and both he and Rob Pincus will no doubt be able to point you in the right direction.
http://www.paladin-press.com/product/Martial_Cane_Concepts_/Armed_Self-Defense
As FQ said, avoidance is key to guys like you and me.....but if you can't avoid it, try to be prepared to strike efficiently.
Much luck,
Peg
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Count me as another guy who's "mobility challenged" and have been for a few years. I get stronger all the time but that doesn't change the fact that my ability to retreat or quickly change direction has improved. Like PegLeg, I'm limited in my movements by a multiple fracture incident and though probably more mobile than he, not too fast on my feet anymore.
Shortly after, I myself committed to a full time CCW and have it with me when allowed by law. At least one firearm is near me, on me or traveling with me everywhere. Avoidance, training and understanding your limitations will go a long way.
For me, if someone is close enough to clock with a cane, they've crossed the line I don't allowed to be crossed.
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I feel your pain brothers,the arthritis in my knees has forced me into retirement,its so bad i have trouble walking,retreat of fast maneuvering are lost to me.
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A cane or walking stick might have it's use even if it can't be used as a weapon.
It is a means to delay, distract and perhaps delude an attacker into thinking you are a bit less of a threat.
If carried in your firearm offhand, it can be raised causing the attacker to have to pause a bit and deal with it...if even just grabbing it or knocking it aside.
You can use the time to be making your draw with your primary hand.
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Talk to Professional trainers, like Rob Pincus. Many are happy to tailor a class for those with limitations.
While I am sure that many instructors would happily make accomodations for me...this brings up another question I have...
How far should an instructor go to accomodate someone with Disabilites?
I wouldn't feel good about slowing up a fast moving class and limiting the experience others receive after spending their hard earned money for a quality class.
I knew I wasn't the only person facing these challenges and that if I but asked the right question to the right group I would get some responses.
As for the cane issue....I see many Tactical as well as Practical advantages to carrying one. Whether or not I will eventually choose a sword cane is yet to be seen. As an absolutely last ditch option....I think it would give a bad guy a reason to pause before pushing the attack on what he may have mistaken as an easy target.
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A cane or walking stick might have it's use even if it can't be used as a weapon.
It is a means to delay, distract and perhaps delude an attacker into thinking you are a bit less of a threat.
If carried in your firearm offhand, it can be raised causing the attacker to have to pause a bit and deal with it...if even just grabbing it or knocking it aside.
You can use the time to be making your draw with your primary hand.
I use a cane to walk and really don't have a choice as to which hand/arm to use it with.
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This something I posted on another thread.
I am 70 years old. I carry a cane with me where ever I go. I live near DC and have no problem carrying it there. TSA will not question me if I travel by plane. I made my own cane from a blank 36" piece of white oak with a crook at one end. It is about 11/8th in dia.I got it on a website that sells stockman's canes for use with livestock. I cost me $8.50 plus shipping. I copied one of the canes I saw on the "Cane masters" website plus I made some additional modifications. I sharpened the end of the crook, not to a needle point but good enough. I also mitered the inside shaft of the cane to 45degrees which gives me basically a cutting edge without appearing so. I have Michael Janics "Martial Cane Concepts" CD and practice several times a week. Whether I will ever have to use it for self defense is a question I do not want answered. But if push comes to shove at least I am not unarmed. I generally also carry a folding knife.
For those of you that travel a cane is an ideal addition to your self defense arsenal. I enjoyed making the cane so much that I am going to make another with additional modifications , perhaps some brass inlay on the crook to give it a little additional weight. I have some other ideas as well but I have to be careful that it doesn't appear to be a sword or a war hammer, I think it can be done however for the sake of decorative art.
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I thought what DGF said he did was a good idea. The only other thing I can think of as consideration is in line with something Solus and David said. It is to consider what hand you use the cain in. If it happens to be your strong side, carry you gun on your weak side and practice that way. You cannot afford to give up you means of movement as well as a defensive tool to draw your gun! Also switching hands would take to long and risk the lose of the cain in the process. When practicing keep the cain in your hand and shoot one handed as this is like the method you might have to use if the SHTF!!
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P.S. Get some professional training. Like from Michael Janics, Massad Ayoob, Gunsite, Firearms Academy of Seattle, Thunder Ranch, Tiger Magee, Or any of the other shooting schools out there. They are all likely to have dealt with this problem before.
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I use a cane to walk and really don't have a choice as to which hand/arm to use it with.
That might make it even more important to carry a backup or even a second concealed gun for your other hand since your primary will be encumbered.
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That might make it even more important to carry a backup or even a second concealed gun for your other hand since your primary will be encumbered.
Those are always good ideas, but regardless if you carry a back up or not your primary should be on the opposite side of the cane hand. right or left. Another idea would be to carry in a position that would allow you to draw from either hand. Like appendix carry on the opposite side of the cane would like let you grab it with either hand should it become necessary. As solus said a gun on each side is never a bad idea for all of us!
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That might make it even more important to carry a backup or even a second concealed gun for your other hand since your primary will be encumbered.
My point is....... I only have full use of my left hand and arm so as easy as it may sound to someone that has no limitations, it isn't always possible to use the cane on one side and carry on the other side.
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My point is....... I only have full use of my left hand and arm so as easy as it may sound to someone that has no limitations, it isn't always possible to use the cane on one side and carry on the other side.
Do you use your cane on the left?? Is the right useable at all??
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This brings me to my second, and very unfortunate point. Limited mobility (assuming the laws in your state allow it), would seem to argue for a more, not less, lethal response. You can't fight, you can't run away. What does that leave you? Killing the SOB. Pepper spray, Tasers etc are built around you being able to disable the BG and haul ass. Not an option for you.
I agree whole heartedly.
I also have limited mobility. I cannot run away. I am unable to confront my aggressor with "normal" fighting styles. I have had to modify my own style to always carry a primary and backup piece and use my cane with my weak side. This leaves my strong hand mostly clear to pull my primary firearms should the need arise. I also have worked hard to increase my “awareness”. I will, and have changed my direction of travel to avoid a situation I believe may be suspicious. I can at least still stay balanced on my feet so at the range I will often practice using my cane as a tool to gain distance ( push away the BG) and pull my primary firearm (Colt Commander Light)for actual defense. I carry my backup on my weak side (Kel-tec 3AT).I do this in case I am knocked off of my feet and/or lose the cane.
I would LOVE to hear ideas from anyone on better ways for mobility challenged people to defend themselves.
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I agree whole heartedly.
I also have limited mobility. I cannot run away. I am unable to confront my aggressor with "normal" fighting styles. I have had to modify my own style to always carry a primary and backup piece and use my cane with my weak side. This leaves my strong hand mostly clear to pull my primary firearms should the need arise. I also have worked hard to increase my “awareness”. I will, and have changed my direction of travel to avoid a situation I believe may be suspicious. I can at least still stay balanced on my feet so at the range I will often practice using my cane as a tool to gain distance ( push away the BG) and pull my primary firearm (Colt Commander Light)for actual defense. I carry my backup on my weak side (Kel-tec 3AT).I do this in case I am knocked off of my feet and/or lose the cane.
I would LOVE to hear ideas from anyone on better ways for mobility challenged people to defend themselves.
Sounds like you guy's have got this stuff pretty well thought out.
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If ya search WAAAAY back to around the time I signed up I started a thread on this asking MB to tackle this subject on Shooting Gallery (this was before he had TBD and such).
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If ya search WAAAAY back to around the time I signed up I started a thread on this asking MB to tackle this subject on Shooting Gallery (this was before he had TBD and such).
I looked, but apparently, there were too many cobwebs. ;)
BTW, this is a good thread. Good to hear from others with like issues.
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If ya search WAAAAY back to around the time I signed up I started a thread on this asking MB to tackle this subject on Shooting Gallery (this was before he had TBD and such).
Do you think you an find any of those parchments? :D :D :D :D
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I looked, but apparently, there were too many cobwebs. ;)
BTW, this is a good thread. Good to hear from others with like issues.
Thanks..It is something that has been on my mind for awhile now and I would like to see more interest in it.
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Found it http://www.downrange.tv/forum/index.php?topic=1287.0
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I would say a .38. If you are having problems with mobility then you might have problems with large handguns. I tell a lot of people that I deal with that ask this same question to go to a .38. You could conceal it in a light jacket pocket and easily have your hand on it at all times without anyone the wiser. You can shoot though the jacket also, not a good idea with a auto. Carry the sword cane as a back up to your handgun.
If not you could carry a taser. If you use it the company will replace it if you tase someone and leave and file a police report.
http://www.itaser.com/?__utma=1.740742051.1278381551.1278381551.1278381551.1&__utmb=1.3.10.1278381551&__utmc=1&__utmx=-&__utmz=1.1278381551.1.1.utmcsr=bing|utmccn=(organic)|utmcmd=organic|utmctr=taser&__utmv=-&__utmk=194829613
Pepper spray is another option. You can use it on multiple attackers and the effects last for long enough for you to escape.
http://www.pepper-spray-store.com/
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Carrying a Less Than Lethal Weapon is a good idea since not every encounter would justify the use of a handgun...
My concern lies in those instances when a less than lethal device such as a Taser or Pepper Spray fail to incapacitate the Bad guy sufficently to make an escape possible...
Those who cannot escape or evade quickly due to being mobility challenged are then left to fend off a bad guy who is now going to be even angrier and more aggressive than they were in the beginning.
In my opinion...carrying a less than lethal weapon without a lethal back up is ill advised...
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Carrying a Less Than Lethal Weapon is a good idea since not every encounter would justify the use of a handgun...
My concern lies in those instances when a less than lethal device such as a Taser or Pepper Spray fail to incapacitate the Bad guy sufficently to make an escape possible...
Those who cannot escape or evace quickly due to being mobility challenged are then left to fend off a bad guy who is probably going to then be even angrier and more aggresive than they were in the beginning.
In my opinion...carrying a less than lethal weapon without a lethal back up is ill advised...
Amen! I went to Gander a few weeks ago. They had a demmo for Tasers done by a guy who could have been Arnie's clone in "Terminator'. I asked him, "What happens when the shock wears off and he wants to pull it out of my mouth the long way". "Mumble, mumble". Sorry. If you are justified in pulling the trigger, pull the damn trigger. We aren't cops. We have a moral (if not legal) duty to retreat. If that doesn't work, its on you, IMHO. I won't won't start it. I will sacrifice pride to avoid it, but if you make that impossible, its not my problem.
FQ13
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Amen! I went to Gander a few weeks ago. They had a demmo for Tasers done by a guy who could have been Arnie's clone in "Terminator'. I asked him, "What happens when the shock wears off and he wants to pull it out of my mouth the long way". "Mumble, mumble". Sorry. If you are justified in pulling the trigger, pull the damn trigger. We aren't cops. We have a moral (if not legal) duty to retreat. If that doesn't work, its on you, IMHO. I won't won't start it. I will sacrifice pride to avoid it, but if you make that impossible, its not my problem.
FQ13
FQ I think the point of this tread is for people with physical limitations i.e. they can't retreat like a normal person. I think a Taser or pepper spray are a good idea the delay might give you enough time retreat and if they come after you then you would be perfectly justified in shooting them with a real gun!
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FQ I think the point of this tread is for people with physical limitations i.e. they can't retreat like a normal person. I think a Taser or pepper spray are a good idea the delay might give you enough time retreat and if they come after you then you would be perfectly justified in shooting them with a real gun!
And this is why I disagree with you (slightly), see my posts on the "tactical considerations" thread. If you CAN retreat, you should. If you can't, well, the BG upped the ante. Me, a spry 40, I can taze and run. Peg can't. For him, shoot the bastard and be be done with it.
FQ13
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And this is why I disagree with you (slightly), see my posts on the "tactical considerations" thread. If you CAN retreat, you should. If you can't, well, the BG upped the ante. Me, a spry 40, I can taze and run. Peg can't. For him, shoot the bastard and be be done with it.FQ13
Problem is that the Law doesn't really differenciate between able bodied and not...A Jury on the other hand would.
FQ's statement is precisely what my thread here is about. When you can't run...what other options can you bring into the confrontation...?
Communication?
Less Than Lethal Options..Taser/Pepper Spray/Baton?
Edged Weapons, Firearms?
Castle Doctrine in my home state now does not require me to retreat when inside my own home or even in my vehicle as it is considered an extension of my residence. Personally I believe that if the BG has escalated the confrontation to the level that I feel my life or the life of one of my family is at risk...Any Less Than Lethal option is only further jeopardizing me and mine.
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Castle Doctrine in my home state now does not require me to retreat when inside my own home or even in my vehicle as it is considered an extension of my residence. Personally I believe that if the BG has escalated the confrontation to the level that I feel my life or the life of one of my family is at risk...Any Less Than Lethal option is only further jeopardizing me and mine.
Good point, Rat.
SD all begins with mental/psychological preparedness. One must have the proper mindset regarding what they are willing to do. If not prepared to do what may be necessary at the onset, much of the other SD issues are rendered moot. To paraphrase someone else, one must be prepared to kill everyone you come into contact with at any given time. I pray (every day when I don my holster and gun) that I never have to draw my SD weapon with the need to use it, but I also pray that if I do, I can act swiftly and justly. Not wanting to kill and being prepared to kill are two different things. The last thing I want to do is take another human life, but that particular want is trumped by also not wanting to bury any of my family either.
Peg
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That all depends on where you are. In Washington we don't have the castle doctrine yet. Our laws aren't bad, but not as good as say Florida my home state. If your in some place like Cali even if you have a permit you could very likely face charges. And I think you have to consider even if your in the right, a prosecutor that doesn't like CCW could still charge you. The average defense is around a 100K. So that's possibly could be a very expensive bullet! Just food for thought!! :-\
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Dear rat31465:
I am very sorry to hear about your injury and the lasting effect that it will have on your mobility. At the same time, I am very encouraged at the helpful responses offered by all the forum members--great discussion.
Several folks brought up my DVD "Martial Cane Concepts" (thank you). I came up with that program of instruction after my wife had surgery on her foot and learned that she would always have limited mobility as well. Nursing her through healing phases that included a wheelchair, crutches, and now regular use of a cane gave me a very personal insight into the challenges faced by folks with limited mobility.
The cane technique that I learned in the martial arts (which goes back to my early training in the 1970’s) was based on Savate (basically the La Canne method, which is saber fencing with a stick) and Japanese jo-jitsu (short staff fighting). All of it required a significant degree of athleticism and was impractical for those with real disabilities.
Over the years, I’ve explored other cane systems, including the Korean systems and Canemasters. Unfortunately, I also found them to require too much physical strength and dexterity and, in many cases, to be illogical. For example, if an attacker throws a punch, you’ve got to be pretty damned talented and quick to raise your cane from the ground to deflect the punch. It makes more sense to parry with your free hand and then bring the cane into play.
Based on my frustration, I developed Martial Cane Concepts as a simple, easily learned method that works for most people with limited lower-body mobility who still have reasonable two-point balance when stationary and at least minimal upper-body strength. Thus far, the feedback I have received from those who have tried the system has been very positive.
As for sword canes, although I agree that they are very cool and have a small collection of them, they are not a good choice for real self-defense. They are illegal in most places and, even if they weren’t, don’t really offer a reliable, fight-stopping weapon. I would stick with a conventional cane.
I have trained a number of students with physical limitations. It’s true that in a seminar environment it’s difficult to stray too far from the “standard” methods to accommodate folks with disabilities, but I do take the time to do so. The more limiting your physical condition is, the more it makes sense to get one-on-one personalized training.
It’s important to bear in mind that the key to justifying the use of force in self-defense is your ability to articulate the fact that you were in fear for your life or in fear of grievous bodily injury. The more physical limitations you have, the fewer options you have. You will therefore have a lower “response threshold” to a threatening situation than a personal who is more physically able. In simple terms, “cheat sooner.”
It’s also very important that you honestly assess your real physical abilities. One gentleman who purchased my cane DVD complained that the techniques were “no good” because he could not maintain his balance, even while stationary, without keeping his cane on the ground. For his needs, no cane-based system would be appropriate. He is best served by pepper spray and a handgun that he can shoot well with one hand.
With that latter recommendation in mind, you should structure your personal defense strategy to include both less-lethal and lethal-force options and practice training to transition from one to the other. For example, in season 2 of The Best Defense I demonstrated an immediate response with a cane and a transition to a handgun. That replicates the response cycle you might actually have to employ and teaches you how to deal with things like the question of dropping your cane to shoot two handed or keeping it for balance while shooting one-handed.
I hope this helps. Good luck with your healing process and with choosing a sound personal defense strategy.
Stay safe,
Mike
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Mr. Janich,
Thank you for your response and recommendations. I hope to prove my Doctor wrong in his prognosis but am planning my preparedness plans for the future around this injury.
I have already began researching possible training options here in my area of Southwest Missouri and do intend to seek out both my CCW Permit as well as classes for hand fighting.
To be honest my intention in starting this thread wasn't so much for my own benefit as it was to bring the serious lack of options for those with disabilities to light and possibly identify some of the resources that are out there and available.
I saw the segement you spoke of in which you showed the use of a cane for a shoulder strike to stop the BG's punches and then the cane strike to the knee as a mobility kill...I believe that I have the mobility and ability to pull off such a manuvere...but as you stated there are many whom this would not be an option.
Your statement
"It’s important to bear in mind that the key to justifying the use of force in self-defense is your ability to articulate the fact that you were in fear for your life or in fear of grievous bodily injury. The more physical limitations you have, the fewer options you have. You will therefore have a lower “response threshold” to a threatening situation than a personal who is more physically able. In simple terms, “cheat sooner.” Is very prophetic and I would like to hear more on this in future episodes if possible.
Again Thank You for your response. You and your colleges do the world a great service in bringing self defense issues to light.
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I was struck by a car on Jan 2, 2005, and had two vertebra shattered. Ive got pieces of bone floating around every place. Im in constant pain and walk with a cane. Ive carried a gun for the past almost 20 years, so Im already tactically aware, but walking slow and carefully due to pain is a danger.
I found this guy on the internet named charles davis who sells a cane combatives DVD for seniors that Ive watched over and over and it did me a lot of good. I even bought one of his rattan crook top canes.
I had to use it once to dissuade a woman from attacking me a couple of years ago. She was angry with something Id written about her husband in the newspaper and was trying to shove me to the ground. Since she outweighed me by a good 150 lbs I knew I was in trouble if I hit the floor, so I hit her in the back of the knees, just like the DVD showed. It worked like a charm and she went down like a sack of wet dog crap. ;D
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Mr. Keeney,
That is a hell of a thing...glad the cane manuver worked for you and I will check into the video you mentioned.
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I too am physically disabled. Regarding your knee, I suggest you check with a good orthopedist about a knee brace that will give you full support in normal and twisting motions, yet keep your knee from buckling sideways. Mine is carbon with a hinge, fully submersible in fresh and saltwater, straps above and below the knee and has saved me from further injury several times. I have MS and MD that affects my legs, arms, and upper body strength. Living in NY my options are limited. Pepper sprays, gels and tasers are quick to deploy and concealable. Although I don't use a cane I have considered it modified with a steel tip for striking and jabbing. Use it after you have used the spray or taser to further disable the attacker by breaking bones, internal damages from thrusts and then retreating. You cannot afford a full frontal attack or simply disabling the attacker. He must be put down and totally disabled beyond the ability to recover and pursue.
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I too am physically disabled. Regarding your knee, I suggest you check with a good orthopedist about a knee brace that will give you full support in normal and twisting motions, yet keep your knee from buckling sideways. Mine is carbon with a hinge, fully submersible in fresh and saltwater, straps above and below the knee and has saved me from further injury several times. I have MS and MD that affects my legs, arms, and upper body strength. Living in NY my options are limited. Pepper sprays, gels and tasers are quick to deploy and concealable. Although I don't use a cane I have considered it modified with a steel tip for striking and jabbing. Use it after you have used the spray or taser to further disable the attacker by breaking bones, internal damages from thrusts and then retreating. You cannot afford a full frontal attack or simply disabling the attacker. He must be put down and totally disabled beyond the ability to recover and pursue.
Hear Hear!! That is true whether you're disabled or not!
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The last thing I want to do is take another human life
Actually, that's the NEXT to last thing I want to do. Surrendering my own life, the lives of my family, or suffering serious injury is the LAST thing.
As most of you know, I too, have various physical conditions that complicate my physical SD abilities. With two bone-on-bone kness that require the use of a cane about 90% of the time, mobility and the ability to flee are not in my SD capabilities. And with only half a functioning heart, my ability to stand and fight is the next best thing to non-existant.
Inasmuch as I can neither flee or fight, my only remaining option, as I see it, once de-escalation has failed, is to use my cane to push the SOB away long enough to draw my sidearm.
The bottom line for me is the same as it was when I was a cop.....no matter what else happens, I'm going home at the end of the day.
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I too am physically disabled. Regarding your knee, I suggest you check with a good orthopedist about a knee brace that will give you full support in normal and twisting motions, yet keep your knee from buckling sideways. Mine is carbon with a hinge, fully submersible in fresh and saltwater, straps above and below the knee and has saved me from further injury several times. I have MS and MD that affects my legs, arms, and upper body strength. Living in NY my options are limited. Pepper sprays, gels and tasers are quick to deploy and concealable. Although I don't use a cane I have considered it modified with a steel tip for striking and jabbing. Use it after you have used the spray or taser to further disable the attacker by breaking bones, internal damages from thrusts and then retreating. You cannot afford a full frontal attack or simply disabling the attacker. He must be put down and totally disabled beyond the ability to recover and pursue.
For whatever reason...I have been advised against the use of such a brace. It is felt that in my case this would hinder my recovery and possibly make me permantley dependent upon the device. On a good note though. I am gaining strength back into my knee and have been able to do away with my cane for almost a month now. I continue to excercise my knee daily and am finding my mobility getting better on daily basis. I still have to be careful on stairs and when navigating rocky and uneven terrain...but I have a good start back to recovery now.
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For whatever reason...I have been advised against the use of such a brace. It is felt that in my case this would hinder my recovery and possibly make me permantley dependent upon the device. On a good note though. I am gaining strength back into my knee and have been able to do away with my cane for almost a month now. I continue to excercise my knee daily and am finding my mobility getting better on daily basis. I still have to be careful on stairs and when navigating rocky and uneven terrain...but I have a good start back to recovery now.
Good luck and best wishes for your continuing improvement, Rat.
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I'm late to this, I have done a quick read of the pages, but I'm sure I'll repeat something, so please forgive me if I do:
Sorry about your injury and new limits! I have had two knee surgeries (one on each knee) with mixed results. The first was in spring 1984, and I was told that within 25 years I would have replacement ... Not done yet thankfully. I do however have issues that arise from activities and weather.
I have learned a few things:
1. I know my limitations and remind myself of my limitations - I'm not going to out run anyone (except tt) going either direction; leg leverage is a no no; sometimes even a quick sidestep or elusive moves are impossible and even crippling, etc;
2. I have three different braces that I rely on at different times - Many on here have seen my mid-level on a few photos I posted on here, I have a light weight for more of a reminder on painful days, and I have a heavy chunk of hardware for crippled days. However, most days I just carry the braces in the suitcase and don't wear it;
3. Self defense has to be thought through every morning with regards to what my knees and shoulder are telling me - There are days where I will let people get within ten feet, because I feel agile enough to side step and react. However, there are days that my "zone" is much larger because my only physical capability is weapon, and to avoid deadly force I need much more space;
4. I also changed my "pocket pistol" due to my shoulder injury - I was relying mostly on my 1911 with a j frame back up. However, both these guns required both hands functional at some point for usage or reloads. I ended up switching (notice I didn't say trading ... I just can't give guns up any more) the j frame for an lcp. With the 1911 on the hip and the lcp in the back pocket I can do all shooting with the same hand (shoulder) and do the New York Reload only needing my bad arm to hold the empty gun. I do walk funny with most of my self defense tools on one side and only one tool on the other side, but it is what my body allows today ... hopefully in two months it will be better, but we will see.
Key these days, and I fear for the rest of my life, is that situational awareness is not only location and people, but it is my own fluctuating physical limitations.
Good luck!
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I do walk funny with most of my self defense tools on one side and only one tool on the other side.
I just figured Audrey had caught you admiring a stuffed bikini. ;D
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4. I also changed my "pocket pistol" due to my shoulder injury - I was relying mostly on my 1911 with a j frame back up. However, both these guns required both hands functional at some point for usage or reloads. I ended up switching (notice I didn't say trading ... I just can't give guns up any more) the j frame for an lcp. With the 1911 on the hip and the lcp in the back pocket I can do all shooting with the same hand (shoulder) and do the New York Reload only needing my bad arm to hold the empty gun. I do walk funny with most of my self defense tools on one side and only one tool on the other side, but it is what my body allows today ... hopefully in two months it will be better, but we will see.
Key these days, and I fear for the rest of my life, is that situational awareness is not only location and people, but it is my own fluctuating physical limitations.
Good luck!
I like the smart carry V security model holster for the front carry and ambidextrous reach it gives you. If you haven't tried it you might want to.
Guns
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not directly related but it is wrote by a guy in a simmilar situation.
http://m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=38540 (http://m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=38540)
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not directly related but it is wrote by a guy in a simmilar situation.
http://m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=38540 (http://m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=38540)
Good info........thanks for linking it.
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I'm also a member over at M4Carbine...I don't know how I missed this one. Thanks for bringing it to my attention.
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Watched the show last night on the Best Defense regarding Disabilities and Self Defense...Good episode and very informative.
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My concern is lack of strength as I get older. With 4 operations, in the last 3 years, behind me (and none in the future ... hopefully) I exercise 5 days a week. When I am unable to get to the gym or as a suppliment I walk. I am unable to do a lot of heavy weight training but will be able to build the reps with lower weight after I recover more. I carry where legal and carry a cane when I can't carry. Even without training it is better than nothing. I'm not sure that any open handed strike I use will do any good against/harm to the BG but I choose to not go down without a fight!
Richard
PS: Should have read this thread sooner!
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Ellis4538,
We all share your fear of losing strength as we grow older...but it sounds like you are on the right track with your excercising and staying active. Like you, I do not intend to just be an easy target and would rather go down fighting rather than balling up in the fetal position and hoping for the best.
I believe my own recovery was facilitated by the use of excercise and the fact that I took my families protection seriously enough to not give up...I have been putting off applying for my CCW simply because I didn't feel I could stand even with the use of a cane for long enough to complete the shooting qualification. That has changed now and I am hoping to enroll in a class coming up
in mid February.