[at-l] Self defense on the trail

[lparker@xxxxxxxxxxxxx (L. Parker)]

Phil,

I am a Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do, a student of the sword, and an expert
marksman with pistol, rifle and shotgun. I probably am qualified to offer a
little advice on how best to prepare to defend yourself.

Unlike most other forms of martial arts, Tae Kwon Do teaches the use of both
hands and feet, and although this is considered a "competitive sport" style,
it is much more appropriate for self defense than any other single style of
traditional martial art. All others either focus on just hands, just feet,
or just defense.

That being said, Tae Kwon Do is probably not what you need. Although I was
lucky enough to have an instructor who realized the need for street
techniques, and taught them to us, many don't. Check out a couple of
different schools and explain your needs carefully. American schools are
more commercial than ever these days and are adding self defense programs in
addition to their regular curriculum in pursuit of greater profits. A good
self defense program based around street fighting would be my first choice.

If you are lucky enough to have a school in your area (or an individual
even) that teaches "Krav Maga", try it out. This is not an ancient martial
art. It is fairly new, a compilation of lots of different things by an
Israeli soldier. It is designed for self defense, but it is a lethal sort of
self defense. There are few moves that do not cripple your assailant in some
way. A street fighter would not stand a chance against someone skilled in
Krav Maga.

This is particularly important in the wilderness because help is often hours
or even days away. Simply defending yourself until the assailant has had
enough and voluntarily backs off is not enough. They can always change their
minds later and try to "get even" as they tend to think of the humiliation,
or worse have a chance to consider that if you get out you will tell the
authorities and then they will be in real trouble. You don't want them
getting back up at all until you are far, far down the trail.

If carrying a weapon makes you feel safer, then I would suggest learning to
use a "Bo" or Escrima Sticks.

The Bo is a wooden staff about five feet long, usually made of Ash or Oak.
Westerners would call it a staff. Hikers would call it a hiking stick.

In a pinch, hiking poles can be used in much the same manner as Escrima
Sticks, although they are not as durable for blocking and parrying unless
they are collapsed. You would want to pay particular attention to the
jabbing moves that are done with Escrima Sticks.

The advantages of the two above, is that they are both things that you would
normally already be carrying, neither appear to be weapons, and whichever
one you happen to be using will already be in your hands when you need it.

Which brings me to what I don't recommend: knives, guns and pepper spray.
These items while undoubtedly effective when used properly are rarely ever
at hand when you need them, do not serve any other useful purpose on the
trail and since they are often illegal to carry without appropriate
licenses, can expose you to serious liability issues with the local
Constabulary.

Like Teddy Roosevelt, my best advice is: "Walk softly and carry a big
stick."

Lee I Joe


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