Getting Started With Self Defense

Poppy42 has it absolutely right - "just getting started with self defense" implies a blank sheet. Mindset in my view is significantly more important in the beginning than marksmanship or physical ability to fight, in short it is the will to think tactically. Jeff Cooper wrote a very simple pamphlet, "The Principles of Personal Defense" (https://www.amazon.com/Principles-Personal-Defense-Jeff-Cooper/dp/1581604955) which is fantastic in its brevity and gets right to the point. It is not about shooting or fighting, but about mindset.

To answer your question above, generally most people become familiar with firearms from friends and family members. If you know experienced shooters most are more than happy to share what they know. The advantage you get with this approach is that its cheap and the initial part of basic gun handling and operation can take some time to work through. The negative may be that the person providing the initial training starts you off with bad habits. After getting familiar, I would recommend formalized training. It is clearly a good thing and will take you to the next level. There is no substitute - perfect practice makes perfect.

If you have the inclination and the *realistic* physical ability to fight off a criminal predator, courses in Krav Magra or something similar is a good idea. Keep in mind, most criminals are young, male, often on drugs and physically capable. I am a small giant at 6'6" and have no plans to go hand to hand with a criminal. "Plan" of course being the word, so yes, Krav Magra if this is within your capability.

DefensiveCarry said:

What advice would you give someone just getting started with self defense?

Would you advise them to get specialized training at their local shooting range? Why? Why not?

Could they get started with the basics by simply going to the range with an experienced friend or family member? Why? Why not?

Would you advise more than just firearms training? What about other weapons?

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This is an excellent question.. Here are a few items to consider.

First, understand your state and local laws governing concealed carry. Know these laws like the back of your hand. Understand the potential legal consequences of brandishing and or using the weapon in a self defense encounter.
Second, talk to the pro's like your local LEO's. Ask them how often they carry concealed and under what circumstances. Carrying off duty vs on duty is a different animal altogether. You are the one who is bringing the gun to the fight in many cases. You must be seriously committed to carrying almost 24/7 and maintaining control of your firearm at all times. It is a serious commitment and represents a lifestyle change. Consider what this means to you and your family.
Third, take the best recommended licensing course AND practical defensive training course that's available in your area. Formal training and documented range time is essential not only for developing your skills and confidence but will work in your favor should you find yourself in a lethal encounter.
Good luck!!M

I haven't posted here in awhile. Mr Administrator: message for you! You do not need to start a conversation to get the ball rolling. FOlks here can already do that. And please do not tell me that you actually have an interest in the subject. You do not. You and the other admins of other sites try to generate conversation which means revenue for you and your company. You and your cohorts are trying to make this forum into a side show.

Yes, I follow you and the admins on the other forums you have bought. Do not even try to to hide the fact that is what you are doing. It is. It is plain to see and easy to prove.

Cricket, for example, with her starting the stupidest threads on Woodworking Talk. Need I go further. Yes, you will still make revenue. But anyone with half a brain can see where you are going with this tactic.

Why do you not just be an admin and sit on the sidelines and let the members decide what topics they want to start.

You guys are doing this crap on every forum yo have bought. This is NOT Facebook or twitter.

Thank you for your time

I believe it all begins with mindset. I feel that there is a mental methodology that is closely related to personal safety. All the gear in the world wont do you much good if you don't have the mental grit and fortitude to act and act properly when the time comes. When I say properly I mean "measured" , "controlled deliberateness". The first time you think and come to terms with what you are willing to do in x y z circumstance doesn't need to be in that millisecond after bad deeds have happened. When people ask me how they should begin, I tell them to find a reputable tactical school that offers a force on force element to their training and start taking classes. There are a couple of good books that I recommend one is the book of 5 rings and the other is meditations on violence. Most people learn best by "doing" so getting to a school is paramount in my estimation.