Coping In A Violent World

Practical self-defense in Yeshua-Do program by Vitold Sensei, 2009:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eqmoutjziws&feature=channel_page

"It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect…

He makes my feet like the feet of the deer…

He trains my hands for battle…

He delivered me from all the attacks”.

- PSALM 18

Sun Tzu said: The good fighters of old first put themselves beyond the possibility of defeat, and then waited for an opportunity of defeating the enemy. To secure ourselves against defeat lies in our own hands, but the opportunity of defeating the enemy is provided by the enemy himself. Thus the good fighter is able to secure himself against defeat. Recently I got a message from Fellowship of Independent Warriors (Christian Org.) just like this: AMBER ALERT IN OSHWA NY-3 YEAR OLD GIRL TAKEN BY A MAN DRIVING A SILVER TRUCK ONTARIO PLATE # 728 381 . IF ALL OF YOU READING MY STATUS WOULD COPY AND PASTE INTO YOUR STATUS, IT COULD POTENTIALLY SAVE A LITTLE GIRLS LIFE! Also another report; I saw a young woman attacked and almost raped by two teenagers at 6pm close to my Park in Hanover, people quickly were passing by and no one responded to the crime.  We all know that such acts of violence and worse are performed every minute. Interestingly I got also another responds to Yeshua-Do self-defense program and mostly from religious people (some you can read on YouTube), letters like: what you’re doing is blasphemy, stop mixing God with martial arts; martial arts are from the devil; by your program of self-defense you lead people to hell, and etc. and etc. Interesting comments, isn’t it? But, I think, I would wish to see those religious critics in a situation described just above, when they’d to face true acts of violence and what they would do.

Following is the article by Dennis Fink

What advice would you give to a passenger seated in a train car in which someone has begun shooting?

Should the untrained individual attempt to disarm the gunman?

What steps might you personally take to deal with the gunman?

Are there any distracting maneuvers that could divert the gunman's attention in another direction?

Are there techniques taught in the dojo that might be of use in such a situation?

What steps should be taken by bystanders afterwards, while waiting for the police and emergency personnel to arrive?

Is there any way to minimize the panic among passengers?

What common sense steps can we take to protect ourselves in crowded public places such as a train, subway, or bus?

Do you favor banning or placing restrictions on the sale of handguns in an effort to reduce the number of gun-related incidents?

What should people traveling abroad keep in mind when visiting large cities with frequent violence?

If you find yourself in this situation

Depending on the configuration of the train car utilize cover and concealment, if possible. Immediately take cover behind a seat or any other available object that might provide protection, or take advantage of concealment (any object that hides you, but does not provide protection-for example, hiding behind a curtain). This would apply in all three cases, especially if the distance between you and the gunman is too great. If the distance is close, the techniques demonstrated below may be attempted as they apply to each of the three cases indicated.

Should untrained people attempt to disarm?

In most cases, no. In the Long Island Railroad train incident the gunman was captured by untrained citizens, subsequently saving lives. This is, however, a judgment call that has to be made at the time.

The professional response

Please refer to the photos/video presented. However, nothing is engraved in stone. You cannot prearrange or choreograph a REAL situation. Each is unique.

Distracting the gunman?

The scenario specifies a berserk gunman. To distract a drug-crazed or berserk individual is difficult at best, if not impossible. They develop tunnel vision and are in somewhat of a trance.

Techniques to use

I cannot speak for all dojos. However, I believe that in most legitimate dojos, yes, there are useful techniques. They may need to be modified to meet today's needs, as indicated in the techniques I demonstrate in this article.

The aftermath

Try not to have too many chiefs, which can confuse the situation further. Clear direction is needed at times like these. Call and wait for police and other emergency services to arrive. Avoid disturbing the crime scene (touching or moving things), assure victims that help is on the way and that everything will be okay. If possible, do not let victims (or family members) see wounds (cover with blanket/coat, etc.). You should be concerned with blood-borne diseases such as AIDS.

Minimizing panic

Attempt to help take charge and assure everyone that the situation is under control. Reassure people that the gunman has been subdued and encourage them to stay calm until help arrives.

Common sense self-protection

Be alert with regard to your surroundings (suspicious characters, gangs or groups of youth, etc.). Avoid confrontations, and whenever possible travel in groups of two or more. Keep jewelry, money, and other valuables unexposed. Avoid empty train cars. If possible, sit in a car with a conductor or motorman. Do not stand near the platform edge in train stations.

Does gun control help?

No. New York City is a perfect example. In New York almost all gun-related crime is committed with illegal, unlicensed guns. New York City has the toughest restrictions on gun permits in the country and has one of the highest incidences of gun-related crime.

Advice for travelers

Avoid carrying knapsacks, since you cannot see what is happening behind you. Keep jewelry, money, and other valuables out of sight. Travel in groups of two or more. Seek information on areas to avoid; ask at tourist information booths, police, hotels, etc. Keep flaps on handbags inward, zippers closed to the front, and carry bags in front, if possible under your coat. Carry cameras in front, if possible under your coat. Carry your money separately from your wallet. Place money in different pockets.

NOTE: By no means does this cover every possible crime situation.

Dennis Fink Profile: A police officer assigned as an Arson Investigator for the Bureau of Fire Investigation, New York City Fire Department, Fink has worked in every high crime area in New York. A former Marine, Vietnam veteran, currently serving in the United States Army Reserve, as an Infantry Major. A graduate of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, Fink also has a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science, both in management Began his budo training in 1963. Studied karatedo in Okinawa, and jujutsu, judo, and aikido at the Seikiryukan in Fukuoka City, Japan. Currently the International Director of the Sosuishi-ryu Jujutsu Kai, under the direction of Manzo Shitama, 16th successor to the Sosuishi-ryu. Holds the grade of kuraizume (rank of dignity or completion, the peak or summit) in Sosuishi-ryu jujutsu; 8th dan, kiyoshi in Okinawan Isshin-ryu karate-do; 5th dan, shihan in Shin Aikido; and 4th dan in judo, fink is also certified by the FBI and the New York State Municipal Police Training Council as both a Defensive Tactics Instructor and a Firearms Instructor.

In Their Own Words: Great Men and Women Who Highly Respected the Bible

Historically, the Bible has been held in the highest esteem by many great men and women—presidents, prime ministers, monarchs, scholars, scientists, philosophers and more. Following are what some of them have said about the Bible.

The brilliant German scholar and philosopher Immanuel Kant said: "The existence of the Bible, as a book for the people, is the greatest benefit which the human race has ever experienced. Every attempt to belittle it is a crime against humanity."

Sir Francis Bacon, known as the father of the scientific method, wrote: "There are two books laid before us to study, to prevent our falling into error; first, the volume of Scriptures, which reveal the will of God, then the volume of the Creatures [Creation], which express His power."

Wernher von Braun, regarded as the father of the American space program, wrote: "In this age of space flight, when we use the modern tools of science to advance into new regions of human activity, the Bible—this grandiose, stirring history of the gradual revelation and unfolding of the moral law—remains in every way an up-to-date book."

The great English playwright Sir Walter Scott wrote: "The most learned, acute, and diligent student cannot, in the longest life, obtain an entire knowledge of this one Volume. The most deeply he works the mine, the richer and more abundant he finds the ore; new light continually beams from this source of heavenly knowledge to direct the conduct, and illustrate the work of God and the ways of men; and he will at last leave the world confessing that the more he studied the Scriptures the fuller conviction he had of his own ignorance, and of their inestimable value."

The noted French writer and philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau wrote: "Peruse the works of our philosophers; with all their pomp of diction, how mean, how contemptible, are they, compared with the Scriptures! Is it possible that a Book at once so simple and sublime should be merely the work of man?"

John Locke, the noted English philosopher, wrote: "The Bible is one of the greatest blessings bestowed by God on the children of men. It has God for its author; salvation for its end, and truth without any mixture for its matter. It is all pure, all sincere; nothing too much; nothing wanting."

Several American presidents have affirmed their confidence in the Bible. Abraham Lincoln stated: "I believe the Bible is the best book God has ever given to man. All the good from the Savior of the world is communicated to us through this book."

John Quincy Adams said, "So great is my veneration of the Bible that the earlier my children begin to read it the more confident will be my hope that they will prove useful citizens of their country."

William Gladstone, famous 19th-century British prime minister, said: "I have known 95 of the world's great men in my time, and of these, 87 were followers of the Bible. The Bible is stamped with a Specialty of Origin, and an immeasurable distance separates it from all its competitors."