Comments on: Self defense against a shooter in the building, part 1

By: Top ‘Think Like A Black Belt’ self defense posts

Top ‘Think Like A Black Belt’ self defense posts — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 10:03:11 +0000

[...] What you can do about a shooter in the building, Part One [...]

By: Lori Hoeck

Lori Hoeck — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 15:56:58 +0000

Hi Manny,
I read of the event, but, as I noted before, I write Think Like A Black Belt with a specific goal that mainly focuses on situations in which an individual is unarmed and fairly untrained. Other forums, articles, and blogs are better places for this discussion and for those readers interested in the topic.

By: Manny

Manny — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 07:16:34 +0000

I would like to know your take on the video I provided with the last post.

By: Lori Hoeck

Lori Hoeck — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 23:38:06 +0000

Hi Manny,
Each martial art and instructor has a different take on self defense and the taking of life. Your three core values seem to work for you, and that is what matters. Hey, survival rocks, ya know?

My core values are Christ based, which means God can forgive anyone their sins. Plus, I teach students to control their mind and body, and the mind and body of the attacker. This means judgment (”This attacker isn’t even human”), emotional attachment, (”Look at what this attacker has done! It’s horrible!”), and a sense of vengeance (”This person deserves to die!”) must never enter into the equation, or the student will be reacting instead of responding and thus forced into a subtle control by the attacker.

By: Manny

Manny — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 22:59:10 +0000

To Lori: I am trying to understand where you are coming from as far as not lowering the gravity of such an action as taking a human life. However, during my Martial Arts training which has been a part of my life since the age of four, I have been taught three core values. First is to never initiate a fight. Second is to fight as if though you are dead, this mindset allows a person to deal with a situation effectively. Third is to never show mercy where mercy would not have been shown.
What I aim to show with this is that taking a human life is not an option. Killing a rabid dog is. People that commit such atrocities such as, The Columbine Killers, The Virginia Tech Shooter, and The Pennsylvania Gym Shooter can not possibly be considered humans.
I will agree with you on this however an EMT course is an excellent idea for absolutely any one who is willing to learn.

To Marc: I did not have an international audience in mind when I posted. That was my error.
I am glad that I live in the USA where we do not allow law makers to control our right to defend our family, person, property, and our Constitution. I don’t believe I could live in a country where its citizens allowed there government to dictate there lives in such a manner.

To all: I suggest that you watch this video and then decide on carrying a firearm on your person is a good idea.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M-CfBZsA_wQ

By: Lori Hoeck

Lori Hoeck — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 13:51:57 +0000

Hi Marc,
Thank you for weighing in. Your international perspective is enlightening and welcome.

By: Marc

Marc — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 12:44:22 +0000

Some interesting points there Manny.

However, Lori also has an international audience to consider. Here in the UK we have no right whatsoever to bear arms, even carrying a knife is a crime.

So alternative means of self-defense is always a welcome thing.

By: Lori Hoeck

Lori Hoeck — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 03:32:51 +0000

Hi Manny,
Thank you for stopping by to comment.

Not everyone is comfortable with weapons, and they have the right in this country not to exercise their second amendment rights. Such is the nature of true freedom. Although I’m quite comfortable with weapons of all sorts, the writing on Think Like A Black Belt is dedicated to other options. One reason is that people aren’t always going to have a weapon on them, such as when showering or taking a yoga class.

I explain in part two of this series on Active Shooters about the use of expedient weapons and how a group can take on a shooter. You are right that many first aid kits are woefully stocked. My hope is that readers take an EMT class and as more aware employees, they demand better.

As a martial artist and peaceful warrior, I don’t agree with your quote. Starting down that road of thinking can lead to minimizing life more and more easily. I may have to take a life in self defense, and am fully prepared to do so, but I will never minimize the gravity — or humanity — of the moment.

By: Manny

Manny — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 20:44:15 +0000

Get your CWP (Concealed Weapons Permit) make it a habit to carry your personal defense firearm and shoot the looney that tries to kill you.
I would like to see what good a fire hose and a flashlight are going to do when some nut job comes in guns blazing murdering innocent people.
That first aide kit filled with band aids and pain reliever is going to come in real handy when some is gushing blood and has internal bleeding from a bullet wound.
People in our country need to understand, accept, and practice the second amendment.
“All human life is equal in value, until a human life decides yours is worth less. At this point he is not human.” – Unknown

By: Lori Hoeck

Lori Hoeck — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 17:58:32 +0000

Hi Kathy,
That is an amazing statistic, isn’t it?

I’m glad you appreciate my writing and approach to the subject. It’s been very rewarding for me to share it as well.

Hi Cindy,
Thank you, thank you. Some of the feedback from readers has been amazing. I guess our uncertain times make people are hungry for the kind of information I can provide.