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Someone leaving a movie theater and going to the parking lot obviously has the keys to a vehicle. That alone is enough reason for a robber to take a closer look.

- Jim

Excaliber wrote:Bad guys don't attack people for the sporting challenge of taking on dangerous opponents...

There may be a few who specialize in picking fights, but IMO they target men who are broadcasting a chip-on-the-shoulder attitude. I saw a few of those go at it back when I wasted too much of my time in bars.

For CHL holders, the key is to have a "don't toy with me" demeanor, rather than a chip on the shoulder. You can see this attitude in effective cops and military officers.

- Jim

Excaliber wrote:The bad guys in this situation didn't decide to "hit" Sangiovese and his wife. The intended victims actively intervened before this decision point was reached.

Good point.

A cross-eyed drunk wearing an expensive suit and a Rolex is begging to be robbed. Other than that kind of situation, robbers choose their victims idiosyncratically. They rob old ladies who have nothing worth stealing, and they rob homeless people who often have quite a bit of cash.

The web site that you referred (http://nononsenseselfdefense.com/) contains a lot of worthwhile information.

There is a reason that most CHL holders die of old age without drawing their weapon to prevent a crime: Their confidence and situational awareness warn off all but lunatics and the most stupid or inexperienced criminals.

- Jim

Skiprr wrote:The issue of using a question--beyond that of what witnesses might or might not hear and recall--deals with the OODA Loop. ... On the other hand, if I say, "What's your name?" it's likely that, if even for a millisecond, "What'd he ask that for?" is going to flash in between your last thought and your next.

Many years ago I heard an excellent lecture on self-defense by a Chicago police officer. One of his suggestions for women who thought they were being eyed by an assailant was to ask, "How is your mother?" Possibly followed up by, "I missed her at Bible study."

The suggestion that you know and can identify the assailant is a powerful deterrent.

The second part might not be such a good idea, IMHO, because the assailant's mother might never have attended Bible study or been inclined to do so.

Of course, no one can legally carry a weapon in Chicago, so verbal judo, real judo, and pepper spray are all ya got.

- Jim