Purplehood wrote:I almost always choose running as my first option. It isn't as martial as I would like, but has worked exceedingly well for me in the past.
I know we're trashing Paladin's original post with wild topic drift, but to sorta "topicize" this I'd say, with what experience I have and what I know today: for someone who has never had extensive empty-hand training, I'd suggest leaning toward Krav Maga, and it sounds like Haganah, also. I've trained in neither--so it goes against my background and I say this relatively uninformed--but I've read and observed a bit. As a practical approach to modern-day confrontations, the Israeli systems get my conditional nod.
Most schools let you watch classes. Do so; not just once, but a few times. If you get what you'd consider a hard sales pitch on the first visit, be very wary.
Selecting martial training isn't like selecting a new TV. The TV you can pretty much judge by a single visit to the store. But services, like instruction, are delivered real-time and you can't evaluate them by a product already on the shelf.
That includes trophies. Personally, I'm extremely suspicious of trophies displayed in a dojo or kwan. They result from organized competition, which implies sport. Not a bad thing, but I wouldn't be interested in sport, or its trappings, if I were looking for hand-to-hand training to support my handgun carry. (FWIW I did compete a bit in the '70s; had Joe Lewis give me an unconditional beat-down once where, if I'd been a middleweight rather than a heavyweight, I might have had Chuck Norris do the honors.
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Watch both beginner and advanced classes. Then, if you like what you see, ask to have a meeting with the owner or senior instructor.
Don't be shy about this. You're considering committing not just one month but many, perhaps years, to that instructor. Not just money but also many hours of sweat and effort. You gotta be sure he is as expert and accomplished as you think he is.
Ask about his qualifications; ask how he teaches, his philosophy and approach, his priorities.
Then ask about firearms.
In my experience, within the past five or so years many "dojos" have decided to incorporate firearms into their syllabus. The number of CHL holders grows, and your neighborhood dojo wants to capitalize. But few instructors have hands-on, practical knowledge. Most focus on disarms only; or on firearms retention. Very few understand your concealed handgun for the weapon it is.
Use your firearms knowledge. Grill that lead instructor. "Do you hold any recognized firearms certifications?" "What advanced firearms instruction have you had?" "Which firearms instructors have you trained under?" "What is your military experience?"
While living in Tokyo I briefly studied a Japanese art called Iaido. Essentially, this is drawing a sword and cutting your target in a single motion. This is the best metaphor I have for CHL holders.
Run if you can.
But if you can't run, be decisive and aggressive.
