It depends on the level of violence being offered.
If its just fisticuffs, I'm not giving anything up. Im not worried about about taking a kicking, and with 3 decades of significant training, experience and my size I have significant tactical advantage.
If they show me a knife they can have it and be on there way. No arguing g there.
If they threaten me with a weapon but don't actually show it too me they can jog on. If they had one they'd be using it for effect. In the unlikely event they do have one then they're at Immediate positional disadvantage by not having it in their hand.
I've been in more fights in a professional capacity, even against knives (I didn't have a choice with that one, the stupid straight baton broke when I put it round his head so had to take him the Doc Savage way) and never lost. Even when one scumbag broke my arm I still managed to drop him.
It's knowing when to hold and when to fold, and I know.
Yep.
I'd not get involved in anything if any kind of weapon was involved and I was unarmed or outnumbered etc. but it also depends upon the threat level: just stealing, take it. Life at risk? I'll fight back. I'm no great Warrior, no physical advantage so running away is my best option in most cases but Life has taught me we don't always have that luxury.
My best friend in Portugal is GNR and former Silver Medallist at his nations Judo National Championships. He is my height, 5ft7. But stocky and muscular. I've seen him disarm much larger knife-wielding yobs (police video shown to me by another GNR friend) and it's scary stuff. He doesn't talk about his work exploits. Needless to say, I like cycling with him for the added safety factor!
I have another friend in South Africa - retired now - who was SAPS STF (Police Special Force) and the stories he can tell! He carries a Glock 19 (I sold mine to him) in his bar bag on his MTB when out and about in case of hi-jacking / mugging etc.
Violence can invade anyone's lives though. I've exchanged gun-fire with thieves in South Africa - way back in 1996 - and it isn't pleasant. They had broken into my home and already had my bike and other things when I staggered half asleep from my bedroom to see what the noise was. One of them shot at me, hit the wall near me, I ran back to my bedroom, got my gun, fired back down the hall but only to demonstrate I was armed. They left.
Couple of years later I was on a Residential Home Protection (voluntary) patrol and we were shot at - holes in my mates pick-up - and returned fire then too. Police joined us and caught them.
Worst though was a very serious case involving my sister being physically attacked with a knife and me ending it by shooting the Attacker. We couldn't escape. 3rd floor of an Apartment building. Police called...took them over 40 min to arrive by which time it was too late. It's truly awful to be in extremely violent situations and I'd rather avoid them if possible.
