I Was Attacked Today...

[Jason762]

So I was riding my bike home from work when I was attacked.

Two people were walking in a parking lot, and I rode up the middle of them when the bigger guy of the two ran up to me and started pushing me off my bike. I fought him and tried to stay on my bike for as long as possible, but he was able to knock me down.

Right when I fell both guys were there and kicking me. At first, I covered up trying to take the kicks as best I could, asking/shouting about what they were trying to do, and asking them to stop.

Of course, once I realize how pointless that was, I tried to do a takedown the bigger guy, but when I got a hold of the guys leg’s, the other guy gave me a really hard kick to the head, and I was knocked unconscious.

Between losing consciousness and arriving home, I have no memory of what happened, but somehow I was able to cycle the two miles home and call my mother.

Went to the hospital, filed a report with the police, and canceled my cards, yada yada yada.

I’m bruised up on my forehead and arms, have blood coming out of my ears, and have a splitting headache where my temples are, but otherwise I’m okay, but damn if I want my revenge!

I don’t know if more jiu jitsu experience would’ve enabled me to fight better/more efficiently, and get away, but considering the circumstances, most people would’ve had a harder time doing anything.

I’m sure Vinnie (my old Jiu Jitsu teacher) would’ve whupped their ass though.

Anyway, I thought I’d share my (rather unsuccessful) attempt at using jiu jitsu in a real self defense situation.

Jason

After some sleep I remembered more details.

I was riding my bike by the BART tracks, and got to a parking lot just before Baxter Creek. Saw two guys walking at opposite ends of the parking lot and of course thought nothing of it. It’s part of the trail that many people jog, bike, and walk on. The trial goes to the local BART stations (Del Norte and El Cerrito being the ones I pass by on my way to work).

So there was plenty of space so I didn’t worry about hitting them, and went on down the hill. When I passed the bigger guy, he started running after me.

Now keep in mind I’m deaf, so I thought I either dropped something, or he needed help/directions. I didn’t stop completely but I did stop pedaling. This gave him time to catch up and he pushed me off my bike. Both of them were on me as soon as I fell, kicking me. The big guy was in front of me, and the other guy was behind me, to my right.

Because of the shock, all I could do was cover up and ask (loudly, but perhaps not quite loudly enough for anyone who might be around) what they were doing. It took a very short time to realize how useless it was, so I got up, all the while being kicked, and grabbed the guy’s legs, trying to sweep him.

At that point the guy who had been behind me must’ve kicked me hard enough to cause unconsciousness because I don’t remember anything after that.

My mom says I called her, and when she arrived I was panicked about my bike because I didn’t know what happened to it. It was in its usual spot, so apparently I actually rode 2 miles home, picked the bike up and put it over the fence, went through the house, and pushed the bike into its proper spot.

[Gatorade Frost]

Sounds like you need some jiu jitsu in metal:



That really sucks, though. What a terrible thing to happen - I friggin hate the kind of ass holes who would do that sort of thing.

[Jason762]

Originally Posted by Gatorade Frost

Sounds like you need some jiu jitsu in metal:



That really sucks, though. What a terrible thing to happen - I friggin hate the kind of ass holes who would do that sort of thing.

Yeah the ironic thing is I'm an avid shooter and my father owns a Beretta 96F, but to be honest, the situation I was it it actually would've done more damage than good (if I was even able to draw it!).

I had a box cutter in my pocket that they took. I'm just glad they didn't use it on me.

[Gatorade Frost]

Yeah, no kidding - That would have been the ultimate in suck right there - People are real bastards

[Ch'i]

I hate guns...

Well, being a martial arts instructor, I can tell you that Jiu Jistu isn't very effective in street fights unless you are extreemly good at it, and even then it's too risky.
In a street fight, like your's, you want to do three things.

1) Run. Not engaging in a battle you don't know you can win is NOT cowardice, it's wise.

2) Disable/distract them quickly. There are many spots on the body that are very vulnerable; throat, groin, eyes, ears are a few of the important ones. A strike to any of those places will normally throw off their balance, cause alot of pain, and give you an opening to escape.

3) If they have a knife/gun give in to their demands.

Sounds like they really caught you off guard though.

At my dojo they teach alot of defense classes that include disarming an attacker (knive, gun, ext.). I would suggest taking something like that. Most schools should have seminars, or open classes like that for people who want to know how to defend themselves in those sort of situations.

That really does suck though. I hope you recover well & fast.

P.S: Tell me where it happened and what they look like, I'll show them what happens to someone who jumps a fellow TFP'er...

[Willravel]

Hey Jason, where were you when this happened? You mentioned a parking lot.

[raeanna74]

Wow - sounds terrible. I'm glad you made it home. Did you get pics of your injuries?? I'm sure they'll be useful if the two assholes ever get caught. I sure hope for your sake and anyone else they'd attack, that they do get caught. They're stinking buttheads to do that to you.

I hope you feel better real soon. Take care of yourself and heal up those wounds.

[snowy]

I'm just glad you're still in one piece.

Take care of yourself and get better really soon.

[jorgelito]

All the best for a quick recovery, I am sorry this happened to you. I'm pretty much used to this by now.

Please give more detail. Was it dark? Was the lot empty? Was it a bad neighborhood? Why did you ride up the middle of them instead of around them? Was this a mugging? Your post wasn't entirely clear (you mentioned cancelling cards).

Hope you get better man, and I agree with Ch'i on his/her 3 points.

[Willravel]

Originally Posted by jorgelito

Hope you get better man, and I agree with Ch'i on his/her 3 points.

...his....

[Jason762]

Ch’i

I would’ve run if it were possible but they were both on top of me as soon as the guy knocked me off my bike. Yes, they really did catch me off guard. People are always walking back there without intent to do harm, but obviously this time was an exception.

I just wish I was cycling a heck of a lot faster. Perhaps they wouldn’t have been able to run up to me like they did. Don’t worry about getting even. Perhaps karma thought it was time to get back to me.

Will, this was behind the Del Norte plaza. Nearby El Cerrito Honda, in the parking lots behind Uncle Wong’s Chinese food, and the Strings Italian restaurant. They also have a coffee shop.

Raeanna, the police officers who came and filed the report too pictures. I’ll leave it up to them. They were so quick I was unable to identify them so honestly it wouldn’t do much good.

Jorgelito, it was broad daylight. I’d been working since 4:15 AM and I was riding my bike home. It was about 11:15-ish. I’ve never considered it a bad neighborhood. It was unavoidable going up the middle. One guy was at one end of the lot, and the other guy was at the opposite end. It isn’t a huge lot. Maybe 50 feet across.

A mugging? Well they made off with my sidekick 3, my wallet, and my really nice box cutter. Dd they intend to do that? I don’t know. Yeah, I canceled whatever cards I had (bank, gym membership, CostCo card, etc) and my phone.

Thanks for the kind words fellas! I hope it never happens to you.

[Ch'i]

I wasn't saying what you should have done, I was just giving some tips in case it happens again. This sort of thing is never expected, unless your paranoid...

[longbough]

One thing I've learned is that - as long as you're OK that's all that counts.

Even though your pride takes a hit and it sucks to have to run consider yourself lucky. Things could have gone much worse. "Revenge" is a tempting concept but a futile one. But I'd be lying if I said I wouldn't feel the same way right after it happened.

As you play it over and over in your head - you should realize that, even all the training in the world, and all the concealed weapons possible might have helped but will never guarantee this could never happen.

I've had a similar experience in the past. It just makes me more cautious of my surroundings in the future. It's second nature for me nowadays to check my angles at doorways, to know my surroundings, know my escape routes, know the make/model of the car following me for the past 30 miles etc. It doesn't mean I'm paranoid - I've just trained enough so I don't have to think about it consciously.

I agree that you're probably not going to have the opportunity to get "revenge." But it takes time to suck it up. I feel for you, man. You'll be fine.

[Lady Sage]

I as well sincerely hope that you make a speedy recovery.

I have learned one thing in my life.... no matter what you can do to someone.... karma (what goes around comes around, chi or whatever you wanna call it) always kicks their butts far worse than I ever could. It wont do much for your pain right now, but know that when they finally are given their smack down... they will hurt much worse than you do in many more ways.

[genuinegirly]

Wow.. that's horrible. I hope that you're able to bounce back relatively easily. Dang... It doesn't even make any sense.

[Jimellow]

Originally Posted by Ch'i

3) If they have a knife/gun give in to their demands.

Nice post, and very good advice. I agree with all of it.

I just wanted to add as an aside to the quoted portion above that I would generally agree to abide by their commands, unless they ordered you/me into a car or vehicle. I'm of the mindset that once I am "captured" I am totally theirs, and I honestly think I would run, or try to, if someone had a gun on me and was telling me to get into a car.

I don't think my chances are too hot either way, but I think I would rather chance someone shooting at me outside than getting me in a car to take me wherever, and do whatever, they want to me.

Regarding the original post.. Very unfortunate situation. It could have gone worse, but it is sad it happened at all.

[dlish]

hope u get better soon jason... just a quick one though..what were u doin with a box cutter in your pocket anyways? i know what they'd call me if i got caught with one in my pocket

[Brewmaniac]

Jason, that really sucks! I feel for ya, heal up quick.

[healer]

Well at least you're alive and in one piece. Thank God for that.

I despise people who do this kind of thing to others.

/me blesses you with my healing powers.

[magictoy]

You're lucky you're okay. It really sucks to have that happen.

I agree with longbough--stay very aware of your surroundings, which is the best preventive of all. Sounds like it wouldn't have helped in your case, but maybe it will never happen again.

Hope so, anyway.

[Ample]

I’m sure your pride hurts as much as your body. Really sucks to be a victim, bet you feel a lot of rage in the pit of your stomach, and replaying the events over and over wondering what you could have done different, probably not much so don’t blame yourself. Good luck on a speedy recovery of both.

[raeanna74]

When you first said that they knocked you off your bike I had the fear that they'd taken your bike. I'm sure the key was still in so they could have. Glad you were able to cancel your cards and didn't loose anything more than the knife.

[JustJess]

I'm glad you're okay. What a horrible experience! Frighteningly... you're lucky. I hope this is the worst thing that happens to you. It sounds to me like you did everything you could have, so try not to drive yourself crazy with 'what-ifs'. Wishing you a fast healing!

[Sultana]

Jason 762, I'm so glad you ended up OK, but what an awful experience! And so completely unexpected and senseless too...You sound like you are in a reasonably good place, mentally, thank goodness. I hope your physical wounds heal very fast.

Heh, I use a gel from the local Vitamin Shoppe for bruises, works real well. I'll send you the name of it if you like, once I get home. Of course I can't remember it now, grr.

[Sticky]

Originally Posted by Jason762

A mugging? Well they made off with my sidekick 3...

They stole your sidekick?
Try to see if they are using it
http://www.evanwashere.com/StolenSidekick/

[Jason762]

After some sleep I remembered more details.

I was riding my bike by the BART tracks, and got to a parking lot just before Baxter Creek. Saw two guys walking at opposite ends of the parking lot and of course thought nothing of it. It’s part of the trail that many people jog, bike, and walk on. The trial goes to the local BART stations (Del Norte and El Cerrito being the ones I pass by on my way to work).

So there was plenty of space so I didn’t worry about hitting them, and went on down the hill. When I passed the bigger guy, he started running after me.

Now keep in mind I’m deaf, so I thought I either dropped something, or he needed help/directions. I didn’t stop by I did stop pedaling. This gave him time to catch up and he pushed me off my bike. Both of them were on me as soon as I fell, kicking me. The big guy was in front of me, and the other guy was behind me, to my right.

Because of the shock, all I could do was cover up and ask (loudly, but perhaps not quite loudly enough for anyone who might be around) what they were doing. It took a very short time to realize how useless it was, so I got up, all the while being kicked, and grabbed the guy’s legs, trying to sweep him.

At that point the guy who had been behind me must’ve kicked me hard enough to cause unconsciousness because I don’t remember anything after that.

My mom says I called her, and when she arrived I was panicked about my bike because I didn’t know what happened to it. It was in its usual spot, so apparently I actually rode 2 miles home, picked the bike up and put it over the fence, went through the house, and pushed the bike into its proper spot.

Ch’i. Ah gotcha.

Longbough, yeah I realized that about the weapons. I never would’ve had a real opportunity to draw and shoot. If anything it would’ve fallen out and the bad guys would have gun – and I’d possibly be dead.

Lady Sage, I certainly do hope that karma comes around to bite ‘em like a pit bull in the ass, but it’s hard not wondering if I deserved this.

Genuine Girly, I seem to be fine except for some sensitive spots. Mentality seems okay, but I haven’t been outside yet. Who knows in the security of home I am fine, but once I step outside, I might be so fine…

Jimellow, very true. I’d be less scared of dying via gunshot compared to being taken hostage.

Dlishsguy, I am a stocker at CostCo (stocker) so I put my box cutter in my pocket and forget about it until it’s needed. And for the record I’m no terrorist!

Thanks for the words Brewmanic and Healer.

Magictoy, yes I hope it will not happen again. So to avoid that I will rather face the crazies in the cars on San Pablo road than to take the shorter the back streets.

Ample, honestly I don’t feel a lot of rage. If anything I am disappointed in myself for allowing it to happen, and not being able to do a better job of defending myself/getting away. However I do know if I see those guys again I would have a hard time not doing anything violent…

Raeanna, I was riding a 10 speed bicycle. One powered by legs. And I also lost my wallet and Sidekick 3. But I am glad they left me a bike because two miles by foot with a concussion would’ve been a long walk!

JustJess, thanks for the kind words. I had difficulty sleeping because I was trying out different what-if’s but some melatonin stopped that.

Sutana, thanks for offering me some of your gel. No need to waste money on postage and product trying to ship it to me. Thanks though!

Sticky, I called the T-Mobile company and canceled my phone. They did call a number and it was recorded and reported to the police department, but it is doubtful any good will come from it.

Thank you all for the kind words! I am fine, both mentally and physically, so there is no need to worry.

Hopefully you guys and gals can (short of ) learn and perhaps not be caught off guard so badly like I was.

Hope you all are doing well.

[Toaster126]

Yeah, fighting is much more difficult when you are suprised, injured, prone, and outnumbered.

I hope you are feeling better soon.

[SirLance]

You are alive and that's what matters. Multiple opponents are difficult to deal with in the best of circumstances, and you have no training.

I'm glad you are well and wish you a speedy recovery.

For the future, you should assume that someone chasing you means you harm, and run away.

[Lady Sage]

I had no idea you were deaf... thank the gods for relay calling!
I often wonder if I have done something horrid to warrant such tragedy at times.... I dunno but if I did have it comin I definately paid, or maybe its a past life thing or... I dunno I was just handy?

[Zeraph]

I wish you a speedy recovery.

See this is why we need subcutaneous weapons.

[shakran]

Originally Posted by Jason762

Two people were walking in a parking lot, and I rode up the middle of them

That was your first mistake. You have to realize (and now of course you do) that people today are NUTS. Shit that should never evoke more than a raise eyebrow is triggering acts up to and including murder in people. That's why guys are beating up little old ladies on the expressways. Next time, ride around them.

Of course, once I realize how pointless that was, I tried to do a takedown the bigger guy, but when I got a hold of the guys leg’s, the other guy gave me a really hard kick to the head, and I was knocked unconscious.

This is a valuable lesson made even better by the fact that you lived to apply it. NEVER try grappling crap in a street fight unless you 100% KNOW that there's only the one opponent - - -and you can never know that 100%. Up against 2 people the trick is to keep one behind the other, so you're only facing one person at a time. You have to keep circling to keep the guy you're fighting directly between you and his friend. Of course, the whole time you're doing this you're looking for the first escape route you can find.

C'hi mentioned a couple of rules. Here's the full list of fighting rules.

1) Run.
2) if you can't run, hide.
3) If you can't do 1 and 2, try to talk your way out of it.
4) if that doesn't work pick up an equalizer. A stick, a bottle, your bike lock, whatever.
5) when fighting, always look for the first chance to run, and take it.

I don’t know if more jiu jitsu experience would’ve enabled me to fight better/more efficiently, and get away, but considering the circumstances, most people would’ve had a harder time doing anything.

Jiu jitsu is great for the ring, but as has already been mentioned, is useless for the street unless you're very VERY advanced. You want a quick-to-learn, deadly fighting system. Find someone who teaches SCARS (and check them thoroughly to make sure they're not just some dumbass who CLAIMS to teach SCARS ) It's a very effective, VERY quick-to-learn fighting system. It's a modified version of the hand to hand combat instruction given to navy SEALS.

Round out your education with Muay Thai, western boxing, and kali. Mixing styles is the key. the Muay Thai guys are great at delivering very effective kicks and defensive destructions, but the kali guys are much better with weapons and with fighting angles. Combine the two and you're much better off than taking either one individually.

[Jason762]

Originally Posted by shakran

That was your first mistake. You have to realize (and now of course you do) that people today are NUTS. Shit that should never evoke more than a raise eyebrow is triggering acts up to and including murder in people. That's why guys are beating up little old ladies on the expressways. Next time, ride around them.



This is a valuable lesson made even better by the fact that you lived to apply it. NEVER try grappling crap in a street fight unless you 100% KNOW that there's only the one opponent - - -and you can never know that 100%. Up against 2 people the trick is to keep one behind the other, so you're only facing one person at a time. You have to keep circling to keep the guy you're fighting directly between you and his friend. Of course, the whole time you're doing this you're looking for the first escape route you can find.

C'hi mentioned a couple of rules. Here's the full list of fighting rules.

1) Run.
2) if you can't run, hide.
3) If you can't do 1 and 2, try to talk your way out of it.
4) if that doesn't work pick up an equalizer. A stick, a bottle, your bike lock, whatever.
5) when fighting, always look for the first chance to run, and take it.





Jiu jitsu is great for the ring, but as has already been mentioned, is useless for the street unless you're very VERY advanced. You want a quick-to-learn, deadly fighting system. Find someone who teaches SCARS (and check them thoroughly to make sure they're not just some dumbass who CLAIMS to teach SCARS ) It's a very effective, VERY quick-to-learn fighting system. It's a modified version of the hand to hand combat instruction given to navy SEALS.

Round out your education with Muay Thai, western boxing, and kali. Mixing styles is the key. the Muay Thai guys are great at delivering very effective kicks and defensive destructions, but the kali guys are much better with weapons and with fighting angles. Combine the two and you're much better off than taking either one individually.

I've been running into you people all day long.

Okay you're taking a WELL USED trail. Like I said people jog, bike and walk on this trail. You see two walking guys in a small parking lot that cuts into the trail momentarily.

One is walking on the right side of the lot the other the left side. For all you know they're walking to their cars. They're walking home from BART. How can you know they were planning to do that? They weren't even taking to each other (from what I could see; not hear).

How do you fight back when you've been knocked on your back, still reeling from the shock, while two guys are pounding on you with their feet? You tell me how YOU get up, never mind the possibility of catching a fist to the chin as you raise up, never mind the possibility of them grabbing your backpack and pulling you down, and you tell me how you duke it out with two guys (one of which is was probably 75 pounds heavier than you).

Sorry if I kinda burst on you, but I got people telling me I should’ve gotten furious and ripped some heads off. Nah, sorry armchair warriors, but it don’t work like that.

On a side note, if it were ONE guy, I definitely taken him on, and possibly won. I’m 6’ 2” and a 230 pound weight lifter with 4 months of Jiu Jitsu practice, going at least 6 times a week (and as often as 9).

But you’re right about combat training. I’m actually looking into good schools now. School with Muay Thai and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and if I have time, I’ll join a Judo institute for takedowns.

[longbough]

Jason762, you already know where it's at.

It always steams me when folks get absorbed in the "you shoulda done this or that" talk. Folks seem to do this when you fail exams, break up with your girlfriend, make a bad investment, lose a job or get beat up. The fact of the matter is that shit happens regardless of precautions you take. That was sorta the point of my first reply. But you already know that.

When someone starts into the "you shoulda done this or that" routine it really doesn't do much more than imply that your negligence may be the cause of your plight ... and that's total BS. But you already know that.

[newtx]

That absolutely sucks. Here's hoping for a speedy recovery. Try not to let it get you down. It's a sad fact of life that crap like this happens. I think we have all learned from this. If you don't know them - don't trust them and be prepared for the worst. Thank God there are plenty of exceptions to this.

[longbough]

ahh the question ... to fight or to run?
... be an "asshole" or be a "pussy"

... either way you're screwed.


(I wasn't really making a point. I just thought it sounded clever. Forgive me. It's late. G'night.)

[shakran]

Originally Posted by Jason762

I've been running into you people all day long.

Reread what I wrote. Carefully. Then maybe you'll understand when I say I've been running into people like YOU ever since I started teaching martial arts.

Okay you're taking a WELL USED trail. Like I said people jog, bike and walk on this trail. You see two walking guys in a small parking lot that cuts into the trail momentarily.

That's nice. I can paste hundreds of news articles in here where people got attacked in well-used areas. Well used gas stations. Well used parks. Well used streets. Who cares if it's well used? I didn't say you were a JERK to ride between them. I said you shouldn't ride between them because OTHER people are fucking nuts and something stupid like that might set them off. I thought you'd learned that lesson by getting your ass kicked but apparently you still need some review.

One is walking on the right side of the lot the other the left side. For all you know they're walking to their cars.

Which is it? your first post made it sound like they were walking next to each other and you cut up between them. Now they're all the way across the parking lot? That does kinda change the meaning a bit, don't you think?

How do you fight back when you've been knocked on your back, still reeling from the shock, while two guys are pounding on you with their feet?

I didn't say you do, but you sure as hell don't do something dumbass like trying to do a "takedown" when there's a second guy waiting to kick you in the head when you get distracted.

You tell me how YOU get up, never mind the possibility of catching a fist to the chin as you raise up, never mind the possibility of them grabbing your backpack and pulling you down, and you tell me how you duke it out with two guys (one of which is was probably 75 pounds heavier than you).

Didn't say I would get up. I wasn't there so I don't know exactly what happened. I can say that I would NOT devote all my attention to only 50% of my attackers.

Sorry if I kinda burst on you, but I got people telling me I should’ve gotten furious and ripped some heads off. Nah, sorry armchair warriors, but it don’t work like that.

I'm not one of those people. You'll note that my first three rules specifically try to avoid fighting. But if you're in a fight and you can't get out of it, there are a few things you can do to try and tip the scales to your side. Unfortunately you didn't do any of them.

On a side note, if it were ONE guy, I definitely taken him on, and possibly won. I’m 6’ 2” and a 230 pound weight lifter with 4 months of Jiu Jitsu practice, going at least 6 times a week (and as often as 9).

Well then this little fight you got into really was pointless because you failed to learn anything from it. I don't care if you're He-Man. There's always some guy that's bigger and meaner and tougher than you are. And if he attacks you he has an automatic advantage: You are (presumably) a law abiding individual. He is not, and frankly he just doesn't give a fuck about you. So since he's basically, IMO, sub-human to begin with, he's already ahead of the game as far as beating you in a fight.

If you think you know squat about fighting after 4 months, you're sorely mistaken. Once you get your black belt THEN you might *start* learning how to fight. Now if you manage to find a competent SCARS instructor you might be able to get ahead of the curve, but those guys are few and far between. Since most of us have to learn how to fight the normal way, it takes some time. I've been actively practicing mixed martial arts for over 20 years, and I STILL wouldn't have taken your attacker on, even if it was only one guy.

Now I know you're hurting both physically and mentally because you got beaten up, but this is something you need to realize. You have got to stow the dumbshit (yes, I said dumbshit, because it is, and the sooner you realize it the more likely you'll survive to see your kids grow up) attitude that losing a fight is anything to be ashamed of, and you have to stow the even more dumbshit attitude that you'll take someone on if you think you can beat him.

Getting the shit kicked out of you in a mugging is nothing to be ashamed of. Surviving the attack is all that matters. Anyone who calls you a wimp/sissy/whatever because you didn't turn into the Incredible Hulk when you were attacked is a thundering moron. Pay them no mind.

And saying that you'd take the guy on if he was alone is totally fucking stupid. I don't care if you're up against a 60 pound midget, the guy might still have a knife or a gun, and he could still ruin your day, not to mention your entire life. Your mission is to avoid fights if its at all even remotely possible. You never know what the other guy is packing. Hell even if he is unarmed, you don't know what he can do to you.

something you apparently still need to internalize from your martial arts lessons is that there is absolutely NO way to simulate a real street fight because you have safety rules in the dojo. There are no rules in a street fight. whereas in the dojo you're not allowed to stab, bite, or shoot your sparring partner, those rules do not apply on the street. Street fighting is therefore necessarilly vastly different from what you do in your dojo. Therefore saying "I have x months of training in my martial art" means absolutely nothing on the street, as I must point out you recently learned.

I understand that you're pissed off at being beaten up, but you need to realize that 1) you're no less of a human than you were before the fight and 2) this fight could give you some very valuable lessons that usually take YEARS for students to figure out in the dojo, if you'll just stow the macho attitude long enough to learn them.

[raeanna74]

Originally Posted by Jason762

snip...Raeanna, I was riding a 10 speed bicycle. One powered by legs. And I also lost my wallet and Sidekick 3. But I am glad they left me a bike because two miles by foot with a concussion would’ve been a long walk!...snip

Gotcha. I just assumed - parking lot + bike = motorcycle. I didn't even think it could be a bicycle. Still glad, as you say, that they left you your bike.

Sultana - Are you thinking of Arnica Gel?? It prevented my broken foot from bruising at all wherever I put the gel. The Dr's were amazed. Even after the bruising from my hernia, wherever I used the gel, the bruises disappeared within days instead of the weeks that they took where I didn't use it.

[Ch'i]

Originally Posted by shakran
Mixing styles is the key.

Not really.

I didn't say you do, but you sure as hell don't do something dumbass like trying to do a "takedown" when there's a second guy waiting to kick you in the head when you get distracted.

I hear stuff like this alot durring our sparring classes. "You shouldn't have tried to kick", "Why didn't you jab him when he dropped his hand?", ect.. When you are in a fight, or sparring, you don't always see every opening or take every advantage, and you especially aren't immune to making mistakes. Hind sight is 20:20. People inexperienced with these kind of situations cannot possibly be expected to keep their cool and stay level headed. Even experienced one's don't.

Once you get your black belt THEN you might *start* learning how to fight

Belts don't really mean much, but I agree that it takes alot longer to learn how to fight than people realize.

there is absolutely NO way to simulate a real street fight...

We stimulate street fights at my dojo all the time. We have a guy or two in plain clothes, with a chest pad and a mouth peice, sneak up on one of our advanced students and try to mug them. We make sure the muggers/mugged never talk about it to anyone who hasn't done it yet to maintain authenticity.

You need to lay off shakran. Jason was mugged. He was casually coming home from a long day of work, and got mugged. If your 20 years of mma experience tought you anything it should be that sometimes you get caught off guard, plain and simple. This was one of those times.

[opus123]

>>>They weren't even taking to each other (from what I could see; not hear).>>>

Sorry to hear that happened to you. Hope you heal up and hope your bike was not damaged. I am in shock that they did not steal it.

My one and only experience with gangs was where these 3 guys were making clicking noises. The clicking noises increased in loudness and speed the closer they go to my wife and I. Luckily I was loading her bicycle into her car at the time and I had the bike in the air and I turned it so my back was to the car and I had the bike aimed at one of the guys. We both were wearing bike helmets and it was 2am, so they may have thought we were tired from a bike ride. Not sure. But hearing those clicks made me think something bad was about to go down. The 3 of them were wearing similar coloring and hair styles and facial hair as well. All I thought at the time was to stare at the closest guy and keep staring at him as he walked by the car and around the corner. Anyway, just thought I would share that story.

Jonathan

[Journeyman]

Even without karma, play the odds.

People that do this sort of thing don't just do it once in their lifetime and then go on with a happy, productive life. This is their lifestyle, which carried out over a long enough time line invariably leads to A) Significant jail time, B) Death, or C) First A and then B whilst suffering from A.

You may have gotten beaten and mugged, but they're still just rats scrambling for rotten cheese.