What does drumming have to do with defensive use of a pistol? That is a good question, and on its surface, the answer is perhaps nothing. However, I made a connection one day while playing drums in the studio. I acknowledged the muscle power in my drumstick grip, and why. This realization in turn helped me to recognize the biomechanical lock and bone support in my shooting grip and what it does for my ability to apply skill in context.
In defensive training, we talk about concepts and principles of personal or family defense against a violent criminal. These may include awareness, avoidance, and collection and processing of information so that we properly identify an attacker and have an appropriate response. The “verbiage” may change from one instructor to the next or one curriculum to the next, but the core concepts and principles remain constant.
Counter Ambush Methodology requires us to learn to be able to process information while performing a complex task. Responding appropriately during a Dynamic Critical Incident (DCI) is most certainly a “complex task.” Stopping an attacker from hurting or killing you or someone you love will most likely require multiple necessary steps.
Frequent and realistic training is necessary for all things: recognition of one’s competency, skill development, learning intuitive responses to learned stimuli, building neural pathways, maximizing our limited cognitive process in a potential ambush context…although there are many ways we can supplement live fire, range activities are essential for realistic training.
“We must always be aware and live in Condition Yellow!” We have heard this.… We have said it…. I have taught it. The sentiment is sound and it is good advice. But the situational awareness rainbow can sometimes lead us to a false sense of security, striving for an unattainable goal, or perhaps even a
If we decide to take on the responsibility of being our family’s first responder, a serious training regimen becomes a necessity; a lifestyle choice. Considering how the brain retains information, the body masters skills, and the fact that time, budget, day jobs, and environmental factors are difficult to negotiate, a well-balanced diet of training can
The media has manipulated language to instill fear in people about guns. Here’s how we can use facts and reasoning to help educate our fellow citizens about self-defense, the Second Amendment, and personal liberty.
You are a responsible, law-abiding citizen. You have decided to take on the responsibility of becoming your family’s first responder.
