Recognizing and Knowing Your Limitations
Knowing “when to hold ‘em and when to fold ‘em “ as the old Kenny Rogers song says, touches on something I have been encountering more and more of and I’m now studying.
Working mainly with first-time gun owners/shooters in concealed carry courses, and also with people who carry while working or even instructor candidates, I hear and see attitudes and statements that are concerning. I’ve referred in the past to those who “don’t know that they DON’T KNOW”; it might be a first time gun owner, newly armed security officer, a rookie police officer or the guy at the gun shop… they will state something like “if ‘A’ happens, then I’ll do ‘B’ which will knock that S— on his A–”, showing a gross misunderstanding and underestimation of the real world.
Years ago Jeff Cooper, who founded what is now Gunsite, pointed out that “just owning a musical instrument does not make you a musician”. Having a gun does not automatically make you a winner in a confrontation. You must know how to fight as well as when to engage, and more importantly, when not to.
Learn Limitations From Experienced Veterans…
I have a new acquaintance, highly qualified in physical face-to-face engagements. He has been, done, wears the scars and has the papers in real fights. He often has pointed out that it is not like a movie and even accepted methods and techniques don’t survive first contact with reality. His biggest skill is teaching others to know how to manage aggressive behaviors in a way that transcends language and culture. This method works everywhere, and I’m looking forward to learning it. More will follow about this as I get more experience.
Recently William L. “Bill” Harvey wrote that we must “Size up a confrontation and determine if you can safely handle it single-handedly”. His article is directed at new-hire law enforcement recruits. He points out that new officers are often reluctant to call for help or back-up and wind up being injured or worse. This also holds true for a new concealed carry permit holder. Do you really and honestly know what your capabilities are? Have you seriously contemplated the responsibility you bear now that you have chosen to carry a firearm for self- protection? Have you decided that you and yours are worth protecting?
Ask Yourself What YOUR Limitations Are…
Have you taken the necessary training to learn how to operate you weapon under deadly attack? Have you planned for the aftermath of a self-defense incident? These questions must be answered honestly and not with your male ego talking.
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Now look at your self with an open and critical eye. What is your physical conditioning? What areas do you need to work on: agility, flexibility, endurance or adaptation to a disability of some kind? As we age our eyes change, flexibility can decrease, injuries or disease can hamper responses and more. Now look at your awareness of your surroundings. Are you looking at and understanding your environment? Are there times you just shut yourself off and cruise along without a care? Yes, you can work on this and stay aware to give yourself options. As Mr. Harvey said at the end of his article, “I want you to win with your head.” Your brain is the ultimate weapon of defense or survival. I taught Hunter Education students for over 20 years and stressed that your brain is your best survival tool in the outdoors and you can take it anywhere in the world. Many times I’ve witnessed someone talking about how good they are and then with just the slightest pressure of time or people watching, cannot perform. That’s a great way to wind up severely injured or in a body bag.
Being a movie buff, I’ll finish this with the final line from Magnum Force, the second of the “Dirty Harry” Callahan films starring Clint Eastwood, “A man’s got to know his limitations.”
Steve Beckstead