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Phillosoph

Swords at Home

Another interesting passage from Marc MacYoung:
There are going be a number of people who will think I'm nuttier than hell for saying what I'm about to say, but I'm going to say it anyway. Women, I think your best home defense weapon is a sword. There are a variety of reasons why I say this. The first and foremost is safety, nor only for you but others. Whether have roommates, boyfriends/ husbands, or children. it all boils down 10 one thing; it's harder to accidentally kill someone with a sword than it is with a gun.
Now back to the sword as a home defense weapon for women. Aside from the fact that accidentally hurting someone seriously with a sword is damn near impossible, the other advantage is that it's always ready for use. If you leave it lying under or behind your bed, it is always handy in case someone tries to break in. You don't have to fumble after bullets, etc. Once you have that blade in your hand, you are ready.
The next nice thing about a sword is, unlike a baseball bat, it's a bad idea for an attacker to rush it. A three and a half foot long straight razor is not something that you charge. Also, unlike a bat, it's not the brightest move someone can make to try and grab it away from you—unless they're really keen on the idea of getting busted down to raccoon status. You know: all the mischief, and no opposable thumbs to do it with. You can also lunge extremely effectively with a sword, Baseball bats don't get the point across as well. I don't care if he's got a leather jacket on, a lunge will go through it. All of this adds up and keeps any intruder at a serious distance from you.
In case you're going, "But what if he has a gun?" there are two points that I'd like to bring up. One, if he has the gun out already: ever tried to order your finger to pull a trigger when your hand is laying on the floor two feet away? Anywhere you strike with a sword will do enough damage that it's going to distract the son of a bitch a little Two, if he has it in a holster or pocket. you know that you're never to let his hands out of sight. If he goes for it and you're within ten feet of him, he's worm food.
The final thing that I like about swords as home defense weapons is a matter of severity. One of the reasons that women don't like guns very much is that once you pull the trigger, you have no control over what happens. You can't control whether you're going to wound or kill an intruder, Wounding someone with a gun at point-blank range is a little hard to do. That bullet is traveling at some hellacious speed and the impact is rather fierce. If you're not quite ready to accept killing someone in the defense of self and home, you can just maim 'em with a sword. A foot and a half of steel through the gut will take the fight out of damn near anybody. Lop off his hand when he's reaching out to grab you—that'll teach him to keep his hands to himself. Laying some guy's thigh open with a ten-inch gash will make sure he hangs around until the police come. "Were you in fear of your life?" "He got close enough for me to nail him with a sword. He was obviously attacking, officer."
For obvious reasons this reminded me of the passage in Robert Heinlein’s “Glory Road”, chapter 15:
“A properly balanced sword is the most versatile weapon for close quarters ever devised. Pistols and guns are all offense, no defense; close on him fast and a man with a gun can’t shoot, he has to stop you before you reach him. Close on a man carrying a blade and you’ll be spitted like a roast pigeon—unless you have a blade and can use it better than he can.
A sword never jams, never has to be reloaded, is always ready. Its worst shortcoming is that it takes great skill and patient, loving practice to gain that skill; it can’t be taught to raw recruits in weeks, nor even months.
But most of all (and this was the real reason) to grasp the Lady Vivamus and feel her eagerness to bite gave me courage in a spot where I was scared spitless.”
Marc expands further on his rationale for this idea, and I will refer you to the book “Cheap Shots, Ambushes, And Other Lessons”, which is well worth reading for numerous other reasons.
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Phillosoph

Wants and Needs

I am currently reading Marc MacYoung’s excellent “Cheap Shots, Ambushes and Other Lessons”. Like all of his books I have read so far, it is entertaining but also full of valuable information. I strongly recommend buying a copy. Marc is a great guy and was kind enough to help me with my own book on self-defence.
The following passage particularly struck me:
I once knew a woman who felt destroyed when her sensei had told the class that they should expect to be defeated now and then. She claimed that it totally undermined her attempt to build self-confidence in her ability to defend herself. I called her reaction a cop-out. There are no guarantees in this world that something will work. There is, however, a bit of knowledge: the person who is looking for a guarantee will lose ninety-nine out of a hundred times to the person who is using their wits and always looking for a slight edge.
Even if we allow for the fact that this lady is probably from L.A, a rather large dose of “get over yourself” is probably in order. Personally I think a sensi that has the honesty and humility to admit this truth to his class sounds like one to be valued. Actually this lady seems to be displaying an attitude that I have been noticing a lot in the past few years. Too many people seem unable to distinguish between wants and needs.
I was supposed to clear a room the other week only to find it was still being used, so I arranged the deadline to be shifted a week. The next week I had the following conversation with a student:
“You know you guys have got to be finished and tidied up by Friday?”
“But some of us still haven’t finished.”
“That doesn’t matter. You have already had extra time and the room is needed. The world will not rearrange itself just because you are not ready.”
So often do I hear “But I want/ need…” used as a justification for doing something, often something stupid or selfish.
A girl nearly walked into me the other day. I saw her coming but was curious to see what would happen. She was busy looking at her phone while walking (a very foolish practice). What makes this memorable was her reaction of surprise and bafflement that she could walk into someone while she was ”busy”.
Learning to distinguish between what you want and what the universe is going to give you is an important step in life. Some people never seem to manage it, and being able to recognize this is also important.
A mugger will not decide not to attack you because you are late for an appointment. The rapist will not hold off grabbing you because you are busy putting junior in the childseat. That you have a text to read will not stop cars hitting you as you cross the road. That you want to use your phone does not allow you to drive without paying full attention.
Many of you will reject this truth simply because you “do not like it”.
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Phillosoph

The Sun

There is an advert running currently for the Sun newspaper listing all the allegedly good things the Sun does. The first line is “From supporting our troops…”
This is the same newsgroup that considered it acceptable to hack the phones of bereaved families of British Soldiers killed in action.
As the ever entertaining ARmy Rumour Service terms it:
Tits
A newspaper in only the loosest possible way… think total slapper, takes-it-in-every orifice, : spit-roasting loose. The Sun caters to those who vocabulary is in the 400 word range. Also known colloquially as the 'Currant Bun', 'The Scum', 'The Snu' or 'The Stun'. The Sun is read by people who don’t care who runs the country, as long as she’s got big tits.
Rubber Dick
The sun is a foreignowned tabloid that styles itself as the forces' newspaper, while gleefully taking each and every opportunity to slip us the Rubber Dick, usually in relation to affairs between married soldiers. They are, of course, quite entitled to take a lofty moral stand, as it would be quite unthinkable for such shenanigans to occur within a newspaper office.
Tossers
While maintaining an outwardly patriotic and even nationalist editorial line, it aspires to influence political discourse in this country to benefit the bottom line of a foreign media conglomerate. In a nutshell it's read by mongs, chavs and tossers in white vans – the self-same, face-painted, stout yeomen of Merrie Ingerlund that can be seen wrecking bars and restaurants on the continent in the name of 'patriotism'.
Seriously, if you are buying still the Sun, please think twice about what you are condoning. Save your money and read a book instead.
A Sun reader, according to the Sun itself. Tiny brain, hands bigger than their cock and knuckles that can drag on the ground. Source: The Sun.
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Phillosoph

Complete Book of Knife Fighting ?

In a previous post (Aug 18th) I mentioned William Cassidy’s book "The Complete Book of Knife Fighting" in connection with the rather improbable “feint low and he will go low” sequence. In fairness I thought I should deal with this book in greater depth, given that it is rather well known and claims to be a complete and definitive guide to knife fighting.
One of the good points about this book is that establishes a historical context for modern knife fighting. Cassidy attributes this to four individuals: WE Fairbairn, Rex Applegate, ADJ Biddle and John Styers. He does mention that Fairbairn’s best known works have very little knife-fighting. In fact they contain information on knife use but no knife against knife-fighting. Fairbairn was an obvious influence on Applegate, while Styers was a student of Biddle. Biddle himself was influenced by Renaissance sword fighting. Cassidy supports the idea that modern knife fighting evolves from sword techniques but most of the historical images of knife and dagger fighting he shows are obviously very different from sword techniques.
Cassidy tries to make a point that “the four great instructors of modern knife use” had no Eastern influence but concedes that as a senior member of the Shanghai police Fairbairn might have encountered some Oriental techniques. He then claims that “as a good colonialist” Fairbairn probably ignored them. This is a highly stupid and derogatory remark that seems to have been made purely to justify Cassidy’s erroneous hypothesis. As a student of Jujitsu and one of the few Westerners at that time to be trained in a Chinese martial art I think it is fair to conclude Fairbairn was open to Eastern ideas. In fact the British Empire as a whole was often open to good ideas of a foreign origin, which is why Brits drink tea and love curry.
Next is a section on various knife designs, which is interesting if your interests are of a technical bent, as mine are. In the blurb on the back of the book it is claimed Cassidy has been trained by the “Gurkha Sect”. I am sure it will be news to the Gurkhas that they are a sect. If this is true it is even more surprising that Cassidy makes the following statement:
“In the hands of the Gurkha, the kukri is used much in the manner of an intrenching tool, and also as a decapitating weapon…..Although a formidable weapon in Asia, particularly in Nepal, the kukri is not well suited to modern knife fighting.”
Page 58, The Complete Book of Knife Fighting. William L. Cassidy.
Kukris are still formidable weapons if you are not standing in Asia, actually. It is hard to see how having a weapon that can remove body-parts with ease rather than poking neat holes in someone can be seen as a disadvantage.
So what are the “modern knife fighting” techniques for which a kukri would be inferior?
I recently came across a quotation cautioning about the folly of taking refuge in absolutes, and this comes to mind when reading Cassidy’s book. Cassidy has a writing style common to many writers in gun magazines and similar publications. There is a lot of hard-held opinion, self-promotion and name dropping. Cassidy often makes claims that the grip or stance he recommends is the only correct way to do things. Cassidy bases his techniques on Biddle and Styers with deference to Applegate. Personally I always got the impression that many of Applegate’s criticisms of knife techniques were aimed at Biddle.
One of the more interesting parts of this section is the models in the photos are the famous custom knife-makers Bob Loveless and Ray Randal. It is interesting to see these two gentlemen together but the techniques we see them using are not as convincing as Cassidy’s claims for their veracity. One gets the impression of a skilful game of tag using knives. This section is an interesting mixture. The low feint section already mentioned definitely counts as unlikely and impractical. The Passata Sotto, Stocatta and In-quartata techniques are more practical if it is recognized they are counter-moves. Cassidy advises not to worry about aiming thrusts at particular targets since in the heat of action this may not be practical or likely. Another section talks about channelling rage or fear, which sounds good but is probably not practical.
The book also includes some sections on unarmed and improvised weapon defence against knives but this is mixed in quality. The notorious crossed arm block is shown and recommended while the caption of the actual photo admits the technique being shown is executed late and may be ineffective. The stick techniques are more practical. Donn F Draeger’s “Comprehensive Asian Fighting Arts” is recommended as a text for learning more about unarmed Eastern fighting techniques and mental discipline and control. It is a wonderful book I have spent many hours reading but have to say it is mainly a history book and you will not learn many actual practical techniques from that book.
I don’t regret buying this book. Many parts are interesting. Some are thought provoking, sometimes for the wrong reasons, however. It has its flaws. Whether you can claim to be a “foremost edged weapon expert” when you evidently know very little about kukris is debatable. Will the book make you “proficient in the science of knife-fighting” –probably not! While it has its good parts, other sections are flawed and will get you hurt.
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Phillosoph

Bathroom Safety.

Are you tired of always getting trapped in the bathroom by the psycho-killer?
Learn from Hanzo the Razor and install a bathroom weapons cabinet.
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Phillosoph

Thursday Afternoon

I spent yesterday afternoon at the Urology department of a London hospital, chasing up some suspected problems with my kidneys. Very busy but thanks to the staff things went very smoothly. I was actually surprised that no sooner had the doctor decided I should have a CT scan one was organised and they were ready for me by the time I had walked upstairs and down a corridor.
I also had an ultrasound, which was not without entertainment. At one point the technician became quite excited and had me viewing the images with her. Seems that the kidney stones I have been carrying around for years are now in a cyst. As I roll over or change position they get shaken up and settle again, which can be observed on the ultrasound scanner. It seems I am the ultrasonic equivalent of a snow-globe so I am glad I brightened up her very busy afternoon.

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Phillosoph

Ring Cutters

A good friend of mine suggested that I might be interested in reading a few novels by Andrew Vachss. The “Burke” series are about a private investigator who specializes in child abuse cases. The books are not the lightest of reading, as you may expect but they have provided insight into an area that most people would rather pretend did not exist, and evil always thrives in ignorance.
One of Vachss’ characters has what I think was described as a “weft cutter’s ring”. She displays this as a response to an inquiry as to whether she can defend herself. The name indicated that it was worn by weavers as a quick and handy way to cut thread. Curious I searched the internet for an image of such a ring, but was unable to find one. The other day, searching for something different I came across the following item. One of the companies that offers these is the “HandyTwine Knife Company” so I suspect these are intended for use by weavers, among others.

A number of designs are available and most appear to have covered or rounded points so these are not really practical weapons. They are, however, an interesting option to bear in mind if you are involved in gardening, handycrafts or any other job where your hands are occupied and frequently need to cut cordage or similar.

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Walking Canes.

Among my various files is a copy of HG Lang’s 1923 book on stick fighting. Not expecting anything particularly original from this I have only recently got around to looking at it, and it was to prove far more interesting than expected. According to the introduction Lang had got at least one Indian police force to adopt the walking cane as a weapon. He claims the cane has more reach and provides a better defence than a truncheon but is handier and faster than a lathi.
Lang does not give us any dimensions for the cane he uses, other than to tell us it is:
"An ordinary Malacca Can(e) or Ash Root Walking stick …The weight of the stick should be such as can be manipulated comfortably by the individual’s wrist. Sacrifice weight to speed always, for remember, that man is an easily vulnerable animal and has many soft spots"
The main method suggested for using the item is to grip it about six inches above the butt and strike with the head. To achieve this hold requires as change of grip from how a walking cane is usually held but this can easily be achieved. If the head is held in the left hand open the right hand and swing the butt up to meet the right palm. The stick is now held in both hands and can be used to parry, or either end used to thrust and strike. If the left hand is released the head can be used to strike as Lang instructs. If the right hand is released the butt end can be used to strike.

While on the topic of canes I will mention AC Cunningham’s 1913 book. What is interesting is Cunningham’s use of a low guard. In Medieval times the low guard was sometimes called the “Iron Gate” since it protected the lower body so well. It was also called the “Fool’s Guard” since it was deceptive. While the upper body appears vulnerable the weapon is in a good position for many defensive and counter offensive moves. This is a particularly good guard for a walking stick. Firstly, it is easily adopted from how a walking stick will normally be held. Secondly the low position makes it harder for an attacker to grab at the stick.

One of the advantages of the walking cane is that it is readily to hand. If you are attacked there is a good chance that you will not have time to draw a weapon before you have to defend against the first assault. You will only have your natural weapons and whatever is already in your hands to defend yourself. This is why the techniques in my book are important to know even if you wear a handgun all the time.
The Indian police who adopted Lang’s techniques doubtless found that having a stick always in hand ready for instant action was very useful. If older movies are to be believed police would often walk the beat nightstick in hand. The lead character in Joseph Wambaugh’s novel and movie the Blue Knight gets his nickname of “bumper” from a routine he does with his nightstick to amuse children. The FBI Baton manual I posted a link to recently recommends the short grip as suited to discretely keeping the weapon ready when interviewing a member of the public. The original Yawara Manual advises that the yawara stick can be kept in hand for the same reason. Modern cops seem to keep their batons on their belts, however, which must put them at a disadvantage in the first second or so of an unexpected assault.
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Phillosoph

Horseman's Hammers

The primary weapon of the Medieval knight was the lance. Swords were worn by most knights, and like the lance had symbolic significance. On a more practical level, a sword could be worn on the belt or mounted on the saddle and rapidly drawn, making them useful back-up weapons. For many knights the sword was not their first choice of melee weapon, however. Widespread use of armour often required something harder hitting. One such weapon was the war-hammer. Long handled hammers were used for foot combat both on the battlefield and in the tournament. The hammer was also well suited to mounted warfare, with the “horseman’s hammer” constituting a whole sub-class of weapon. Since it concentrates its force a hammer hits harder than a sword but can use a lighter head than an axe or mace. This allows the use of a longer haft, giving the horseman more reach. Many hammers were equipped with a backspike, beak or pick, increasing versatility. A blow with the point could penetrate armour, but did have the risk of the pick becoming stuck. A blow with the hammer poll had less risk of sticking but might still buckle the armour and damage the body beneath, or just knock the enemy from his saddle. Doubtless the pick/ backspike could be used to hook and pull an enemy on occasion.
According to arms historian Cameron Stone the war-hammer has been used by all nations that used armour, with the exception of the Japanese. He also observes it was a more popular weapon in the Western World, where armour tended to be heavier, than in the East. The American Indians also found the hammer to be a useful cavalry weapon. Since they rarely encountered plate armour their version mounted a rugby ball shaped stone at the top of a wooden shaft. While short-handled versions of this weapon exist handles of up to 30" long seem to indicate this was the equivalent of a horseman’s hammer
The Victorian cavalryman suffered a long succession of poor quality swords and I was interested to read one after-skirmish report where the observer commented that the troopers would have done more damage if they had been armed with stout sticks. Perhaps if someone had taken this to its logical conclusion the horseman’s hammer would have seen a renaissance!
Interestingly, while searching for images for this blog I came across this picture of a Hungarian Hussar that seems to indicate hammers were used much later than I suspected. Since most armies copied the Hungarian Hussars it is surprising the hammer did not see wider use in later centuries.

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Pummel

Looking through my video files I found a brief clip that included a few seconds of a Krav Maga instructor. He was showing a dummy knife to some students and commented:
“The knife can be used three ways. You can use this…” (he taps the tip)
“…or you can use this” (he runs the edge of the plastic blade across the sides of the neck of a nearby student).
“…or use this.” He taps the pommel of the dummy knife on the student’s temple. He seems to think for a moment and then adds:
“The last is probably the most deadly!”
As I have pointed out in my book, there may be times when hitting the enemy with the pommel of a weapon may be better than using the blade. The head, for example, is a hard target and may cause the blade to jam or break. A blunt strike to certain parts of the head may have a more immediate effect than a cut. Our verb "to pummel" is believed to originate from striking with a sword pommel.
One of the most important weapons I cover in the book is the kongo, which I suppose can be thought of as a knife handle without any blade. Do I expect you to carry a kongo or kubotan on your person? No, I don’t, but familiarity and practice with a kongo will develop your appreciation of many other common objects that can be used in the same way. If you park your car in a dark garage it is not unreasonable to have a small torch in hand to illuminate the dark areas. If you jog, then you may hold a water-bottle (see last blog). The other night in the pub my girlfriend produced a tube of mascara. I just closed my hand around it so the ends projected. She knew exactly what I was telling her (and she then went back to painting purple splotches on my arm…) Could she find that tube in her bag if attacked? Probably not, but she is wise enough to know to use something to hand if available and not regard its absence as a disadvantage.
This item, btw, is a foot massager sold by at least one well-known high street chain. They actually work very well on tired feet and are a reasonable thing to carry in a handbag if you are in heels for hours at a time. I brought one for my girlfriend soon after we met.