Guns, Mace, and Haters: Everyone has an opinion, informed or not.

I’ve been training in the martial arts continuously for 35 years, teaching for 30. Yet, those who have never stepped into a gi or on a dojo floor or practiced self-defense in its practical applications over decades seem to want to diminish, dismiss, or denigrate those who do have training. Why—hubris, ego, bullying? Who knows.

What I do know is that it’s consistent, whether it’s me or a world champion who has nearly a foot on me and over a decade more teaching. Haters gonna hate. No getting around it.

Is their smug advice to “get a gun” or “carry bear spray” founded in real-world self-defense? Maybe. Maybe not. Like most truisms in life, it depends on the person and the circumstances at the time.

Let’s face it, those being attacked don’t pick the time, the place, or the mode of attack an aggressor uses. They are most often surprised, panicked, and fearful. Adrenaline is pumping, and the fight or flight response quickens their hearts to the point that it becomes difficult to breathe.

But sure, everyone in this position—especially if they’re running or powerwalking or riding their bikes on a county park trail—has their handgun or bear spray in their hands or at the ready. They know if the safety is on or off. They can discern in the fraction of a second they have to respond which way the wind is blowing so they don’t mace themselves instead of their attacker. And they are all practiced, excellent shots at moving targets. Yep. I’m sure that happens—just not with any regularity.

I trained with a woman of very small stature for 34 years who in her 70’s fought off an attacker by throwing nothing but non-stop elbows. She scared the shit out of him—or shocked him—either way, he fled. She did more than survive it, she’s thriving.

Simple things you don’t have to search for or ensure are working properly are the things that may make the difference in walking away, or getting beaten while you reach into your bag hoping to find your weapon before you’re damaged.

Those first few seconds matter.

Use them wisely.

Do the simple things you train yourself to do and don’t stop attacking until they are down or they flee.  

Write down or record everything you can remember about the attack, make sure you get DNA under your fingernails, or on your clothing (blood from breaking his nose for example), document all you can in those moments after you are safely away. Then report the incident to the police. Keep your own record of events as they happened as evidence. If the perpetrator is found and criminally prosecuted you may have additional legal recourse through a civil suit for damages (for assault, battery, or other torts).

You need to do all you can to save yourself and be the best legal advocate as well—both in criminal and civil court where possible.

I’ve read the criticism that a 5’2” woman has no chance against a man physically. What then? Lay down and die if you can’t get your Glock or your pepper spray out in time. What nonsense. The “false sense of security” comes from thinking an inanimate object will work flawlessly and magically save you. Rely on yourself first. Your weapons second.

Anticipating the hate comments coming, let me say this: I shot my first gun when I was 12 years old. It was a black powder Kentucky rifle that I had to lay on my stomach to shoot while my dad held the barrel. My dad made guns. That one was 6ft long. I loved it. I’ve been shooting ever since. Trap. Targets. No human beings. I understand the limitations of weapons in general and firearms in particular. Most people are terrible shots—especially in high-stress, chaotic situations. Most people are not Special Forces trained. Most people are not John Wick.

I am not a gun-hating peacenik. I favor peace, walking away when you can, running when walking won’t get you there. If you can’t walk or run away and you have to fight, your best, most reliable weapon will always be yourself. Doubt me? I got that piece of wisdom from the Marine Recon sniper who taught me how to fish and hunt. Yes, in that order. The fishing came first—still does.  He gave me my first fixed-blade as well—I still strap it on at Highland Games, the rare occasion I open-carry anything.

Learn self-defense. It takes time. It takes effort. It’s not a simple fix based on false security like buying a handgun you don’t train weekly with under stress conditions.

Learning and diligently practicing self-defense may be the single best gift you’ll ever give yourself.

Sensei Morganne L. MacDonald