For many of us, firearms ownership is a hobby with many aspects. There are those that collect firearms for their physical beauty. Others dive into the historical side of things, loving the rich history associated with the development of firearms. Still others become enamored with the shooting sports, whether there-gun or competition events. For many, though, the first draw of learning to shoot was self protection. Yet simply learning the basics of trigger control and sight picture, while valuable, are not enough to protect yourself in a violent encounter. Learning the basics of grappling is critical.
Why Wrestling?
Since the dawn of mankind, humans have wrestled. Even up through the Middle Ages, grappling was taught as the primary means of unarmed combat for knights and men-at-arms. True, over the years various striking arts have been created, some ruthlessly effective for causing blunt trauma. And yet, the risk of punching may outweigh the benefits. There are numerous small bones in the hand which are easily fractured, even with the padding gloves provide. This injury is so common, it bears the nickname ‘boxer’s fracture’. In the ring, this is bad enough. In a life or death struggle, however, where levels of force may shift and change suddenly, risking a broken hand is unwise.
Additionally, self defense situations are often chaotic and at close range. If someone raises their fists to strike you, you can still attempt to create distance and flee. If someone manages to grab you, however, you need to know how to grapple and escape!
Fitness
As an added benefit, increasing your fitness is hugely beneficial to your shooting. If you’ve ever spent a few hours on the range, you know the isometric tension of holding a pistol extended can be exhausting. Spending a few hours a week on the mats, rolling around with other men and women trying to submit you will do wonders for your muscular endurance.
Anyone serious about self-protection needs to train with empty hands and also incorporate a fitness routine into their week. It does no good to be a marksman with a pistol, but so out of shape that an aggressive attacker will seize the upper hand before you have a chance to draw your weapon. And, as it turns out, health issues are far more likely than a violent attack.
Shifting Levels of Force
Depending on the circumstances, incidents of self defense can be ruthlessly short. They can also be fluid. If you are a civilian, you may neutralize an attacker and then retreat for authorities to arrive. If you serve in a military or police capacity, however, that may not be an option. Worse, if you are protecting someone who cannot flee, then you cannot flee, either. You may need to be able to deescalate from deadly force down to securing your assailant. Or, what began as a fistfight may escalate to a deadly encounter. Either way, having skills gives you options. When your life is on the line, options are not a bad thing, by any means.
