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[knowswatcher]

I know some people like that too. They think they are experts on everything, when they are clueless.

I decided to think about them as if they had a low self confidence and their way of being confident was to pretend to be experts. This helped me to just listen to them when I had to without being rude and walking out of the room when they opened their mouth.

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[TheDragon]

I believe that by starting this thread, you're simply growling and trying to cause more drama. Nobody attacked you for what you were saying, we were simply disagreeing. Isn't it childish and ironic that you're flipping out, and calling others out on having different facts and opinions, when you're the one people are disagreeing with? I don't know what you do for a living, but in the professional world, this is how people communicate - someone has an idea, and others give their input and criticisms of it. Simple.

But if you really want to get down to it, what are your credentials for trying to teach self defense? Teaching martial arts is one thing, but being qualified to teach self defense is something else. The vast majority of martial artists and even combat professionals are not qualified to teach self defense. Out of the 19 instructors at my martial arts gym, only 3 are fully qualified to teach self defense, and another 2 with some experience in the matter. You said what you learned comes from "a variety of sources that are true, trained and hardened instructors and professionals." While this may be true (because let's be fair, the nickname of "McDojos" came up for a reason), are you one of these so called professionals?

The reason why I pick at this so much is because this is potentially life changing advice, and with self defense, giving the wrong advice will put someone's life in danger. It's nice and all that you're trying to post advice and help, but combat is not something you can be nice and idealistic about. It's a topic that goes far beyond let's sit down and share helpful ideas about it, because it might help someone one day. Good intentions don't mean crap in street survival.

As for my self-proclaimed inferiority - I have my black in TKD under WTF, blue in judo under the Kotokan, green in Kyokushin karate, 2 years experience with jiujitsu (nogi/unranked system), a year of muay thai, 5 years on and off of MMA, done two self defense courses under former IDF instructors, beginner in combat and knife combat under krav maga, casual training from military friends and have touched upon escrima. I've also been jumped 4 times before in the streets, once with a knife pulled on me which I use to have a scar from and use to get into brawls for the fun of it.

After all this, I'm still not remotely qualified to teach someone self defense. However, I can pretty confidently and knowledgeably tell you the flaws in certain combat and self defense theories, and do consider myself knowledgeable in the topic matter for an amateur hobbyist.

And regardless, we all have the right to disagree when we're being constructive about it. Chill out.

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Landskaperdan, I'm sorry this has happened. I know you meant well and were only trying to help. We all appreciate your efforts here. Thanks for all you do.

I think Dubblemonkey has it right: sometimes this seems like a "free for all", but
most of us know that isn't the way the majority here think.

Take care.

I did start this thread, just like the last one..... i should have just shut up and not said anything either time. just keep to myself and not say anything anymore. because, really, I'm not a counselor. not a psychologist or psychiatrist. what business do I have trying to help people on here when I am not qualified. that can just lead to more harm than good. Mental harm is as devastating as physical harm. what business do I really have anyways? I'm not a blackbelt in fighting nor am I a blackbelt in psychology so what the hell should I do? never say anything again? If I am going to agree that I should not give any advice in self defense, I must also agree that I should not give any advice in mental health either. bad advice in one is no more hurtful than bad advice in the other. So based on this, wtf? I should just dissapear?

I guess I owe you an apology for starting this thread, Dragon. I did call you out and it was not my place. You are right. I have no business giving advice.

[TheDragon]

It's hardly applicable to everything and you know it. You can throw a temper tantrum about it, but it's pretty obvious that you don't have to be a psychologist to have an opinion on moods. However, there are topics where professional expertise is required to give advice on. I don't like relationships, but sometimes I can still offer my views and opinions on it. However, I don't offer advice on handling firearms even though I know how to work pistols and rifles.

I disagree. I think you had a good point. bad advice can be dangerous in areas that people can be hurt. mental health is an EXTREMELY sensitive area and the fact that I am not properly trained in it can really hurt another person.

same thing with self defense.

you can say I am throwing a temper tantrum... but I'm reflecting.

[TheDragon]

I wasn't talking about mental health. No idea why you're bringing it up, but if you want to view it that way, go for it. It's not black and white. It's relative to the topic.

it applies to all areas where people can be hurt by untrained advice. You had a good point, why can't you see that?

[TheDragon]

You have issues with black and white thinking.

I have a lot of issues. that's why I am on here.

I have issues with severe depression
broken thought patterns
I am emotinally crippled a lot of the time
I have issues with hypomania
mixed episodes
I have issues with suicidal idealizations
I am an extremist
overly sensitive
I am Bipolar!

I know that I have issues. that's why I am on here in the first place. To try and find support and to do my best to help others.

I listen even when I am angry. I think what you said had a good bearing on a lot of things.

I think that I use black and white thinking as a defense mechanism a lot of times. You are prolly right, it is an issue. sometimes, i can't afford to think in terms of grey.

it's not about me. you were right in what you said. I was wrong. just let it go.