Expert: Marc MacYoung Date: 6/22/2008 Subject: Suggestions for Training...
Question Marc,
I am another expert here on all experts. My specialization is personal
defense using firearms. I am a CCW instructor in Arizona and also do quite a
bit of advanced training focusing on the defensive handgun. Please
understand that I am a 'multi-tool' kind of guy and spend a fair amount of
time talking about alternatives to lethal force. I am a big believer in 'get as
far away as you can and be a good witness' with respect to lethal force
situations.
I have done some training with a program called 'Talon/Shield' at Gunsite
which teaches some basic hand to hand defense. I have also read several of
your books, most recently about how professionals end violence quickly. I
would like very much to add these skills to my personal 'quiver'. I live in the
Phoenix area and would greatly appreciate any specific or general
suggestions that you might offer as to the type of training I should pursue.
From time to time I am in the Castle Rock area on business (my boss lives
there...) Next time I am in town, I hope to be able to engage you for a lesson
or at the very least take you out to lunch and pick your brain. You have a lot
to teach and are very adept at communicating it on a level that lets people
understand.
Best regards,
Doug Little
Answer Actually, I'd recommend looking into grappling for starters. I often tell people that grappling works right out of the box for a specific range of situations. I refer to them as "Drunken Uncle Albert" situations. As in drunken Uncle Albert gets out of line at a family reunion, you can't use lethal force or your deadly kung fu killer commando fighting style. As much as you want to beat the hell out of him, you can't. Therefore grappling and submission tactics is EXACTLY what you need.
People mistakenly believe that all violence involves breaking things and mauling people. The simple fact is there's more of a chance of the average person having to deal with DUA or a teenage temper tantrum than face a crack head with a knife.
As such you do need to have a wide variety of force options. You can play with grappling as long as you don't buy into the fantasy that it is the ultimate street fighting system. You have the shooting part down, but it's just as important to have resources when you can't blow someone's brains into a fine pink mist, but they're offering you a threat.
As for being in Castle Rock, I'm easy to find 303 814-0976 after 10am. Next time you're coming to town, if nothing else we can do some BBQ.
