nothing to be proud of, but first kilted scuffle

[hospitaller]

Mike et al,

tell me about it, as I told earlier a new friend, I guess we all know that our choice of wearing a kilt in a world of pants will attract attention, both positive and negative.

We are always aware of the positives because well, how can we not notice the smiles, the comments, the lassies coming to talk to us, etc.

The negatives are also there, even though 90% of the time we don't notice because well, they are made in secret, or hush-hush, or after we leave. So no biggy.

The other 10% of negatives are the ones we notice, and out of those, almost all are done in jest, or as ribbing, or simply to show off in front of friends, etc.

But realistically, once in a while we'll all experience that one genuinely 100% mean spirited comment/offense.

That kind people will always exist, and they will attack us whether we wear a kilt or pants, whether we are walking in the park or coming out of a bar or a restaurant late at night.

I just happened to cross paths with the local guy. New Albany has a very nice 'mansion row' which is basically a Main Street Historical House Association, and my block is the last block of said mansion row. You know, turn of the 20th Century houses.

OTOH, past my block, it goes from 'historical' to plain old/run down. So, the local fauna is not the best to have as neighbors when you live in the 'ritzy' block.

And yes, I am aware that if there is a next time, the guy will probably either have more buddies or maybe even bring hardware to the equation, who knows.

I am, however, not going to let that possibility dictate what I wear, or where I do my shopping. I will go to the Police station tomorrow and talk to one of the detectives (an acquaintance of mine) about the situation and as far as I know, they may already be familiar with this guy.

Homestead and Cassidy,

absolutely, in a past life, I used to be a black belt in Kenpo Karate, and then in the Air Force I moved up to a brown belt in Tae Kwon Do so I am familiar with traditional Martial Arts.
Problem is, in real world situations, there is no time for katas, or positions or 'best case scenario' combat setups.

That's why I chose Krav Maga. It was created as a result of real world situations, geared exclusively for what it is, self defense/multiple attackers/'you started it and I'll finish it'.

I've always been a believer in live and let live, so I do not bother/mess with anyone, so I expect you NOT to bother me/mess with me in return.
So when/if someone decides to bother me/mess with me (physically) it is only fair that I make sure they don't do it again.

Cassidy, I'm taking KM at CORE here in Louisville, im lucky in that they are about 2 miles from my office so I can go there during lunch and right after work.

And next time you're close to Louisville, KY send me a PM and I'll buy you a Guinness for your friendly offer.

[drobin]

DISCLAIMER: I practice krav maga.

That guy was lucky, and probably has no clue what could have happened to him. Krav maga isn't a 'soft' style. Heres hoping everything works out well.

[LANCER1562]

Gentlemen;
I'm not a lawyer or even a law student, however, I have recieved formal instruction from an acredited police acadamy and my training dictates that when a person touches you in an unwarrented fashion it's concidered an attack and self defence is justified.
My instructors drumed into us "USE ONLY THAT AMOUNT OF FORCE NECESSARY TO CONTROL THE SITUATION". Which it sounds like Hector did. Also, Hector recognised one of his antagonist from a previous encounter at that same pharmacy and this time he brought a friend. Probably the only he'd have a full set of b***s. Certainly not a whole brain between them.
I also agree that a police report should be on file just in case.
Hector, as we say in my profession, watch your six (your back). Preditors often travel in packs.

[hospitaller]

Gilmore,

I REALLY do not want to turn this thread into legalese or a debate on who went to law school or not, please.

At least in the State I live in, any physical contact that is intentional, coming from a stranger and that can be perceived as menacing consitutes battery, and as such we're allowed to defend ourselves using reasonable force.

The guy was lucky he was only tugging my sporran strap, because had he tried to actually grab me or hold me, then instead of simply being pushed to the ground he'd eaten a salad of elbows, knees and THEN the ground.

Shoving a known bully to the ground, specially after he initiated physical contact in a way that was obviously menacing is, and always will be in my book, self defense.

I'd equate it to a man grabbing a woman's purse and then the woman slaps or punches the guy to let her go. Anybody knows that is self defense.

So, me shoving the dumbarse to the ground for him to let go of me is, well, self defense and more than justified.

Demolay,

thanks for the advice and yes, I'm on the lookout now for this guy and his buddy. I've phones the detective I know about the incident and this guy (I know where he lives from my first encounter with him).
Turns out he is known by the local cops, so far he hasnt done anything major, no arrests, but he has been cited and ticketed before for noise violations, public nuissance and other minor offenses like that.
So I guess the checkout girl was right, he's just the local 'tough guy' so I dont expect him to graduate from local bully to a fellon.
By the way, he also confirmed that my reaction was more than justified and appropriate.

Moderators,

as I feel the conversation has been good and in order to avoid deviations, could you close this thread? Thanks!

slainte!

[Panache]

Thread closed per Hector's request.

Cheers

Jamie