When Not to Smash Someone - A Lesson From My Karate Friends
In a US jail, if some calls you a “punk”, a “bitch” or gets in your face and is abusive, the convict code requires you to hit that person or else you get smashed by gang members of your own race. Unfortunately, this sets you up with a fist-clenching reaction for the rest of your life towards disrespectful loudmouths.
Last night, I went to London with ten people from my karate club (Guildford Seiki-Juku), nearly all black belts, two senseis (our teachers), one a 3rd Dan (third-degree black belt). Setting off to watch and support a local cage fighter, Nick “HeadHunter” Chapman, I wondered what would happen if muggers or drunks tried to accost my friends.
On the way home, three drunks started yelling at us. One kicked a can at us, and shouted in a loud and challenging way, almost obstructing our path across a bridge. Gripped by the prison reaction, I braced for a fight, but the black belts swerved around the drunks as if they didn’t exist, the flow of their conversation continuing as if nothing had happened.
I found such a mature response interesting in comparison to the jail experience.
Wise Karate friends!!
ReplyDeleteMicky
sound words just wish i could be that cool :))))
ReplyDeleteMick
This was just after we said goodbye to you guys, Mick.
ReplyDeleteIn the world outside of prison, this is what REAL men should always do! :)
ReplyDeleteN xx
The guy made me jump a bit when he shouted cause I was so close , but just turned and grinned at them :)))))
ReplyDeleteOsu
Steve
It did make me jump when he shouted and kicked whatever he kicked cause I was so close but I just turned and grinned at him. Osu.
ReplyDeleteSteve
One day young one (Mick ) you will be that cool :))))
ReplyDeleteSteve
I agree, coming back into society and losing this code of prison ethics was quite challenging, however after my psychiatrist saw that I had a hard time letting go of the idea of smashing someone when they disrespected me, he began just calling me punk all the time instead of by my name. after awhile it didnt affect me at all...besides i learned once you get passed on asshole theres another waiting around the corner
ReplyDeleteJared
Too true. When I was in high school I worked contruction and landscape. One of the temps that was with us for a few weeks was just out of prison. We were joking around about something and I called him a punk. Like I knew, but he went off the deep end. But apparently they didn't teach how to fight well in prison.
ReplyDeleteGary
lol....dont he know he cant mess with a seasoned owl wrestler
ReplyDeleteJared
tru dat!
ReplyDeleteGary
well done Guildford Seiki-Juku
ReplyDelete