Yet Another Reason for Weapons Training

This one's going to be very simple...

For those of you that follow the news, how many times have you seen a story about a violent attack/mugging/robbery/etc., in which a criminal didn't use some sort of weapon? Almost never will you encounter an attacker that will only use empty-handed techniques that you see in traditional martial arts.

With that said, I would encourage everyone to not only train with weapons, but work on defending/avoiding weapons attacks as well. Not only that, but don't limit yourself to the traditional weapons such as the bo, kama, and sai--prison inmates prove daily how effective improvised weapons made from everything items can be, just ask any corrections officer.

Let The Punishment Fit The Crime

Granted in a real-life self-defense you don't really have time to think about what you're doing, you still have to use that most important weapon: the brain. Especially in today's society where people sue first and ask questions later, and you're just as likely to be arrested for defending yourself as the guy who just tried to rob you, you have to be conscious about how you choose to defend yourself. The simple maxim I use is that the punishment should fit the crime. Just like a judge or jury would give a first-time car thief life in prison (this is of course assuming stealing the car was all that he did!), you shouldn't rake someone's eyes out and cause potentially permanent damage when they're just drunk and simply being a little extra flirtatious. By all means, if your life is truly in danger, then do whatever it is you have to do to survive, but be prepared to justify your actions afterwards.