Hidden Weapon

A PUBLIC-SPIRITED passer-by foiled an attempted theft at China Square Central on Thursday when he rushed to the aid of the victim who cried out for help.

The 40-year-old woman was preparing to open her push-cart stall for business at about 11.15am when she was alerted by a staff from a neighbouring push-cart that a man had stolen her handbag.

When the victim turned around, she caught sight of a man running away. She immediately shouted: 'Robbery!' and asked passers-by to stop the man. Her cries attracted the attention of 25-year-old Romeo Alfen Bin Abdul Wahid who works as a manager at a nearby cafe.

Mr Romeo chased the suspect and caught him. As he was trying to subdue the thief, the suspect took out a screwdriver and stabbed Mr Romeo's stomach but missed. A scuffle ensued but Mr Romeo managed to pin the suspect onto the floor with the help of other passers-by.

Mr Romeo, who is also a police national serviceman, suffered a superficial scratch on his neck. Police arrived shortly afterwards and arrested the 52-year-old suspect. The victim's handbag was recovered with its contents intact.

The unemployed suspect, who is believed to be responsible for other theft cases as well, will be charged in court on Friday for theft. If found guilty, he could face a jail term of up to three years or a fine, or both.
http://www.straitstimes.com/Breaking%2BNews/Singapore/Story/STIStory_442535.html

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Points to take note:

1. Execute a take down and finish the fight immediately! - IF you feel a scuffle coming on, immediately create a safe distance, a weapon may appear.

a. Most likely it is a tackle from behind. Down the thief.

b. Smash his head onto the floor, to disorientate him.

c. Get hold of an arm, twist it, stand up and place your foot at his shoulder blade or anywhere to pin him down.

d. If you lose balance, just break his arm.

2. Do NOT mount him.

3. Do NOT go for the clinch from the front.

4. Do NOT allow him to go into a fight stance.

Result of a knife fight - not worth it.

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I read with interest an article in a Australian magazine denouncing the learning of reality based self defense techniques. The main reason was that lethal force used during a confrontation could lead to legal and possible criminal proceedings against the victim.

In a way, I do agree with him. But in many ways, it is ridiculous to think that learning a reality based self defense system will do more harm than good.

His issues are:

1. Stomping on the head of an attacker.
I believe this is based on "normal" TKD or Karate training where you do NOT do a follow up when your opponent is down.

I don't understand WHY I should use courtesy when someone points a gun or knife at me. Following up with a stomp on the head is better than getting shot or knifed.

I do NOT know the "scientific" data on strength between a stomp and a karate kick to the head. Both delivers a knockout blow. Watch this:



2. Lethal force

You have a gun and knife pointing at you!! What the ....

3. Lack of control of strength

Well, if you are a big dude, it is very very unlikely you will be picked on to be mugged.

Most victims are picked on because of their size and an appearance of "easy picking".

So, due to your size disadvantage, it is BETTER to go full out, because you DO NOT know how strong the other guy is.

Lack of strength control is rubbish because most KM gyms will have "light" sparring and we DO NOT want to hurt our friends. Yes, the unintentional punches and kicks do land but it is never a knock out because we DO EXERCISE CONTROL!

Well, to all reality based self defense system practitioners, I encourage you to ignore such rubbish thinking and continue to arm yourself with knowledge that could save your life in the street!