In an unpredictable world, your primary weapon of self-defense is not a gun.
If you are concerned about the increase in violence and are considering purchasing a firearm for protection, consider the following. Although there are patterns that precede violent attacks, no attack is completely predictable. Attackers’ methods and strategies are always evolving. This growing unpredictability makes firearms, while effective as force equalizers, not always the best choice.
Not every situation requires deadly force. Sometimes, defensive force is enough to stop an attacker.
For example, imagine someone attempts to steal your bag in a parking lot. You respond with a firm voice, maintain your distance, and block the attacker’s advance with your counter-defensive techniques or restraints. The assailant, seeing your readiness and determination, flees without the situation escalating further. In this scenario, defensive force was effective and appropriate, and deadly force would have been excessive.
In another situation, suppose an agitated person gets into a heated argument at a public park and shoves you. Reacting with deadly force in this case could result in serious legal consequences, as the threat did not justify such a measure.
Instead, using defensive force to incapacitate the attacker or break contact – or call for help – would be a lawful and proportionate response.
Civilians who do not follow the continuum of force risk being charged with excessive force.
Your primary weapon is not your firearm. It is your brain.
Simply put, you must think before you act.
The use of force statute in North Carolina law clearly states:
14-51.3. Use of force in defense of person; relief from criminal or civil liability.
(a) A person is justified in using force, except deadly force, against another when and to the extent that the person reasonably believes that the conduct is necessary to defend himself or herself or another against the other’s imminent use of unlawful force.
Deciding how much force is necessary takes mental clarity and tools, especially during a violent attack. Training is crucial. You need not just mental, but also physical preparation.
Firearms alone do not make you a better fighter. Only training does that. If defensive force must be your first choice and you are not physically fit, you may not fare well. A firearm might win the fight, but only if you can access and use it legally.
However, that win may turn out to be a Pyrrhic victory. Mental readiness enables you to avoid conflict and make tactical retreats. These skills give you a defensive edge during and after an encounter. Being able to not only identify the threat but also individuals in close proximity must be done before and during an encounter.
Physical readiness can reduce your risk of injury and prevent situations from escalating into deadly force. It enables faster reactions, powerful strikes, and the ability to counter or flee without immediate fatigue.
When considering improvements to your personal protection plan, keep the main argument in mind: the most important element is not a weapon, but your ability to make reasoned choices through mental and physical training. Training is necessary, must be layered, and there is no single answer to personal safety.
In our Citizen-Oriented Protective Posture (COPP) series of training workshops, we aim to cover all the layers of real-world conflicts that the average citizen is more likely to face. These are not cookie-cutter classes, but workshops carefully designed around the students’ abilities and needs. We emphasize responses that are not only effective for physical disengagement but also prudent decisions.
Learn to use your most important weapon: your brain.
— Sheepdog Foundation Inc.
