Being legit

It is interesting that in this day and age there are still so many folks training in combative programs, or even worse - teaching them, who are still so narrow-sighted in view (hehe, put not intended, but I like it) of all the facets of self protection. Pretty much, most of my post here are also aimed at the physical performance aspect of the phenomenon, but even from the early days/years I talked about the neglected-yet-crucial dimensions that will rule the phases during and after the conflict event. On top of that, there has been mention of several other resources that dedicate a lot of attention to those topics, and with much more thorough approach. And still, it is stunning to all those who go at it with a gung-ho attitude, and later meet the consequences to the chagrin of their close ones or those like-minded.  

Well, at this point I'd like to point your attention to an excellent book that paints the picture in very vivid colors, with great attention to relevant legal aspects of one's actions during physical conflict, but without the legalese blizzard that will obscure the point. Marc MacYoung is a long time stalwart of the realistic approach to self-defense and was among the first to champion the cause of taking a holistic view of the problem. He joined forces with Jenna Meek to put together a brilliant book, aptly titled What You Don't Know Can Kill You.

The goal of the book is helping the interested parties avoiding ruin in the case of physical confrontation that involves use of force, whether it means ending up dead or alive but locked up. Now, I don't know if in some parts of the currently "civilized" (read, institution-governed) world the adage of "better to be tried by twelve than carried by six" was a solid rule of thumb sooner than more than 50 years ago, but nowadays it is certainly severely shallow, at best. 

The authors use a series of chapters filled with very plausible scenarios and real life cases to portray the various sides of the phenomenon at hand. They cover the gamut of potential issues that may/will arise out of the use of force in defense of self, thus shedding light on many corners of our training and preparation that have previously been either unclear or entirely unseen. 

That said, they are very honest in their treatment and do not offer ready made solutions to what are often complex, multi-layered problems. Although at first sight it may seem that getting involved into analysis of this sort may lead to lack of decisiveness, therefore slowing down reaction and undermining one's confidence, this needs not be the case. Namely, throughout the book the authors point out to how training and preparation may be updated, modified or adapted in order to develop better procedures, and consequently act with more confidence if the need presents itself. 

Yes, it will require that readers/trainees take an honest look at what they have been doing so far, apply the newly acquired criteria when evaluating what they see, then invest effort in improving their training further on, but ultimately - they (and their clients) will be glad they did.