www.comptonselfdefenseschool.com

Tragically, in the summer of 2007, four college students were shot execution style. Self defense against a gun is extremely difficult even for black belts. In this case, many major mistakes were made which led to these killings. Mistakes that never should have happened, but which we can learn from.       The students’ first mistake was listening to music in the parking lot of a notoriously rough,   dangerous neighborhood.  One which was known for shootings and rampant murders. Perhaps they felt safe since they were a group of four. Yes, there is safety in numbers, but not if the people you meet are known to have guns and you don’t. I’m not advocating guns, I’m telling you don’t go where there are armed dangerous people. Common sense self defense is to stay away from areas where guns are used for murder.  Be aware of where you travel, who you meet, the dangers you encounter, and just don’t be there.      Their second mistake was not trusting their instincts and acting upon them. A great line of self defense is to listen to and act upon your instincts. In this case, a group of men approached them which made them nervous and think they should leave. They texted each other about leaving but they did not leave. They wasted time texting about leaving instead of running away. The instant you recognize danger, your instincts are screaming at you, then it’s time to leave right away. It is not a time for texting. You also need to have a code word, phrase, or just yell leave and everyone reacts as one and leaves. Get out of there and you can ask why later.  No matter who in your group sounds the alarm, LEAVE. You don’t have to be a black belt with years of martial arts training to know it’s time to go.       The final fatal mistake they made was to listen, trust, and cooperate with the bad guys. It’s not known how many guns were involved, but there was at least one. Undoubtedly the students surrendered and cooperated because of a gun. As soon as they did that, they were totally at the mercy of their captors. Free will and escape was no longer an option. Although, four uncooperative people instantly attacking the attackers, scattering in four different directions, and running away would have gave them a chance for self defense. More might have lived.       One woman was shot outright and the other three students were willingly led into an alley,  lined up against a wall, forced to kneel down, and were shot in the head. They listened to their killers, cooperated, and were slaughtered like sheep. The actor Steven Segall with his years of martial arts might have had a chance, but these students threw away their chances for self defense. 

     The lady was the sole survivor of the shootings. From this tragedy, we can learn the following lessons: 1) Don’t “hang out” in known dangerous areas. 2) “Hanging out in a group” is not safe when known murderers in the area carry guns and use them. Most martial arts don’t work well against guns. If black belts can’t pull it off, what hopes do most people have for effective self defense? 3) Act instantly to get out of ANY area when your instincts are screaming at you. 4) Have an agreed upon keyword, phrase, and plan to run when someone yells it. 5) Instantly attack individually, as a group, plan to scatter, have a place to meet/regroup, and as soon as someone is safe dial 911 to get help on the way. Keep fighting and buy yourself time to survive until help arrives. 6) Don’t ever listen or cooperate with your attacker. As soon as you cooperate, you surrender, and throw out all your options. Then you’re as good as dead.

Don’t be a victim, trust your instincts.

Stay safe out there.

Instructor Scott

www.ComptonSelfDefenseSchool.com