Rule #1 - Know your environment.

One of the most basic self defense concepts. Awareness thereof will allow you to assess the severity of a given situation. You may be able to avoid getting trapped, find improvised weapons, keep tabs on possible opponents.

Always a good idea to stay aware.


So. I'm at work, unloading an order of auto parts to put them away for stock. Part of the order is in a large metal cage. I grab about 4 cases of motor oil, pick them up, and turn to go put them away.

As I turn, I adjust the cases I am carrying in my arms. I lean back a little to put the weight onto my chest and *BAM* hit my head on the (sharp) edge of the cage.

This causes my head to shoot forward, face first into the edge of the top case of oil I was carrying.

So, in the space of less than 2 seconds from not paying attention to my environment, I now have:


1) cut on back of my head

2) cut under my lip


My boss (good friend, aware of my MA training), very graciously asks me if I am OK. The long string of epithets from me confirms my general condition.

He promptly tallies the score for me:

Cage - 2 , Me - 0


I make it home that night, decide to pay the phone bill. Everything good, check signed, envelope stamped.

I lick the envelope sealed, certain of my mastery of this menial task, which I have performed since time immemorial.

Somehow, I paper cut the edge of my lip quite painfully.

Another long, loud string of epithets.

Fine. This day is shot, I am going to bed.

As I am sleeping (very....um, vivid dream, apparently), our young kitten decides to playfully pounce. Right where it counts.

So.

Know your environment....or suffer the consequences!!



[This message has been edited by MattJ (edited 03-18-2005).]

Matt,
Cage fighting? Wow you really are a literal kind of guy.

oldman

Matt, as a general rule I try not to laugh at the misfortune of others but today I will make an exception [IMG]http://www.fightingarts.com/forums/ubb/biggrin.gif[/IMG]

In any case, sound advice!

Page

Matt, you need vacation.

Might I suggest a nice, soft padded room?

Joel

I have a rule of never laughing at other people's misfortune, EXCEPT when the said misfortune is funny [IMG]http://www.fightingarts.com/forums/ubb/biggrin.gif[/IMG].
I will thus join Budoc in the laughing: [IMG]http://www.fightingarts.com/forums/ubb/biggrin.gif[/IMG].

PS: I have myself thousands of similar stories, even if they have tended to get a bit scarcer since I've started studying martial arts. Not clumsiness, just a huge lack of awareness. It seems martial training's not completely useless, after all...

Sounds like some of my days.
On the talk forum I mentioned having a broken nose and two black eyes from an accident.
I was squirrel hunting with my brother-in-law when he decided to push a dead tree over.
I wasn't looking,all I heard was LOOKOUT! and WHAM! Knowing him,I should have been paying attention to his every move.
Try explaining that one.
note to self: don't hang out with idiots-even if you're related.

Don't be to hard on yourself Sanchin! I too have brother in law and know that their stupidity can be contagious!

Page

Matt,

Glad you are not seriously hurt and sorry (ish) that I found it so funny [IMG]http://www.fightingarts.com/forums/ubb/biggrin.gif[/IMG]
Sharon

MattJ.

Pushing the 'envelope' a bit too far? [IMG]http://www.fightingarts.com/forums/ubb/biggrin.gif[/IMG]

Don't feel so bad. Fighting multiple opponents is tricky. I think the cage and the oil were working together. You are lucky that they didnt call in a conveniently placed mop bucket to sweep your legs for a takedown.

Still, you are the master. Oil still fears you and cages quake at your very approach.