Self-defense is power fantasy. Change my mind

Self defense is power fantasy, and the Self-Defense industry is the fear mongering business. Change my mind.
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Ramsey Dewey is an MMA coach, referee, and fight commentator, and occasional musician based in Shanghai, China.
Thanks to my channel sponsor:
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This video features original music by Ramsey Dewey
Follow me on Instagram at: / ramseydewey

[@kramepilef]

Martial arts training did protect my daughter and I once. While walking out of a restaurant on a winter’s day carrying my then 2-year-old daughter, I slipped on a patch of ice. Thanks to learning proper break-falls, neither my daughter and I were injured. That’s the only time I’ve used my martial arts skills in “da streetz.”

[@blockmasterscott]

I used to do construction work, and more than once Tai Chi walking saved me from learning to lower my center of gravity and sinking into the ground when sometimes I tripped over debris.

[@donnydonkey9708]

Yeah break falls have saved my life before

[@andreartigas8308]

Twice learning to fall saved my skull.

[@MrYago-xd7um]

Breaking a fall is the most underused skill in life, besides common sense.

[@dorkangel1076]

Being able to do a forward roll helped me twice when I fell off my bike.

[@ericdale4641]

I can't tell you how disappointed I am that I have made it this far in life and have never had to deal with ninjas jumping from the shadows.

[@gabrielgabriel5177]

And even would face them your combat sport skills are not helping you a lot

[@cahallo5964]

I know right??

[@robstewart8210]

Yeah really. We get so programmed from watching movies our whole lives. I know that happened to me. They showed king fu theatre on tv every day when I was six.

[@OfficialBeeswax]

To be fair, regular martial arts training is one of the best ways to prevent death by stroke or heart attack.

[@TITANia69420]

Genius

[@cheeks7050]

I Love this point.

[@brotherjew1]

Defend yourself from being attacked. By your own heart. You don’t want your heart to attack and kill you

[@jasperion8655]

fr tho I hate the excuse people make about "dying anyway" despite exercising and eating healthy. Regular exercise is literally the best way to avoid paying thousands for medical bills and for people to enjoy life longer.

[@katarinatibai8396]

@@jasperion8655 💯👍

[@PicaPauDiablo1]

I was out with a pretty famous Muay Thai Athlete in Miami. He isn't a huge guy but you can tell clearly he's tough. A few people recognized him and he was getting attention. Two drunk guys who were much better started making comments and just being jerks. One of them came up after about 30 mins saying "I played football at Univ of Miami, i'd take you down and kick your ass in 15 seconds" His reaction was totally natural, "You want to fight" tthe guy snickered and said "Let's go" and he said "For free? No, not interested, if you really want to get 1000 dollars and we can do it, I don't fight for free". The guy imagined a scenario probably a lot but never once expected a response like this and you could tell he was confused. Definitely a surprising perspective.

[@piotrd.4850]

First principle of victory: surprise.

[@williampowell3378]

I like

[@Freqv]

Did he tell him to bring $1000 or bet $1000?

[@PicaPauDiablo1]

@@Freqv he speaks very broken English but he meant bet it.

[@Jenjak]

I used to be confused about self defense, martial arts and combat sports. And one day I just decided to be driven by love and enjoyment rather than worry and fear.

[@robstewart8210]

What kind of MA did you take if any? Just asking out of curiosity cause I feel the same way. Do you read the Bible?

[@Jenjak]

@@robstewart8210 I practice taiji quan and Muaythai. I'm an agnostic, I read some bits and pieces of different religions and philosophies but I don't follow any cult.

[@robstewart8210]

@@Jenjak Do you go to a Taichi school or practice on your own? Do you go to a muy tai gym? Not asking to scrutinize, just curiosity. Thx for getting back to me.

[@itzbebop]

I train martial arts for the sole reason of understand what Coach Ramsey talks about in his videos. Nothing else.

[@RamseyDewey]

Outstanding!

[@leusmaximusx]

Train for fights to survive , not just martial arts. Different situations.

[@Enforcer2811]

@@leusmaximusx survive what exactly? Did you even watch the video?

[@night_traffic]

​@@Enforcer2811 survive being killed if that situation occurs. Nothing wrong with that

[@Angelgrinder1]

"Spend 5 bucks on a good pepper spray, not 200 a week for a crappy self defense course." - Mr Miyagi.

[@vincentlee7359]

Or just...mix bleach and vinegar. Like...that also works

[@eldudemp6195]

Best quote from Karate Kid 5

[@saparapatepete]

if the neighbourhood is bad, having pepper spray is rad!

[@notusingmyname4791]

@@eldudemp6195 there was a karate kid 5?????

[@dariodicarlo8745]

Or spend 500 bucks on a gun lol 😂

[@plotoyadnaya_rossiyanka]

Well, as a woman, I’m not actually afraid of some “thugs” or “bad guys” getting in fight with me or whatever, in that case it would be much more sane to run away, talk it out, scream for help or give them your belongings. But I was sexually assaulted and almost killed by the people I trusted, and honestly, this happens to women too often to not be afraid of it. I’m not hoping to become an ass-whooping gigachad hero who can destroy all the enemies by looking at them, I’m just hoping to someday be able to slip away from potential r//pist’s grip or neutralize him even for a couple of seconds, which would give me enough time to save myself. But yeah, I totally understand what you’re talking about. I have a young and honestly quite childish female friend who is paying insane money to get bulked and to learn karate in hopes that she’ll be able to beat the crap out of literally anyone who will attack her on streets. I tried to convince her that it probably wouldn’t help her in real life even if she was a man, and that not acting like an arrogant and aggressive ass (which she does) would be 100 times more effective in keeping her out of trouble, but it’s impossible. She just wants to live in a reality where she’s a badass superhero and everyone is afraid of her and her strength. Going to a therapy session would be so much cheaper, but alas…

[@RamseyDewey]

I’m so sorry that happened to you. What you described is probably the most common assault scenario (unfortunately) that women face, and the least addressed by the self defense industry: not the random strangers jumping out of the shadows, but people you know and trust who take advantage of that trust. As far as combative techniques to escape or neutralize someone trying to hold you, pin you down, and control you, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is the martial art that addresses those situations best. But at the same time, it’s easy to fall into the mind trap your friend has that if you just get strong and skilled enough then you’re golden, when it’s a much more nuanced conversation to be had.

[@paddyr1568]

I encouraged my daughter to train Bjj primarily for self defence, particularly from a sexual assault, which sadly is a really common thing for young women. However, I have always told her to only keep going if she’s having fun. She’s 15 now and has been doing it for 3 years and loves it. Obviously it doesn’t make her invincible, but it certainly gives her an edge she wouldn’t have if she didn’t train.

[@tAtarit0]

I make my 2 daughters to do martial arts too... a female friend that trains with me have this story about a fellow university partner, that wasnt gonna rape her but was a bit anoying and dense, one day grabed her from behind in a supicious way and she panicked and... well... she broke his nose before she could find out it was her friend and not someone trynna grope her... He stoped talking to her but we all say he deserves it for being an asshole... so the training works, to get out of some semi grapling and break someones nose... it makes me feel safer about my 2 daughters training our style

[@michaelmangan7963]

I think that’s awesome for your daughter, but can I share an experience without you being offended? I brought my very fit wife to my jiu jitsu class last week. My coach taught her the rear naked choke, which she tried to do on me. Even though I was not defending against it, she still couldn’t apply enough pressure to get me to tap or pass out. I told her to squeeze the “f” out of me. She still couldn’t do it. I just add this from something else Ramsey has said recently - size and strength matter. It matters a lot.

[@user-rc8br5sw6j]

@@michaelmangan7963 I get more confused by watching youtube. The argument seems to go if you are heavier and stronger you need less technique. So presumaby after several months she might be able to improve her chances if not of the rear naked choke of some technique that works. But extra weight counts for a lot in martial arts hence weight categories in most comps, fitness, flexibility and athletic ability will help but they have their limits in all but the rarest of cases. Maybe she would improve over the months but there is a limit to what a trained woman can do against a larger man I guess. If there were no point to martial arts training maybe that's something to be argued. Or it has a limited use because most people won't train daily for a number of years. And if you do you get better at stuff. Maybe that's as much that can be said. I don't think there is any technique that can be taught in one session that could be relied upon though. I dunno. BJJ is supposed to be the best one to go for. Though boxing is also supposed to be good if you put six months of solid training into it at least 3x per week

[@pablotirado3993]

Awesome video, I started training in BJJ about 5 years ago for “self defense” and eventually came the same conclusion that the fear of getting attacked might not be the best reason to train. I continue training because I enjoy rolling, is a physical activity that I actually like doing, it teaches you humility and the value of hard work to get good at something. All those reasons above are more important to me than “self defense “.

[@studytime3461]

If you live in an area with alot of addicts and other traumatized people, you must be dangerous enough to stay safe, even if the average threat is very unskilled. Being skilled allows me to hug a homeless person without being too scared to acknowledge them. Fear leads to inhumanity.

[@aidanhughes2444]

I don’t know Ramsey, martial arts is saving my life right now… makes me happy, and feel better, makes me push myself further and be more comfortable with stressful situations… so is almost certainly helping with all those big killers you mentioned

[@gabrielgabriel5177]

🤣🤣😅😅🤚 if those killers just are not some street dudes but your own fears and thoughts it ok i think

[@mylesmwalkerjr]

Thanks you for calling out the people who think that self defense makes them heroes that can save strangers like a power ranger

[@leusmaximusx]

there are really trained figher guys who defended others, a wink to Bouncers out there.

[@user-sc9ud8wh3t]

@@leusmaximusx yeah, but they understand the risk and get paid for it (also bouncers mainly try to prevent bad situations). And personal bodyguards are mainly there to help you avoid unwanted contact, but not to save your life. If somebody wants to kill you - bodyguards cant stop him. Dont make enemies.

[@blockmasterscott]

0:37 to 1:20 is so true. When I was a very young man I was really into physical training and full contact fighting, and I thought I was good, until I my lone co worker on the graveyard shift at a factory, an old Vietnamese man named Sang, called me out on it, and said I knew nothing about fighting. Well, my stupid self thought I was good and took him up on his offer to hit him. It was like something out of a chop sockey movie. He moved around me no matter what I did, and kept poking me with his finger, my god it hurt. I was in my mid twenties, 3 years out of the Marine Corps, fighting full contact, in the best shape of my life, and I could not touch this old man. He told me I was limiting myself to rules, and I knew nothing. The next two years on the graveyard shift, he taught me meditation, how to step around opponents, all sorts of bone breaking grabs, fighting with a wet towel, pencil, staff, and small sticks. He kicked my ass so many times and left so many welts on me those 2 years. He constantly told me this was the real deal, no rules or time limits, only making sure that I'm the only one standing up. The most important thing he taught me though was how blow off wanna be tough guys. I remember once this guy came to work in the morning(remember, we worked graveyard) and yelled at him for parking in his parking space. He didn't even get mad, he just said sorry, and promised never to do it again. Being young and stupid, I was stunned lol. Ove the next 30 years I met and fought(and lost) against masters in Karate, Tae Kwon Do, Tai Chi, boxing, MMA, Chinese Martial Arts and so on, learned so much from masters in each field. But nothing will compare to my first true master, an old factory worker named Sang that mastered the Tiger style on old style Kung Fu in the jungles of SE Asia somewhere. Thank you Sang, you made me a much better man. Edited because I'm the worst typist the world has ever seen.....

[@Dayumshawty]

man would you teach someone all of these thing that your sensei teached you for money? im willing to pay for it if you agree

[@leusmaximusx]

We believe you Bro, there are truly masters of fight existing out there, sometimes they are in animal form, sometimes nature's element , everywhere, and in every human experiences if we only care to observe and take time to synthesize to our body. yeah i hope you also teach it to someone kind and strong like your Master Sang did to you, and help protect the weak from oppression.

[@gabrielgabriel5177]

What? Are you speaking for real or is this a joke? I mean this sounds like a kung fu movie plot.

[@Lk-be4gj]

@@gabrielgabriel5177 i know right🤣

[@JuicyLeek]

⁠@@gabrielgabriel5177 I think it’s fake, his story doesn’t include mastery of ultimate techniques that would destroy the city if he unleashed his chi powers.

[@ajshiro3957]

Mr. Miyagi said it best. "No be there."

[@swordsmen8856]

Before I started my martial arts journey I wanted to understand the Idea of self defense. I read books like facing violence by Rory miller and the gift of fear by Gavin debecker and when violence is the answer by Tim larken. And while reading these books one story changed my whole view of martial arts. There was this bouncer who after last call saw this small scrawny guy at the bar. This guy was an experienced martial artist and quite large and after so many times of telling him to leave he got in his face and basically said " if you don't get lost you and me are gonna have a problem." The small guy took a knife from his pocket and stuck it into the bouncers neck. Then while the bouncer was bleeding small guy walks right out of the bar. I realized then that martial arts does not make you insensible and all the people in these books stressed "DO NOT GO LOOKING FOR A FIGHT!!!" Ramsey your channel also gave me a great amount of insight on what to realistically expect in the world of martial arts and I cant thank you enough for it.

[@connorperrett9559]

Bouncers are brave guys. Definitely not a job I'd want.

[@GregP_]

Any self defense "expert" would get annihilated by someone who has practiced combat sports for 3 months. Loved the video coach !

[@MeZimm]

Or by an old lady with a pistol. Or - what is far more likely - by a virus that's too small to even see.

[@TBlev215]

Avoid confrontation at all costs. However, be willing to pay ANY cost to protect your loved ones if confrontation knocks at your peaceful door.

[@MarcosAG90]

Man when you were talking about being haunted by fear, that hit me. That hit me because for some years, I became a hypochondriac, and I was always afraid of getting cancer. In my mind, I probably went through five or six cancers at least, yet none of it was real. And it was exactly the thinking process that you described (and finding a great partner) that got me out of it. Thank you coach, much love ❤️. For the self defense or self protection part, it goes way past fighting and the legal term of "self defense". It is basically knowing how to avoid being victimized both physically and psychologically. Learning how to recognize abuse and manipulation, and learning conflict de-escalation and mediation is in itself self protection, yet it is not considered to be a martial art nor fighting. This is something that not even "self defense experts" see, but a wholistic approach to martial arts would include that and more.

[@itzbebop]

Confirmed. Martial arts is about survival. It's about learning to be a shark in an ocean full of sharks and those sharks are your friends. And you meet these shark friends 4 days a week for 2 hours and you guys beat the crap out of each other.

[@RamseyDewey]

Hahaha! I suppose that's one way of looking at it.

[@emperorraygun]

I have very elaborate self-defense plans: I lock my doors and avoid behaviors that make me a likely target for criminals (for example, getting intoxicated and stumbling out of a bar at 2 AM).

[@kapilthevkanapathipillai6424]

"thou shalt not box" 😅🤣😂 my new favourite line

[@Axl18289]

"Kravmakido" made me giggle... ^^

[@xanderjcliffe-musicreviews7740]

power fantasies are sometimes important. If confidence or even overconfidence is what someone requires to get fit or feel safe going out then it's hard to call that a bad thing.

[@leonsparta8238]

Exactly 💯

[@khalidbinwaleed5072]

I agree it’s false hope you are in control. I can fight pretty good but there will always be someone better then me. When I spar with bigger and better people they are helping me get better and could destroy me

[@galacticbean5273]

Ramsey Dewey is literally giga chad

[@bryanhall7974]

This is probably the best criticism of "self-defense" training that I've ever seen

[@colereed2370]

I originally started martial arts with the goal of being able to beat a untrained person. After feeling like I'd achieved that I felt really empty about it. Like I did it all for nothing because well I did. But now I train just to train. Really enjoyed the video Ramsey ♥️

[@kez_the_reaper2657]

I was accosted by some thugs outside of town, I simply yelled fus dos rah sent them flying, turned into a werewolf and ran into the mountains. That's not a power fantasy it's just an average day in white run 😂

[@VanishingNomad]

Another one: I have a student with a violent schizophrenic daughter (sadly, I trained her before Schizophrenia set in). Mom is now my student, because she cant walk away from helping her. I am teaching her all the stuff that counters what I taught the daughter. The hard part, is she has to be able to fight off a real unhinged psycho, without actually hurting her at the same time. Not easy...not really self defense, and certainly not sports fighting. Its something in between.

[@uktenatsila9168]

Well put Ramsey. Occasionally a friend or someone will ask me to teach them "self-defense" or knife fighting. I have lost their attention straight away when I speak of "intent", "attitude", "mental preparedness" etc. Most often the people who ask, have never cared enough earlier in life to explore the fighting arts but, for whatever reason suddenly feal as if they must. Over the years I have had less confidence in the "intent" behind some people's desire to learn the fighting arts. I don't teach self-defense. And due to the issue of "intent" I have stopped teaching for the time being. The reason is violence in my community, transience of students due in part to location, and issues of race and politics. The race and politics thing has, in my area resulted in an uptick of people with questionable intent seeking to learn "self-defense". I am sure that much admonishment will come my way. But I feal as if the writing has been on the wall for some time and I am concerned about my community. Thank you for the video.

[@leusmaximusx]

Student-Criminal (whicheveris first) using deadly fighting techniques on helpless people and victims, is a sure nightmare and heartbreak for any Fight Instructors, but dont stop teaching, find good hearted persons to pass on your skills. One good student , is better than 10 criminal student on certain situations. stay strong

[@losttapes1705]

They stopped doing martial arts training in my regiment as it resulted in too many injuries. Basic motto was "speed and aggression".

[@richwun1057]

Man you are so spot on about the illusion that has been perpetuated in the self defense industry. For one the idea that practicing all the various types of self defense technique 100 times over will prepare you for a street brawl is ludicrous, I know, because after 7 years of practice in Gung Fu and Karate I was later in life introduced to boxing. Basically I was asked to spar with someone who had trained in boxing for two years, the result was I wasn't able to defend or even get close to hitting my opponet. That was my wake up call for me to rethink my training, but just to make one thing clear I took up martial arts for getting old gracefully and ended taking boxing to understand the real dynamics of fighting, no ego involved for sure.

[@KirstenBayes]

De-escalation, risk assessments, escape/evasion are as important as martial skills. I remember encountering a gang guy on a bus who was losing control, being very threatening, and something prompted me to ask him about his day. It wasn't going well: he'd accidentally ended up in the territory of an enemy gang. Given the situation, it was easy to prevail on the driver to miss a couple of stops, and all ended well: no judo required.

[@elros8]

Watching Dragon Ball my hole childhood was a factor for sure, but I think I started martial arts and combat sports to gain self confidence. When you are in your 20's and you go to nightclubs, parties, etc., you sometimes run into threatening people, usually older than you, and you find yourself in bad situations. I experienced that knowing your capabilities help you to be calm and confident, and this can defuse a fight, or you have the skills to break up one without hurting anyone and with assertiveness. I was also a football referee at that time, and I can tell that you can be in big trouble easily, so this confidence helps a lot in some situations. It's not all about people killing you and a hero fantasy, things can be less extreme, so I'm not with you this time. Some people may be have this fantasy o may start martial arts thinking like that, but overtime I didn't find many, and they are more into MMA. I post this to motivate people to train martial arts if they feel will help in their life, just be sure to test your skills in combat sports to avoid feeling like Batman.

[@leusmaximusx]

lol, batman is a detective and does not feel intimidated of mundane violence, however he is in a different location very far away from us, as has problems of his own. Your point are valid though, and im also not in complete agreement with Mr. Ramsey on points you said. Sometimes we need to go to where probable violence is, to pursue our goals, no going around it except to be prepared for confrontation, escalation and escape. Better them than me. “Without training, they lacked knowledge. Without knowledge, they lacked confidence. Without confidence, they lacked victory.” - Julius Ceasar

[@joedasilva3866]

Surrounded by 10 dudes with knives or whatever, you're definitely not Batman! You're Deadman LoL

[@bookofdaveandsteve]

We don't like admitting we are vulnerable. But we are vulnerable. And can only travel far in this life when we are subject to one another.

[@internetrules8522]

Hey Coach Ramsey. I just wanted to say that I got my first stripe as a whitebelt in BJJ today (I started in October), and that I think your videos really helped me. I didn't watch your videos for the specific "This is how you do this move/when you should do this move" stuff, but more for the philosophy around fighting. Even though I'm an athiest, I still really like your religion videos and think they have a lot of good philosophy in them (E.g: the real meaning behind turning the other cheek, walking the extra mile). Also, at the end of your videos when you say "Now get out there, and train." that helped me get the courage to actually go to my first BJJ class. Thanks!

[@RamseyDewey]

Congratulations! Keep going.

[@Braindazzled]

Well this was a breath of fresh air! The first thing I always wonder when people obsess about having to defend themselves against enemies is "who are these enemies?" They don't know, since their vaguely defined imaginary fantasy figures to justify the fantasy you're talking about. Even in a lively place like New York, (my home town) for all the violence you hear about, it's really pretty rare for most people. Now in my persuit of martial arts I've chatted with some real brawlers, and the general consensus is that proper training can improve the odds, but never a guarantee. I've also been told "the best advice is, he who hits first gets to walk home."

[@Batman-nz2ue]

Cobra Kai?

[@vhiljamurcrane]

Well, I train Aikido for health. I didn't start it because of any delusions about fighting. I was mentally in a bad place and needed something physical to do. A friend of mine stopped drinking because of training Aikido, and that's why I tried it myself. I found friends and met my future wife, the mother of my kids there. In Aikido I have learned to fall safely. A skill that I have had to use. I live in a cold country where everything freezes over and gets slippery. I understand my body and mind much better thanks to the whole experience of training. Whenever I travel I'm always welcome to visit a local dojo. A great way to get to know local people and culture more deeply. There are countless other good things I've gotten from training.

[@leonsparta8238]

Even without using martial arts knowing its with you gives you a certain confidence other predators pick up on...its usually enough to keep them at bay.

[@BMO_Creative]

I DISAGREE TOTALLY! BECAUSE.... WELL... I'M BATMAN!

[@avlinrbdig5715]

the male power fantasy to protect ones family and property is a very natural instinct. that being said.. the male ego of overestimating oneself may be some kind of liquid-courage that may prevent you from freaking out idk-.. However, doing one's best to protect ones own, in a rational and effective manner, i think is a masculine virtue and to an extent, a moral reesponsability. an additional comment: personally, i dont think you need to be able to beat everyone, but you should not be defenseless. you might get pushed around and taken advantage of. personally, i hope i never have to get into a serious conflict ever in my life. but i have also grown up with violent alchololics that only resoected the possible threat of violence to stop their actions. criminals who would take advantage of you and threaten you if you showed weakness. I have had exconvicts that were borderline psychotic show up outside my house and nearly break my window due to random violence. he was a nearly 2m tall guy and his arms were the thickness of my waist. he was armed with a machete in one hand and an axe in the other. i was lucky he turned his attention towards someone else instead of folowing me inside. man.. i felt very defenseless at that time, and i felt shameful that i did not prepare myself. In most cases the police will come and help.. but in the end you will often be on your own. they cannot appear immideatly. after i started working out more and being more in control and capable of taking care of myself, i surely feel alot more at peace and alot more confident and content in life. all this being said.. i mostly agree with the stuff you said.

[@Hawidaku]

100 percent guarantee that didn’t happen. You were not attacked by a guy dual wielding a machete and an axe

[@avlinrbdig5715]

@@Hawidaku sure not..

[@qew_Nemo]

"You live in the neighborhood of make believe" says the man sitting in the middle of Skyrim.

[@ion1984]

the fact that youre wearing a punisher shirt in this video is beyond hilarious dude

[@RamseyDewey]

Okay. Neat. Why?

[@KY_100]

​@@RamseyDeweyyour point fits the opposite of the stereotype

[@RamseyDewey]

@@KY_100 what stereotype?

[@RamseyDewey]

Is it a stereotype about comic book nerds?

[@KY_100]

@@RamseyDewey you could say yes because of the comics because it's about vigilanteeism. I was more talking about how it's a cultural symbol (at least in America) often used by those in some kind of position of power (police, military) or at least want to project that they have some kind of power. Usually, someone with imaginations of violence against whatever groups of people they see as a threat or would prefer not be part of their society.

[@TrueKilljoy]

I apologize, in advance, if this is kind of a long comment. First, I have to say, I appreciate how you cut to the core of the issue, how so much of what we see and hear is about fear. Fears which most people likely have had since childhood. And how people who have been afraid their whole lives, will pay any price, including real self respect, to feel power over their fear, rather than learning to make peace with it. I appreciate the hell out of that. And frankly, it's something I needed to hear. So thank you for that. But, for the sake of argument, I understand why so many people fear situations that may never happen to them. The truth is, I live in a small town in Southern Illinois, with a population of something like 5000. In 2022 alone, 3 people were killed as a result of bad situations created by stupid people. I won't say their names here out of respect for them, but I'll post links to the news headlines, if you really need proof. One was a kid in my class who was killed over by an animal shelter, all because of a girl. He was ganged up on and beaten near to the point of death and left there. He actually died hours later from cold exposure and blood loss, but not before trying to get inside the animal shelter, which had a bloody hand print running down it. The second was a Cop who was shot by a man who had been committing real life GTA on interstate 64 I believe, and who is now spending life in prison after killing or injuring several people, but everyone only cares about the Cop. And if I'm being honest, I can't remember much about the 3rd person, but only a couple years ago a 14 year old girls remains were dug up on farmland after she had been missing for 3 years. Her boyfriend, who no one is sure is the one who killed her, is currently on trial and has been for months. My point is, this is a town of 5000 people, and yet these things happen with shocking frequency for a town so small. These situations have the plots of Law and Order episodes, but they really happened. Again, I can provide all kinds of proof if you need it. This is a terrifying thought, and it's because of shit like this that people are willing to pay any price for safety. Around here, most people just buy a gun, but that usually makes the problem worse. Again, I'm sorry for the long comment, but I just wanted to say, the fear of being attacked is entirely valid and real, but throwing your money into martial arts classes, guns, or anything else is a terrible idea. You'll either escalate the conflict or you'll wind up dead. Any way you can escape a bad situation with your life, do it. Pride is one of the worst excuses for an idiotic death.

[@leusmaximusx]

Train to fight and train to use weapon , its your duty to protect your life and others entrusted to you. Use training only when necessary. Nobody will protect you but yourself. Train in Aikido to contain that fighter spirit.

[@TrueKilljoy]

@@leusmaximusx I feel like this is at least partially sarcasm, but on the off chance it's not, the only time "Fighter Spirit" is useful is in a ring under fair rules, usually with cash on the line. Anything else is too dangerous and idiotic.

[@RamseyDewey]

My hometown had about 1000 people. One of our police officers was also shot by a guy who stole a car. A young woman was kidnapped, tortured, killed, and buried in a field. Two girls I went to high school with were shot to death. According to FBI statistics, there were more registered child sex offenders in my hometown per capita than most places in America. That stuff happens. Now how does a self defense class solve any of those problems?

[@HaroldBluetooth-uz1zz]

@@TrueKilljoyAre you smoking something? Gun are used thousands of times every year to protect people in self defense situations. Of course use your damn weapon or you will be the victim!!!!!

[@HaroldBluetooth-uz1zz]

@@RamseyDeweyToo bad she didn’t have a weapon to protect her.

[@BWater-yq3jx]

I train martial arts because I enjoy it, but tbh if it had no relationship to self-defence or fighting, I doubt I would have started... or continued. I don't look for fights and I nearly always try to de-escalate potentially violent situations. But dealing with aggressive idiots goes a lot better if you have a degree of confidence in handling things were it to get physical. In fact I'd say that you're less likely to have to deal with these idiots in the first place. And depending where you are and what you do, there can be a lot of them around!

[@user-rc8br5sw6j]

The self defence industry is a new thing part of late stage capitalism. But if instead of learning how to fight it would be better to learn how to run and improve general athletic fitness and ability then track and field should have replaced martial arts as a hobby. Or modern dance cross training with improv. If they worked better.

[@lordrabies49]

"krav makido" 😂😂😂

[@LittleJimmy835]

My best friend was in a “street altercation”. It involved him being hit in the back with a bat when he wasn’t aware, at which point the crook smashed then his phone before running away. There is no martial art move in the world that can defend from that. I guess ultimately my point is that living life means accepting the possibility of risk. And while there are sensible things you can do to minimise risk such as avoiding bad areas and not picking fights yourself, ultimately if you want to be happy you have to accept risk as a fact of life.

[@redgladius9919]

The best self defense is a loaded gun. But karate is fun.

[@norrisjohnson6032]

😂🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@thesaulster9219]

I really appreciate this video because the way you covered the topic of fear expands beyond just martial arts/self defense. Love the content! 👏

[@bernieeod57]

A reporter asked the late Colonel Jeff Cooper what he was afraid of. He responded "With my weapon at my side, not a thing in the world "

[@deltabravo1969]

I took karate when I was in high school and I didn’t learn anything. I learned a lot from boxing and wrestling.

[@BB-dl6zd]

Look i get your point. But is not only about " being killed" you can be just attacked and get hurt or seriously hurt. If you have some basic skills you might be able to defend yourself. Sometimes people are looking for a fight and don't leave you alone. That is why i have my pepper spray its is very effective.

[@bradlwykfulbright]

The title got my like, immediately! Epic. "What is IT?"~ Faith No More, Epic.

[@bradlwykfulbright]

"You want IT all, but you cant have IT"~ line from same song. Power. It.

[@meedogh9378]

This is a great video. I originally started learning Karate thinking I'd use it against my bullies in school. Eventually I never got into a fight with them. What happened was me practicing made me more athletic and gave me more confidence, thus my personality changed, and I eventually became friends with my bullies. The only time I ever used my skills "for da streetz" was one time I was holding a crate of juice bottles, and the handles I was holding it with got ripped off and the crate fell. Somehow I managed to catch it from the bottom before it hit the ground. That was the only time I ever felt like a martial artist. I realized I only do it for fun, and it made me a lot more motivated to continue.

[@Dale_The_Space_Wizard]

I wish that it was possible to send this video back in time to the late 80s and early 90s for the teenage or early twenties version of myself to watch it.

[@demoniac972]

The voice of reason, as always

[@bardofthestar6046]

My goodness, I love everything you say. As an Orthodox Christian, I don’t entirely agree with your religious positions, but I agree with everything you articulate here. While I haven’t begun any martial arts training, your videos helped inspire me to get to the gym and start trying to get in some kind of good shape. Thanks for the encouragement and the positive realism, coach, you’re helping people!

[@Freefall347]

"I must not fear. Fear is the mind-killer. Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration. I will face my fear. I will permit it to pass over me and through me. And when it has gone past, I will turn the inner eye to see its path. Where the fear has gone there will be nothing. Only I will remain." - Paul Atreides, Dune.

[@JoeDoe1]

“The best defense is not being there.” “If you can’t beat the guy in 30 seconds, buy him a beer.” - Sifu Jamal

[@jimhattery4348]

I continue to be amazed at your wisdom and ability to express yourself!

[@raydrexler5868]

I started in judo forty years ago and have practiced various martial arts since. The one thing I learned that I believe has protected me the most I learned in the first few weeks. How to fall without hurting myself as badly. I have used a technique or two over the years in self defense and even a couple of fights, but being strong and fast and having familiarity with physical contact from sparring has helped more than some cool looking kick. I believe a person should try to defend themselves and any tool or skill or familiarity is better than none. There’s power in knowledge, it’s just not a fix all two hours and you can take on an army of ninja vampire street punk homophobic Nazis

[@nathanjudd6419]

Homophobic nazis are the #1 enemy. You go girl!

[@niggagaming249]

Didnt read

[@joekaminski8161]

If people ask me about self defense against criminals, I tell them to get a CCL, a hand gun and learn how to use it properly and legally. If people ask me about what is the best unarmed self defense against a random attacker on “da streets”, I tell them to run away towards other people that you see. If a serious person asks me how can I realistically defend myself against typical street thugs and attackers then I tell them to instead go to a reputable boxing gym to workout, train and spar in Western Boxing for 6 mos to a year. After that, should you get into a physical fight that you can’t just walk away from then your boxing skills can help with taking out your attacker(s) quickly or more importantly to create an opening for you to safely run away for help. Most times, when you knock out (or down) your 1st attacker, the other attackers see that you WILL fight back and hopefully break off the fight and back away, allowing you to escape that situation.

[@infestchristopher1457]

The main reason why I train Martial is for health reasons and to have fun.

[@helvete_ingres4717]

you are wrong

[@RamseyDewey]

That's entirely possible.

[@HarryTzianakisTheGodOfSpeed]

@@RamseyDewey ha ha ha 😂

[@HarryTzianakisTheGodOfSpeed]

Why is he wrong?

[@HarryTzianakisTheGodOfSpeed]

You think you are batman?

[@helvete_ingres4717]

@@HarryTzianakisTheGodOfSpeed 0:30

[@Just_a_Reflection]

This is so true. It is a similar mindset to those who carry weapons in public. People want to be tough guys. I haven't been in a physical altercation in decades. Unless you need a lifestyle change, fights can almost always be avoided and there is scant chance you will be randomly attacked. Pride and bravado are the culprits.

[@luffoteca5433]

Yea also have you noticed, 9999/1000 “self defence” situations are two people running it up. Rather then getting attacked out of nowhere

[@joeleek9976]

Yep. Had a fair amount of tma training. Used it once in my 4 decades. I have gotten far more mileage out of being aware and not so wrapped up in being some sort of alpha that I can't apologize if I have pissed somebody off.

[@mikhailvasiliev6275]

You're probably a bitch who has no opinions/values of his own.

[@joeleek9976]

@Mikhail Vasiliev rofl...tell me you have the mindset of a boy without telling me you have the mindset of a boy...

[@mikhailvasiliev6275]

@@joeleek9976 Immaturity is an overused concept.. just like "bully." The ONLY situation in which someone doesn't get attached is if they change their ENTIRE personality depending on where they are. People with self-respect aren't gonna do that. So explain how I'm wrong.

[@Imustscream]

I’m more of a Bobby Hill school of “THAT’S MY PURSE!” Combat 😂

[@rvrmn2682]

Someone living in a bad neighborhood has a whole different experience. This does not describe their reality.

[@RamseyDewey]

Tell me about your reality.

[@RIPKobe-yc8gd]

Yeah, agree and I'm happy that people are figuring out that he is just yapping some words. Most probably fall asleep until the video ends. He does not realise that there are people who watch his videos in war torn countries that leave a lot of violence in everyday life behind. But hey, if you go to his gym, he will teach you that you will probably die from a heart attack or a bathroom fall and at the end he will take your money for it. Another great one Rambling Dewey!

[@KY_100]

​@@RIPKobe-yc8gdWhat is your point, did you think that far? People in war torn countries should learn Kung Fu? You are living the exact fantasy described, just yours is on another level. Get a grip

[@TheRealSteveMay]

"to justify illegal violence in a court of law". 8:30 What? Are you making videos for social credit points now? Is violence only legal when it's carried out by the state? Do people not have the moral, ethical, and legal right to use violence against those who have initiated violence against them?

[@mikhailvasiliev6275]

In the eyes of philosophical twats, no.

[@RamseyDewey]

No, they don't. Read up on the law. You absolutely have to prove self-defense in a court of law. I'm going to assume you are from an English speaking country, so I'll use US law as an example: The concept of Moral and ethical self defense rights (the Moral Penal Code, in the US) is routinely rejected by the courts in favor of the "stand your ground" doctrine- meaning you may use violent actions that would otherwise be illegal, up to killing with a deadly weapon, without the legal obligation to retreat or otherwise not retaliate IF you can prove in a court of law that the threat to your life and safety was legitimate. Most countries on this planet operate by similar means: if you kill or harm another person and claim self defense, you have to prove it. That is quite literally what self defense means. It is a legal term, not a set of kungfu skills, not a gun, not pepper spray. How is this hard to understand? kzbin.info/www/bejne/gni8da2EqKeqmqM

[@TheRealSteveMay]

@@RamseyDewey Of course you have to prove it, but once you do you are cleared of any wrongdoing, because what you did is not wrong. The way you said it in the video made it seem like you believed otherwise, like a pacifist would. I don't disagree that self defense is a legal term, I also don't disagree that the self defense industry is a grift, I was only taking issue with it seeming like you think violence is universally wrong if it's not sanctioned by sport or state. In my view having to prove self defense to the state is a reasonable thing for the state to require, but that doesn't mean they will always get the judgement right. If it was true self defense and the state denied the veracity of that assertion, you would be among the many wrongful convictions that occur worldwide. You would still be innocent, though not in the eyes of the state.

[@user-rc8br5sw6j]

@@TheRealSteveMay From watching several of his videos he isn't arguing for pacifism. He has done one video on the problem is not if your technique doesn't work but what if it does. And now you're in court because you kicked someone and they slipped and fell and broke their neck. You have found about their wife and kids for whom he was the main provider. Their family is devastated. The courts rule excessive force. In terms of self-defence it can be helpful but I don't think this is what is offered on most courses because they're about making money like snake oil sales. to have a trial lawyer running through scenarios and stopping and asking trainees would they engage or not. So what in terms of trial law for the jurisdiction where you live would constitute legal self defence and what would get you arrested. And then look into the various charges you might face and how many years behind bars are we talking on average for each scenario. You accept that there are wrongful convictions where the self-defence defence was not accepted. So I think its helpful to have a legal expert with trial experience from the local jurisdiction to assist people to make wiser decisions. That's if you accept that self defence is a legal term and should be defined with possible legal consequences or justification as part of the course.

[@lincolnpascual]

Never heard it put this way before, but what you say rings true. I've been around a lot of Spec Ops types my whole life (family business, basically) and there is on constant that has been present in all the old heads I've met- humility. Like, when I first joined up and got through Airborne school, I thought I was hot shit. Even after my first deployment (Iraq 03, wild shit) I still though I was the baddest MFer on the block. Then I got deeper into the job, and quickly realized that I WAS NOT SHIT. When I expressed this to my gramps and my dad, they both simply smiled and said "took you long enough to learn that". They both did their fair share of combat (IDK what my dad even did in Vietnam, but I can imagine, based on his tats and scars)and never really talked to me about it until after Ranger school. That was when I learned humility, and they finally dropped their knowledge on me. HOLY SHIT. You don't know what you don't know is so true. I STILL don't know much, and I've been on the job for 20 years now. I try to do what I dad said to me Approach every day as a dry sponge... Just absorb everything you can. You can learn something new EVERY DAY. It won't always be what you expected to learn, but if you're open to it, you'll find it. Good luck out there, my friends. Remember the journey IS the destination. Keep digging.

[@eldenlean5221]

Hey Coach Ramsey I dont know if you'll read this, but Ive been a follower for a while now(under a different name) and I always really respected the fact that you dont shy away from your religion or spirituality. As a fellow Christian I really apreciate it. On the note of "fear of God" I think Awe is a very important word. Despite of how the word "awesome" has evolved, awe is not just something cool, its a feeling of existencial fear at the realisation that there is something thats infinitely beyond your comprehension. "Fear of God" at least as I see it, is humility at its most primal form. Its the realization that there exist something truly well beyond yourself. Its the foundation for morality itself.

[@supernitoguy]

I agree with everything Ramsey says here as he is absolutely correct. You purport a massively unrealistic take on reality when you subscribe only to self defense training. This is why I only relegate my training exclusively to the way of the sword. Not to mention perfecting the "Iron Knee."

[@bernieeod57]

I took up Kenpo. Yes for the ability to defend myself but also for fitness and mental conditioning. The more I train, the less I look forward to ever having to fight for real and thus, awareness and evasion is my first line of defense

[@alliswell-pb9vo]

It is exactly what i feel when i saw videos of baton ad(on some social media in china). They are advertising to the common people who are hypnotized by certain media. Sometimes things are so distorted that we struggle to remember their original purpose.

[@jayimperator8088]

"I fear God and none else." Based. And may the LORD bless you and your family Ramsey.

[@prodrumer33]

been saying it for a while the best most comprehensive self-defense system is track and field.

[@TacticalRubberDucky]

I do protection work and did so since I got out of the military. I have carried a gun on my hip for a profession longer than I have had any other job. You would think that there would be other professionals who have the mindset of applying real defensive tactics, but man I have met some of these whack jobs that think that their Krav Maga skills would save them. They are weeded usually pretty quickly but when violence happens they freeze and resort to base instinct as if they never have been punched before and they immediately one way or another make things so much worse. Love your content man, stay frosty!

[@SkyyThePuffin]

This was a refreshing reminder to focus on the peripheral things about health, as well. I have been working on my diet and some parts of my training to get that little bit better. I admit that my first interests in martial arts was from a shallow place, but it now serves a better role to my life in terms of skill development, playfulness, and respect. Thank you for sharing your thoughts about what it means to you morally and spiritually.

[@ryanosullivan2858]

I just passed my security exam and a lot of things you say are similar. Self defence power fantasy is not something to aspire to, the security guards who want the chance to show off their skills are considered bad security guards. It’s more awareness and using good customer service skills and rapport to de escalate situations not increase them due to pride.

[@user-oo3vz2gt6v]

What i learned on "da streetz" is that no matter if you win or lose ... it *HURTS*. Alot. So i still prefer to run whenever i have the slightest chance for it. I only fight if i would have lost anyways, no matter if i try fighting or i dont. Thats the only situation where i would fight. Other than that ... i run.

[@sensei9295]

Just because you can't see them doesn't mean the Ninjas aren't following me!

[@TimRHillard]

I'd have to say, martial arts can certainly prolong your life. It can cut down on being overweight, out of shape and inactive. .Therefore, it could help thwart the real killer; heart disease.

[@Hormoz.]

The reality is: You can stay out of trouble only so much. If you are a teenager in a bad neighborhood, bad city, bad country…… your "skills" FOR DAMN SURE will come handy at some point. Then there is street rages, nightclubs, bars, that could involve grown adults as well. Unless you come from work, and go straight to your wife and kids like a domestic cat EVERY SINGLE DAY, then yes your chances of getting intro trouble decreases.

[@danr5462]

My martial arts training did protect me. i was so convinced that my 3-day a week one hour training sessions - consisting of mostly kata and 3 step defense techniques, along with 5 minutes of no contact sparing - so convinced that this training made me invincible, that several times when i was challenged to a fight, the aggressor backed off because of the confidence I exuded. Which was a good thing because in almost every case I would have probably gotten my ass kicked.

[@williamoverton7775]

I can see it now. "In a world overrun by paramilitary threats. Only one man has what it takes to save us all.

[@vlnow]

Running really fast and dodging people is the best street self defence technique. Dojo's should train for it. Maybe by playing tag or by playing 'British Bulldogs' type games.

[@averyscott7442]

The more you train for self defense the more you realize how dangerous and not worth it uncontrolled fights can be. Especially with the kind of mad lads who would just swing on somebody with no regard for anyone including themselves. Any physical techniques are really fallbacks if your best bet of avoidance and awareness fails. The level headedness you get from repeated exposure to aggression simulated or otherwise I would argue is even more important than the techniques it comes from whatever the tradition is or the context it's trained in because it could actually help you deescalate a potentially violent situation. The best takeaways I see are that and the awareness it can help you develop for a variety of branching things in life if it's not poisoned by the paranoia of the power fantasies you're talking about.

[@kaizenproductions00]

You mean to tell me that heart failure and strokes are a greater threat to me than thugs and random ninja attacks?!?! Noooo my immature fantasy is ruined!!!!

[@adriandelreal9126]

We get it Self Defense is a legal term, the average person doesn’t know that , When the average person uses that term it just means they want to be able to take care of themselves if something goes bad

[@TheAngryMarshmallow]

I totally agree. And what you said about about "You will live it every day. why live haunted?" I have PTSD and can confirm It's being actively haunted in the present by the past and trying to have false control over every situation. Life happens, and that is OKAY! Martial arts makes me a better person, makes me more confident, helps me improve myself constantly , helps relief stress and is good for my heart. I love martial arts because it brings me joy, not fear. :)

[@crimsonking4151]

I train just cuz I love fighting violence and warfare. I didn’t come from a hard background no one molested my cat or killed my friends. I’m just like that, I feel the need to push myself against dangerous men. Ppl who are fighters soldiers or even murders don’t scare me. They peak my interest like a hot girl or a hot car. I love the smell of battle.

[@TheFedster18]

I train mostly because I like to hang out with the folks I train with. And since we all met training together, that is what we do when we are together.

[@LateKnight347]

my white belt #1 self-defense technique saved my life! it is a shoulder grab from the back. you step back pivot and kick to the groin with the leg you pivoted on. nobody attacked me. i spazzed out and fell off my porch. my temple would have hit the corner of the bumper of the truck. i was able to get a foot down and push off so i smashed into the finder instead. scenario self-defense has a place in martial arts. besides it doesn't matter how skilled you are in MMA, BJJ, Boxing, wrestling, or whatever. it all loses to a sharp stick and a rock.

[@FiciousCritik]

It's the other guy that should need self defense.

[@Zurrech]

So that was a fantasy shattered. In my head I am Neo from the Matrix, Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan and Van Damme combined in a fight..... But now that fantasy is ruined..Thanks a LOT Ramsey..

[@Zurrech]

I just realised that if I ever is going to be in a fight I probably would be a combo of Jacke Chan and Van Damme though. High Van Damme screams and Jackie Chan flailing. Having "Training/movie" flashbacks and wake up in a hospital.

[@rohitchaoji]

I remember the first time I took lifting seriously in college, I stopped fearing things like being attacked when I'm out in public because my body language just changed and I could see and feel it when strangers were slightly intimidated, just by my size and posture. Even though this was before any martial arts or combat training. I did go through a few martial arts schools few years down the line, including some really terrible ones, but that training did not really help when I and my partner got stopped by a man demanding cash to enable his substance use in the middle of a lonely hill. We decided it was better to give him some cash than find out what happens next.

[@HealerTheMaroon]

Damn Ramsey summed up the problem with the industry in 26 secs

[@christopherthomas8421]

Wow that quote Surround yourself by those that can kill you at will, so you won’t be killed. That is the truth

[@adolfhipsteryolocaust3443]

I agree so much with this, how many times do you need to defend yourself? Like for real? Chances are never, you shouldn't train for that reason If you want to fight in the streets do it, but don't pretend it is to save your life, it is to defend your pride and feel like a badass

[@tonyk4615]

I train martial arts because it’s fun. And the guidelines are to get 150 minutes of moderate to high intensity exercise per week and I hate going to the gym.