A Scary Situation Turned Out Fine

[GregD]

Last evening my wife, daughter and I decided to go out for some ice cream. We went to this little out of the way ice cream shop. We went there because we knew it wouldn’t be very busy on a Sunday evening. We got our ice cream and were enjoying ourselves when the door burst open. This black guy (or should I say African American) came in waving a knife demanding our money.
I have often thought about what I would do if I needed to defend my family or myself since getting PD. I knew if I took any action it would have to be quick. I also knew that it could put my family in further danger. The guy got to where we were sitting. I just couldn’t sit there and take it.
Being trained in self-defense, Aikido from when I worked in the state prison system, I felt confident that I could subdue this nut with little problem but was my body up to it? I had been having a good day with the meds working well for a change. The opportunity presented itself. I made my move. I disarmed him. Then moved in and took him to the ground face first where I held him with little effort until the police arrived.
At this point in life it’s good to know that I can still defend myself if needed.

GregD

[paula_w]

How long did you have to hold him down? Good for you! He obviously chose the wrong place to rob. What an experience!

paula

[jeanb]

greg - That's incredible & amazing! Well done!!

jean

[Curious]

:winner_first_h4h: awesome greg! on old bf and i were victims of a car jacking. the guy had been shot and held a gun on me. bf was a black belt in amercian karate. he saved us both.

can i call you next time i go out for ice cream? :icecream:

i'm so glad you and your family are safe.

[GregD]

Paula,
I only had to hold him for a couple of minutes before the police got there. After smashing his face into the floor and having a 240lb. man sitting in the middle of his back with his right arm sticking straight up, he wasn't going anywhere.

Curious,
Let's go, I like ice cream!

Please let me say that if this guy had a gun, it would have been a completely different story. I would not and do not encourage anyone to try this. It could have gone the other way. The timing and opportunity were there. Besides, I just wasn't in the mood for it. It just pissed me off that a family can't go out for ice cream without some butthead ruining it.

I have to admitt my daughter is looking at Dad in a new light. She has heard stories of my exploits as a young man pre PD. She had never seen me actually get physical before. I'm sure she will think twice before pushing me too far.

GregD

[stevem53]

Greg..I take my hat off to you!..Good job!..Now theres a message of hope if Ive ever heard one

[maryfrances]

Greg,

How extremely brave of you!

You are our hero!!!!

Mary :hug:

[reverett123]

that is great and i am so glad your daughter saw the real you. It will make such a difference for her in the years ahead and even after you are gone.

I have heard of pwp starting tai chi but have not heard of any taking up the more "energetic" martial arts. Do you think it would be profitable for pwp to do so - i guess i mean more so than tai chi (which my buddy refers to as "old man's karate :) )

[EnglishCountryDancer]

but what a reflection on society.

[GregD]

that is great and i am so glad your daughter saw the real you. It will make such a difference for her in the years ahead and even after you are gone.

I have heard of pwp starting tai chi but have not heard of any taking up the more "energetic" martial arts. Do you think it would be profitable for pwp to do so - i guess i mean more so than tai chi (which my buddy refers to as "old man's karate :) )


Rick,
It would depend on the severity of ones PD. Many of us have balance problems. Most martial arts require excellent balance. Aikido is a defensive martial art. It's a lot like judo. There are a lot of throws, and joint locking techniques.

Mary , I'm no hero. If you want a hero look to the men and women in our military. They are heros. I just did what I felt I had to do.

GregD

[ol'cs]

You are our official "butt kicker"; "Not gonna take it anymore"; "don't mess wiith a PWP", etc. You must have been shaking and had a bad day the next day. YOu are a "hero" to all of us!:winky: cs

[vlhperry]

Dear Greg,

This is not the time to be bashful about your show of power. Find a local paper and make sure your story gets covered. It is about time one of our own is recognized for his moral character as well as his ability to still be defensive for those less able to defend themselves. My son served in Iraq, but he had no stories as amazing as the one posted by you.

Kudos,
Vicky

[adelle]

Greg, When your daughter starts dating, I wager she will think carefully about who she brings home to meet Daddy.

[reverett123]

...having been shown by example that one does not have to suffer in silence, she just might draw a line that she wouldn't have otherwise. Of course, I have always felt that little girls should be solidly grounded in the martial arts and women in the use of firearms, but that's just me. :D


Greg, When your daughter starts dating, I wager she will think carefully about who she brings home to meet Daddy.