I've heard it suggested in the past that gun owners are compensating for something, usually the fact that they are physically weak and can't win a fight without one. I came across this article referenced in a wikipedia reading I was doing at work. You can tell who the author is in the article, Jet Li. He is regarded by many as one of the best martial artists, at least in movies, of our time.
http://jetli.com/jet/index.php?l=en&s=body&ss=essays&p=3
I find it real interesting that the average joe thinks you should use martial arts to defend yourself because you want to "be a man", but one of the people known specifically for martial arts understands the limitations on man, and what the tools available to us allow someone to do regardless of training.
Anyway, I know it's pretty common knowledge on THR, but I just wanted to present this from the point of view of someone trained in martial arts as opposed to being a gun nut (I'm speaking of Mr. Li, and not myself, of course).
http://jetli.com/jet/index.php?l=en&s=body&ss=essays&p=3
Finally, on the issue of self-defense. My knowledge and experience in this area of martial arts are limited, as my focus and training have been on the other three aspects of wushu practice. I cannot give a specific opinion on the subject. The training process, again, must be tailored to the body type of each individual. There is no all-encompassing technique that will enable everyone to fulfill his or her self-defense needs.
Situations always vary. It is hard to say under what circumstances it is right or wrong to use martial arts against someone else. Of course, generally speaking, avoiding conflict and resorting to lawful authorities are always the best means of dealing with a dangerous situation. If a robber holds a gun to you and wants your money, it is better to give him the money than to risk your life. A gun outdoes years of martial arts training in a split second. Like I've said many times before, it is important to differentiate between movies and reality. The hero in movies may be able to knock the gun off his opponent and save the day, but in real life - probably that is not the case.
I find it real interesting that the average joe thinks you should use martial arts to defend yourself because you want to "be a man", but one of the people known specifically for martial arts understands the limitations on man, and what the tools available to us allow someone to do regardless of training.
Anyway, I know it's pretty common knowledge on THR, but I just wanted to present this from the point of view of someone trained in martial arts as opposed to being a gun nut (I'm speaking of Mr. Li, and not myself, of course).