Response Continuum
The response continuum is something that struck me reading a letter to the editor of BB magazine. The writer was a marine and commented that there is a distinct difference between how he is taught to respond in the military and how a civilian may need to respond in today’s world. (Although with forces now in occupation or peace keeping mode and dealing with non-combatants I wonder if this will change?)
The letter commented on the span of response a civilian may need.
It today’s dojo we need to be able to respond to all situation with appropriate levels of force. (This blends into the force continuum in other ways to be dealt with later.)
The continuum runs from no response or avoiding the fight to use of a lethal response.
Does our training cover the response continuum?
Should it?
When we talk about not engaging in a fight most schools will advise their students not to fight and to walk away.
But do you really discuss it?
There are a number of things that can happen in trying to avoid a fight.
There are a number of different ways to walk away from a fight and they have different psychological reactions for the student.
The next level up may involve control techniques where either non pain holds are use or pain compliance controls are used.
Does your school cover non abusive restraints?
Does it cover pain compliance restraints?
Should schools cover these?
And the continuum continues.
Thoughts so far?