Two Scenarios at the Warehouse Store

by Mak

Actually, the subscriber would prefer to remain anonymous. I have given him the code name “Mak,” so I could file this quick article somewhere.

In Issue #878, I referred to two occurrences that recently happened to me in our local Costco store.

In the first case, several carts, both in front and behind, converged at an intersection.

Everyone bumped into each other, and it took a almost a minute for everyone to “untangle.”

Mak’s answer to this first scenario was fairly simple….

Scenario 1 —

Turn down the nearest aisle and go around.

Avoid the mess and move on.

Easy peasy.

In the original article,  I stepped to the side of the oncoming mess, paused for about five seconds against the wall, and then went around the back of everyone.

So, Mak and I had the same idea, but he takes a longer way around to completely avoid the crowd.

In the second scenario, there was a guy looking around “a little suspiciously.”

Of note, was that the guy sported a swastika tattoo on his right arm.

Here’s how Mak responded to this second scenario….

Scenario 2 —

If somebody triggers me to alert, then they get watched.

If I’m out with other people, I tend to point out the individual who triggered me.

If I sense an immediate threat, I will leave and take my people with me.

Here I would look for weapons, signs of agitation, vocal threats, posturing, etc.

If I feel something less immediate, I keep my distance, stay on high alert, and look for other danger signs.

Others similarly tattooed or a group of skinheads–I’m thinking now of gang violence or some sort of armed robbery.

I wouldn’t follow the guy around.

I probably wouldn’t get close at all.

Unless I were in the thick of it when things kicked off, I’d rather not get involved at all.

If I thought there might be more going on that a Nazi sympathizer with decent situational awareness, I’d probably report it to a cashier or a manager….

“There’s a quy on aisle 4 with Nazi tattoos acting suspiciously. You should send security over to keep an eye on things.”

There was an issue of Spider Man recently, in which Peter Parker gets his body back from Doc Ock, and is astounded to learn that the Doc has been communicating with and working with the police to minimize civilian casualties in his super-powered throw downs. It never occurred to him to make the phone call.

I feel like I am a talented amateur in the realm of self defense.

If possible, I will always let the professionals, people armed and (usually) armored, handle it.

Final Thoughts

I like that Mak’s first thoughts are about staying safe.

To that end, he doesn’t mind leaving the situation. He favors avoiding conflict.

All in all, this is a good attitude to cultivate. This goes also with with his feelings of being a “talented amateur.”

Mal is actually an accomplished martial artist, so this “talented amateur” attitude is one that he has adopted. And it’s a healthy mindset.

Even if you are a martial arts master, it’s better if you “leave it to the professionals,” when you can.

Remember, having a martial advantage means knowing how to stay safe and how to avoid conflict.

Two very important lessons.

Thanks, Mak.