Dealing with thugs and criminals

[Gus Chiggins]

How do pro fighters deal with guys like these? I like to think of myself as tough; in fact, I know I'm tough. I've been put through crazy practices and sparring sessions at the gym that would have made many a men quit. I know a lot of guys who play tough on the street or with a gun in their pocket and a bunch of their brain dead thug friends behind them that would have quit pretty damn fast. Still, I have a bit of insecurity in my mind knowing that there are areas in life where these people can have the upper hand on me, where they can try to bully or intimidate me. I hate dealing with these people who can threaten or try to push me around, especially when I know they're full of shit. Now, this doesn't happen very often, but at a club or at a party I'm bouncing at, I tell these people to leave, they act all nice to my face, or they mutter bullshit under their breath where I can't hear it, but I hear later behind my back that they talked about jumping me ten on one or something like that. Now, nothing has ever happened, and no one has ever had the balls to step up and do something, but I think that's partly because I'm really nice and good at avoiding confrontation. I prefer to be smart about most of these situations. Keep in mind that these aren't organized crime outfits like the mafia or yajuza, they have a lot more respect. These are more like the nickel and dime style street thug who hang out at corners and think they're cool for starting fights in clubs and shit.

I guess what I'm trying to say is; am I a wuss for avoiding situations like that, or is it smart? Is it enough to just know when to avoid them and only deal with them when they come up? I know this sounds really stupid in some ways, but sometimes I feel I won't be a legit tough guy, a legit fighter, unless I get all the stories of a guy like Bas or Enson, guys who are known for not letting people fuck with them on the streets. The funny thing is, I've never had anyone fuck with me. It's more of a worry in my head that I feel like I have to prove something, that I have to prove with a story or a crazy experience, to show how tough I am. I know that's insecure, but that's the truth of it. I guess I just feel like I need to command more respect, rather than having to deal with these issues in the first place. But I remember reading that the best way to avoid being insulted is to learn how to repel it.

[Gus Chiggins]

Oh and the reason I put this post here is because it's all about toughness, and who better to ask than the fighters?

[undercoverID]

I'm not a pro fighter but
No you are not a "wuss", acting like a man is not worth being stabbed or shot

[Bollman]

"The best way to insure victory is to avoid conflict"

You have already won many battles that you seem completely unaware of. Your temperment seems appropriate for a trained fighter. Don't go there unless you have to and let your confidence carry you through. To quote Timmeh, "90% of the fight game is half mental".

Insecurity is natural. Just hold back unless you have to go there. Just try to maintain.

[LunaticFringe]

People like them will always be on a lower level than people like yourself. Their personal insecurities manifest themselves in violent attitudes that force them to carry weapons and attack in groups. You should be proud of yourself that you have the confidence to stand on your own, and the intelligence to avoid a senseless beating. Losing a fight one on one can be good for someones ego, it allows people to understand the natural pecking order of the world. But getting jumped by 6 idiots outside of a club only goes to show how low their place is in society. Next time this happens, do what we do, calmly explain to them that your are training for a professional career in MMA and if they are interested in fighting to come down to the gym and train. You have nothing to prove to them in any other situation.

[Tap4you]

Heres the thing, guys who walk around with the swagger of a tough guy usually are the biggest pussies and when it comes down to letting the fist go they cant one on one. Thats why they are in gangs, Cant do it by themselves. Not just fighting, life in general they cant handle alone so they need that bullshit back up. You did the right thing, just know in your head that the ass whippin' would have been dealt and not by some punk. Keep your head up.

[persian soldier]

you have the right attitude..not worth risking your life over stupid shit

[KillahB]

If you were as tough as you claimed you probably woudnt be making this thread...

If you know you can handle your business and have indeed proven it in the ring or cage then there would be no reason for you insecurities.


Also I love how you guys call everyone "thugs" (get off your high horse) but then recant various violent situations youve found yourselves in.... I wonder how you found yourselves there..

[Pandog]

Streefighting is much different from training. Most gyms train for MMA and not really train for weapons. Unfortunately I have been stabbed in the back by a guy, but there was five mexicans in the mix. I wasn't even stabbed by a knife, it was a screwdriver. :/
I have taken weapons class's but usually they train to go against a knife ( wood knife in training) but I wouldn't go against a knife in real life, the scars aren't worth it. Taking to the ground to sub somebody will get you kicked in the face. 1 on 1 fights are easy if you train, but training for combat is way different. Usually not worth it. Thugs are usually nothing when they are alone.But get brave when ten of their homies with them

[ParcelScott]

street thug>Gus.