Blind and Visually Impaired Community
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How to defend yourself and control your possessions? (self.Blind)
submitted by Sam-Gunn
So this is a serious post, written by someone who can see just fine (well, one eye is pretty weak, though the other makes up for it, but for all intents and purposes...) but has recently encountered a blind homeless man and started talking to him more often, saying hi when I pass him by, etc.
This is probably a stupid question, but it's a stupid question I don't yet have an answer to.
So I don't wish to give too much information except the broad location.
For over a year I've been working in Boston MA. I live in RI. I do information security, and they pay very well.
On my walk to work after getting off the subway, I've regularly encountered a few homeless folk, and get them coffee or a scone, or just shoot the shit with them every so often. Much nicer than the junkies in Providence RI, especially cause the bulk of these folk are not junkies looking for money for their next fix, and will accept anything from hand warmers to a few bucks or a coffee with politeness.
But in the main transit hub I frequent, I've been encountering a blind man. At first I'd give him money when I had a few dollars or change, but lately I've also given him food a few times. I also started saying hi on my walk past, it feels weird not to. Today I gave him some food from the local fast food place, and talked for 10 min or so.
Like many homeless folk, he doesn't frequent homeless shelters due to the violence. But for him it is worse, since he's blind and it's obvious he is, so he's a de-facto target. He said he feels safer out on the street, which is common too.
At least the other guys can see their stuff and watch it as long as they are awake, but if this guy isn't touching his stuff... You get the idea.
So I know how men can protect themselves, and I know various ways women can. Everything from pepper spray to taking martial arts courses like my sister used to are things both a man and a woman can use... As long as they can see their attacker.
So I'm going through this sub, but even though you guys have some awesome stuff on how to use a computer (A few years ago I read about this man who PROGRAMMED even though he was blind) and stuff, I see no resources for protecting yourself if you don't have a seeing eye dog, and do not have someone to watch your back.
Is it even possible? I'm not looking for Daredevil (that blind superhero with super hearing) type shit, or Book of Eli fighting skills because I'm sure that's all but impossible, especially for a homeless dude.
But is even basic defense possible when completely blind? Or is it like if I (a scrawny geek) am jumped by 2 or more guys, I just curl up and protect my vital bits until they get tired of beating the shit out of me?
If you need clarification or reformatting of this post, please let me know. I know very little about the blind besides things like walking canes and folding US bills so you know what is what. I'm asking for my own curiosity too.
This is probably a stupid question, but it's a stupid question I don't yet have an answer to.
So I don't wish to give too much information except the broad location.
For over a year I've been working in Boston MA. I live in RI. I do information security, and they pay very well.
On my walk to work after getting off the subway, I've regularly encountered a few homeless folk, and get them coffee or a scone, or just shoot the shit with them every so often. Much nicer than the junkies in Providence RI, especially cause the bulk of these folk are not junkies looking for money for their next fix, and will accept anything from hand warmers to a few bucks or a coffee with politeness.
But in the main transit hub I frequent, I've been encountering a blind man. At first I'd give him money when I had a few dollars or change, but lately I've also given him food a few times. I also started saying hi on my walk past, it feels weird not to. Today I gave him some food from the local fast food place, and talked for 10 min or so.
Like many homeless folk, he doesn't frequent homeless shelters due to the violence. But for him it is worse, since he's blind and it's obvious he is, so he's a de-facto target. He said he feels safer out on the street, which is common too.
At least the other guys can see their stuff and watch it as long as they are awake, but if this guy isn't touching his stuff... You get the idea.
So I know how men can protect themselves, and I know various ways women can. Everything from pepper spray to taking martial arts courses like my sister used to are things both a man and a woman can use... As long as they can see their attacker.
So I'm going through this sub, but even though you guys have some awesome stuff on how to use a computer (A few years ago I read about this man who PROGRAMMED even though he was blind) and stuff, I see no resources for protecting yourself if you don't have a seeing eye dog, and do not have someone to watch your back.
Is it even possible? I'm not looking for Daredevil (that blind superhero with super hearing) type shit, or Book of Eli fighting skills because I'm sure that's all but impossible, especially for a homeless dude.
But is even basic defense possible when completely blind? Or is it like if I (a scrawny geek) am jumped by 2 or more guys, I just curl up and protect my vital bits until they get tired of beating the shit out of me?
If you need clarification or reformatting of this post, please let me know. I know very little about the blind besides things like walking canes and folding US bills so you know what is what. I'm asking for my own curiosity too.
fastfinge 3 points 6y ago
There are classes like $1, and most general self-defence courses can be adapted for the blind, with a qualified instructor. However, it isn't likely that a homeless man has received any of this training. Neither have I, for that matter. But the one time it seemed pretty likely I was going to get a beating, random strangers in the area stepped in to help me out. I suspect people are more likely to step in if they see an obviously blind man in trouble. So that might work to his advantage, if he stays in crowded areas.
kennethbrodersen 2 points 6y ago
I am not blind but visually impaired (3% eyesight). I was training krav maga for about a year and it once saved me from a beating.
I am however not really sure what would be the best approach for a person who is completely blind. The problem with ground-fighting and using locks to pacify an attacker is that it it makes you defenceless against any other attacker. While you use hands and legs to control an attacker on the ground his friend is free to kick you in the face or use a weapon.
Using these techniques were a big "no-no" in our training.
I do think that a powerfull peberspray would be a useful tool. It takes the eyesight away from the opponent, but more importantly, if sprayed wildly in an arch would create a nasty "buffer zone" hopefully making most casual attackers decide that its more trouble than its worth.
Personally I carry a small powerful flashlight. The dazzling effect usually make a opponent pause for a second allowing me to asses the situation, look for weapons and, if necessary, pacify the threat.
I am however not really sure what would be the best approach for a person who is completely blind. The problem with ground-fighting and using locks to pacify an attacker is that it it makes you defenceless against any other attacker. While you use hands and legs to control an attacker on the ground his friend is free to kick you in the face or use a weapon.
Using these techniques were a big "no-no" in our training.
I do think that a powerfull peberspray would be a useful tool. It takes the eyesight away from the opponent, but more importantly, if sprayed wildly in an arch would create a nasty "buffer zone" hopefully making most casual attackers decide that its more trouble than its worth.
Personally I carry a small powerful flashlight. The dazzling effect usually make a opponent pause for a second allowing me to asses the situation, look for weapons and, if necessary, pacify the threat.
Sam-Gunn [OP] 2 points 6y ago
Yes, that's why he stays around the station, there is a large police presence and a lot of cameras, so people will not see him as a target.
I know there is a LOT to be said for using your terrain to your advantage, I'm quite sure Sun Tzu had an entire chapter on something like that, and that too seems like quite a feasible strategy for certain types of self defense.
I believe I heard once that even the US Army Training manuals discuss that the best battlefield to fight on is one of your choosing, and hopefully somewhere the enemy is unfamiliar with.
That's good to hear some people stepped in to help you out! Yea, many people have some sort of idea that you shouldn't mess with those who are disadvantaged. But of course not everyone.
Thanks for your response!
I know there is a LOT to be said for using your terrain to your advantage, I'm quite sure Sun Tzu had an entire chapter on something like that, and that too seems like quite a feasible strategy for certain types of self defense.
I believe I heard once that even the US Army Training manuals discuss that the best battlefield to fight on is one of your choosing, and hopefully somewhere the enemy is unfamiliar with.
That's good to hear some people stepped in to help you out! Yea, many people have some sort of idea that you shouldn't mess with those who are disadvantaged. But of course not everyone.
Thanks for your response!
Dyshonest 2 points 6y ago
I don't have a direct answer to your question but I have a personal story that might give you something to think about.
I'm mostly blind and am slowly losing more sight every day and I used to really enjoy sports. Because I'm going blind it is difficult for me to play most sports and impossible to be competitive with fully sighted people. One thing I have found that I enjoy and can feel like my sight is not holding me back too much is jiu jitsu. Obviously I struggle with takedowns and takedown defense but once me and my opponent are grappling, vision isn't very important, most of the information you get is the feel of your opponent and how they are moving. I feel like most physical combat that involves mostly grappling like jiu jitsu or wrestling is at least realistic for visually impaired and blind people.
Again, I'm not fully blind yet and can't say for certain that I will be able to do jiu jitsu once I am, but my impression is that I will still be able to at least enjoy it.
So like I said, I can't answer your question directly and I know a grappling style of self defense means nothing if a person you can't see is coming at you with a weapon or even just a sucker punch but it's something. I also know self defense training may be unrealistic for your homeless friend, but who knows? Maybe there's a gym that could give him some sort of work in exchange for some mat time and a shower.
I'm mostly blind and am slowly losing more sight every day and I used to really enjoy sports. Because I'm going blind it is difficult for me to play most sports and impossible to be competitive with fully sighted people. One thing I have found that I enjoy and can feel like my sight is not holding me back too much is jiu jitsu. Obviously I struggle with takedowns and takedown defense but once me and my opponent are grappling, vision isn't very important, most of the information you get is the feel of your opponent and how they are moving. I feel like most physical combat that involves mostly grappling like jiu jitsu or wrestling is at least realistic for visually impaired and blind people.
Again, I'm not fully blind yet and can't say for certain that I will be able to do jiu jitsu once I am, but my impression is that I will still be able to at least enjoy it.
So like I said, I can't answer your question directly and I know a grappling style of self defense means nothing if a person you can't see is coming at you with a weapon or even just a sucker punch but it's something. I also know self defense training may be unrealistic for your homeless friend, but who knows? Maybe there's a gym that could give him some sort of work in exchange for some mat time and a shower.
Sam-Gunn [OP] 1 points 6y ago
>I can't answer your question directly and I know a grappling style of self defense means nothing if a person you can't see is coming at you with a weapon or even just a sucker punch but it's something.
Wow, that's much more than something! I didn't even think of that, but it does make sense. the more constant bodily contact like in wrestling or grappling would allow you to feel what is where on your opponent, and act accordingly.
Thanks! yea, I don't know how to help him directly either, but I did wish to learn more about stuff like this!
Wow, that's much more than something! I didn't even think of that, but it does make sense. the more constant bodily contact like in wrestling or grappling would allow you to feel what is where on your opponent, and act accordingly.
Thanks! yea, I don't know how to help him directly either, but I did wish to learn more about stuff like this!
YorDnilb 1 points 6y ago
I have very poor vision due to diabetes & cataracts when I travel, I use a tiny bell with a hook clip that I put on my bag, coat or anyting I may set down some where & keep an ear on. The bell is tiny & not loud, but I can hear it if someone moves my stuff.
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