FEATURED ARTICLE: Lock Up, Load Up, and be Safe!
Sometimes we forget to lock our doors. Sometimes we forget when our guns are loaded and when they are not, even if they are in the safety of the gun safe. The point of this newsletter article is to teach you a few ways to be safe as a firearm owner and/or a homeowner/renter.
Every night before you go to bed you should lock your doors. Now, people can break in, but there is usually a sound that occurs when they do, such as a window shattering. If you leave your doors unlocked you are definitely vulnerable to a break-in. By the way, they are common even in small towns like Saint Anthony Idaho. The law enforcement have full-time jobs, and their time is spent patrolling and keeping things in order. This is proof that shit happens even in small towns. If you're in a big city, all the more reason to lock your doors. Throughout the day, the doors should be locked. I recommend a bolt lock as well as a chain lock. My wife thinks I'm relatively paranoid about it, but it saves to be prepared.
For those of you who own guns, make sure that they are unloaded and locked when you are away from your home. When you are home, make sure they are loaded but out of the reach of children. Make sure your wife (or husband) is aware of where the firearm(s) is and if it's loaded or not. If she (or he) is amenable, teach him/her how to use the firearm and go through household drills for in case of emergency. You know how schools do fire alarm drills in case of fire on a regular basis? Such should be the case with firearms in the home. As the man of the house you are responsible for all who occupy the space therein. Therefore you need to be aware of what weapons you have, how to use them, when to use them, and why you use them.
I realize that many firearm owners are casual in their gun practices. This is bad. You need to educate yourself on how guns are used and why. Attackers, invaders, and intruders might find your guns and use them against you. It will be all your fault if that happens. Take initiative and educate your family on not only firearm safety but tactical shooting as well. You never know when these skills may come in handy.
If you disagree with owning guns you are very much unlike me. Even though I have extensive training in martial arts, I have a concealed weapons license and I pack wherever I go. I carry batons, stun guns, and real firearms with me at all times, even in the home. Yes, I'm THAT paranoid LOL. It doesn't consume me, but it keeps my priorities straight as a provider and a protecter for and of my home.
I do drills every day by way of drawing the weapons for quick use. When weapons are necessary I use them. When they are not, my martial arts expertise comes in handy. There is a time and a place for weapons and for hand-to-hand combat. Some people carry around guns with concealed weapons licenses. Others learn martial arts. I DO BOTH. Why? Because I consider martial arts as battle, whether with or without weapons. I choose to be educated and prepared.
Some of you do not have the privilege of having a concealed weapons permit, and they can be very successful in fighting by just using martial arts. Don't worry. Just train hard and maximize your potential.
Switching topics, thank you for your feedback on the AMA Kung Fu videos series so far. We will be putting up more by the end of the week. We very much appreciate your support and desire to learn.
Patrick Asay
Head Black Belt Instructor
Applied Martial Arts