Our perception of safety has to be changed. Many people have said that they're done with the police, but they might not be ready to defend themselves if the police do disappear! With nearly 2 million new gun owners in America over the last couple of months, it's something that we have to pay attention to. Guns are powerful tools that can render an expert martial artist's skills useless! Having one constitutes a huge responsibility. Join me and my guest, Scott Stilwell, as he comes at me with questions about owning your first gun. It's not just buying one and shooting at the bad guys!

Throughout the episode, Scott and I discuss how to look for the right gun, what training you need, the consequences of shooting a person (even if it's legal), your family's relationship with your weapons, and safety precautions. However, if you're short on time and need a quick rundown of what you need to now, we've noted down the four principles on gun safety.

There are four principles for safety that you have to uphold when you own a gun. First, treat every weapon as if it were loaded. It's unacceptable to wave guns around carelessly, even if they aren't loaded, as that behavior can translate over to when you're really holding a loaded gun. Next, don't point any weapon at anything you don't want to destroy. That means people you don't want to hurt or even your pets. Third, keep your finger off the trigger until you're ready to shoot. In addition to that point, only pull your gun out when you're committed to shooting. This is not like a video game where accidentally shooting can be waived off. Lastly, know your target and what lies in the background and foreground. Understand your battlespace and know what you might hit, especially in a public setting. Collateral damage isn't a joke. If you try to shoot a guy screaming around with a knife into a crowd, there's no way you'll be able to be 100% sure to hit your target.

Outline of the Episode:

• A new perspective on safety and what it means to defend yourself beyond Jiu-Jitsu.
• If you can leave a fight, leave! Having a gun doesn't mean just shooting people.
• How holding a weapon changes a fight. A four-inch piece of metal can immediately neutralize your skillset!
• What gun did Greg buy? How do you choose which one to get?
• Why do top shooters often do "dry firing"? Guns are pretty powerful things!
• The responsibility that comes with owning a firearm. It's essential to train and to know when you should use it.
• "Shoot me, pussy!" You could kill someone because of a misunderstanding!
• What constitutes self-defense? What are the legal specifics?
• Do you shoot for the kill or only to stop the person? Mentally committing to shooting a person.
• Where should you aim if you want to hit? Speed versus accuracy.
• Neutralizing the target. Have the mindset that it's going to be nasty!
• The relationship of gunfighting with health and fitness.
• People who can shoot aspirins out of the air aren't necessarily ready for combat. It's the same concept with martial arts!
• Spend time training! Owning a beautiful racecar doesn't mean you're already an excellent racer. Make sure to maintain your equipment as well!
• Get your family acquainted with your guns! Handling firearms should be integrated into the educational system.
• If you say you're done with the police, then be ready to defend yourself from sociopaths! Lawlessness is seriously dangerous.
• The value of professional training with guns. Please do your research and find someone who knows what they're doing.
• Safety first! The four fundamental firearm safety rules.
• Always be eager to learn!

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• Scott Stilwell

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