Lick Your Wounds

In an empty-hand street battle, even if you are the winner, you will get hit hard and often before the battle is over. If a knife is involved, you will get cut. If a gun is involved, someone will probably get shot. During the combat, you will probably not realize you are injured, but after the battle, after the effects of the adrenaline rush fade away, the pain will come.

Most martial arts schools train for "Pil Sung" (certain victory), but they do not train for the aftereffects of victory. In a tournament, the aftereffects of victory are rejoicing and receiving praise. In a street battle, victory means getting to safety to check yourself for wounds, treating the wounds quickly, and then, either getting away safely, or preparing to take on the next attacker. During sparring, if you are hurt, you raise your hand, the fighting stops, and you are protected and treated by others. In a street battle, if you are hurt and show it, the attacker will pounce on the hurt area with a vengeance. In addition, there is no one else to protect you and treat your injury. You must fight the through pain no matter the severity of the injury, if not you may never be in pain again.

After a street battle that involves knives or shots being fired, even if you are the winner, immediately check yourself for wounds. A clean, though deep, cut may not have much pain, but you may bleed to death quickly. A .22 caliber bullet hole is small and may not even be noticed or felt for a few minutes, but if it pierces a vital organ, you may go into shock and die quickly. Rub and press your hands over every part of your body from head to toe. Blood on a hand or a sharp pain from a press may indicate a serious injury. If shot, also check for an exit wound.

Prepare yourself for what you must do after losing a street battle, but also prepare yourself for the possible results of a victory. First aid courses are available from your local Red Cross or community college. Many businesses make courses available to their employees. If unable to take a course, many web sites have first aid information.