Preventing Shootings: Is Gun Control the Answer?
When I heard about the shooting last Friday in Connecticut, I was devastated. Not only were there many victims but the majority were young children. No matter what a person is thinking or what’s going on in their head, children should be off limits. Right now, the whole country is in shock and everyone agrees to what we all really knew a long time already: something has to change. That is whether you’re pro guns or against guns.
Right after the tragedy, social media posts started pouring in with anger, shock and different messages. One of them was that guns should be banned. What you’ll read further in this article is simply thoughts from me, it’s not meant to be confrontational whatsoever. After all, gun control is an extremely heated topic.
As a native Belgian, I have some thoughts about the issue that may or may not be right. However, there are certain things that I have picked up and I am also able to compare different policies. First of all, let me address what the policy is like in Belgium.
Any adult and 16-18 year old (with approval from parents) is allowed to possess a firearm. I personally had my first firearm when I was 17 years old. The process isn’t easy and there are many restrictions. I had never seen a semi automatic rifle until I came to the US, but Belgium doesn’t have the expansive nature and predators either. When you want a firearm, you have to pass a safety test in the shooting range, as well as an interview with the local sheriff. There are also background checks, you are obligated to be part of a shooting range for the duration you possess your firearm and the police is allowed to make a home visit and make sure that the firearm is safely locked away in a safe.
That raises the question, what can we adopt from this policy? Perhaps that the tests and background checks are more thorough and expansive. You can’t just walk in a store and walk out after a quick check with a firearm. Maybe firearms should be required to be locked in a safe and police can come and check on that. That only might have prevented Adam Lanza of getting his hands on his mothers weapons.
I like firearms. I consider them valuable for sport shooting (target shooting, I don’t hunt personally) and for home defense. If it meant it would resolve all these issues with shootings and people hurting each other, I would gladly give them up. However, it would not be the solution. After all, it’s people hurting people. If they are motivated, they will find other ways unfortunately. That doesn’t mean that we can’t do anything about the law, purchasing process, requirements and background checks though. We can make sure it’s harder for individuals to get them. I personally have nothing to hide and applaud a stricter and slower purchasing process. It might be enough to demotivate certain other individuals who are out to do harm. On the other hand, would this increase the number of firearms on the black market? I don’t know.
When clients ask me about weapons for self defense, I always tell them it can be either really helpful or it can be used against them. That is why it’s a completely personal decision. As with any weapon, you need to know how to use it in a safe way instead of making things more dangerous for yourself or others. Maybe everyone who wants to purchase a firearms should follow a mandatory class which discusses their legal obligations and safety procedures?
Nobody can disagree with the fact that more needs to be done for mental health research and helping patients. There should be a database in which doctors (not only law enforcement) can share their concerns. As it is now, many mentally unstable people can still purchase firearms if there have been no previous charges against them. That is something that needs a major change.
Another topic is the assault weapons ban. After doing some research, I figured out the assault weapons are weapons that have certain requirements such as having military style and/or cosmetic features, as well as having high capacity magazine holders.
As you may already know, full automatic weapons have no place in the general population and are thankfully heavily restricted. The problem with an assault weapons ban is that so many firearms aren’t considered assault weapons but can still do the same damage. There are an extraordinary amount of semi automatic weapons out there and many or most owners will not give these up. It would be very doubtful the government would ever ask them to as any law would not be retroactive anyway. This means that all weapons already in circulation stay there, it only restricts manufacturing and possession going forward. Whether the ban from 1994 - 2004 (banning only certain firearms) worked is up for debate. But keep in mind that the tens of millions of weapons and magazines under the ban stayed in circulation.
I don’t want to get too much into the topic of banning firearms because it’s such a controversial topic. I personally don’t believe the biggest problem is gun control or possession. After all, let’s say you take them all away. The black market ‘criminal’ guns will still be out there. People can’t defend themselves against criminals, predators etc.
Saying that the world is safe enough now and we don’t need guns is incorrect in my belief. Things happen every day all over the map. There are carjackings, homejackings, violent assault, burglaries etc. Take a look at the 2011 riots in London and talk to the people who were stolen from, assaulted and whose residences were lit on fire. History tells us the world is not as stable as everyone wants it to be.
I don’t think there is a definitive answer to the problem, at least not for gun control. I think responsible owners should have the right to possess a firearm for home defense, hunting and sport shooting. I don’t think people should judge others for possessing a firearm as long as they are responsible. I don’t think it makes me look any cooler to have them and I don’t brag with it. It does make me feel safer and I enjoy going to the range every once and a while.
Besides the possibility of banning certain features and making the process stricter and more thorough, there are still a few other issues that have a direct influence to the problem:
- The media needs to stop making lists of who was the deadliest, the most devastating etc. That only motivates other individuals who are out to do harm and want to beat that number. It gives them ideas. Let’s please focus on the victims and how we can solve the problem, not indirectly make it seem like we praise this monster. Of course it’s human curiosity to find out who he was and why he did it but you can see my point.
- Mental health research and guidance (after diagnosis). Many people out there need help and if they got it, they wouldn’t do actions such as these. This is a hard goal to reach but imagine how much heartache we can prevent if we can catch a tendency or unstable temperament etc. in individuals. I don’t know much about the topic so refrain from making it seem like I’m an expert but a better safety net is necessary. Why not have a system in which doctors can ring the alarm bell?
- Why not have security people or a few police officers in institutions (schools, hospitals etc.)? This requires funds and time but also creates jobs right?
- Change the mentality of the population. Violence is put too much in the spotlight. Not everything has to be bigger, better, more violent and aggressive. There is much violence in the media, Hollywood and video games. Why not put the focus on something less destructive?
Our thoughts are with the survivors and the victims’ families. These tragedies happen too much and shouldn’t.
By Sander Vanacker, owner, head instructor and personal trainer .
Define Defense in Boulder, CO
- Mixed Martial Arts
- Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
- Self Defense Classes & Workshops
- Personal Training
- TRX / Cross Training Classes
- Kettle Bell
1805 11th Street Suite B
Boulder, CO 80302
(720) 340 6254
Info@DefineDefense.com
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Tough Mudder Team Training
Define Defense is again participating in the Tough Mudder in Beaver Creek, Colorado on June 16th, 2013! Tough Mudder CO is a 12 mile obstacle course to complete with a team (not a competition!). It’s a blast and gives you a great goal to work towards while having fun with your team mates. And let’s not forget, it gives you bragging rights for a long time!
We will be training all our participants and have a great offer for our team mates. If you join our Define Defense Team for Tough Mudder, you can get a 3 month unlimited fitness membership at our facility for only $200 or a 6 month membership for only $345.*
This membership applies to all our TRX, Cross Training, Warrior Training and Kettle Bell classes. On top of these, we will also do additional specific workouts to prepare ourselves for Tough Mudder.
That’s a stunning 50% off normal membership fees!
However, in order to get this amazing deal at our cutting edge studio, you have to commit to joining our Tough Mudder Team first. There is absolutely no monetary gain from your registration for Define Defense. However, we do this because it’s a lot of fun!
Everyone is welcome! We just ask you to come motivated and bring your team spirit!
REGISTER HERE AND JOIN OUR TEAM!
When you register, you have to click ‘Join an Existing Team’, the next page will require you to type in our team name:
Define Defense Martial Arts & Fitness
When you are all set, please email us at Info@DefineDefense.com to confirm your registration and we will get you set up with your unlimited membership for our TRX, Cross Training and Kettle Bell classes!
Do you have any questions? Just shoot them over!
*For new members only*
Student of the Month October 2012
Congrats to Athith for earning the Student of the Month award October 2012. He has been training with us for 3 months and has shown great progress!
Tough Mudder Colorado 2013
02/10/12 14:34 Filed in: Other
Do you want to join the Define Defense Tough Mudder Team? Then sign up now before the price goes up!
Make sure to join our team ‘Define Defense’ when you sign up! If you have issues, let us know.
Father's Day: What to Get?
13/06/12 14:36 Filed in: Other | Strength & Conditioning | TRX / Cross Training | Martial Arts | Brazilian Jiu Jitsu | Personal Training
Sunday is Father's Day! Sometimes it can be tricky to figure out what to get your husband, dad, grandpa, godfather etc. So here are some suggestions of the Define Defense Team:
A TRX Suspension Band: These are some of the best workout tools in the world. It may look like an innocent and easy piece of equipment but it will challenge you, no matter what level you are! Many pro athletes use it and Define Defense uses the TRX Suspension Bands every day for general fitness training, rehabilitation and MMA training! If that's not cool enough, keep in mind it was invented by a Navy Seal!
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu & MMA classes: Get him a membership or a punch card for BJJ or MMA classes! Little boys love wrestling and grappling and deep inside somewhere, all men are still sort of boys. So give him a chance to learn BJJ & MMA. He will thoroughly enjoy it and learn great skills. It is a lot more than just rolling around on the ground, it's a highly tactical and intelligent ground game with many skills and techniques, call it a human chess game if you want. Plus, what do you have to lose? You get a husband that's in great shape and he can protect you better!
Self Defense: Perhaps your husband or dad has been bugging you for years since he's worried about you. Well, you know what the answer is: Take some self defense classes and take away his worries!
Cross Training / TRX classes: None of the above? No problem, get him a punch card or membership for Cross Training / TRX classes and let him pick when he comes to work out. Define Defense has 7 classes every week and no need to register beforehand. He will get a great and safe workout that will give him fantastic results. The instructors at Define Defense are very individually oriented and make sure you reach your personal goals!
Gift card: Can't decide between all these awesome choices? Well then you can just get a gift card and let him decide for himself! He can even use towards our retail products, such as boxing / MMA gloves, rash guards, pepper spray etc.
You can simply come into our studio to purchase or order something or contact us at info@DefineDefense.com
Define Defense at Tough Mudder Colorado 2012
I had a great time since I've been looking forward to it for a long time and was fortunate enough not to have any injuries or limitations. It's great to find new challenges and this particular one would challenge my endurance, balance, coordination, problem solving skills and especially: mental toughness.
Some of the obstacles were especially mentally challenging, such as the ice bath (water with 1.5 feet of ice and you had to dive under a wooden board before exiting), and the electroshocks. There were not one, two but three obstacles with live wires this year! The first we had to crawl in water, second on an ice sheet and the third is the well known one running through live wires. Of course, not all wires are charged but that makes it even more nerve wrecking. I was shocked a total of 7 times. During the last obstacle, right before the finish line, I got shocked twice on the head and it dazed me pretty well. However, I was fortunate enough not to drop (we have seen other people go unconscious for a few seconds). Even though the shocks aren't fun, it's part of the game and it added to the experience. Obviously, if you have medical issues you shouldn't go through the electroshocks.
I did all the obstacles of the course and they were all great for different reasons. A few objections I have with the challenge though are:
- Some of the obstacles that require physical skills, such as climbing, ducking etc. were too short. They should have been longer in length.
- The course was reasonably tough and despite the fact that Tough Mudder needs to accommodate the general population of may different levels, I thought it would be harder. The hardest part of the course was absolutely the altitude changes. You had to run uphill, downhill, hike etc. which was GREAT! That makes it a lot harder but I would like to see harder physically challenging obstacles. Perhaps they should do the course as it is and do some extra things for an 'Elite Tough Mudder'?
P.S. A big thank you to the team and the people who came out to support!
By Sander Vanacker, owner, head instructor and personal trainer of Define Defense Martial Arts & Personal Training.
Define Defense in Boulder, CO
- Modern Martial Arts
- Brazilian Jiu Jitsu & MMA
- Self Defense Classes & Workshops
- Personal Training
- Cross Training / TRX Classes
1805 11th Street Suite B
Boulder, CO 80302
(720) 340 6254
Info@DefineDefense.com
Open Mat Times
This Saturday June 2nd, 2012 classes will proceed as usual from 10am - 3.30pm for all programs.
On Saturday June 9th, classes will be cancelled and an open mat session will be offered from 9.30-11am. The Define Defense Team will be leaving for Tough Mudder Colorado that day.
On Saturday June 16th, classes will be cancelled and an open mat session will be offered from 2-3.30pm.
On Wednesday June 20th, Define Defense will be hosting a Free Friendly Sparring Meetup from 6.15-7.15pm*
On Wednesday July 25th, Define Defense will be hosting a Free Friendly Sparring Meetup from 6.15-7.15pm*
Bring your protective gear, you can either do stand up or grappling with any other martial artist or simply share ideas and techniques (open mat). 100% FREE. All clients, friends and guests welcome!
As always, you can find the most updated schedule on our online scheduler. All visitors are always welcome. Open Mat and Sparring Meetup is for adults only.
Discount on TRX gear
TRXTraining Black Friday & Cyber Monday Deals!
Black Friday Deal - 20% Off All Trainers (Rip, HOME, PRO & Force) + Free Shipping
Use Code: TRXFRI
(valid 11/23/12 only)
Cyber Monday Deal - 20% Off All Trainers (Rip, HOME, PRO & Force) + Free Shipping
(valid 11/26/12 only)
Holiday Deals
20/11/12 09:34
Holidays are coming and Define Defense is in the holiday spirit! We are offering our new clients our best deals to date! We offer high quality training in:
- Mixed Martial Arts
- Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
- Self Defense Classes & Workshops
- TRX & Cross Training Classes
- Kettle Bell Classes
- Personal Training
From now until January 1st 2013, we offer the following deals:
Mixed Martial Arts:
20% off memberships and punch cards
+ a free T shirt or tank top
Self Defense:
Four self defense classes, a Mace 10% Pepper Gel and a Define Defense T shirt or tank top for only $99
TRX / Cross Training:
20% off memberships and punch cards
+ a free T shirt or tank top
Kettle Bell Program:
20% off memberships and punch cards
+ a free T shirt or tank top
Personal Training:
First session is free!
Youth Martial Arts:
20% off memberships and punch cards
+ a free Gi
Closed for Thanksgiving
17/11/12 17:42
We wish everyone a very happy Thanksgiving! Since so many people are busy and out of town, Define Defense will be closing on Thanksgiving (Thursday), Friday 11/23/12 and Friday 11/24/12.
Have a great holiday and hope to see you in the beginning of the week or the next week!
As always, when in doubt, please check our online schedule.
Columbus Day
03/10/12 12:51 Filed in: Fitness | Personal Training
On Columbus Day this upcoming Monday, there will not be any Define Defense classes. There will be 10th Planet Jiu Jitsu at 8pm though!