Wild sheep and domestic sheep look similar. But they live different lives, and they respond differently to threats.
Wild sheep
Wild sheep are vigilant. They sense a predator at a distance. Individuals in the herd will face all directions, so they can keep an eye out. When one sees a predator, it gives an alert, warning the herd. They stick together. They run together. They are fast. They head for rough places, thick forest and steep mountainsides, where they are at home and predators can’t go. Wild sheep are not inclined to fight, but large males can scare off or kill predators. Most attacks fail.
Domestic sheep
Domestic sheep are bred and raised to be docile. They have food and water provided for them. They are protected from threats by people. When possible.
Trained and Untrained people
If you are trained, when you are threatened you will respond. If you see someone being attacked you will be able to decide what to do: You might withdraw, de-escalate, team-up, or engage. If you are well trained you will have experience in the decision-making and tactics which give you confidence, skill and presence of mind. If you are trained your instinct might be fight or flight – either way you will be fast, decisive and strong.
If you are not trained you will not be in a position to choose. You will default to instinct. Which might be to freeze or to freak out. Or to wish you weren’t there. Or to hope for the best. If you have not trained your instincts will not help much. Your instinct, like those of the domesticated sheep, might be to hope that help will come in time.
Training does not refer just to martial arts training. It includes the habits and attitudes that give you strength, skill, courage and purpose.
What follows is not legal advice. It is not tactical advice either. It is some North Carolina law regarding the defense of others. This issue has many dimensions. Each person is responsible to understand the legal, moral and tactical considerations in each case. Each of us is responsible for our choices day to day, and under pressure. If we or some nearby is being assaulted or threatened, we will make a choice. Prepare. Make a good one.
North Carolina General Statute § 14‑51.3. Use of force in defense of person; relief from criminal or civil liability. (a) A person is justified in using force, except deadly force, against another when and to the extent that the person reasonably believes that the conduct is necessary to defend himself or herself or another against the other’s imminent use of unlawful force. However, a person is justified in the use of deadly force and does not have a duty to retreat in any place he or she hasthe lawful right to be if either of the following applies: (1) He or she reasonably believes that such force is necessary to prevent imminent death or great bodily harm to himself or herself or another.
(2) Under the circumstances permitted pursuant to G.S. 14‑51.2. (b) A person who uses force as permitted by this section is justified in using such force and is immune from civil or criminal liability for the use of such force, unless the person against whom force was used is a law enforcement officer or bail bondsman who was lawfully acting in the performance of his or her official duties and the officer or bail bondsman identified himself or herself in accordance with any applicable law or the person using force knew or reasonably should have known that the person was a law enforcement officer or bail bondsman in the lawful performance of his or her official duties. (2011‑268, s. 1.)
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Post copyright © 2025 Jeffrey Brooks, MountainKarateNC.com, Yamabayashi Ryu, Mountain Karate Dojo, in the mountains of western NC.
Photo by Harry Burk, via Unsplash
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read True Karate Dō by Jeffrey Brooks
“One of the best books I’ve read in years, inviting and compelling. Jeff Brooks moves effortlessly from martial arts to Buddhism to consciousness studies, self-transformation, and related fields in this wide-ranging and Illuminating study that has much to offer both novice explorers and veteran practitioners. A splendid achievement.”— Philip Zaleski, Editor, The Best Spiritual Writing series