Part 2 Jeff Cooper's Seven Principles:Aggressiveness, Speed, Coolness

This is my take on these seven principles. I’m not trying to “out do” or embellish these principles, I’m only giving you my opinion. I would highly recommend reading Jeff Cooper’s book "Principles of Personal Defense".


#3 AGGRESSIVENESS
Fighting is by definition an aggressive activity! The best defense is an explosive counter-attack.
At some point in an attack, it’s go time. Time to stop cooperating, cowering and/or running away. Time to start acting. Aggressively and violently. Because a defensive gun use is not defense per se. It’s a counter-attack. Unless you’re ready, willing and able to mount a pedal-to-the-metal counter-attack when you face a threat of grievous bodily harm or death, your odds of surviving a violent assault are not all that wonderful.
It’s best to have a “trip wire.” Mental and physical preparation is the key.
You need to be mentally prepared to shoot, kick, bite, punch, stab, head butt, do anything to survive. Some may disagree, but I believe you need to reconcile yourself to the possibility that you may suffer serious injury or death. Your ballistic response may end one ordeal even as it starts another even longer and more painful one. You may kill the wrong person, or fail to kill the right person.
Anger is sometimes good in controlled measure. Aggressiveness can be anger channeled.
#4 SPEED
You must move quickly. Speed comes from practice and economy of motion (not desperate hustle). In the military we call this “Most Rikki-tic”. Aggressiveness is linked to speed. Speed is linked to practice.
“…On a realistic note, I can point out that in every single successful defense against violent attack that I know of and I have studied this matter for nearly three decades – the attacker was totally surprised when his victim did not wilt.
“The speed, power, efficiency, and aggressiveness of the counterattack varied greatly, but the mere fact of its existence was the most elemental component of its success.”
Jeff Cooper

#5 COOLNESS
You must keep your head! You cannot miss fast enough to win. Front sight, press.
Practice tactical breathing. Tactical breathing was developed by Lt. Col. Dave Grossman. It’s a technique that soldiers and police officers use to quickly calm down and stay focused in high-pressure situations like firefights. Here’s how to do it:
1. Slowly inhale a deep breath for 4 seconds.
2. Hold the breath in for 4 seconds.
3. Slowly exhale the breath out for 4 seconds.
4. Hold the empty breath for 4 seconds.
5. Repeat until your breathing is under control.
Controlling emotion can bring calmness and training can bring confidence.

Semper Paratus
Check 6
Burn