Part 3 of Jeff Cooper's Seven Principles: Ruthlessness and Surprise

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". His take and conclusions are great!


#6 RUTHLESSNESS
Many people think that this is an odd word in the context of self-defense, but in reality, ruthlessness is a vital element of fighting to stay alive. In our context, ruthlessness means “absolute single-mindedness of purpose.” Once the fight starts, there are absolutely no considerations other than winning! It doesn’t matter why he chose you; it doesn’t matter why he’s a criminal. All that matters is winning. Bear in mind, in our context, “losing” can mean “dying.” Hit him fast, hit him hard, hit him with everything you’ve got, then assess, and if needed, hit him some more. Remember self-defense is not competition. You must only win.
Basically, you should do whatever you need to do to get out of the situation alive.
Sometimes that means utilizing an object on your person as a weapon. Sometimes that means learning a new technique to be able to do maximum damage with minimal effort. And sometimes that means using lethal force.
Being willing to BE brutal does not mean you ARE brutal.
#7 SURPRISE
Awareness acts as a bug repellant. Looking unassuming can go a long way. But then if it comes anyway, hit fast, hit hard, and give your all.
Turn the tables. Do what your aggressor least expects you to do. Be bold. For us defending ourselves to use surprise we must also use speed
The other form of surprise is tactical surprise, and that is your weapon. If attacked, do something that he least expects. Make him react to you, rather than you reacting to him. Initiate a violent, explosive counter-attack. Action is faster than reaction.
He is just as culturally indoctrinated as anyone else. When he attacks, he believes that you are a helpless victim. What does he expect you to do? Whimper and whine belly up, and do whatever you are told. Think about it. If he points a gun at you and tells you to do something, what does he expect you to do? Comply, of course. The reason he didn’t shoot you was because he believes that you will comply. If you do something else, he has to process that information and decide what to do. And only then can he act. It should be over by then.

Semper Paratus
Check 6
Burn