Someone else yelling at me can have only the effect I allow it to. So what am I expecting?

That's a very interesting question.

In my life, yelling has generally meant violence is coming. Yelling with profanity has meant violence is here. Neither are conducive states for learning for me. I'll react, and I may even react in a desired fashion, but I probably won't retain anything. I have and will push myself past my limitations, usually with an understanding of the goal and encouragement.

This is not to say I wouldn't enjoy Krav or the teaching method, not having seen it in action. I probably would.

Or does an overarching intellectual interest suffice to get you to throw your brain out the window and work on reflexes.

Very rarely. I only work solely on reflexes in emergencies. I don't like bypassing my brain. I can do it, but it's rare.

I enjoy other people's enthusiasm. I love watching other people getting giddily excited over things. I have even been known to crack a smile and express enthusiasm of my own. My base state, however, is detached and analytic.

I wish they offered Krav here. I'm not sure how I feel about people yelling at me, I can't really remember a time a non argument time I've been yelled at but I'm coming up blank. Maybe some time in middle school gym. Well, I've been at a work out where the instructor has to yell to be heard, but that's different.

Also, I yell at football games. I know those guys can't hear me yelling their names or cursing the other team or anything but it makes me feel good and I know that the noise helps them. I've heard several after game interviews where the players have talked about what a difference it makes when the fans are behind them rather than being quiet. I love walking away from a game with my head aching, barely able to talk from screaming so much.

I yell at the tv screen too during games.

I never minded yelling in karate, because it was focused yelling--things like counting and reminders to keep low, keep the elbow back and square the shoulders. I can work much harder under those conditions than I do on my own. On the other hand, I really dislike the aerobics instructors who try to jolly you into yelling "good morning" loudly or smiling. It's a good thing aerobics never gives you the opportunity to hit the instructor.

I yell at the tv, too. But not during games.

Ginger is me, only more articulate. Focused yelling is the perfect term.

I yell at the tv screen too during games.

My stepdad gets so riled up during TV basketball games, and yells like it's a matter of his own personal survival, that it upsets the dog, who apparently will now go down the hall and hide in the office as soon as he (the dog) hears that ubiquitous sound of gym shoes squeaking on the basketball court.

True story.

I only work solely on reflexes in emergencies.

The scenario that Beej was worrying about was all about emergencies though -- it's about modifying your reflexes so that when it happens for real, what you do is effective -- but just modifying them a little, because it's supposed to be useful as quickly as possible.

There are, in fact, specific stress drills designed to freak the student out. Not for the power trip part, but just to get you used to the stink of adrenaline in your blood, so you understand the conflicting sensations, and still remember enough to save your life.

The yelling -- a key tool. Profanity is sometimes also used, as is darkness, loud music, dizziness, crowds, weapons. Takes too long to make the brain useful in those situations.

yelling has generally meant violence is coming

This makes it complex. We do have people that freeze when presented with yelling, usually because of a past history. But freezing at yelling is some of what we're trying to get them past, and it's hard to do without, well, yelling.

usually with an understanding of the goal and encouragement.

I always try to make sure this is present -- it's in no way (to me) at odds with the shouting.

Jollying is evil. Also "Come on -- Jackie's doing better than you are!" In fact, much of my reaction is "If you can't kill me barehanded, don't yell at me like that. If you can, I'd still rather you didn't, so I'll just leave."

I yell at the radio during baseball games. I think it helps the players. It's like ~ma.

On the other hand, I really dislike the aerobics instructors who try to jolly you into yelling "good morning" loudly or smiling. It's a good thing aerobics never gives you the opportunity to hit the instructor.

I also dislike concerts/stand-up comedians/speakers who ask "How's everybody DOING???" and really truly expect the crowd to answer. "I CAN'T *HEAR* YOU!!!" t cue obligatory crowd roaring louder

I detest required participation in group activities. Which may explain my hatred of the OMWF singalong.