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.

How do you feel about sitting front and centre at improv performances, Steph?

How do you feel about sitting front and centre at improv performances, Steph?

I would rather eat crushed glass.

I can understand the situations ita is describing. Since we were both prey and predators, we've probably developed conflicting instincts in regards to violence and impending violence.

In the only real physical confrontations I've ever been in, I've felt that adrenaline surge and watched my body move in a physical response that had nothing to do with my intellectual understanding of the situation. I even suspect that had my higher brain functions intervened, I'd have been in deeper shit that I already was.

That's not to say I don't recongize the value of using my brain to defuse similar situations. But once the point of no return is past, I bowing to our more primative instincts can be just as useful.

Yelling by itself is an awesome self-defense tool. Using your voice to defend yourself and set boundaries is one of the first things they teach in Model Mugging-- now called Impact [link]

And it was the main weapon I used to defend myself when I was attacked in my home a few years back. The memory of yelling during fights (both my own and cheering my classmates on) came right back to my lungs and my voice. And I told the guy to "Get the fuck out of my house" in the deepest, demony voice ever. I also clawed the guys face and would have kicked the shit out of him if he hadn't run away.

My mind wasn't even working at the time (except I was super angry at him and pissed when he ran off because I wanted to "finish" the fight aka knock him unconcious) but it was all in my muscle memory. From the Model Mugging class I'd taken 6 years before.

I would rather eat crushed glass.

Sister!

I mean, I adore improv -- it's my favourite form of comedy. But I will be instantaneously sullen and destructive if someone exhorts me to participate in any way other than giving notes.

It's a thing.

We're starting to incorporate classes based on Model Mugging into our offerings -- using verbal self defense isn't something we've traditionally stressed. Mostly, I can't wait to beat up the guy in the puffy suit.

I've felt that adrenaline surge and watched my body move in a physical response that had nothing to do with my intellectual understanding of the situation

Adrenaline dumps are scary things. It's what happens in the next heartbeat that can dictate the outcome.

I don't want to participate in any show. I don't want to singalong. My theory is that if I'm supposed to perform, I should be paid.