The main problem with the belly as a target in a self defense scenario is that it’s too slow. If you’re being attacked, you want to end the fight and escape as quickly as possible. Wounds to the belly kill via blood loss and sepsis, which takes at least several minutes during which the attacker can keep causing you damage.

The femoral artery in the inner thigh is what you want to aim for. Also, the tendons along the inner wrist are responsible for grip strength; if severed, that hand can’t hold anything. Take a good look at the anatomy of those areas and you’ll have a good start.

Your reaction times and agility from fencing will help you in a real fight, but the actual techniques not so much. Stick to slashing attacks, as stabbing can result in your blade getting stuck in or between bones.

I’d say we’re fully in agreement then. I certainly didn’t mean to imply that adding difficulty alone was somehow automatically virtuous. It’s maybe better to say there’s virtue in doing some things the hard way.

I’m actually really curious to hear your definition of virtuous! For me, it’s the ‘has an overall positive effect’ definition, not the wishy-washy ‘moral’ one.

There’s a distinct difference between doing something “the hard way” and adding unnecessary complications. “The hard way” is just a faster way of saying “without all the modern conveniences.” New York to Maine the hard way would be walking rather than driving.

The virtue in doing something the hard way is that it gives you a clearer look at the details. Walking from New York to Maine would give you a much more intimate understanding of the terrain than driving or flying.

Don’t forget Swiss Army Man!

Aaron Rodgers, since he turned into the Q-B

I’ve camped there, it’s pretty nice!