(Click for larger.)

I have not been shy in voicing my opinion that physical fitness is the cornerstone of hand-to-hand defense.  Train hard, build muscle and endurance, and one will probably prevail if set upon by a violent criminal intent on robbery.

A reader sent me the above picture, which I think is from 2011 when Occupy Wall Street protestors were confronted by members of the New York Police Department.  She points out that the police officer is hardly a vision of vibrant physical conditioning, and yet he seems to be rather effective when it comes to convincing would-be rioters to disperse.

Absolutely true.  I think it would be a different story if the officer pictured above was squaring off against someone with a stout club of their own, particularly if his opponent was younger and better conditioned, but the man in blue seems to be getting the job done.