Thought I would share my experiences with you of possibly the most unpro doorman I have ever seen, ironically a short British guy in a French Alps bar called 'The Saloon.'

His manner was aggressive and the way he dealt with situations that could of been dealt with by a few words was in my opinion very procative.

The worst thing was the steel kosh I spotted strapped to his back. Goodness knows what he would do with it given the chance.


Anyone had any bad experiences/Or witnessed something similar?

Sadly yes.
I was on my way out of a club, when a bouncer battered through the swing doors we were heading for and knocked my wife over.
He then tried to walk through me.... and bounced.
He grabbed me in a scarf hold and tried to throw me out, so I reversed the hold and threw him out, much to the amusement of the other door staff.

To me, a good doorman is one who welcomes you in and says good night on your way out.

Personally no problems, I can respect the job because some of the crap they have to put up with.

But the doormen I knew where ususally two types those who are there to be professional and those that want to find a legitmate way to beat the crap out of people or try out their martial arts skills.

Some of the best professional types I know have defused crowds without throwing a punch. Back to the art of fighting without fighting

I spent some time as a bouncer. I never had a situation on my watch that I didn't handle with just words. I was always ready for it to get worse, but it never happened. Came close once or twice. I'm very happy to not have that job anymore though.

I have had good experiences, personally, of doormen. But, I have seen them get ugly before which is a digrace. They use their position as a position of power and authority which tends to go to their heads.

Like the post above states "the art of fighting without fighting" is the best way, to overcome a situaton, if its possible.

very true. this abuse of power is not just limited to bouncers either. you can find it in law enforcement officers, and in martial arts instructors as well.

usually followed out of the door by a big ego!

It has been mentioned already, but the biggest mistake a club can make is just hiring big guys who know how to fight.

Yes they can fight, but the club is open to lawsuits. The term bouncer is unprofessional. What they are is simply club security. Security is not there to enforce the law they are there to protect the patrons and the property. So unless they are professional enough to understand what the Use of Force Continuum is and how to apply it and how to explain it in court they darn well don't need the job.

Another thing that affects how security people do their job at a club is the club itself. What will they not back their employee on? This is important on how far a person will take their job.

I have worked with some of the greatest security people and some pretty good clubs. I have also seen security people who think every drunkard is an excuse to hit something.

It is a dark world out there.