SO YOU WANT TO BE A DOORMAN?

Many people would like to see themselves as Doormen, especially, it would appear, Martial Artists. For some strange reason many of the 'trained' combatants feel that they are fully qualified for the job. The position of a Doorman, and the lifestyle that accompanies it is not what many people would aspire to if they knew the full story. For those of you who have read any of Geoff Thompson's books concerning 'the door' may understand what I'm getting at. For those of you who've been there and done it, then you know what I'm talking about. The Door is no place for 'paper tigers'.

I have been an active Doorman for the past nine years in Mansfield, Nottinghamshire. I was introduced to the profession through my younger brother, Martin, during a time of financial difficulty. As with many Doormen before me, it was meant to be a short-term arrangement. And, as those who have preceded me, once I was in, I was consumed by it and have been held by it since. My first weeks work was a harrowing time, my nerves and conscience being tested and stressed to extremes, which at the time, I didn't think were possible to overcome.

During the early part of my 'term of office' I worked in a combination of establishments, pubs and clubs of varying class. I quickly learnt the trade, most of this can be contributed to me working with some top quality men. In a relatively short space of time I was beginning to establish myself as a decent Doorman, being head-doorman of a combined pub and nightclub after just eight months of working. During those months I had formed a working relationship with a man who was to spend the next six and a half years by my side, Carlos. On more occasions than I care to remember, we have had to put 100% faith in each other's ability and commitment. We've seen, and been involved in, some sights that would make many shudder and crumble. In hindsight I even question my own resilience in the face of such adversity. However, I'm here today to 'tell the tale'. I feel confident in saying that I have benefited from my experiences. The lifestyle that 'the door' has led me is largely responsible for moulding me into the person that I am today. But, and this is a big but, the journey hasn't been an easy one by any means. There have been numerous times where I have struggled to maintain my well being, my liberty (on more than one occasion) and sanity. Through my own endeavours, I shall attempt to highlight some of the considerations that need to be deliberated upon. I hope that by giving an insight into this perilous profession, that people will consider its worth. This ranges from people considering taking up a position, to those questioning their viability in the job at the moment, to those who are prepared to look at it from the 'other side of the fence'. First and foremost, we need to take a look at why people might want to do it.

My own personal motive for entering this trade was of a purely financial nature. It was the burden of a mortgage and the desire not to loose my home that spurred me, after much deliberation, to begin originally. Many people, when nothing else is available, can be tempted to work the door.

In my opinion, the most common reason for people wanting to don the 'black and white's' is because of the status it provides. The first main category of this being 'notoriety'. The thought of being a 'name' is a temptation many find hard to resist. The opportunity to flower up their non-existent reputations through becoming a Doorman seems all too easy. The majority of them fail to look any further than this, unwittingly taking a tremendous gamble (more about that later). Many people look at the role of a Doorman as being somewhat glamorous. They feel that once they have taken on the job, that they then hold a celebrity status. It is also a misconception that they will become both feared and respected.

The second and equally as popular stimulus for seeking employment within the trade, is female attention. The prestige connected with being a Doorman can, with the right manipulation, allure considerable attention from the opposite sex (in some instances, depending on the clientele, this interest can sometimes be from the same sex, ooh err). Much in the same way people consider it a trophy to have 'done' a doorman, particularly a 'named' one, some women seem to adopt a similar attitude. Most pubs and clubs usually have one or more 'friendly' girls hanging about, flirting with the door staff. For them too, being connected with a Doorman holds some form of prestige. A lot of people in the job are quite happy to exploit this to its full potential. I personally consider this to be the worst reason to be doing the job, especially if it's the only reason. Anyone who enters this business with the sole intention of surrounding themselves with women, is not only a danger to his colleagues, but also to himself. With their focus being elsewhere (on the look out for potential talent), they can definitely be considered as being in a lax state of mind. People of this nature have no place on the door.

Another reason for taking to 'the door', and this runs hand in hand with the subject of notoriety, is to become a popular figure. Some people that I know who do the doors like the thought of being known by everyone and anyone. To be recognised when merely walking through town gives them a sense of acceptance.

Door work is an incredible temptation to life's 'dark side'. An ideal environment for bullies, drug dealers and other criminal elements to operate within. Because of the nature of the business, it's easy for them to exploit every possibility, using intimidation to dissuade resistance. Because of the common perception of this line of work, people seeking various illegal services will regularly approach the door staff for assistance. I have personally been asked on several occasions about supplying drugs, such is the reputation of doormen in general, on all occasions I gave my reply by rendering the person unconscious (you may notice that I resent being considered as having anything at all to do with drugs). Bullies are drawn to this vocation because it gives them easy access to a regular supply of victims. It can feed these egotistical cowards with an immense feeling of power. They will manipulate this dominating position with ruthless effect.