“I know this has been covered before by everyone, but I’m compelled to state it again: what is in his hands? Hands empty? And he’s about to attack you? Go through him, do damage, and leave. As an unwanted side effect of deep training in self-defense, too many people wait for the attack…”
Comment by Miro, a Ready Nutrition Reader
Excellent comment by Miro, substantiating a point I made in a letter to Readers about how important the comments sections can be. Read them and learn about others’ points of view, as well as picking up some tips and good information you can use. Good job, Miro. I suggest everyone go to the article “Immediate Actions You Must Take If You’re About to be Attacked,” and read the rest of what Miro wrote. We’re going to get into those actions in Part 2.
It is especially important because it characterizes vital points about threat assessment, the critical component in your actions. What you must do is often characterized by what threat you face. In this light, observe the actions of the individual or people approaching you. What are they carrying? Do they have any weapons, and is it obvious that they are going to be a threat? Facial expressions, gestures, speed of movement, and stance (approaching you, trying to cut you off, etc.) all need to be considered to determine threat level.
Staying Safe and Escaping a Dangerous Situation is Your Main Priority
In the article previously mentioned, the three factors are Equalize, Distance, and Escape.
- Equalize – this means to use whatever you have on hand to make the situation more manageable for you. An assailant comes at you with a knife, and you have an umbrella…you can use the umbrella to interdict between the knife and yourself (if it’s opened) or as a striking tool if it’s closed. A pocketbook can be used as a “Morningstar/mace” against an attacker with a club or knife. A jacket carried in-hand can be slung upon the attacker’s face or weapon. Here are seven improvised objects that can be used for self-defense. These actions take you to the next step:
- Distance – this means to place as much distance as possible between you and the attacker. This can also include getting into a car or vehicle and locking the door behind you. Your objective with this step is to separate yourself from your attacker and his weapon. “Distance is your best friend,” as they used to say in the Army. It is your best friend. By using that “friend,” you can progress to step number 3.
- Escape – Yes, get out of that uncontrolled situation. What you do afterward is your business, but the first rule is to survive and succeed. Suppose there’s a dozen of these guys, right out of the movie “The Warriors?” What then? There’s no use getting into semantics. Just GOOD (Get Out Of Dodge) while the getting is good! Escape, call the police and deal with them if you must ON YOUR TERMS, not on theirs.
