
The Best Self-Defense Strategy - The 6 Phases of a Perfect Self-Defense Plan
Author: Jeffrey Miller
Contrary to popular belief, there is a big difference between a fight and a self-defense situation. While both may look the same on a physical, combative level, the reason that each participant is there is very different.
As a general rule, a fight is a contest involving two or more willing participants, all trying to "win" or prove that they are "right." A self-defense situation, on the other hand, may involve more than one willing participant but, they are all on the SAME side! The defender in a self-protection encounter is the unwilling target of an attack launched by another who is trying to take something from her. As a result, she is not trying to win or lose necessarily, as much as she's trying to get out of the situation altogether. The following is a list of the six general phases of progression that one goes through in being properly prepared for a self-defense situation - beginning with the least amount of threat to the defender and leading to that which poses the greatest potential for damage. Each phase, or stage, itself, has the potential of reducing or completely eliminating your chances of ending up as a crime statistic as a victim of assault or some other serious crime. If you are to be properly prepared to maintain a safe and danger-free life, you must insure that your training takes all of these phases into consideration. 1. General Awareness - Accept that there is danger in the world and choose to do something about NOT being a victim of it. 2. Awareness of Danger Potential - Tune-in and be aware of your surroundings. Know that the sooner you can be aware of danger that might affect you, the more choices you have for dealing with it. 3. Escaping to Safety - Know how to choose good escape routes from where you are. Have escape routes pre-planned from your home and everywhere else you frequent regularly. And, have multiple routes to and from places like work, the mall, school(s), and of course, your home. 4. Distraction Tactics - Don't be in a hurry to fight. If at all possible, use humor, trickery, and other non-threatening, non-confrontational strategies to diffuse the situation or distract the attacker's mind away from you as the target. 5.Project a Confident Attitude - As a last resort, use firm, committed speech and body language to try to dissuade the assailant from going through with his plan to attack. Let him know, in no uncertain terms, that you will not be an easy target. 6.Physical Self-Defense - If all else fails, and you end up at this phase - be prepared to win. It's important to note that "physical self-defense" comes at the end of the list. This is never the preferred choice for handling things as there is always the chance, no matter how good you are, of something going wrong. As I said, the more options you have in being able to avoid or escape from a situation before it gets physical, the greater your chances of success with the least amount of wear-and-tear. But, remember: If you must fight, then do everything in your power to go home safely. After all, this is about "defense", right? Jeffrey M. Miller is the founder of Warrior Concepts International, a Pennsylvania-based company specializing in helping private, law enforcement, and corporate clients to develop time-tested and proven self-protection and personal development skills that work in the real-world. He is the author of the highly acclaimed, educational video, Danger Prevention Tactics. His latest book, The Karate-Myth shows the reader why most martial arts and self-defense programs don't work and how to insure your safety in today's violent world. For additonal information about having this internationally-recognized expert as a guest or keynote speaker for your organization's next meeting, or to sponsor a seminar with Mr. Miller, you may contact him through his web site or by calling WCI in the U.S. and Canada, at (570) 988-2228.
More Martial Arts and Self Defense Articles
Kung Fu - How to Pick a Kung Fu School
What is the best way to select a Kung Fu school? First, visit the Kung Fu school and, if at all possible, take a few lessons. Observe the students and ask yourself: Are these the types of people I would like to be associated with? Remember that...read more
All About Martial Arts and Other Fighting Styles
The martial arts make up an exciting sport that is a great tool for self defense and discipline. Training involves intense mental concentration and physical stamina. The key of each technique is to sharpen you thinking to the point that you...read more
Batons for Self Defense
Contemplating a method of protection is a very serious undertaking. If you are considering such a purchase you need to evaluate your options very carefully. When selecting a tool for self defense the first thing is to consider your own level of...read more
The Shaolin Workout - Body and Mind
It's most important to stay loose and relaxed in mind and body. To enjoy your life, you must be relaxed. When we were children, our bodies were loose, relaxed, and flexible. We could do splits, flips, jumps, and twists without thinking about it. We...read more
Tips For Self Defense
Every day we face the risk of being attacked. Attacked by the street robbers, home intruders, rapists and violent persons of other sort. If you, your relative or a friend are attacked, you have a right to ward off an attack by using a force....read more
Self Defense Tips To Keep You Safe
Do as much as you can to avoid a confrontation - "anticipation and avoidance" are the key words. If you get caught up in a situation, try to talk to an aggressor without provoking them. Practice relaxation, as appearing fearful or stressed can ...read more
Tai Chi for Over Fifties
Tai Chi for Over Fifties Tai Chi is an internal martial art which can be soft and gentle. It can and should be practised in a flowing way for practitioners of any age. Particlularly, in China and the est nowadays, people ove r 50 are taking up...read more
Self-Defense For Modern Times
Most people when they think of serious self-defense for their home and family think of acquiring a gun. The logic of such an acquisition is compelling; simplicity, easy of use, firepower and the finality of results. The role of guns in our history...read more
The Front Squat: The Real Judoka's Best Friend
Why the Front Squat is the REAL Judoka’s Best Friend I have seen more than one article on the web, heralding the Squat as the best exercise for a judoka. While I can’t argue that the squat is a great exercise, I think that a trainee with just a...read more
Simple Self Defense Move Forces People Who Have You Pinned Down To Jump Off You As Fast As Possible
It's a pretty well-known fact that most fights get taken to the ground. And one of the scariest things in the world can be when a very large person -- 200 pounds or more -- pins you to the ground with all their weight, slowly suffocating you to...read more
|