The Situational Awareness Mindset:
What is self defense? When this question is asked, the usual answer is “physical
techniques which defend one against a physical attack” Although this is a common belief
amongst many self defense and martial arts schools, self defense starts way before the
actual physical assault.. The first and probably the most important component in self
defense is “AWARENSS” of you, your attacker, and your surroundings.
Self defense is a system of awareness strategies combined with physical and mental
techniques. Through the awareness mindset, many physical altercations which are
commonplace on the street, can most likely be avoided
It is a common strategy that the street predator will look for targets that are totally
unaware of their surroundings
The tactic of the “ambush” or the “sucker punch” is what the street predator relies upon
and uses to his full advantage. People who are unaware of their surroundings are prime
candidates (victims) for this street strategy. If the street predator can catch you by
surprise, then it allows him to strike first. Face it, on the street the first person to strike a
good stopping blow, will usually,, not always, but in most cases, win the fight
It has been said that a street fight is a war in microcosm, the best prepared for battle will
probably win the war. In war, if you can take your enemy by surprise, you will usually
have a tactical advantage. Again, this is a tactic that the street predator lives by.
To counter the ambush tactics, an army in time of war sets perimeters. These perimeters
are usually manned with some kind of early warning system. Their sole purpose is to
advise the main body that if there is an aggressive act initiated against it, there will be
time to counter attack.
Just like the army in time of war, you have to be aware of your surroundings at all times.
By having this awareness mindset, you will have the insight, knowledge, and time to
recognize what is going on around you, and thus have time to deal with any potential
problem more effectively.
Through the awareness mindset, you have taken the advantage of the sucker punch,
which is the primary tactics of most attackers, from the street predator. By being aware
of what is going on around you, two clear messages are being sent to a potential street
predator who may be out hunting:
1) I recognize you are there. Because of this fact, their primary tactic of “surprise”
is defeated, and
2) To beat me is going to cost you physically because I’m no easy target
These two points are important to understand because the street predator is a lazy animal.
Street predators like to pick the easiest targets. Why ? , Because the easier the target, the
lower the risks of being seen, heard, or caught, and the higher the gains for getting what
it is I want from you. If through the awareness mindset you can portray a “force
presence” which says “I’m not a victim”, most street predators (not all) will leave you
alone and find easier prey.
The awareness mindset tries to give you the insight and knowledge to recognize what is
going on around you, so that you can either deal with the problem effectively, or get out
of its way.
PAY ATTENTION TO YOUR SURROUNDINGS:
Awareness of your surroundings is the key to personal safety.
SCAN:
Learn to be in the habit of constantly scanning your surroundings – side, front, and
behind; close to you and farther away. Practice will make scanning automatic.
DON”T GET DISTRACTED:
It is difficult, if not impossible, to be aware of your surroundings if you are distracted by cell phones, headphones
KNOW WHO IS AROUND YOU:
Part of being alert to your surroundings is to beware of people around you. When
scanning make brief eye contact (not a prolonged stare which is seen to be a challenge)
with people. By doing this, you send a clear message that you know the person is there,
thus taking away their primary tactic of surprise.
WALK STRONG AND CONFIDENT:
By carrying yourself in a confident, purposeful, and self assured manner – described as
force presence – you immediately convey to a potential attacker that you are not a victim.
One must be very careful however, not to be seen as cocky which can be a challenge
USE YOUR SIXTH SENSE:
“sixth sense”, “gut Instinct” whatever you call it, your intuition is a powerful
subconscious insight into situations and people, We all have this gift, but many do not
listen to its warning. Remember that your intuition is a million years of evolution that the
good Lord has given you to stay safe. But far to often it is just denied or trivialized.
KNOW WHERE YOU ARE:
Always know or plan your route beforehand, especially in areas which are not familiar.
A “lost” appearance indicates weakness – a sure target.
LIMIT YOUR LOAD:
Do not burden yourself with packages, shopping bags, etc. this marls you as a target, and
more importantly, restricts the use of your hands and arms if needed for protection.
These are but a few ideas ( I know there are many more) that one can incorporate into
their everyday life to increase one’s “situational awareness mindset”
Dedicated to your Peace of Mind and Real Security,
Ventures Unlimited
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