Believe it or not, human beings by nature are not aggressive. Most people prefer to lead quiet lives and not challenge others to fights or get violent. The thought of hurting someone or getting hurt in an altercation doesn’t sit well with most of us.
However, there are some people who have no qualms getting aggressive or violent. They understand that most people will back away from their threats out of fear. While one can consider this as bullying behavior, during a crisis, things can escalate.
The bullies will probably start robbing you or hurting if they want something. Even people who are not used to violence may become desperate and resort to violent measures to take what they need.
It’s crucial that you identify the risks and signs of possible attacks so that you can respond quickly. While you may abhor violence, you must be prepared enough to deal with it.
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What are their intentions?
Usually, before an attack, there’s a reason. If someone feels that you’ve offended them, they’ll start raising their voice and approaching you. Contrary to popular belief, this is one of the best things that could happen because now you know what’s happening and you can get ready.
The more dangerous kind of attacks are the ones where someone stalks you and takes you by surprise. This could be the lead up to a rape… or someone strikes you from behind hoping to knock you unconscious so that they can rob you. Either way, you barely have time to react.
This is why it’s crucial to scan your surroundings and be aware of who is around you when you’re out. This is especially important during difficult times.
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The Fence
The term ‘the fence’ is used in self-defense classes to describe a position you adopt when you’re facing someone who might get violent. You’ll have both your hands up above your elbows just as a guard.
You can tell your aggressor to back off or try and get away from the situation. By having the fence up, you reduce your response time greatly. If your opponent tries to head butt you, you can immediately place your palm on his head and push him off.
If you have your hands down and in your pocket, you’ll not have enough time to bring them up and defend yourself. Always adopt the fence position the moment you think that things are about to get violent.
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Watch their hands
Always watch your attacker’s hands and even their shoulders. Are they holding a potential weapon? Are their hands in their pocket or behind their back possibly hiding a knife or some other object? If you notice that they suddenly drop one of their shoulders, they’re about to throw a punch at you. All these are signs to look out for.
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Common styles of attacks
The most common styles of attack are pushing the chest followed by a punch to the face or head. Or your opponent may grab your collar with one hand and try to punch you with the other hand. If they grab your clothes with both hands, you can either expect a head butt or a knee to the groin.
Other common attacks are a kick to the groin or smashing a bottle or some other hard object on the head. If they have a knife, they might try to stab or slash you. If they approach you from behind, you can expect a head lock where they try to choke you out.
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Your options
Dealing with the attacks above requires some knowledge of self-defense. Palm heel strikes, throat punches, eye gouges, body throws and other moves to escape locks are all taught in martial arts like Krav Maga or other close combat systems.
It’s best to get professional training and learn whatever you can. The average aggressor rarely has professional training. They rely on intimidation and brute force to overpower you.
Technique will triumph over strength in most cases. Your technique must be good. You can only be fluid, instinctive and effective in your defense if you’ve practiced enough. So, make sure you train hard and train often so that you can hold your own against anyone who tries to hurt you.
In these uncertain times the chances are increasing daily that you will be called upon to step up and do what has to be done in a violent situation.
Don’t be caught unprepared…
=> Learn the fight skills you need in these uncertain times
“There’s only one basic principle of self-defense: you must apply the most effective weapon, as soon as possible, to the most vulnerable target.” – Bruce Lee
