If you’re like most people, you probably hope you will never find yourself in a self-defense scenario. Unfortunately, things are not always under your control. Someone might decide to get physical with you for a number of reasons like they do not like something about you. They want to get something out of you, or the person is looking for someone to take out all their anger and frustration on.
One of the most useful things you can do to prepare for such confrontations is by visualizing potential self-defense scenarios you might find yourself in. It is easier to see all your options when the pressure that comes with real-life encounters is not there. When you go over potential scenarios in your head, you react better to real fights instead of feeling overwhelmed and freezing up.
Here are three common self-defense scenarios you might find yourself in and how to deal with them.
1) The Drunken Tough Guy/Girl
This is one of the most common self-defense scenarios, particularly for young men. You are having a good time at a bar or party, and someone there is focused on you for whatever reason. Feelings of envy and jealousy typically spur such confrontations.
It might because you are getting more attention than they are at the party or because you dress well. Regardless of why this person is focused on you, they intend to ruin your night.
You don’t have to allow them to do that, though. Confidence goes a long way when it comes to preventing and avoiding such confrontations. When you project confidence, the person is less likely to attack you since they know you will probably fight back.
You should also be aware of your surroundings when such a person approaches. Does the person have a weapon in their hand like a beer bottle? How many of their friends are around? How many people in the area will be on your side?
Little details like this will help you to see the big picture. As a general rule, you want to do everything possible to avoid a physical confrontation in this scenario since there are so many variables. The attacker’s friends might jump you, or the bouncers might think you are the trouble maker and throw you out. That can end up leading to a more dangerous situation if you find yourself outside the establishment with the attacker afterward.
You must conduct yourself appropriately in these scenarios, so it is clear who the aggressor is. If you are just as obnoxious as the other person, all bystanders see are two jerks getting ready to fight each other.
You want to state your preference for a peaceful solution clearly, and you should not do anything to aggravate the other person. Talk calmly, firmly, and let them know you want to be left alone. If you have to leave the place and go somewhere else, that’s fine. Do whatever you can to remove yourself from the situation before things get physical. Never let your ego get the best of you. That opens up Pandora’s box.
2) The Stealth Attack
Some people are just horrible. They go around looking for excuses to harm others, and they tend to pick on non-confrontational people. These types of people are incredibly afraid, so do not expect a fair fight with them.
What you need to understand is that such an attacker wants to catch you off guard, and they will typically escalate the silliest things. You think someone wants to talk to you about something trivial, and a strike catches you flush. The attacker would usually follow up with more strikes while trying to figure out why you are being attacked in the first place.
That’s why it is important that you set personal boundaries when you interact with others. When a person shows clear signs of aggression, you need to be ready to react appropriately. Please don’t get fooled by the person doing things to make you drop your guard like putting both hands behind their backs. Always remember things can get physical regardless of how silly you think a confrontation is.
Keep your feet apart and stand in a ready stance whenever you are approached. Your hands should be up in front of you and not resting by your sides. If the person moves into your personal space, you need to immediately engage and decide if it is best to continue your attack or run away. Never let someone who is confronting you violate your personal space. It makes the person feel more confident that they will be able to dominate you physically, and it puts you in a weak position to defend yourself. Establish your boundaries during a confrontation and do not allow anyone to disregard it.
Most people who want to sucker punch you will change their minds if they feel you are waiting for it and ready to pounce on them.
3) The Small-Time Mugger
Movies are filled with characters like these. It might be a drug addict who needs money for their next fix or someone who prefers to rob people rather than work for a living. These criminals scan their environment for the easiest victims. They target the old lady walking home by herself or the guy who slouches and stares at the ground as he walks.
These people do not necessarily mean you any harm. They want to take your things. You can reduce your risk of being targeted by such people by being confident and aware of your surroundings. It would be best if you also tried to avoid things that put you in situations where you might encounter a mugger.
It’s no secret muggers like to choose isolated places where there are no bystanders to help you. Plan your daily activities appropriately, so you don’t end up in this position. If you end up becoming a victim to such a person, it is best to cooperate and give them your things. There’s no point fighting the person if all it takes to get rid of them is to hand over money or jewelry.
You never know when the day might come when you will have to defend yourself. Preparing yourself to protect yourself if the need arises is responsible and vital. Training martial arts regularly is the best way to ensure that you know what to do if attacked. Give martial arts a try today at the James Martial Arts Academy!
