First tip: stay away from situations and places that might require self-defense. In our Adult Martial Arts programs, we teach that this does not mean that you have to be scared in every situation, but you do need to understand that prevention IS self-defense.
By deliberately avoiding putting yourself into situations where you could be threatened is the first step in learning to assess your surroundings. Again, Prevention IS self-defense!
Second tip: if a threatening situation develops, then whenever possible move out and exit the situation immediately. Once a situation has developed, if you are not directly related, get out! It is not your concern!
If you can exit it is far better to stay safe and sound and let the police know whatever details you might have noticed about anyone involved. Many people have been hurt or killed because they entered a situation that had nothing to do with them or they failed to notice potential danger for themselves.
Third tip: if you cannot run away, understand that self-defense is about terminating the threat to your person as quickly and as effectively as possible. It is not about going ten rounds in an impromptu boxing match or even about winning a fight in any sense. A fight may be unavoidable, but it is not the objective.
After that the field is wide open. Your self-defense effectiveness will depend on what you have learned, and also what you know to put into practice in stressful situations.
These are often two different things. It’s not always easy to focus on thesimple, effective things that you need to do when you’re trying not to panic. So practice your “what if” scenarios!
For example, if you were standing next to someone and that person pulled a knife on you, what would you do?
Or if you are walking down the street and you see a group of individuals behaving aggressively in front of you, what self-defense tactic would you need to have ready?
We discuss and teach these situations and topic in our adult classes at Premier Martial Arts.
Remember that self-defense is largely about reacting quickly and simply, so the more you practice, the safer you will stay. Find our more at one of our nationwide Premier Martial Arts locations!
