Self Defence Today is based from a Martial Art
A martial art by definition is a system which teaches us about war, conflict and death; however in relation to the universal laws of natural balance (sometimes related to as yin/yang or in/yo) it also gives teaching on peace, non conflict and life as all are intrinsically linked. The Japanese term for martial art is Bu Jutsu. The term bu jutsu is made up of two characters one of which can be translated as to stop and the other as spear, therefore the term bu jutsu means to stop the spear e.g. to use knowledge to prevent war and hurt. One such form of bu jutsu was Ju Jutsu (Jiu Jitsu). This was an unarmed method of defending oneself against armed and unarmed aggressors developed and used by Japanese feudal warriors.
We need to deal with a lot of emotions when dealing with an undesirable conflict, below is an illustration on all the emotions we need to take control of in order to deal with a situation in a satisfactory manor and aggression can be our main friend once a conflict has become physical.
Safety Tips
Awareness is the key
Increasing your personal awareness is an integral part of crime prevention, and perhaps the single most important element of effective self-defence. An awareness of the reality of crime and violence, as well as an awareness of your environment, are the keys to your personal security. Being aware does not have to involve paranoia. You can't live your life expectancy a problem, buy you can train yourself to be more alert, and adjust your level of awareness as needed. For instance, if you have good locks and live in a decent area, you shouldn't have to be constantly on guard. On the other hand, if you're out late at night, perhaps a little paranoia is a good thing. Just use good common sense and remember to pay attention to what's happening around you, and you will go a long way towards keeping yourself safe, in an increasingly hostile world.
Developing a survival mind set
No one has the right to harm you or the ones you love, but violence does exist and it can touch your life at any time. If it does happen, and you aren't mentally prepared to deal with it, you will most likely become frozen in fear. The best way to avoid this is to develop a survival mind set. Imagine yourself in a dangerous situation and visualize what actions you might take to survive and escape. The key is to address your fears before you are confronted with them. While it is unpleasant to visualize yourself as the victim of a rape, robbery or assault, it's necessary to prepare the mind to deal with the trauma. Preparation (while you're still in a safe environment) is the key.
Trust your instincts
Learn to trust your instincts and listen to what your intuition tells you. Trust those "little voices" when they tell you that something (or someone) "just doesn't look right." All of your senses should come to full alert, and you should be prepared to take action (if it's necessary) to get out of the situation or away from that person as fast as possible.
Avoid presenting a victim profile
Crime victims are frequently chosen because they are easy targets. Criminals prey on the weak or unsuspecting, and usually avoid people who are aware of what's going on and might put up a fight. When out in public, look people in the eye, keep your head up, and walk with a confident stride. This tells the predator that you are more likely to see him coming and resist. Without the element of surprise, they will likely pass you up for someone who'll put up less of a fight.
Lights, people and noise
Just use good common sense and remember to pay attention to what's happening around you, and you will go a long way towards keeping yourself safe...
Always remember that your greatest allies are lights, people and noise. These are the three things that criminals fear most, because they increase the likelihood that they will be seen or caught. Whenever possible travel in groups and in open, populated areas - especially at night. Steer clear of dark areas or isolated places where criminals will have the advantage - especially if you are by yourself.
Your first priority is escape
If you do end up in a dangerous situation, remember that your number one priority is not to fight, but to escape. Obviously, the best plan is not to be there in the first place, but if you do find yourself in trouble, don't hesitate to take every available escape route. If you are confronted and you cannot immediately escape, you may want to consider complying, at least until you can escape. When faced with someone who demands your wallet, purse, jewellery etc... - give it to them, and get out of there. No possession, however valuable, is worth risking your life over.
You must react quickly
One of the greatest challenges to defending yourself is that in the real world (unlike in the movies) acts of violence usually happen very quickly. When an attack occurs suddenly (even though there are usually warning signs), you are at an extreme disadvantage, if you are not prepared to react. This is especially true if you rely solely on some form of weapon for your defence. Pepper spray, stun guns and firearms are useless if you can't get to them instantly when you need them. So try to anticipate dangerous situations in advance (such as walking to your car at night) and prepare yourself to take quick action.
Almost anything can be a weapon
In an extreme situation, you can use many everyday objects as a weapon. A pen or pencil can be used as a dagger, or a phone or lamp could be used as a club. Anything that is harder, sharper or more resilient than your hands can be used effectively, so take the time (preferably in advance) to look around for everyday objects that you could use to defend against a violent attacker.
When attacked...attack back
One of the most importance tenets of self-defence is that when attacked - you must attack back! You need to make your attacker worry about their own safety, instead of how they're going to hurt you. In an extreme situation, you may have to be vicious. Attack your assailant's weaker points, like their eyes, groin or throat. Do not hesitate, since it will only give your attacker more time to formulate their own attack. Overwhelm your assailant, trying to momentarily disable them, so you can escape!
The element of surprise
Second to awareness, surprise is perhaps the most important element of effective self-defence. Using it to your advantage can give you a devastating edge in a confrontation. The number of deceptive counterattacks is limited only by your imagination. For example, you might pretend to be passive, by appearing to submit to your assailants wishes, only to attack them when they least expect it. You might also try to talk to your attacker, then suddenly throw something at their face - and run. In any case, it will be your ability to stay as calm as possible, while you keep thinking, that will make the difference.
Safety Tips Reviewed
OUT & ABOUT
• When alone, ALWAYS stay in bright, well-lit areas, and keep your distance when walking past strangers
• Try to act confident, keep your head up and act like you know where you’re going;
• DO NOT advertise your valuables. NEVER text on your mobile whilst walking;
• NEVER get into an unlicensed taxi, always pre-book. And if alone, sit behind the driver on the back seat;
• ALWAYS take the lift instead of the stairs. Stairwells are horrible places to be alone and the perfect crime spot. And when in the lift DO NOT stand back in the corners, stay by the doors so you can easily get off;
• Plan your routes and always know were your going beforehand;
• If you can let someone know what time you plan to arrive/ get back in.
PERSONAL ATTACKS
• If a robber asks for your handbag, DO NOT hand it to them. Toss it away from you. They are probably more interested in your handbag than you and will go for the bag. Run in the other direction
• If someone is trying to get you into a car, resist. Scream, fight, shout “FIRE” – your chances of survival are greatly reduced once you get to Crime Scene No. 2
• If you are forced into the boot of a car, kick out the back tail lights and stick your arm through the hole and start waving. The driver won't see you but everybody else will.
VIOLENT SITUATIONS
• Sometimes putting up a fight is the only option you have left. The eyes are the most vulnerable point on any attacker. A poke in there might give you your only window of opportunity;
• The elbow is one of the strongest points on the body. If you’re close enough, use it;
• Take up a martial art, such as Jiu Jitsu. You’ll get many more tips on how to keep safe and defend yourself using simple, effective techniques. You will also gain confidence, fitness, agility, and develop an awareness of danger, allowing you to react to situations quicker, or even avoid them altogether.
Self-Defence and the Prevention of Crime
Please look at the following link with regards the law when dealing with self-defence and the prevention of crime: Law
