Self Defense Street Smarts
Posted: Thu Mar 09, 2006 10:30 am
http://www.columbia.edu/cu/selfdefense/street.html
"Street Smarts
Keep up maximum situational awareness. Don't be an easy target.
-SURPRISE is an attacker's biggest possible advantage. Don't let him have it!
-Know what is going on all around you at all times. Keep up a regular scan with ALL of your senses. Trust your gut!
-Be aware of and pay special attention to all current and upcoming possible ambush points. Proceed with caution around corners, past alleys and doorways, etc.
-Beware of eavesdroppers and people following you. Remember that most attackers stalk for a while before attacking.
-Walk quickly and with purpose down the center of the sidewalk. Remember that when you are still, you are an easier target. Watch out!
-Use common sense! Stick to well-lit, populated areas, walk with friends, etc.
-Exude non-challenging, but prepared and confident, aura.
-Have your keys ready when approaching your building so that you do not have to stop and fumble for them with your head down.
-Carry mugger money and phone change.
-Keep your hands free and available if possible, i.e. not stuffed in pockets.
-Maintain your circle of security if possible. Carefully monitor anyone who breaches it.
-Dress to run or fight, if possible.
Perceive possible threat from as far away as possible.
-Distance = Time = Options.
-Determine best escape routes, environmental weapons, etc.
Take subtle measures to avoid possible threat.
-Change route, enter commercial establishment, etc.
Take direct measures to avoid threat.
-Run away to a populated area, utilize environmental obstacles, yell for help, etc.
Counter threat.
-Create your window of escape!
-The best defense is an aggressive offense!
-Hit hard, hit fast, hit first (when possible/justifiable)!
-Use and/or improvise weapons!
-Use the environment (obstacles, hard objects to knock attacker(s) into, etc.)!
-"Winning" is SURVIVING (preferably without serious injury or loss of property), NOT necessarily beating your attacker(s) into the ground!
-Respond with maximum force until attacker(s) is (are) unable or unwilling to follow you when you run away.
Get outta there.
-Go as fast as possible to the nearest secure location (friend's house, police station, populated commercial establishment with phone, etc.).
-Beware of being followed by unseen accomplice(s) of attacker(s).
Check yourself for injuries.
-Check by feel and vision and have someone help if possible. Adrenaline can do amazing things in terms of concealing pain.
Get medical attention if necessary.
-First 911 priority.
Report incident.
-Second 911 priority.
Celebrate being alive.
-But stay alert!!!
Remember: Attacks WILL come when you LEAST expect them and are LEAST prepared to deal with them, in the STRANGEST situations!
MINDSET IS EVERYTHING!!!
--Ari Kandel"
"Street Smarts
Keep up maximum situational awareness. Don't be an easy target.
-SURPRISE is an attacker's biggest possible advantage. Don't let him have it!
-Know what is going on all around you at all times. Keep up a regular scan with ALL of your senses. Trust your gut!
-Be aware of and pay special attention to all current and upcoming possible ambush points. Proceed with caution around corners, past alleys and doorways, etc.
-Beware of eavesdroppers and people following you. Remember that most attackers stalk for a while before attacking.
-Walk quickly and with purpose down the center of the sidewalk. Remember that when you are still, you are an easier target. Watch out!
-Use common sense! Stick to well-lit, populated areas, walk with friends, etc.
-Exude non-challenging, but prepared and confident, aura.
-Have your keys ready when approaching your building so that you do not have to stop and fumble for them with your head down.
-Carry mugger money and phone change.
-Keep your hands free and available if possible, i.e. not stuffed in pockets.
-Maintain your circle of security if possible. Carefully monitor anyone who breaches it.
-Dress to run or fight, if possible.
Perceive possible threat from as far away as possible.
-Distance = Time = Options.
-Determine best escape routes, environmental weapons, etc.
Take subtle measures to avoid possible threat.
-Change route, enter commercial establishment, etc.
Take direct measures to avoid threat.
-Run away to a populated area, utilize environmental obstacles, yell for help, etc.
Counter threat.
-Create your window of escape!
-The best defense is an aggressive offense!
-Hit hard, hit fast, hit first (when possible/justifiable)!
-Use and/or improvise weapons!
-Use the environment (obstacles, hard objects to knock attacker(s) into, etc.)!
-"Winning" is SURVIVING (preferably without serious injury or loss of property), NOT necessarily beating your attacker(s) into the ground!
-Respond with maximum force until attacker(s) is (are) unable or unwilling to follow you when you run away.
Get outta there.
-Go as fast as possible to the nearest secure location (friend's house, police station, populated commercial establishment with phone, etc.).
-Beware of being followed by unseen accomplice(s) of attacker(s).
Check yourself for injuries.
-Check by feel and vision and have someone help if possible. Adrenaline can do amazing things in terms of concealing pain.
Get medical attention if necessary.
-First 911 priority.
Report incident.
-Second 911 priority.
Celebrate being alive.
-But stay alert!!!
Remember: Attacks WILL come when you LEAST expect them and are LEAST prepared to deal with them, in the STRANGEST situations!
MINDSET IS EVERYTHING!!!
--Ari Kandel"
