While it has been said and written many times, it is worth
stating again.
Han Moo Kwan
philosophy and its strategies are based on an honorable fighter art with its
origins dating back hundreds of years.
This fighting art is used strictly for self-defense and
for improving oneself physically and spiritually. Therefore, if options do not exist to avoid
confrontation and conflict, we teach members how to physically defend themselves
using the Han Moo Kwan Tae Kwon Do philosophy and its strategies and tactics.
So, with that said, what options are there to avoid confrontation and conflict?
The number one rule of self-defense is “Do not get chosen”.
There are a few major concepts this encompasses. One concept is being aware of your surroundings
and avoid situations that put you at risk, such as walking alone in a dark area
or entering the subway car that is completely packed versus one that is less crowded. Or the flip side, entering a subway car with
only one other person that makes you uncomfortable versus riding one with a few
other people. Another one is simply do not
visibly carry anything of interest to an attacker. For example, if you are carrying
a $1400 iPhone down the street visibly in your hand, you are more at risk to be
robbed. If you are carrying a $2000
purse and it is dangling down your side, you are at risk of being robbed. If you are wearing expensive jewelry out in public
especially crowded streets or public transit, you are at risk. When my husband and I travel, we do not wear
our more expensive wedding rings but wear an inexpensive, plain band.
Another simple tactic of not getting chosen is to ensure
your home is well lit at night, whether you have interior and or exterior
lights on timers or sensors. An intruder
will most likely break into a dark home then one that has lights on. Or place a large dog bowl with water in the
backyard that looks scuffed up and well used.
An intruder will most likely avoid a house with a dog.
Also, those that appear to have more confidence are less
likely to be chosen. This means walking with
your head up and with confidence.
It also means being aware of your surroundings. By looking around and not staring and/or texting
on your phone, for example, in public places you are less likely to be the target.
Another concept is keeping safe distances or avoid being in
a disadvantaged position. Again, this
may mean avoiding crowded areas, if possible.
Or if in a more crowded place, position yourself to limit an attacker’s
angles of attack. As an example, if in a
crowded subway, you have your back to a wall so you can see what’s in front of
you and therefore do not have to worry about what’s behind you and limit someone’s
opportunities to rob or attack you.
Another important concept is to trust your instincts. This does not mean to be paranoid, but if
your gut tells you the situation does not feel right, trust it. If you are walking down the street and there
is a person coming towards you that makes you feel uneasy, cross the street or
go into the nearest store. If you are going
into an elevator that has another person or people and the you feel uneasy,
take the next elevator or take the stairs.
This does not mean you are being a coward or afraid…this is simply avoiding
a potential bad situation. In Gavin de
Becker’s book “The Gift of Fear: And Other Survival Signals That Protect Us
from Violence” he provides many examples of reading signs and testing your
instinct.
Other means to avoid confrontation can take the form of verbal tactics. A few simple tactics include, if someone is confronting you simply state the police have been called and are coming, even if this is not true. Do not say you will call the police, but say the police have already been called. An attacker is less likely to stick around if they think the police are on their way. Another verbal tactic if feeling unsafe is to state, “I do not know you”, even if this is not true. Most bystanders will not want to get involve in a domestic dispute but are willing to help someone against a stranger.
This is not a complete list, but illustrates there are many tactics and techniques besides the physical to keep yourself safe. And while we spend time practicing the physical techniques, if you are truly interested in self-defense, you should also study and learn the non-physical tactics as well.
Regards,
Kelly
“The supreme
art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting.” ~ Sun Tzu (6th Century BC),
Chinese General, military strategist, and author of The Art of War
References:
1. The Gift of Fear: And Other Survival Signals That Protect
Us from Violence by Gavin de Becker
2.
The Art of War by
Sun Tzu
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