Mickey Z. -- World News Trust
Sept. 12, 2016
Part 3: The practical and the tactical.
If you haven’t read the first two parts, I hope you’ll do so now (links above). Once you have, perhaps you’d characterize my presentation as, um… discouraging? But this time around, I have some good news.
You’re left to wonder:
Q. What should we do?
A.Whatever works.
Q. How do we know what works?
A. We don’t.
(that’s obviously not the good news)
Since practiced and memorized “moves” are usually forgotten in high-stress situations, the number one choice (if possible) is GET AWAY or at least create distance -- even though almost all YouTube “self defense” videos seem based on the treacherous idea of you sticking around to kick ass. (still not the good news)
First bit of good news: Your mind and body are hard-wired for such situations. It’s called the “fight or flight” response and the physiological changes it automatically activates may save your life. Here are a few of those changes:
So, with all that evolution on your side, please choose “flight” whenever and wherever possible. If you imagine running is dangerous or ill-advised—especially if the predator is armed -- I have more good news for you:
But what if we can’t get away and have to “fight”?
1. Create as much distance as possible.
2. Recognize your voice as your next of defense.
Speak in LOUD statements, not questions. You are not negotiating with the human excrement confronting you. No! Stop! STOP! I don’t know you and I want you to leave. I want you to leave now! Go Away! Get Back. GET BACK! I said “NO”!
He might threaten you. He might try manipulating (Calm down, relax, I’m not gonna hurt you). He might get loud. Expect the worst because that’s probably what you will get. But keep creating distance and keep staying loud.
Yet more good news: We are never unarmed. Activate your search engine -- even better, your imagination -- to conjure up a list of potential weapons improvised from everyday items. Stick-like, pointy, or sharp things -- of course. Blunt objects, liquid or powdered chemicals, and boiling water. A backpack or jacket rapidly waved in tight figure-8s is an excellent way to create all-important distance. Anything and everything that can inflict massive injury is open to you.
(Side note #1: Pepper spray. Buy it, carry it, and use it -- without warning.)
Your attacker is not looking for a fair fight so please don’t ever feel obligated to give him one. Predators are willing to commit all levels of atrocities. Therefore, in resisting them: Anything goes. There is and will never be such a thing as fighting “dirty.” Predators have earned zero respect so please -- I implore you -- act accordingly. This not only increases your chances of survival but may leave identifying marks -- bites, an earring ripped from an ear, visible scratches, damaged or gouged eyes, etc. -- that will make it more likely the predator is found should he escape your fury.
If a physical confrontation appears inevitable, a possible first step is to assume a protective stance. I’m not going to offer much how-to via an article but this one is fundamental: firm footing, constant eye contact (while using peripheral vision), and hands up in front of you in sort of a “surrender” position. This will give the (false) impression that you’re not planning to defend yourself while also keeping your hands in position to quickly block and/or strike.
(Side note #2: This would be a good time to try noticing identifying marks like tattoos, birth marks, etc.)
Again, it’s ill-advised to attempt too much instruction in an article. In my planned seminars, I’d go more into all this. For now, I’ll highlight some primary targets and strikes:
(Side note #3: Kicks look great in movies and MMA matches but the safest choice in a street situation is to keep both feet on ground and thus maintain balance.)
In more advanced seminars, I may discuss defending against a knife. For now, some basics:
(Side note #4: Facing a non-ballistic weapon can be frightening but some weapons serve to “limit” the attacker’s psychological approach thus, his options. Weapon wielding predators often focus solely on using this singular weapon. Contemplate that advantage in advance so you can exploit it when and if necessary.)
Summary
Since self defense bares little resemblance to what we see in movies or how-to videos, please allow me to sum up the basic lessons of this three-part series:
Mostly, I hope I’ve helped deconstruct some dangerous myths and inspired you to contemplate this crucial topic more intensely and frequently. And, of course, please remember the pledge:
I will resist and I will survive, by any means necessary.
Mickey Z. is currently writing two books, a memoir called How to Lose Friends & Influence Nobody: My Life as an “Activist,” and a novel entitled stain red. In the meantime, he can be found here.