As I mentioned before, bad guys use the element of surprise to make things easy! If someone is caught off guard they are usually unable to think or act quickly. Being surprised and scared creates an adrenaline dump– you are terrified and your body is flooded with adrenaline. That causes one of three different responses, depending in the person or the circumstances. Its the fight flight or freeze response. You either fight back, run or just stand there like a statue. With training, you will get to a place where you react without even thinking. But without the skills to defend yourself, often times you may just freeze! So – what’s the best things to do to stay alert so you can take action(there’s that word again!) before push comes to shove, so to speak.
1 – Think like a bad guy
If you are in a vulnerable place or position, keep in mind how someone might be able to catch you off guard. Again, in my earlier blog, I reminded everyone not to be on their phone.
Also, its important to keep your eyes up– look where you are going and not at the ground.
Have a purpose to your walking. Know where you are and where you are going and how you are going to get there – from Point A to point B. Also, if you are lost or the slightest bit confused about which way to go, dont act like it! Pretend you know exactly where you are going until the point that you can safely(with people around) get your bearings and get back on track.
Think like a bad guy and keep alert and really ready at all times.
#2 Use your peripheral vision
We all have the ability to “see out of the corner of our eyes”. By looking ahead but focusing downward at a 45° angle, your peripheral vision is increased by around 10 to 15 percent on each side. That may improve your reaction time enough to put a blocking hand or your arm up before someone can grab you!
Try it!
Diane Reeve Kirby is an 8th degree Black Belt with over 35 years of martial arts training. She was the sole owner of a karate school in Plano for 27 years. Her current focus is building confidence and safety for women and girls. Her motto is – Find Your Fierce!