Israeli Krav Maga: Self Defense
Self-defense may be thought of as recovering from being caught unaware (the “-5”) and using (superior) counterviolence in the same way a criminal or sociopath intends to use it in the attacker’s assault on you. Many people are wholly unprepared to face down violence even when they see it coming. These victims of violence do not understand indicators or they do not recognize the foreshadowing “tells.”
Awareness or recognition of an impending attack/threat obviously affords the greatest reaction time for these seriatim solutions:
counterviolence (last resort)
For self-defense, the aphorism “forewarned is forearmed” is particularly literally and figuratively on point. Keep in mind that when you are mentally focused or consumed with something such as a thought or having a conversation, you are apt to lose focus on your surroundings.
When you are observing, remember not to use single-point focus; rather, make maximum use of your peripheral vision combining it with a slight head swivel to see your 270 to 360-degree blind spots.
Avoid staring at people who may concern you; be subtle with your observations.
Fortunately, with minimum focused threat recognition training, there is a good chance you’ll spot trouble/danger and steer clear of it.
A large part of your “awareness” is understanding your individual capacity and limits regarding threats. What verbal or physical abuse you are you willing to accept? Collectively what actions violate your “redline” in the sand to trigger your using counter-violence? It is decidely helpful to have a cache of predetermined decisions (including de-esclation measures) leading to decisive action based on the collective threat indicators. Note: An untrained fighter will size you up to decide if he can prevail. A seasoned fighter will decide how he intends to physically dominate you.